Fake cards, contractor involvement rock MGNREGA in Punjab, Shivraj Chouhan orders probe

Union Minister of Agriculture and Farmers’ Welfare Shivraj Singh Chouhan announced that the Central Government will investigate discrepancies in the MGNREGA scheme in Punjab. Addressing the media in Jalandhar, Chouhan stated that the Centre will probe complaints of fake cards and contractor involvement, ensuring the money reaches the intended beneficiaries.

The minister made the declarations at the DAC complex in Jalandhar following a meeting with MGNREGA workers and officials of rural development and agricultural departments.

The Centre has released Rs 6,000 crore under MGNREGA in the past, with Rs 842 crore released this year. However, complaints have been received from workers, including those from Muktsar and Fazla, where fake cards are being made and labourers’ work is being done by contractors.

Chouhan has directed the state government to probe the matter and punish the culprits, stating, “This money is for labourers, not contractors.”

Regarding PM Awas Yojana, Chouhan expressed concern over the delay in approvals for construction of homes for flood-affected individuals, despite Centre approvals. He stated that the state had provided final lists of 36,000 homes affected by floods, for which approvals were issued immediately.

The minister also mentioned that funds worth Rs 480 crore have been released as per utilisation certificates received from the state, with more to be released soon. He proposed increasing MGNREGA work days from 100 to 150, considering the floods this year.

Chouhan emphasised that anyone who is poor and has a ‘kaccha’ house should not be left out, and a survey has been ordered to identify such households. The PM Awas Yojana benefits will be given to eligible households, including those with two-wheelers, Rs 15,000 income, and telephones.