Mizo govt denies Centre's withdrawal of NREGS

Aizwal, Oct 18 (UNI) Mizoram government has denied the reports of Centre's withdrawal of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) from Mizoram.

State rural development minister Aichhinga said today in the Assembly, '' It is just a rumour that Mizoram was blacklisted for non-implementation of NREGS but reality is quiet opposite, as the Centre has decided to enlarge the scheme.'' The Congress alleged the ruling government of its poor performance in the implementation of NREGS adding that, Mizoram is among 13 states which have been blacklisted.

However, Mr Aichhinga clarified that the programme could not be implemented 'as expeditiously as expected' due to non availability of funds.

The NREGS was supposed to come into force from September 2005 but due to paucity of funds it was commisioned only last month in the state's southern districts.

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