Srinagar, Dec 28 (KNS): Stating that the government has almost cleared the previous MGNREGA liabilities, Minister for Rural Development and Panchayati Raj, Abdul Haq Khan Monday said that the Government was committed to provide better infrastructural facilities to the people across the State and several initiatives in this direction have been initiated.
In a Chat to KNS the Minister taking a dig at previous government, said that when he assumed the charge there were liabilities of around Rs 367 crore (Cr) inherited from the previous regime under MGNREGA. “When I assumed charge of the department, there were liabilities worth Rs 367 Cr in MGNREGA, people refused to work as their previous dues were not cleared. But I released the funds to clear the previous liabilities,” he said.
He maintained that the Rural Department is focusing on creation of durable assets under various schemes in the rural areas. “Schemes can be dovetailed with the convergence of MGNREGA works with line departments to make best use of funds for creation of durable assets,”
He said that he has directed the officers to ensure that timely wages are being released to the job seekers in lieu of work done in a transparent manner.Click Here To Follow Our WhatsApp Channel
Further elaborating the functioning of the rural development department the minister said that a state wide campaign has been launched under the title “Mera Gaon Mera Jahan” to sensitize general masses about cleanliness of individual as well as village surroundings in a mission mode. “Under the mission, different activities to promote the schemes have been undertaken with the involvement of various stakeholders,” he said.
The minister said that Panchayat institutions are well empowered in State and government is taking measures to make them more efficient.
“I think they are well empowered and have enough funds available to carry on their work. However, measures are being taken for making Panchayat Institutions more efficient to ensure maximum benefit to the rural population,” (KNS)