Jharkhand used only Rs 1,500 crore from MG-NREGA funds: Jairam
Dismissing charges of discrimination against Jharkhand, Union Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh today said the state spent only 1,558 crore on MG-NREGA programmes though it could have spent upto Rs 6,000 crore.
"There is a propaganda that Jharkhand is being discriminated. It is totally wrong. This year Jharkhand could spend only Rs 1,558 crore on MG-NREGA programmes, though it can spend Rs 5,000 to Rs 6,000 crore under the scheme as it is a demand-driven programme," Ramesh told reporters here.
In comparison to Jharkhand’s fund claim under the MG-NREGA, he said, Andhra Pradesh and Chhattisgarh benefit by Rs 12,000 crore and Rs 3,000 crore respectively out of the one lakh crore rupees earmarked by the Centre for countrywide schemes under the flagship programme.
"Jharkhand should have the capability to spend more funds and Centre will certainly meet the requirements as per the law," he said adding that "there should be accountability, social audit and transparency in carrying out the works so that infrastructure is visible on the ground."
Ramesh said he met Chief Minister Arjun Munda and assured him of all support from the Centre in improving rural roads and infrastructural programmes under MG-NREGA.
"The state government has placed a demand for additional rural roads in 1,800 habitats, on which a final decision will be taken on October 18 in Delhi where officials from Jharkhand will also be present," he said.
