Assembly panel suggests measures for better MNREGA execution

In the wake of CAG's criticism of Jammu and Kashmir government over lapses in implementation of MNREGA, a state Assembly panel has recommended several measures to address the flaws in executing the scheme.
"The Rural Development department of J&K government should initiate and complete the process of creating adequate infrastructure for the implementation of MNREGA within the shortest possible time and without any further delay," the 43rd report of Committee on Estimates of J&K Assembly said.
The panel headed by MLA Abdul Gani Malik sought time-bound completion of the works and recommended that the officer concerned should be held responsible for any shortfalls in the implementation of the scheme in the state.

It proposed that the financial powers vested with the BDOs and other authorities be enhanced, by at least doubling the present ceilings, for better implementation of the scheme.
Among other recommendations, it also suggested that payment of wages to job-card holders should preferably be made through their bank accounts to ensure transparency.
The panel observed that works were being executed through contractors instead of being directly handed out to labourers as envisaged under the scheme, and urged the government to stop the practice.

In a recent report, the Comptroller and Auditor General had slammed the J-K government for diversion, mis-utilisation and unauthorised retention of funds under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee scheme.

"A performance review of the scheme by the audit brought to the fore several areas of concern (including) abandonment of works and delay in payment of wages to workers," the CAG report for the year ended March 31, 2012 had said.
The CAG had also rapped the government for preparation of faulty estimates, staff shortages and their insufficient training and inadequate inspection of works and social audit.
It had noted execution of unapproved projects under the scheme and strongly directed the J-K government to scrupulously follow the modalities prescribed in the Act.