GV Sri Raj Demands Immediate Release of Delayed Wages & Statutory Interest

KAKINADA, India - Sept. 23, 2026 - PRLog -- Amalapuram Ambedkar Konaseema, AP: Representing Shri Rahul Gandhi, former MP Shri G.V. Harsha Kumar, and the Indian National Congress, leader GV Sri Raj addressed rural workers today, strongly condemning wage delays exceeding one month.

Sri Raj slammed state authorities and contractors for withholding hard-earned wages. "Wages must legally be paid within 15 days of work completion. Holding payments for over 30 days violates fundamental rights to livelihood," Sri Raj declared.

He demanded the immediate clearance of all pending dues along with the legally mandated 0.05% daily delay compensation (statutory interest) for every day delayed beyond the 15-day limit.

Sri Raj warned that Congress will launch mass protests and file formal grievances with the District Ombudsperson if all pending wages and statutory interest are not cleared immediately.

The reason you are seeing severe payment delays right now is likely tied to the new law's funding structure. Under the old MGNREGA system, the Central Government paid 100% of unskilled wages. Under the new VB-G RAM G scheme, this has shifted to a 60:40 ratio, meaning the State Government now has to fund 40% of the wages. This is forcing states like Andhra Pradesh to find new funds, leading to delays—but administrative changes do not erase workers' rights.