SMP lags behind in implementing NREGA

SILIGURI/MALDA, 23 OCT: While the Siliguri Mahakuma Parishad is lagging behind in implementation of the NREGA, presently known as Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act, the Malda district administration is expecting to rank second in the state in performance for the month of September in implementing the 100-day job guaranteed Act.The Siliguri administration ascribed lack of experience among the panchayat pradhans and members responsible for the slow implementation. Majority of the 20-panchayat pradhans in the SMP are new in the job. “The new panchayat pradhans are facing problems to execute jobs of a panchayat, which has many responsibilities to perform,” said the SMP sahakari sabhadhipati, Mrs Jyoti Tirkey. To extend help to the panchayat, the Darjeeling DM along with the SMP sabhadhipati and sahakari sabhadhipati would visit the panchayats soon. According to Mrs Tirkey, the new measurement system of payment in the project is also affecting the implementation. “People apparently are not inclined to participate in NREGA works,” said Mrs Tirkey.On the contrary, The Malda district officials claimed that the district has provided 27-day job till September to enlisted people under the NREGA, while the state average is 21 days. The district has also done well in women participation.Speaking on the matter, the additional district programme coordinator, Mr Kajal Banerjee said the district was lagging behind in one out of six parameters. But at present the performance of MIS (management information system) has been developed. “The district had secured only 32 points in MIS before, now it has secured 199 points. We have targeted to achieve 350 points,” Mr Banerjee said. Malda ranked third in the state in implementing the project till August.Yesterday, the district administration showed documentary films, Adhikar, a documentary based on the performance of 100-day job in Malda. To increase awareness and to include more people in the project, the district authorities have decided to screen the documentary in blocks and gram panchayats. Mr Banerjee said that another documentary film would be made featuring some families to show the development after implementation of the Act. SNS