Moga DC reprimands ‘Sahayaks’ for low utilisation of MGNREGA Workdays

The Moga Deputy Commissioner today criticised the Gram Rozgar Sahayaks (GRSs) for failing to ensure maximum participation and utilisation of workdays under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). He instructed the Additional Deputy Commissioner to withhold increments for negligent staff and terminate those who consistently underperform, ensuring vacancies are filled with fresh recruits. He also requested detailed progress reports from each GRS.

The MGNREGA scheme in Moga aims to provide 15.14 lakh workdays of employment to eligible rural residents during the 2024-25 financial year. So far, 6.95 lakh workdays have been provided, which means that 67.87 per cent of the target has been achieved. During a review meeting, DC Vishesh Sarangal expressed dissatisfaction with the current progress and directed the GRSs to make every effort to meet the full target of 100 per cent.

Despite significant funds allocated for the scheme, reports indicate that a large portion of the available workdays remain unutilised, limiting the potential benefits for local communities. The DC emphasised MGNREGA is critical for providing employment and also for strengthening rural infrastructure.

GRSs, who are responsible for mobilising and coordinating MGNREGA activities in their areas, have been instructed to improve planning and implementation. The DC has set a deadline for submitting a detailed action plan to ensure better utilisation of funds and to make up for the backlog of unutilised workdays.

Local residents and workers have expressed frustration over the slow pace of work, which they believe has negatively impacted both their livelihoods and the development of essential infrastructure, such as roads and water conservation projects. Community leaders have called for better awareness and more proactive involvement from the GRSs in encouraging local participation.

The DC has urged authorities to ensure all eligible households are informed about the available work opportunities under MGNREGA. He emphasised the full potential of the scheme must be realised to benefit rural development in the district.

Furthermore, the Deputy Commissioner stressed the importance of ensuring timely payments to workers engaged under MGNREGA. He directed ongoing projects should be completed on a mission mode and he sought detailed updates on any pending works. The administration is committed to maximizing the benefits of MGNREGA for the people of the district, he concluded.