(a) the shortcomings noticed in implementing the National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme (NREGS);
(b) whether the Government has reviewed/proposed to review the progress made by
different States under NREGS;
(c) if so, the details thereof;
(d) whether the Government proposes to provide additional benefits to States where
the job demand is very high under the scheme;
(e) if so, the details thereof; and
(f) the steps taken/being taken by the Government for better implementation of the
scheme?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a)to(c): Ministry of Rural Development has been actively monitoring the progress of
NREGA. Performance of the States regarding implementation of the Act is reviewed
periodically in the Performance Review Committee meetings and other high level
meetings convened with the State Governments. National Level Monitors are deputed to
various districts to oversee the progress of implementation of the Act. As a result of this,
various procedural gaps relating to maintenance of records, work planning, wage
disbursement etc. have been brought to the notice of the Ministry.
(d)&(e): NREGA is demand based. Central Government releases funds for
implementation of NREGA in accordance with the labour demand. Under the Act, there
is no provision for providing additional benefits to the States.
(f): The following steps have been taken for better implementation of the scheme:
(i) Generating Awareness
To generate greater awareness among rural households about NREGA, intensive
IEC activities have been undertaken. These include use of print as well as electronic
media.
(ii) Staffing
States have been instructed to appoint dedicated staff for NREGA. Salary of such
dedicated staff is borne by the Central Government out of the admissible administrative
expenditure admissible under the Act.
(iii) Strict Vigilance and Monitoring
Implementation of NREG Act is monitored on regular basis. National level Monitors
(NLMs) and Area Officers visit various districts to oversee the progress of the Act.
Professional institutions such as IIMs, IITs, Agricultural Universities and other Social
Sciences Institutes have been engaged to assess the implementation of NREGA in the
States.
(iv) Transparency
# Wage payment to unskilled workers is to be made through Banks and Post
Offices.
# States have been directed to conduct social audit of each and every work of
NREGA within three months.
# A comprehensive Web-based MIS www.nrega.nic.in has been implemented
which places all data in public domain.
# A Citizen Information Board has been introduced. This board is to be displayed at
all prominent places.
(v) Grievance redressal mechanism
A grievance redressal mechanism has been set up. National toll-free telephone
Helpline under NREGA has been established which receives complaints and queries
relating to NREGA. States have also been requested to set up similar helplines.