NREGA scheme implemented in J
Jammu, Feb 2 (UNI) The Jammu and Kashmir Government today implemented the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in the state.
This was disclosed by the Minister for Rural Development and Panchayats, Mula Ram at a press conference here. Mr Mula Ram said ''The Act will now be implemented in the entire State for the enhancement of livelihood security of the households of rural areas by way of providing 100 days guaranteed wage employment.'' ''Any persons who is entitled to this scheme, will be given a card and he would get the job within 15 days from the date he has applied for,'' the Minister said, asserting that in case the government fails to provide wage employment within the stipulated time period, the applicant would be entitled for Unemployment Allowance.
He said with the re-organisation of the districts in the State, nine districts have been covered under this scheme whereas 13 are still pending, which would be covered with effect from April 1, 2008 with the launch of the scheme.
Meanwhile under the NREGA, which is a centrally sponsored scheme, focus would be laid on water conservation, water harvesting, drought prone areas, irrigation canals including micro and minor irrigation works, provision of irrigation facility to land owned by households belonging to SCs and STs or to land of beneficiaries of land reforms or that of the beneficiaries of IAY programme.
''Land development, flood control and protection of works including drainage in water-logged areas, rural connectivity to provide all weather access are among other areas to be focused under the scheme,'' the Minister said.
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