MP to make MGNREGS work allocation more transparent

Unlike allocation of job on muster roll basis, the new system would ensure that a job-week or job calendar is introduced so that all eligible workers get job

With local bodies having a new audit tool, programmes like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA) scheme will now have professional and online system. State government has recently introduced software ‘Panchayat Darpan’ to bring transparency in accounting of panchayat bodies.

“From next month onwards all MNREGS related work will be on display for public at a web portal,” Aruna Sharma, additional chief secretary state rural development department said.

The new system would ensure that a job-week or job calendar is introduced so that all eligible workers get job. “They will also have a see-through system when the job is allocated, quantum of the job and details of wages paid to them,” Ravindra Pastor, commissioner MNREGS said.

The portal will have details of all accounts maintained by an assistant at village level. It will also have full details of the forthcoming jobs at panchayat level. “All information will be in public domain,” Pastor said. All the accounting assistants at rural areas will be supported by a professional team of chartered accountants and commerce graduate.

"Our job is to monitor that each entry is made properly and there is no discrepancies. Once it is locked the details cannot be changed, our professional experts will be there to assist those who will make entries in a proper manner. The people at Panchayat level are only required need to do only two entries; cash book and work register.

All other the statutory scheme-wise details for financial maintenance of accounts and the auditor general's statutory reports will be generated automatically by this portal," Nilesh Gupta of Spark & Associates, a chartered accountant firm said. The firm is one of the partners with the government in this endeavor. The state government has hired 10 such firms for maintaining audit of Panchayat and government sponsored schemes running in these panchayats.