Committee to visit Gujarat to probe `diversion` of NREGA funds

A three-member committee, formed by Rural Development Ministry to probe into a report alleging that Gujarat government was diverting NREGA funds for other projects, will visit the state next week for the inquiry.

New Delhi: A three-member committee, formed
by Rural Development Ministry to probe into a report alleging
that Gujarat government was diverting NREGA funds for other
projects, will visit the state next week for the inquiry.

"It has been alleged in a report that Gujarat government
diverted NREGA funds to facilitate making of Anicuts in the
state and the work was not approved by the gram sabha. If the
allegations are true, it is clear violation of Mahatma Gandhi
NREGA which says works taken up under the Act should have an
approval by gram sabha," a top ministry official said on Wednesday.

The inquiry committee, headed by a joint secretary-rank
officer of the ministry, will verify whether the Central funds
were being diverted for "any purpose" other than those
prescribed under the Act.

The committee will ascertain if the works not permitted
under NREGA were also being taken up in the state, where main
opposition BJP is in power.

It will inspect job cards, muster rolls, cash books,
employment registers and other related documents and inquire
into the entire process adopted by the state government with
respect to the implementation of NREGA, the official said.

"(Rural Development) Minister (C P Joshi) wants a quick
action on the reports of diversion and illegal utilisation of
NREGA funds by Gujarat government following the due process of
inquiry," sources in the ministry said.

The three-member committee has been asked to submit its
report within one week after field verification of alleged
violation of the scheme`s guidelines, they added.

PTI

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