Sagar for transparency, accountability in MGNREGA implementation

JAMMU: – Asking the officers to ensure effective implementation of MGNREGA in the State, the Minister for Rural Development, Law, Justice, Panchayati Raj and Parliamentary Affairs, Mr. Ali Mohammad Sagar today emphasized the need to put in place an effective mechanism to enforce transparency and accountability in the use of funds earmarked under this flagship scheme.
The Minister was addressing a high level meeting convened here today. Commissioner Secretary Rural Development, Mr. Farooq Ahmed Peer, Additional Secretary Rural Development, Dr. A. G. Sofi, Member Secretary, MGNREGA, Dr. Syed Hanief Balkhi and other senior officers of the department were present.
While reviewing the achievements under MGNREGA Mr. Sagar asked the officers to personally monitor the works undertaken under the scheme and gather feedback from the field staff. He said they should also get the requisite feedback from the people of the areas and also involve the local representatives in the identification of the beneficiaries under the scheme.
The Minister also directed the officers to conduct extensive tours to various far-flung and remote areas n order to monitor works and also see that the funds are properly utilized and in accordance to the set norms.
Mr. Sagar also asked the officers to conduct social audit of the works being done under the scheme so that complaints, if any, can be effectively looked into and dealt properly. He said that action under law would be initiated against the officers who are found involved in any misdoing and deviate the main motive of the scheme.
It was also given out in the meeting that an amount of Rs. 1426 crore has already being earmarked as labour budget under the scheme for the current year. (KMW News)