The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj (RD and PR) department has stated that it will take stringent action against Gram Rozgar Sahayak (GRS) who are found being irresponsible in monitoring the works of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).
A statement issued by the monitoring cell of the department mentioned that the pandemic has no effect on jobcard works issued under MGNREGS. To provide more number of days, the workers are informed to continue work by following strict standard operating procedures (SOPs).
It said for the 2020-21 financial year, the Rural Development Ministry instructed 50 day’s job card work for Manipur. In the state, about 22 days in average have completed the works and the entire districts should complete the remaining working days by October, it stated.
If the remaining days are completed by October, the department is planning to take another 40-50 days. If the state can complete the number of working days, then by the end of March 2021- financial year, the state can complete about 80-90 days, it stated. To fulfil the work, initiatives from the workers and district authorities are needed, it added.
It further stated that if any district can do more additional days other than 50 days, then the department concerned will provide extra daily wages and there are no financial issues in providing daily wages. The department had already informed concerned engineers and technical staff to complete and submit the work estimates of MGNREGS, it added.
The department has been reviewing work progress regularly to the officials of MGNREGS through video conferencing. District officials concerned should monitor the work by going to fields and should submit reports to the department, said the statement.
It stated that for the valley districts, GRS should discharge their duty by following the guidelines. If any GRS fails to discharge their duties, then necessary action will be taken without considering any situation and circumstances, it cautioned.
It further appealed to the workers who are engaging under MGNREGS that they should follow the guidelines of social distancing and by wearing face masks while doing their work.
