Cabinet reviews NREGS implementation in state

IMPHAL, October 31: With the onslaught of several complaints and allegations of misappropriation of NREGS funds the state Cabinet today began reviewing the implementation of the national flagship programme in the state.

The cabinet meeting held at the Chief Minister’s secretariat today evening was chaired by the state Chief Minister Okram Ibobi Singh.

According to reliable sources, the reports and allegations of misappropriation of funds with regard to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) were minutely discussed in the cabinet meeting today.

Since its implementation in all the districts of the state NREGS had become a major scheme which is aimed at benefitting people at the grassroots level while ensuring 100 days work a year to the rural poor.

NREGS funds in the state alone amounts to around Rs 1000 crores and it had become necessary to ensure that the benefits reach the rural poor and leakages are prevented, a cabinet minister said.

He further said, discussions with regard to the monitoring of the implementation of the flagship programme have started against the background of the existing Act and Rules and also guidelines.

The cabinet meeting also explored local adjustments in view of area specific problems of implementation under the overall objective of preventing leakages.

The cabinet meeting today however did not take any decision in this regard.