Government studies reduced fund allotment
Source: The Sangai Express
Imphal, May 18 2014 :
The State Government yesterday discussed MGNREGS fund allocation for just 25 days for 2013.The meeting presided by Chief Minister O Ibobi was participated by Revenue Minister Th Debendra, Industries Minister K Govindas, RD Minister Francis Ngajokpa, Works Minister Kh Ratankumar, Chief Secretary PC Lawmkunga, RD officials and DCs.
Fund for MGNREGS was released by the Centre on March 29 this year and the State Govt transferred it to Deputy Commissioners.
The fund thus transferred to the accounts of DCs was fully encashed by March 31 for all hill districts.
Though fund for the districts were also encashed, all the amount could not be utilized and the same matter was deliberated at the meeting.
During the meeting, a senior Minister raised strong suspicion on maintaining due quality of the works executed as the fund was utilized immediately after release.
Encashment of fund went slow in the valley districts as all job card holders were asked to enrol for e-payment whereas MGNREGS wages were distributed in cash in the hill districts thereby speeding up the encashment process.
The meeting after discussing why the Centre sanctioned fund for a limited period decided to seek adequate fund from the Central Government.
Another agenda which figured at the meeting was lack of progress in executing MGNREGS works because of political intervention.