— PHOTO: H. SATISH

HISTORIC PROGRAMME: Prime Minister Manmohan Singh and National Advisory Council chairperson Sonia Gandhi at the launch of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act near Anantapur in Andhra Pradesh on Thursday. Discussing a point with her is Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Union Minister for Rural Development. Launching the massive programme, Dr. Singh described the event as "a landmark in our history in removing poverty from the face of the nation."

BANDLAPALLI (ANANTAPUR DISTRICT): Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has called for leveraging the "historic and revolutionary" National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) for creating new rural infrastructure, improving road connectivity, school buildings and water supply to villages.

Launching a massive programme under the NREGA here on Thursday, in the presence of Sonia Gandhi, chairperson of the National Advisory Committee, Dr. Singh described the event as a "landmark in our history in removing poverty from the face of the nation." The Act, which came into effect from Thursday, guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a year to every rural household in 200 districts across the country.

Dr. Singh, Ms. Gandhi and other dignitaries handed over the first five job cards to as many persons including two women, all belonging to this village, known for migration of people triggered by severe drought conditions. It is 40 km away from the district headquarters town of Anantapur. They later attended a Gram Sabha, interacted with Gram Panchayat and Self-Help Group members and had lunch with the village community.

`Plug leakages'

Laying emphasis on plugging leakages, the Prime Minister said the NREGA transferred power to the people, making the Government accountable and responsible for providing employment wherever there was a need.

"We must ensure full transparency and accountability in the implementation of this guarantee." He suggested use of the Right to Information Act for effective implementation of NREGA.

He said the implementation of the NREGA offered the Government an opportunity to strengthen the grass roots democratic processes. With a clear focus on the poorest of poor, it provided livelihood security and reduced distress migration. "It will help us get rid of the scourge of poverty, disease and indebtedness."

Seeking cooperation of the State Governments and other agencies, he wanted a sound monitoring system and a grievance redressal mechanism to be put in place to ensure that the Act had its intended effect. "Three watch words should be followed: outlays must be matched by outcomes, productive assets must be created and guarantee must be implemented in true spirit. The Act is a blessing and a challenge. Let us hope it brings smiles on the faces of our poor."

Revolutionary step

Ms. Gandhi said the Act was the most revolutionary step for eradication of poverty and unemployment. She wanted the beneficiaries to put pressure on authorities in getting complete information about the programme and its implementation. "However lofty a programme is, it will be no good if the involvement of the people is not there, especially women."

She said Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas had a critical role in the implementation of the Act and see that the benefits reached all sections.

She lauded women of the Self Help Groups in Andhra Pradesh who constituted 40 per cent of the members in the country.

Union Minister for Panchayati Raj Mani Shankar Aiyar said the programme saw the first-ever attempt to involve people and their representatives at grass roots level.

Union Minister for Rural Development Raghuvansh Prasad Singh said it was significant that the programme was being launched from the home district of the former President, Neelam Sanjiva Reddy. Andhra Pradesh Governor Rameshwar Thakur participated.

Chief Minister Y.S. Rajasekhara Reddy listed his Government's efforts in mitigating drought conditions in Anantapur. Union Minister of State for Rural Development A. Narendra, and three State Ministers N. Raghuveera Reddy, J.C. Diwakar Reddy and D. Srinivas, spoke. AICC general secretary Digvijay Singh and APCC president K. Keshava Rao were present.

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