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‘Lack of transparency in rural job scheme’

BHUBANESWAR: A six-member delegation of the Central Employment Guarantee Council (CEGC) on Friday said that the Orissa Government needed to ensure strict implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

Addressing a press conference after their meeting with Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik the, the delegation members said the potential of NREGA continued to be held up by a range of serious problems, in particular the poor implementation of transparency safeguards.

During their field visits to the districts of Kalahandi, Mayurbhanj and Sundergarh, the members of the delegation said that they found evidence of inadequate job card maintenance, lack of transparency in muster rolls and continued involvement of contractors and leakages.

The GEGC delegation members underlined the need for redesigning the job-cards; complete distribution and regular maintenance of job cards; use of a single, uniform, numbered muster roll throughout the State; strict enforcement of the ban on contractors; conduct of social audit as per guidelines; prompt action on complaints; and effective grievance redressal arrangements.

The delegation comprised Ashk Ali Tak, Subhashini Ali, Jean Dreze, Ramachandra Khuntia, Robert Minz and Annie Raja.

Mr. Dreze said that their discussion with the State Government authorities covered issues such as staff appointments, transparency and consistency of records, awareness generation, work measurement, participation of line departments and payment of unemployment allowance.

The Chief Minister assured them of prompt follow-up action on the recommendations of the delegation and redressal of all complaints submitted during the delegation’s visit within 30 days, Mr. Dreze said.

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