IMPHAL, Feb, 17: On the second day in the afternoon session of the three day Bharat Nirman Campaign organized at Takyel Kolom Leikai community hall in Imphal West a discussion on the topic `Mahatama Gandhi NREGA` was held.
While speaking on the topic M. Surchand Singh APO, DRDA, Imphal West, said that NREGA is a flagship programme of the Government at the centre. All the districts in the country have been covered by this scheme. Each card holder is entitled to work for 100 days in a year. Gram Panchayat is the backbone of the scheme. Gram sabhas decide the nature of work to be done under the NREGA. The scheme covers nine types of works that include conservation and harvesting of rain water, afforestation, renovation of water bodies, land development, strengthening of drainage system and plantation of horticultural items and rural connectivity.
M. Surchandra further pointed out that the proposals made by the Gram Sabhas are taken up at the higher level and finally sent to the Union Rural Development Ministry. 51,811 persons had been given job cards till 2010-11. Every job card holder should open bank account. He informed that all the job card holders have opened their bank accounts. Nine member vigilance monitoring committee supervises the work done under the scheme. He said, gram sabhas have a big role to play in conducting social audit of the works done.
According to him, in 2009-10 every job card holder could get 84-87 days work. Clarifying on the reason as to why a job card could not get 100 days work, he said in the areas covered by Konthoujam gram panchayat job card holders could get 100 days work. He also said application forms are available which can be released as and when it is sought.
Speaking about Indira Awaj, which according to him is a flagship programme of the Government at the centre, he said since April 1, 2010 Rs 45,000 has been given for construction of a house under the project and Rs 15,000 for upgradation. In Imphal West 136 beneficiaries have been selected for construction of houses in the year 2010-11 and 104 for upgradation during the same period. He said 80 percent of the fund released under the scheme is allotted to construction of new houses and 20 percent for upgradation.
