Jharkhand CM Hemant accuses Centre for delay in release of MGNREGA funds, to raise issue at NITI Aayog meet

Ranchi, July 6: Jharkhand Chief Minister Hemant Soren has instructed officials to conduct geo-mapping of small water sources in hilly areas of the state. The aim is to enhance their water storage capacity and ensure proper utilization. During a meeting of the MGNREGA council, the Chief Minister emphasized the abundance of “chuans” (puddle-like surface water sources) and small springs in hilly regions of Jharkhand. He directed officials to develop a project for geo-mapping these water sources to maximize their capacity and optimize their usage.

Additionally, the Chief Minister called for the geo-mapping of proposed well sites under the promotion scheme. He highlighted the significance of the MGNREGA scheme for farmers, laborers, and rural communities and stated that various related issues were discussed during the council meeting. Chief Minister Soren expressed concern about the delayed disbursement of central funds for the scheme, causing disappointment among beneficiaries. He announced plans to raise this matter in the upcoming NITI Aayog meeting and emphasized the need to increase employment opportunities under the scheme.

The Chief Minister also revealed his directive to officials to plant fruit-bearing trees in 50,000 hectares of land under the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana. As of June in the financial year 2023-24, there are 34.28 lakh active job cards and 42.93 lakh active laborers registered under MGNREGA. The timely wage payment achievement in the scheme stands at almost 100%. Notably, 275,565 completed schemes have been established in the current financial year, with 333,123 out of 403,817 schemes completed under the Nilambar-Pitamber Jal Samridhi Yojana. Moreover, 105,419 acres of land are being utilized for fruit tree plantation under the Birsa Harit Gram Yojana.

In terms of other initiatives, 3,537 out of 4,776 schemes under the Veer Shaheed Poto Ho Sports Development Scheme have been completed. Under the Didi Bari scheme, 162,372 out of 298,690 schemes have been finished, while the Didi Bagiya scheme involves the implementation of 394 schemes. The construction of 23,958 wells is currently in progress under the Birsa Irrigation Well Promotion Scheme. Furthermore, the appointment of Lokpal (Ombudsman) is in its final stages in five districts, with Lokpal already functioning in 16 districts. Social audits of MGNREGA have revealed 1,234,956 cases of financial irregularities, deviations, process violations, and complaints. Out of these cases, 87,092 have had an ATR (Action Taken Report) uploaded and 63,819 have been processed.

It’s important to note that MGNREGA workers are provided with social security benefits, including a grant of INR 2 lakh in the event of accidental death or disability, INR 1 lakh in case of natural death, and INR 1 lakh in case of death by drowning in dobha (irrigation pond) constructed under MNREGA, for their dependents. Jharkhand leads the country in monitoring MGNREGA schemes through the Area Officer App.