Dissatisfaction over MGNREGS implementation irks ZP members

The meeting of the Zilla Panchayat on Friday witnessed reference to several problems in the district but also the members expressing their dissatisfaction about funds provided to handle the problems.

Failure in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), negligence and disinterest shown by Gram Panchayat workers, injustice experienced by coolie workers, lack of response to applications submitted by farmers and negligence of Zilla Panchayat members were some of the issues raised during the meeting.

Poor implementation

The members of the Panchayat said the MGNREGS is not being appropriately implemented in the district. All officers and Gram Panchayat secretaries handling the implementation are lax and disinterested about the work, which is why residents of the villages are not getting any jobs.

Coolie workers are getting no employment despite their applying for work. The Taluk Panchayat executive officers too are not working diligently, members of the Zilla Panchayat accused.

‘Clarify matters’

Legislator Dr M C Sudarshan, who spoke during the meeting, said nobody has a clear understanding of the MGNREGS. Nobody is sure about what exactly are the facilities to be provided under the scheme, what are the rules and regulations, et cetera. “Workshops need to be conducted to clarify matters like issuing job cards, whether senior citizens are eligible or not and jobs that come under the scheme. Not just members of the zilla and taluk panchayats, but also officers at the district and taluk levels need to be trained on the scheme,” he advised.

Legislator K P Bachegowda expressed dissatisfaction about misuse of funds for construction of toilets in villages by gram panchayat members and other officers. “Despite repeated complaints against the wrong-doers, no action has been taken,” he said.

Action promised

Zilla Panchayat chief executive officer B S Shekharappa said the complaints and accusations regarding irregularities in the implementation of the MGNREGS would be investigated and action would be taken against the guilty.

Zilla Panchayat president Chinnappaiah, vice-president B Savithramma and most members of the Zilla Panchayat were present for the meeting.