Empowering Change: Shivraj’s Crucial Meeting with Officials, NGOs, and Workers on MGNREGS
Rural Development Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan convened a comprehensive “brainstorming” session on Wednesday to explore strategies for enhancing the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Held at Krishi Bhawan, the three-hour meeting drew participation from state officials, experts, civil society representatives, block and panchayat officials, and MGNREGS workers. Key issues like the implementation of the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS), funds disbursement delays, and the non-payment of funds to West Bengal were discussed.
Officials from Uttar Pradesh, Gujarat, Karnataka, Odisha, and Haryana were present, as were civil society members who suggested focusing more on social audits rather than mandating the NMMS to promote transparency. A significant point raised was the withholding of MGNREGS funds from West Bengal, which has halted work since March 2022. Representatives Anuradhapura Talwar and Uttam Gayen from Paschim Banga Khet Majoor Samity urged Minister Chouhan to resume fund allocations to the state, stressing the need to identify and penalize those responsible for misappropriations without punishing the workers.
The meeting coincides with the government’s planning for the FY2025-26 budget allocations for central schemes. This follows a recent recommendation by a Parliamentary Standing Committee to increase work guarantee under MGNREGS from 100 to 150 days and to raise wages.
Highlighting MGNREGS’s crucial role, Minister Chouhan emphasized its importance for stability and empowerment in rural India. The discussions aim to address on-ground challenges and ensure the scheme continues to effectively support rural communities.
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Original Source: https://indianexpress.com/article/india/shivraj-holds-meet-with-officials-ngos-workers-on-mgnregs-9733222/
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Publish Date: 2024-12-19 03:19:00
