Biswajit discusses with elected local representatives
Source: The Sangai Express

Imphal, January 24 2020: Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Thongam Biswajit today made a clarion call to all the elected representatives of the Panchayati Raj System to work together for the development of the society.

The Minister was addressing an interaction programme with Zilla Parishad members and Pradhan on implementation of RD Schemes at the Panchayat Bhawan, SIRD Complex, Porompat today.

Regarding the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in the State, Biswajit said that for financial year 2018-19, a target of 160 lakh PDs was set and the State could achieve around 73 percent.

For 2019-20, a target of 160 lakh PDs was given against which the State has achieved around 30 man-days on average by December 2019.Meanwhile, during the interaction programme, Zilla Parishad members and others raised concern over the delay in payment of wages for MGNREGS.

According to officials, MNREGA is a demand driven scheme as there is a huge demand from the public.

The 30 man-days for this year has already been completed by December 2019 and acknowledging the State's performance, the Centre has given an additional 18 man-days to the State.

This has created a liability and proposal for clearing of the liabilities have already been sent to the Government of India.

However, in the utilisation certificate and audited statement, the Indian Government has raised some queries which will be replied within 15 days, added the officials.

The Centre has informed that Rs 98 crore will be released within 2-3 days initially for clearing the liabilities while the remaining amount will be released after submission of the revised audited statement.

It is also mentioned that there is a question of liability which is present in other States also but liabilities are cleared on a phase by phase manner.

It may also be mentioned that this financial year, Manipur's performance in regard to MGNREGA implementation is much better than previous years.

Last year, there was only 23 man-days, while in this financial year, the State will be achieving 48 man-days.

Biswajit said today's interaction programme was organised to share and look into the concerns, views of the elected members.

He said that the elected representatives should work for the collective good.

Zilla Parishad members and Pradhans raised their concern and queries regarding various schemes including PMAY(G), SAGY.

Today's interaction was also attended by Additional Chief Secretary MH Khan, Deputy Secretary Lalrobul Fimate, Adhyakshas of Imphal East, Imphal West, Jiribam and Kakching districts etc.

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