Member M B Santhosh, Bharathraj and others complained that payments under the NREG Scheme were not released even after the completion of works from August, 2008. Members pointed out that a total of Rs 6.86 lakh was yet to be released under the scheme even though works were completed.

Panchayat could not achieve its target of Rs 1.5 crore under the scheme. Fund was not sanctioned under the scheme even though letters were sent to zilla panchayat secretary and taluk panchayat executive officer.
Members told Devaraj that families who worked under the scheme are visiting the gram panchayat regularly for their payment. A total of 1,000 families, who were registered under the scheme, had taken up 14 development works. CPI leader Gopal Shetty expressing his suspicion said that the government might have diverted the funds sanctioned under the NREG Scheme for some other purposes. However, Devaraj denying Shetty’s allegations said that due to technical reasons fund was not released in time.

Payments will be made to all families soon, he assured. Panchayat President Sumangala presided. Vice President Vasudeva and members were present.