(a) whether the Government hasreceived any proposal for inclusion of theconstruction of railway lines, railway crossings and roads for linking villages tofields under Mahatma Gandhi NationalRural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS);
(b) if so, the details thereof and the actiontaken by the Government in this regard;and
(c) if not, the reasons therefor?
MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI BIRENDER SINGH)
(a): Yes, Madam. Aproposal was received to include number of works related to railways under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
(b) & (c): After consultation with the Ministry of railways, this Ministry has issued anadvisory to the States/UTs on possible areas of Convergence of MGNREGA and railways vide letter dated 26th September, 2014 for taking up of the following works/ activities under convergence under which Railways will bear the cost of materials in the works:
(i) Construction and maintenance of approach roads for level crossings.
(ii) Construction and maintenance of approach roads to railways stations.
(iii) Developing and cleaning silted waterways, trenches and drains along the track.
(iv) Repairs of earthwork to the existing railway embankments/ cuttings with clearing of vegetation growth.
(v) Plantation of trees at extreme boundary of railway land at such location, where sufficient land is available.