Vigil over NREGA fund use in Nagaland

The Government of India-nominated members of a vigilance committee has convened an emergency meeting for Tuesday, July 12 in Kohima to discuss issues associated with more than Rs. 36 crores central grants given to Nagaland under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS).   

Members of the State-level Vigilance & Monitoring Committee nominated by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India will meet at 10 am in Kohima on the stated date and scrutinize the performance of the Nagaland’s Rural Development department in the rural programs. The programs need to be assessed and monitored for successful implementation as stated in the prescribed guidelines of the Ministry of Rural Development, a note from member of the committee S Richard Humtsoe stated.

According to the press release, grant in-aid amounting to a colossal Rs. 12, 83, 46, 000 (Twelve Crores, eighty three lakhs, forty six thousand) was given to Kiphire district, state on June 15, 2011 as first tranche of central assistance installment for 2011-2012 for implementation of the NREGA.   

Likewise, grant in-aid amounting to Rs. 25, 12, 02, 000 (Twenty-five crores twelve lakhs and two thousand) was granted on April 1, 2011 to eight districts of Nagaland as upfront central assistance as part of the first installment for 2011-2012 for the implementation of NREGA. Appended with the press release were also copies of sanctioning letters issued by the Accounts departments of the Ministry of Rural Development.