Govt ropes in IIMs, IITs for proper implementation of NREGA

The government has engaged professional institutions like IIMs, IITs and agricultural universities to assess the implementation of NREGA across the country, Rajya Sabha was informed today.

"Implementation of NREGA is monitored on regular basis.

National Level Monitors (NLMs) and area officers visit various districts to oversee the progress of the Act, Union Minister of State for Rural development Pradeep Jain Aditya said in a written reply to a question.

"Professional institutions such as IIMs, IITs, Agriculture Universities and other social sciences have been engaged to assess the implementation of NREGA in the states," he added.

He was asked about the steps being taken by the government for "effective" implementation of NREGA.  Aditya informed the House, "As a result of active monitoring of the implementation of NREGA, various procedural gaps relating to maintenance of records, work planning, wage disbursement have come to the notice of the ministry".

States have been directed to conduct social audit of each and every work of NREGA. "State governments have reported that social audit has been done in 2.19 lakh Gram Panchayats (so far)," he informed the House.Aditya said that states have also been instructed to appoint dedicated staff for NREGA. Salary of such dedicated staff will be borne by Central government.

"A grievance redressal mechanism has been set up. National toll-free telephone Helpline under NREGA has been established which receives complaints and queries relating to NREGA," he said.

States have also been requested to set up similar helpline facility, he added.