Tribals block highways for EGS wages

Thousands of tribals and villagers blocked highways passing through districts of Palghar, Thane, Raigad and Nashik to protest delay by government in payment of wages under Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) for three months.
The agitation, organised under the banner of Shramajivi Sanghatana, dirupted vehicular traffic for hours.
"In Palghar district alone, the wages are pending for three months, totalling Rs 13 crore. Government is diverting funds meant for tribals to other heads," said Sanghatna president Vivek Pandit.
The agitation was peaceful and hundreds of tribals blocked highways, a release by the Sanghatna stated.
It said some of agitators were detained by police but were released later.