Social Audit Public Hearing for MGNREGA in Longleng

Nagaland Social Welfare director, Tosheli Zhimomi with others during the coordination meeting with department officials held at Tourist Lodge, Pfutsero on September 21.

Nagaland Social Welfare director, Tosheli Zhimomi with others during the coordination meeting with department officials held at Tourist Lodge, Pfutsero on September 21.

LONGLENG, SEPTEMBER 23 (MExN): The District Level Social Audit Public Hearing for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) Scheme for the fiscal year 2023-24 was convened in Longleng on September 21. The meeting was presided over by BADA, Longleng, Dape Phom, a DIPR report stated.

The programme commenced with an introductory address by Vepo Keyho, State Resource Person from NSSAA, SAU, highlighting the purpose and significance of the event. Subsequently, Khekiye Shohe, District Resource Person from NSSAA, SAU, presented the report on the social audit findings.

Observations and insights into the proceedings and issues were provided by Dr Samuel Akho Konyak, EAC Longleng.

During the meeting, it was resolved to assess the social audit findings by the Audit Team and implement corrective measures in the near future. Several issues identified during the social audit were reviewed, including the absence of three-phase photographs, inadequate maintenance of Muster roll attendance (MR) at worksites, and poor document maintenance. It was advised that these aspects be diligently maintained going forward.

Regarding the absence of three-phase photographs in the Gram Panchayats (GPs), it was resolved that the concerned villages, with the exception of Kangching and Netnyuching, must produce Action Taken Reports (ATRs) through block officials within 14 days from the date of the public hearing.

The issue of mismatches between sanctioned amounts at the block level and the actual amounts was addressed during the meeting. Concerned block officials provided written rectifications, resulting in a resolution of the matter.

The participants discussed the installation of concrete transparency boards at worksites to enhance transparency and accountability.

Furthermore, a total amount of Rs 55,544 recovered during the Gram Sabha in 10 GPs (Kangching, Tamlu, B Namsang, Netnyuching, Shamnyuching), was handed over to the programme chairperson. The respective villages were instructed to either cancel job cards or replace them with genuine households. Additionally, they were advised not to demand work for the affected job cards in the upcoming financial year.