THE JHARKHANDSTORY NETWORK
Ranchi, Jan 9: A plan will be developed to implement a year-wise wage rate hike under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA). A review meeting chaired by Rural Development Minister Deepika Pandey Singh was held in the FFP Bhawan auditorium to discuss the progress and goals of the scheme.
The minister instructed officials to meet targets for the current financial year and complete pending tasks related to employment generation and schemes from the previous financial year (2023-24) under MNREGA.
Key Directions
- Improving Transportation Facilities:
Guidelines will be issued for approving the construction of soil-gravel paths under MNREGA to ensure better transportation facilities for villages, towns, and tolls. - Selection of Plants Under Birsa Harit Gram Yojana:
Clear guidelines will also be issued for selecting plants to be grown under this initiative. - Project Site Essentials:
Drinking water and medicines must be arranged at all project sites as per the rules. Regular monitoring and supervision will ensure compliance. - Minimum Wage Rate Revision:
The minimum wage rate for MNREGA workers is set to increase to ₹350. The minister has directed officials to create a year-wise plan to achieve this goal. - Facilities at Sports Grounds:
Levelling work has been completed at Veer Shaheed Poto Ho sports grounds under MNREGA, but toilets and changing rooms have not yet been constructed. Mapping should be conducted to address this gap. - Vendor Complaints and SOP Preparation:
Material-related payments under MNREGA are transferred to vendors’ accounts, but complaints have surfaced at the regional level. To address this, an SOP will be developed to transfer material costs directly to beneficiaries’ accounts. - State-Level Nursery Initiative:
The minister emphasized increasing the number of Didi Bagiyas and developing a state-level nursery scheme. - Appointments in MNREGA:
The process for filling vacant positions in MNREGA must be completed, and appointment letters should be distributed by January. Additionally, Poshan Vatika facilities will be provided in all Anganwadi centres.
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Release of Funds for Housing Construction
During the review of the Abua Housing Scheme, Minister Deepika Pandey Singh warned officials against delays in releasing the third instalment to beneficiaries. If payments are delayed by more than seven days, concerned officials and staff will need to provide explanations.
She directed those houses under construction be prioritized for completion and instructed officials to prepare area-wise data on tribals and scheduled castes. Regular reviews and inspections by senior officials will ensure the effective implementation of housing schemes.
Focus on Skill Development and Women Empowerment
The minister emphasized increasing the number of self-help groups (SHGs) across the state. A special campaign will be launched this year to form SHGs for eligible women in every village.
- SHG Formation:
The minister instructed officials to speed up the formation of SHGs and to identify beneficiaries under the Mainiyaan scheme. - World Bank-Supported Johar Scheme:
Expressing dissatisfaction over delays in submitting proposals for this scheme, she called for immediate action. - Incentives for Women:
Special incentives will be provided to women associated with SHGs during the recruitment process. - Didi Bari Proposal and Workforce Recruitment:
NABARD has been asked to prepare a proposal for constructing Didi Bari. Vacant posts within JSLPS will be reviewed, and the recruitment process will be expedited. - Skill Development Centres:
The minister directed the preparation of an action plan to establish skill development centers at both state and district levels.
Watershed and Solar Energy Initiatives
The minister highlighted the importance of watershed development in the state and announced plans to inspect the scheme next month to assess its implementation.
She also directed officials to take necessary steps to provide solar-powered irrigation plants to as many farmers as possible. The process of filling vacant posts related to this initiative must be completed promptly.