Blame Centre, state for NREGS shortfalls

Aizawl, Mar 21 (UNI) Mizoram Rural Development Minister H Vanlalauva has held both Central and State governments responsible for failing to fully implement the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in the state.

While the scheme was carried out for about only 20-30 days in Lunglei district and just 14 days in Saiha district, it was less than 50 days in Champhai district in 2007-08, he said here yesterday.

Mr Vanlalauva said both Centre and State Government were responsible for non-fulfillment of 100 days employment, and alleged that funds were not promptly released by the Central Government, and as a result the state was facing time constraint in implementing the scheme.

He, however, assured that his department was taking all possible efforts to ensure that the remaining unfulfilled workdays were proposed to be covered in the new fiscal.

The Minister claimed that the 100-day wage employment was fully implemented in five areas within Saiha and Lawngtlai districts except Chawngte, where it was implemented for 80 days during 2006-2007.

UNI ZS SJC RD 1802