Benefits of MGNREGA scheme should percolate down to the needy and poor: Lt. Governor

Port Blair, Sept. 23: The 6th meeting of A&N Employment Guarantee Council of MGNREGA was held under the Chairmanship of the Lt Governor, Lt Gen (Retd) A K Singh, PVSM, AVSM, SM, VSM, in the conference hall of Raj Niwas here today. Besides, reviewing the action taken report of the last meeting, new agenda points and important issues pertaining to effective implementation of the scheme in the Islands were discussed in detail.  

Speaking on the occasion, the Lt Governor expressed satisfaction that MGNREGA, is being successfully implemented in the Islands. He observed that the benefit of the scheme, which ensures at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to every rural household, must percolate down to the needy and poor. Directions were issued to the Deputy Commissioners of the three Districts to ensure that no individual applying for employment under MGNREGA should be denied the opportunity to work for 100 days. The Lt Governor further directed that besides the annual meeting under the Chairmanship of the Lt Governor, meetings should also be conducted once every six months at the level of the Deputy Commissioners with participation from Panchayat representatives and Tribal Council so that issues regarding implementation of the scheme can be sorted out. He also called upon the PRI members to come up with suggestions for inclusion of new community works under the scheme. The Lt Governor laid emphasis on the need for close coordination between the PRIs, District Administration and MGNREGA functionaries for effective implementation of the scheme across the Islands.

Chief Secretary, Shri Anand Prakash, Zilla Parishad Adhyakshas of South Andaman and N&M Andaman, Chairperson, Tribal Councils, senior officers of the Administration and representatives of Local Self-Government were also present in the meeting.