Under achievement of MGNREGS not to be tolerated: Odisha CM

Bhubaneswar: Expressing concern over the poor implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Odisha, Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik on Saturday said underachievement cannot be tolerated as the scheme has potential to provide succour to the drought affected people in the state.

“It is a matter of great concern, that in this financial year many potential districts are lagging behind in MGNREGS. I would like the officers of these districts to put in their best efforts to improve their performance,” said the Chief Minister inaugurating a workshop-cum-reviewing meeting of PD, DRDAs and BDOs here.

“The targets, in terms of person days and expenditure, will have to be achieved without fail; underachievement will not be tolerated,” he added.

He said on an average 17 lakh rural households seek employment under the scheme annually.

“As you know there is a drought like situation prevailing in our state, and we see immense potential in MGNREGS for providing succour to the rural masses in distress,” said the Chief Minister.

The state government has already announced an additional 50 days of entitlement for job card holders in drought affected areas, along with 30 percent extra wages which will be borne by the state government.

He also emphasised to take up drought proofing projects under Gopabandhu Gramin Yojana extended to all 30 districts of the state.

Stating that the state government is committed to providing Pucca house to all Kucha households within four years, he said the government had set a target to complete 7 lakh houses this year.

The Chief Minister directed to ensure completion of at least 75 thousand houses per month during the next four months.

Till now, about four lakh houses have been constructed.

During the programme, the Chief Minister launched “Ama Gaon Ama Jojana’, a new initiative on Gram Panchayat Development Plan and released Biju Pucca Ghar guidelines.