Lucknow: In view of the intense heat across the state, the Uttar Pradesh government, being sensitive, had already sent a letter to the districts as a precaution at the beginning of summer. Due to the possibility of intense heat and heat wave, guidelines have been issued regarding the implementation of Heat Wave Management Action Plan-2024 for protection and relief from heat wave in the state. Along with the priority of providing work as per demand to every worker willing to work under the MNREGA scheme, it was also told that the working time for the workers should be conducive to work. The government is providing relief to the workers in work in the scorching heat. Work is being done in revised working hours as required when the temperature rises. Work is being done by changing the timing at the district level as per the need.
Instructions for appropriate amendment in the working hours of the workers working under the MNREGA scheme for protection and relief from intense heat and heat wave outbreak were issued by the Rural Development Department. Earlier also instructions have been issued that in case of amendment in working time, that is, in case of increase in temperature during the day, the working time of MNREGA workers can be revised from 6 am to 11 am and from 3 pm to 6 pm. The time can be determined at the district level according to the local temperature. Keeping in mind the health of MNREGA workers in the scorching heat, the government has given instructions to make arrangements for pure drinking water at the work place. So that the working workers do not have to struggle with the shortage of drinking water.
There are also instructions to make arrangements for first aid as per the need for MNREGA workers engaged in the work being done under the MNREGA scheme, so that any MNREGA worker can be given first aid to prevent heat-related diseases. Instructions have also been given to ensure the arrangements of shelter or any shady area near the work place as per the need for protection from the scorching heat and heat wave for the workers working under the MNREGA scheme. Commissioner, Rural Development, G.S. Priyadarshi informed that in view of the possibility of severe heat and heat wave, necessary instructions have been issued to the districts in time as per the prescribed guidelines for the safety and health of the workers working under the MNREGA scheme.
