Cabinet nods to MSRDA
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, March 11 2013:
With the objective of ensuring effective and proper implementation of MGNREGS and IAY, the State Cabinet has given its consent to set up Manipur State Rural Development Agency (MSRDA).
A Cabinet meeting held this afternoon with Chief Minister O Ibobi in the chair adopted a resolution to set up MSRDA.
Speaking to media persons after the meeting, Government spokesperson and Education Minister M Okendro said that all the funds sanctioned by the Centre for the two flagship programmes were released directly to DRDA.
However, once the agency is set up, all the funds would pass through it.
The agency would also directly monitor implementation of MGNREGS and IAY.
Moreover, the Union Rural Development has already asked the State Government to establish such an agency.
Notably, before the Panchayat elections held in September last year, Courts issued arrest warrants against some Pradhans and Gram Sabha Members for not executing MGNREGS works or holding back wages of job card holders.
With a view to ensure proper implementation of the programme, the State Government appointed some senior MCS officer as executive directors for some period.
After this, the post of executive directors was give to Deputy Commissioners and the MCS officers were made to function as project directors.
The Cabinet meeting also deliberated on devolving more powers to Autonomous District Councils.
The ADCs have been already empowered with regard to 26 different departments.
The Government would study further before devolving more powers to the ADCs, Okendro informed.
The Cabinet also gave it approval to appoint former Chief Secretary Rakesh as Chairman of the State's 14th Finance Commission.