Utilisation of funds under NREGS declined in 2008-09

The utilisation of funds under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), the flagship programme of the United Progressive Allinace (UPA) government, declined to 75 percent in 2008-09 from 82 percent in 2007-08.

There was state wise variation of only 5.71 percent of the families provided with 100 days employment, says the citizens’ report on governance and development 2008-09 prepared by National Social watch Coalition (NSWC). The scheme is also plagued by delay in setting up of implementation structure, shift in supply driven to demand driven approach, inadequate and ineffective awareness campaign, massive siphoning and embezzlement of funds in certain cases, the report stated.

Presenting the report at the Centre for Youth and Social Development (CYSD), Himansu Ojha, representative, NSWC said, due to the low absorption capacity of the Urban Local Bodies (ULBs), the progress of the Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission (JNNURM) was slow pertaining to the utilisation of funds. The preparation of the detailed project report (DPR) and the sanctioning process indicated the adoption of classical project approach, necessitating comprehensive study comprising institutional, financial, social and environmental aspects. On the issue of access to justice, there were mixed response regarding cases of environment, development rights and civil liberties. Case on mining in Niyamgiri hills leaves many questions un-answered.