MREGS to be implemented in Nashik from April

Nashik, Jan 4 (UNI) The new Maharashtra Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MREGS) will be implemented in Nashik district from April, district guardian minister Chhagan Bhujbal said here today.

Under the scheme, job cards will be issued to all those families who are willing to do work or in need of jobs, Mr Bhujbal told a press conference here today.

Total transparency, social audit, full participation of gram panchayats in selection, planning and implementation of work, and implementation of 50 per cent works by gram panchayats are some of the special features of the scheme.

After an aspirant puts forth the demand for a job, unskilled jobs will be provided within 15 days or else the state government will provide unemployment allowance. Jobs will be provided for at least 100 days.

Along with the gram panchayats, the zilla parishads will also be entrusted the responsibility of implementing the scheme, Mr Bhujbal said.

Mr Bhujbal also launched the District Rural Development System website www.drdanashik.com on the occasion. The website carries information on various schemes for rural people, statistical data on the district, and funds received from the government and the expenditure.

On the onion issue, Mr Bhujbal said the government was seized of the problem and ready to do everything required to solve the problem.

''In comparison to last year, the onion production is more this year. However, the number of train wagons provided for transport is less because of which onions cannot reach the destinations,'' Mr Bhujbal said adding that from tomorrow, at least three to four rakes or 60 to 80 wagons will be made available.

UNI GB MAZ SKB1941