Imphal, July 07: Contrary to the hype and expecations, not much progress has been seen in the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) that was launched by Chief Minister O Ibobi Singh amidst great fanfare in the four valley districts of Manipur, namely Imphal East, Imphal West, Thoubal and Bishnupur district.

Disclosing this to The Sangai Express, a reliable source informed that apart from the inability to finalise the work programme, bank accounts of many of the beneficiaries have not yet been opened.

Taking serious note of this matter, a meeting of the State Guarantee Council with Minister of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Md Allauddin Khan in the chair was held at the mini conference hall of the Old Secretariat here today.

The meeting attended by MLAs, DCs, Adhyakshas of Zilla Parishads of the four districts discussed ways and means of accelerating the progress of the scheme and has given strong instruction for finalisation of the work programmes within the next four-five days so that the work could be started at the earliest possible.

It is said that apart from falling behind the schedule in issuing job cards to the beneficiaries in the four valley districts and opening up of their bank accounts, there are cases in which proposed works have not yet been commenced.

An official of the Rural Development and Panchayati Raj said that from the side of the Government, the DCs concerned have already been given instructions to commence implementation of the scheme and the Centre has released Rs 65 crores for the purpose.

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