ZP to probe irregularities in NREGS implementation

Enforcement committee members withdraw indefinite dharna

Zilla Panchayat Chief Executive Officer Rangarao had invited the dharna-engaged for talks, and declared some important decisions in their presence itself.  The secretaries of 36 gram panchayats and other officers were present in the meeting.

Referring to allegations of large-scale irregularities in implementing the scheme, the CEO assured that deputy secretary Lakshminarayana and joint secretary Venkataramanappa will submit a report after visiting Urigili, Sugaturu, Totli and Matnahalli Gram Panchayats.
 “Action against erring officers will be taken soon after they submit the report. More over, a nodal officer will be appointed to each Gram Panchayat for overseeing the implementation,” the CEO promised. He also directed the concerned to clear the arrears of wages to all the labourers within a week and ensure that the wages are paid regularly, in future.

Demands

The members of the enforcement committee had submitted a memorandum to Zilla Panchayat on Oct 21 listing their various demands. Inquiry into large-scale irregularities in implementing NREGS in Urigili Gram Panchayat limits, surprise inspection by offices to check attendance and job cards of labourers, action against panchayat officers in Urigili, Totli, Toredevandahalli, Sugatur and Vadagur for not paying wages to labourers even after one month, measures to ensure regular payment of wages, guaranteeing 200 days of work for each family, payment of Rs 125 for extra work and Rs 140 per cubic meter of work on hard soil were some of their demands.

The members had said that they would launch an indefinite dharna from Oct 21 if their demands were not met.

Since no action was taken, the members commenced their indefinite dharna from Wednesday, in front of the ZP office.

“The Zilla Panchayat, which did not respond when we submitted the memorandum has acted after we commenced dharna. Though late, the administration has acted. It is our concern that the scheme should be implemented effectively. We have got promise to this effect and hope that the promises will be honoured,” the members said.