(a) whether at the time of announcement of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), the provision of appointing
Ombudsman to oversee the implementation of MGNREGS was also
announced;
(b) if so, the details thereof;
(c) whether the Government has any details with regard to appointment of any of
the Ombudsman in any district; and
(d) if so, the details thereof?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a): No sir.
(b) Does not arise.
(c) & (d): The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
(MGNREGA) was launched in 200 identified districts in the country in the 1st phase
on 2.2.2006 and was extended to 130 additional districts in the 2nd phase during 2007-
08. All the remaining rural areas of the country were covered under the Act in the 3rd
and the final phase with effect from 1.4.2008. Based on recommendations of an expert
group on redressal of grievances constituted in 2008 it was decided to establish an
independent grievance redressal mechanism of Ombudsman for MGNREGA to ensure
transparency and public accountability. The status of appointment of Ombudsmen
under MGNREGA is given in annexure.