In a blow to the workers' struggle, Rajasthan trade union registrar has refused to register Rajasthan Rojgar Guarantee Mazdoor Union - a MNREGS workers' union.

“After careful examination of the matter I am of the view that the applicant’s union does not fulfill the necessary requirement for the purpose of registration under the trade union act 1926 as the members of the union are employed or engaged in a trade or industry,” said the registrar in an written order last month.

The rejection is a major setback in the efforts of a number of MNREGS workers' associations that are fighting for the rights under the Act.

Social activists in the state lamenting the decision said it was unfortunate.

“What is noticed is that all those who are managers (in implementing the scheme) such as rozgar sahayaks, panchayat secretaries, sarpanches, engineers, accountants and even programme officers have formed the unions and begun to agitate for better service conditions. While this is certainly part of their fundamental rights strangely enough the registration of a workers' union has been barred. That is unfortunate,” said Nikhil De of Majdoor Kisan Sangharsh Samiti (MKSS) that has been working for the rights of NREGA workers in Rajasthan.

 “For fulfillment of entitlements under MNREGS, it is crucial that the workers right to organise is protected and facilitated,” he added.

While Rajasthan has refused to recognise the right of MNREGS workers to form unions, some states like Gujarat and Kerala have permitted it.