Speaking at a function here to mark the completion of the fifth year of MGNREGS, Dr. Singh promised to reform the delivery mechanism for the scheme to reach the needy, use of technology to stop corrupt practices, and to bring it within the purview of Right to Information Act.
Introduction of technology was necessary to change the mindset of the people in rural areas, he stressed. A biometric database would be created for MGNREGS workers to register their presence and make payments.
He hoped that this would address the problem of delayed payments. A demonstration of the instrument was made at the function.
The MGNREGS would also be used to bring in administrative reforms, using gram panchayats as a nodal agency. The people would be involved in developing micro plans, monitoring and socialauditing of the works. The capacity of the panchayats would be enhanced for them to shoulder increased responsibilities. .
Taking note of threats received by those undertaking social auditing, the Prime Minister said stern action needed to be taken to curb the tendency. Comprehensive measures were being initiated to strengthen the social auditing system.
Ms. Gandhi promised that in the days to come MGNREGS would be evolved to provide permanent employment to the needy.
The scheme would be used to put down problems of drought and floods and protect the environment.
She expressed concern over reports of MGNREGS money being misappropriated with fake job cards and muster rolls, works being shown as executed only on paper, and delay in payment to workers.
She also expressed her resentment that the grievance redress mechanism was not shouldering its responsibilities and that the absence of proper amenities continued to discourage women’s participation in the programme.
Ms. Gandhi underlined the need for the Union Government extending help to the States, besides suggesting strengthening of the social audit system by empowering women and self-help groups.