New Delhi: The Centre has asked the state
governments to initiate criminal proceedings along with
departmental action against the officials found "guilty of
embezzlement" of NREGA funds.
In a letter to all state governments, the Rural
Development Ministry has asked them to initiate criminal
proceedings against such officials under the Indian Penal Code
and Prevention of Corruption Act, sources in the ministry
said on Wednesday.
The ministry has also asked the states to ensure that
"embezzled amount" is recovered from such officials in
accordance with the law.
The ministry has received several individual and group
complaints alleging irregularities in the implementation of
Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, including misappropriation of funds,
from
different parts of the country, sources said.
Apart from this, such cases also come to the notice of
the ministry during regular reviews of the implementation of
the Act.
"The ministry has so far received over 450 complaints
of various nature, including embezzlement of fund," they said.
All cases of irregularities are referred to the concerned
state governments for taking appropriate action in accordance
with the provisions of the Rural Employment Guarantee Act, a
ministry official said.
National Level Monitors (NLMs) are also deputed by the
ministry to enquire into the specific complaints, he added.
"States are asked to expedite their reports and also to
formulate rules on disposal of grievances and complaints," he
added.
PTI
First Published: Wednesday, March 03, 2010, 21:28