Anomalies found in MGNREGS implementation in Manipur

Our Correspondent

Imphal, May 13: The permissible works under centrally-sponsored Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has been increased to 270, of which 60 percent of the permissible works under the central scheme should be productive and income generating assets while remaining 40 percent should be horticulture-related ones. Interestingly 100 out of 270 permissible works are related to water conservation.

This was disclosed by Kh Ibochou Singh, State nodal officer (Mahatama Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) while delivering a presentation on key issues in the implementation of rural development programme and preparation of labour budget under MGNREGS during the day-long training programme on ‘Orientation course for trainees/support team of district level for functioning of Panchayats like Right to Information (RTI), Panchayat Act & Rules, Social audit etc.’ in Imphal on Monday.

The orientation programme-cum-training course was held at the Kuki Inn in Imphal under the aegis of the State Institute of Rural Development (SIRD) Manipur. It was attended by around 45 key representatives of the village authorities under Island tribal development block under Saikul sub-division, Kangpokpi district.

State nodal officer Ibochou also admitted that Manipur has partially started to adopt the online payment system for job card holders under MGNREGS. However, some of the Northeastern states have already started online payment system.

He also advised the village representatives to set their work plan by holding village assembly or gram sabha in August and start taking up initiatives for the proper implementation of the government schemes in their respective villages.

Earlier in his key note address, the Joint Director (Training) Okram Lokendro Singh of SIRD highlighted the importance of holding such training to understand the various rural development programmes and schemes of the government and public participation in its implementation process for a better livelihood.

Resource persons in diverse fields made different presentations on the issues related to rural development. Former additional secretary W Nimaichand Singh of the Manipur Public Service Commission made a presentation on RTI and its importance in the implementation of development programmes while Under Secretary Kh Chaoba Singh of the Rural development and Panchayati Raj government of Manipur spoke on Panchayat Act and Rules/Autonomous District Council.

Island block under Kangpokpi district has around 86 recognised villages, according to the village representatives who attended the programme.