New Delhi: The Centre has issued
instructions to the states for the appointment of ombudsmen in
each district to consider complaints relating to the
implementation of NREGA and take legal action in them.
"Instructions have been issued to the states for the
appointment of ombudsman in each district," Union Minister for
Rural Development C P Joshi today told reporters while
presenting the quarterly report of his ministry's performance
here.
The minister said the ombudsmen will receive
complaints from those working in NREGA programmes on any
matters relating to its implementation and facilitate their
disposal in accordance with law.
"Ombudsman will issue directions for conducting spot
investigation, lodge FIRs against the erring parties, initiate
proceedings suo motu when required and take disciplinary and
punitive actions," Joshi said.
According to ministry, the Ombudsmen, which will be
appointed by state governments on the recommendation of a
selection committee, will be "agencies" independent of the
central and state governments.
Listing the achievements of his ministry, Joshi said
the scope of the works permitted under NREGA was enlarged by
an amendment in the Act. Works relating to irrigation,
horticulture plantation and land development in the land owned
by small and marginalised farmers are now permitted under the
Act.
"One of the major achievements of the ministry was
that the Bill providing 50 per cent reservation to women in
panchayats was approved by the Cabinet," he added.
Elderly Indian couple killed in fire
Bureau Report
First Published: Tuesday, September 15, 2009, 22:07