Mahatma Gandhi NREGA and the Role of Panchayati Raj Institutions

for Ministry of Panchayati Raj | Date - 08-02-2010


43-’a’

) in effective implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (Mahatma Gandhi NREGA) in the rural areas. In a letter to all the Chief he saidthat at district, intermediate and village levels are the principal authorities for planning and implementation of NREGA under Section 13 of the Actand at least50 per cent of NREGA funds are to be spent by the Gram (GPs). For this the Gram () has to recommend special projects to the GPs and conduct social audit of NREGA works. Also the Coordinators and Officers are to assist District and Intermediate respectively in discharge of their functions.

, particularly the GPs and . The rejuvenated and enabled , in turn, can become powerful instruments in making the Acta much better success.It is generally seen that States with vibrant and optimally sized with requisite manpower have implemented Mahatma Gandhi NREGA better.There is self-evident symbiosis between Mahatma Gandhi NREGA and the . As the exigencies of the drought like situation in large parts of the country makes it an imperative to strengthen the as it calls for massive planning of works not only under NREGA but also under other relevant schemes (Viz. BRGF, Watershed Management , , Minor Irrigation, Drinking Water, SGSY, etc.) and greatly improved implementation in saving the crops planted, providing livelihood and conserving soil & water for the future. Many in the country have transformed villages through such measures (Viz. in

action/measure forgenerating much better awareness of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, essential staffing & infrastructure for GPs, direct flow of funds to GPs, better transparency and accountability of and effective mechanism for grievance handling and monitoring. He has also laid emphasis on the criticality of Participatory Planning and convergence of schemes and resources in view of the convergence guidelines issued by the M/o Rural Development that seek to efficiently manage & converge National Resources including soil and water during the drought like situations. Dr. Joshi has expressed hope thatthe positive response and action bythe States will be helpful in revamping the in a Mission Mode and strengthen the planning and implementation of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA ( including related like, IWMP, Drinking Water, SGSY and BRGF).



(This is an archive of the press release and has not been edited by our staff.)