Corruption plaguing implementation of MNREGA: Govt

"Though the achievements of MNREGA have been impressive, there have been issues with regard to its implementation that need to be recognised and addressed meaningfully...There has been public concern over misappropriation of funds and resources in MNREGA," Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh said in a research paper on the UPA's ambitious programme.

He expressed hope that measures such as notification of Social Audit Rules, which makes it mandatory to have a social audit conducted by Gram Sabha and asking Comptroller and Auditor General to conduct a performance audit of MNREGA, would help address the concerns of corruption.

The minister also highlighted the achievements of the rural job scheme in 'MGNREGA Sameeksha', an anthology of research study on the flagship scheme, which was released by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh here.

"While implementation remains uneven and patchy across states and districts, there is evidence to suggest that MNREGA has contributed to increased rural wages everywhere, reduced distress migration from traditionally migration-intensive areas, usage of barren areas for cultivation and empowerment of the weaker sections and giving them a new sense of identity and bargaining power," Ramesh said.