Kohima, April 16 (MExN): The Department of Rural Development, Government of Nagaland has issued a clarification regarding the press release published on April 13 under the headline ‘NPF alleges misuse, favouritism in MNREGA fund distribution.’
With regard to the allegation that the new Principal Secretary, Rural Development (RD) was implementing the scheme at his own “whims and fancies due to which the Department and VDBs were facing difficulties,” the RD in the clarification note issued by its director, Imlimeren Jamir stated that the Principal Secretary being the Commissioner of MGNREGA by default, allocates and sanctions all the fund to the districts.
“All proposals and allocations are made by the Department based on the requirement of the District/Block/Village and is placed to the Commissioner, MGNREGA for approval and sanctioning. Therefore, the question of funds being allocated at the whims of the Principal Secretary/Commissioner (MGNREGA) does not arise,” it stated.
On the allegation that Government of India has sanctioned Rs 285 crores and that the present government has misused the Central fund by deducting high percentage instead of disbursing it to the Village Development Boards (VDBs) for development, the RD department clarified that Rs. 140 crores has been released to the VDBs and the remaining amount is awaiting clearance from the State Government.
Further, it clarified that “Nagarjan (Kuda) Village C Khel being a bonafide recognised Naga village having a total Job card of 1820, is entitled to demand for work and take up any work in the Village based on the requirement under the Scheme, as per guidelines.”
While appreciating the initiative taken up by concerned political parties for proper implementation of MGNREGA, the department felt that “it may be too premature for any party to judge the credibility of the Officer in question who took charge of the Department on April 1, 2018 only.”
Meanwhile, it requested all parties/ organisations/ individuals concerned to extend fullest cooperation and support to the department in facilitating the interests and welfare of the VDBs.
