Poor delivery of remuneration to labourers employed by the government under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has sparked an exodus in the district.

Labourers with job cards are yet to receive pay for services rendered months ago. Disgruntled, they have started moving to Delhi, Punjab and Maharashtra in search of work.

Gangia Devi of Nakardei village in the district, said: “During Holi, people usually come home to spend time with their family. But our husbands are going away to other states, as they are not getting paid for their work here.”

Her neighbour Rajkali Devi said government officials had refused help. Instead, when we protested against non-payment of dues, the panchayat rozgar sewak concerned threatened not to employ us in future if we continue with our agitation,” said Ram Lochan Mahato, a student in Pantoka village. The labourers labourers have no choice than to board the Sadbhavna Express, Satyagraha Express and Jan Sadharan Express to Delhi, Punjab and Mumbai.

Asked about delay in payment of remuneration, Raxaul MGNREGA programme officer Jitendra Kumar said: “The district magistrate had sought some details, which we sent last month. As soon as funds are sanctioned, payment would be made.”

Raxaul sub-divisional magistrate Jitendra Sah said: “I’ve directed all officers concerned to expedite the process so that the labourers can be paid as soon as possible to check their exodus to other states for employment.”