Orissa CM seeks timely release of NREGS funds

Patnaik sought the co-operation of the Union minister for releasing the funds through the State Employment Guarantee Fund (SEGF), which was constituted by the Orissa government recently. Appreciating the initiative taken by the Orissa government, Singh agreed to the request of the state government.

The chief minister also requested the Union minister to relax the conditionalities for the fund release under NREGS keeping in view that Orissa has adopted the NREGA on-line Management Information System. Singh appreciated the difficulty and agreed to consider the same.

The Union minister is reported to have complimented the initiative of the state government for signing a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the department of Posts for NREGS wage payment to wage-earners through Postal Savings Bank account.

During the discussion, Patnaik underlined the need to galvanise the post offices particularly located in the rural areas to ensure timely payment of wages to poor people.

The Orissa government's effort for having recruited two trained 'Mates' (Gaon Sathi) in each village for the effective supervision of  work under the NREGS and establishment of an Integrated Grievance Redressal System for NREGS, Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojany (PMGSY) and drinking water supply schemes were lauded by the Union minister.