MNF misutilised NREGS: Congress

Aizawl, Sep 17 (UNI) The Mizoram Pradesh Congress has accused the Mizo National Front(MNF) government of misappropriating the National Rural Employment Gurantee Scheme (NREGS) in the state.

While the actual number of job cards issued in the state was 1,54,549, Mizoram asked the Centre for fund against 2,19,757 job cards, Congress spokesman Lalsawta said here today.

During 2005-2006, the 11,765 job card holders in Saiha district received an average 12 days employment, 82 short of 100 days, Lalsawta said, adding "this was due to the state's failure to meet its 10 per cent matching share in the funding." The Job card holders in the district got an average 32 days employment in 2006-2007 and 27 days employment in 2007-2008, according to Lalsawta.

In Lawngtlai district, there were 21,759 job card holders who received 14 days' employment in 2005-2006 and 21 days' employment in 2007-2008.In Lunglei and Champhai districts, the beneficiaries got only 28 days' employment and 44 days' employment respectively in 2007-2008 fiscal, Lalsawata alleged.

The Congress spokesman alleged that many of the beneficiaries were not aware that getting 100 days employment with a minimum wage of Rs 110 per day was their right.

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