Ramesh unhappy over no probe into MGNREGA fund misuse in UP

Union Minister Jairam Ramesh today said that CAG audit has found financial wrongdoings in implementation of MGNREGA scheme in UP, but despite repeated demands by the Centre, neither former CM Mayawati, nor the incumbent Akhilesh Yadav have recommended a CBI probe into it.
Ramesh, who was here to lay foundation stone of roads under a Central scheme, said like the previous BSP regime, the present government led by his "friend" Akhilesh is also not recommending CBI inquiry into the irregularities.
The Union Rural Development Minister refused to answer questions on Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi, saying he will only reply to relevant questions related to his ministry.

On the Food Security Bill, Ramesh said its success will only be ensured in UP if the state's PDS system works in a transparent manner and the accountabilities are fixed.
Ramesh said states like UP, Bihar, Rajasthan, Jharkhand and MP need to increase number of ration shops to ensure reach of foodgrains to the needy target group.
Ramesh said that list of those living below poverty line (BPL) will be made public by September-October month, on the basis of which the food security bill will be implemented.

The minister said that the Centre is going to implement the Prime Minister Rural Roads Scheme-II, under which 75 per cent of the costs will be borne by the Central government, while the remaining has to be borne by the states.

Roads which are 8 to 10 year old will be covered under the scheme, and proposals in this regard have been invited from the state governments.
In Uttar Pradesh, work on 3,000 kilometres of rural roads will be taken up under the first phase of the scheme, Ramesh said.