85% of audited panchayats covered under NREGS: Govt
Srinagar, January 27
The government today said this year, under MGNREGS, 85 per cent of audited panchayats had been covered. This was disclosed during a meeting chaired by Secretary, Rural Development Department (RDD) and Panchayati Raj, Dr Shahid Iqbal Choudhary.
The meeting was aimed at discussing the Labour Budget for the fiscal year 2024-25 and formulating an annual action plan for development initiatives in the region.
“Dr Shahid underscored the significance of the MGNREGS plan, emphasising that it transcends from being a mere document, serving as a visionary guide for society’s development with clarity and purpose,” a government statement said.
“Key aspects addressed during the meetings included the development of community assets, support for vulnerable sections of society and prioritisation of projects directly benefiting the community. Special attention was given to Category B works focusing on natural resource management and the welfare of vulnerable sections,” the statement said.
“Dr Shahid stressed the need to allocation of 60 per cent of expenses towards agriculture and allied works, emphasising the pivotal role of boosting the agricultural sector for overall community development,” the statement said.
“He underscored the importance of timely payments of wages through the Aadhaar-based payment system to enhance transparency and accountability,” he said.
“Other crucial discussions included a focus on social audit, addressing Electronic Money Transfer (EMT) issues and investing in training and skill development programs to foster personal development among the workforce engaged in MGNREGS initiatives,” a spokesperson for the government said.
The formulated plan encompasses strategies for improving land productivity, enhancing livelihoods through various agricultural activities and developing fallow or waste lands.
“The provisions for infrastructure development for livestock and fisheries, along with the construction of bio-gas plants for individuals and communities, were also outlined to promote sustainable practices,” he said.
“Dr Shahid stressed the importance of timely billing, monthly convergence meetings and maintaining registers for the effective implementation of the plan.”
