Government seeks job scheme reports to check funds misuse

The State government has sought district-wise reports on the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee scheme (MGNREGS) in the State in the financial year 2008-09 to ascertain whether there has been any misuse of funds, Deputy Chief Minister and Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Minister K S Eshwarappa said on Monday.

Speaking to reporters in Bangalore, Eshwarappa said the reports have been sought within one month from all deputy commissioners.

“At present, there has been no problem in the implementation of the scheme. However, there have been complaints that there were certain lapses during 2008. The reports will bring out the factual position,” Eshwarappa said.

Shobha Karandlaje was the RDPR minister during 2008-10. The portfolio was handled by Jagadish Shettar between November 2010 and July 2012.

Sources said that by seeking reports on the implementation of the scheme during the initial years of the BJP government, Eshwarappa, is trying to put the blame on Karandlaje for the lapses, if any.

However, Eshwarappa was quick to add: “I am not saying that any particular individual is responsible.” In a recent letter to Chief Minister Jagadish Shettar, Union RDPR Minister Jairam Ramesh had stated that the Centre will be forced to stop further release of grants under the scheme if the State failed to implement the programme effectively.

Nemmadi Kendras

Eshwarappa said the State government would recruit 5,600 computer operators and 1,400 technical officers in a bid to improve the facilities at Nemmadi kendras. These kendras will be brought under Sakaala scheme soon.

The revenue department will recruit 1,400 engineers for speedy implementation of works, he said.