Major reforms needed in various aspects of MNREGA: Par Panel

Observing several irregularities in the implementation of the Centre's rural job guarantee scheme, a Parliamentary panel today said major reforms are needed in various facets of MNREGA.
"... Examination has revealed several disquieting features/irregularities in the implementation of MNREGA scheme such as fudging of job cards, delay in payment of wages, non-payment of unemployment allowances, large number of cases of misappropriation and malpractices/corruption etc," the Standing Committee on Rural Development said in its report.
The 42nd report of the Committee, chaired by Sumitra Mahajan, noted that many states had failed to provide adequate support to Panchayati Raj Institutions in the form of dedicated personnel and other necessary infrastructure which is essential for efficient planning and implementation of works under the scheme.

"Similarly, many states are yet to establish grievance redressal authorities such as ombudsman," the report tabled in Lok Sabha today said.
"The Committee is of the considered view that MNREGA, if properly implemented, has the potential to transform the face of rural India. However, there is need for carrying out major reforms in the various facets of MNREGA, viz. Planning, implementation, monitoring and auditing of works," it said.
Meanwhile,the Committee was apprised by Rural Development Ministry that during seven years of its implementation, the scheme had achieved success on many fronts such as securing right to work for people in rural areas, large scale participation of women, SC/STs and other disadvantaged sections of the society and enhancement of wage rate in rural areas.

The Ministry also claimed that the programme had helped to provide thrust to rural economy by creation of assets, stressing on sustainable development, empowerment of Gram Sabha by involving them in the planning of works, monitoring and introduction of social audit.