TDS Desk

Over 8,368 workers in Lalmonirhat remain unemployed as the government’s 40-day job scheme has yet to receive its usual annual allocation of funds. Typically implemented during the job crisis period of October-November for the past two decades, the project’s delay this year has caused significant hardship for those who rely on it.

Workers enlisted under the scheme have expressed their concerns over the uncertain start of the project.

Meher Ali, 48, a day labourer from Char Khatamari village in Lalmonirhat Sadar upazila, said, “Last year, I worked under this scheme and earned Tk 400 per day. This year, the work hasn’t started yet, and we’re left in the dark.”

Taslima Begum, 44, from Char Kalmati area, echoed similar sentiments. “I’m jobless and barely making it through these hard days. The 40-day job scheme provided a lifeline in previous years, and I’m still waiting for it to start.”

Sharifa Begum, 45, from Bhotmari village in Kaliganj upazila, highlighted the financial strain she and her husband face. “Without jobs, we’re surviving on borrowed money.”

Many workers, like Nurul Islam, 55, from Gobordhan village in Aditmari Upazila, have turned to high-interest loans to support their families. “Without the job scheme, we’re forced to borrow from local moneylenders,” he said.

Under the 40-day job scheme, workers earn Tk 400 daily for tasks such as earth-filling at mosques, temples, graveyards, and repairing rural roads. In 2023, Tk 13.38 crore was allocated for the programme, enabling thousands of labourers to work and sustain their families.

Deputy Commissioner of Lalmonirhat, HM Raqib Hayder, confirmed that the district has yet to receive funding for this year’s scheme. “I’ve sent letters to the ministry and am continuously following up. Once the allocation is approved, we will resume the work immediately,” he assured.