Imphal, March 26: While implementing any scheme meant for the welfare of people, the relevant authorities should work with sincerity and dedication, exhorted Chief Minister O Ibobi while addressing the inaugural functions of National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) for Imphal West and Bishnupur districts at GM Hall and Kyamba hall respectively as chief guest today, said an official statement.

The make the scheme a success which is being taken up jointly by the Centre and State Governments with the objective of alleviating poverty in rural areas, relevant Government agencies particularly the officials looking after the Panchayats have immense responsibility, asserted the Chief Minister.

Stating that erring officers will be penalised according to law, Ibobi remarked that NREGS is a boon for the poor.

A positive change in the economic condition of rural areas can be observed within a short time provided the scheme is implemented properly and sincerely, he exuded.

Ibobi vowed that the scheme will not be entrusted to any contractor nor the sanctioned amount released without executing the necessary work properly.

There will be no shortage of money for the scheme, he assured.

In his presidential address, Rural Development Minister Md Allaudin Khan informed that of the total amount required for the scheme, 90 percent is funded by the Central Government while the State Government shares the remaining 10 percent.

There will be no difference in wages for men and women, he declared while assuring that maximum efforts will be put in to locate the NREGS work sites at the localities of the workers.

In case of any serious injury while working under NREGS, the State Government will pay for the medical treatment of the injured worker and 50 percent of the daily wage entitled to him/her will be provided as daily allowance, stated Allaudin Khan.

After the scheme was launched in Tamenglong district in its first phase, Churachandpur and Chandel districts in the second phase, the same scheme has also been launched in Senapati district on March 24 and Imphal East and Thoubal districts on March 25 followed by Imphal West and Bishnupur districts today.

The inaugural functions held today were also attended by Speaker Dr Budhichandra, Social Welfare Minister N Loken, MLAs Radhabinod Koijam, O Joy, K Govindas, Dr I Ibohalbi, M Munindra, T Mangibabu, Dr Kh Ratankumar, N Borajao, W Brajabidhu, RK Anand, S Joy and other relevant officials.

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