Himachal gets Rs 143.24 cr under NREGA

Shimla, Mar 4 (UNI) Himachal Pradesh has received Rs 143.24 crore from the Centre under National Rural Employment Guarantee Assurance Scheme (NREGA) since 2005-06.

Replying to a question by the BJP MLA from Dharampur, Mahender Singh Thakur, in the Question Hour in the Budget Session of the state assembly, which began here today, Chief Minister Prem Kumar Dhumal said NREGA was presently being implemented in four districts of the state namely, Chamba, Sirmour, Kangra and Mandi.

Sirmour district, which got money allocated under the scheme for different blocks in 2005-06 itself, had so far got the lowest total amount of Rs 17.13 crore over three years period, he informed.

In reply to another question by the BJP MLA, Mahender Singh Thakur, Horticulture Minister Narender Bragta informed the House that the state had received Rs 66 crore from the Centre under the Horticulture Mission (mini mission-II) since 2005-06 and the money was utilised in the entire state. He said the government would inquire into the matter, if there was any misuse of funds under the mission.

Replying to a question by senior Congress leader and MLA from Pachad, Gangu Ram Musafir, Forest Minister Jagat Prakash Nadda said the state government intended to restore the TD (Timber Distribution) rights to the people and the operation of saw mills which have been banned, and the matter was being pursued in the Courts.

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