Imphal: Technical Assistants of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) should visit work sites before preparation of work estimate, rural development and Panchatyati Raj minister Thongam Biswajit Singh said on Thursday.
The minister was addressing a one-day meeting cum interaction programme on Preparation of Work Estimates, Schedule of Rates, Etc. in SECURE, which was held at the Pachayat Bhavan, SIRD Campus Porompat.
Biswajit elaborated that visit to the work sites will help the technical assistants in understanding the nature of work and help them in preparation of estimates of projects.
He instructed the technical assistants and the officials concerned to start preparing estimates for 100 days so that the preparation can be concluded during the rainy days.
This will ensure that uninterrupted works can be undertaken soon after the rainy season, he added.
Biswajit said increase of man-power is under consideration.
During the meeting, Schedule of Rates and other issues were also discussed. DPCs and Technical Assistants also raised their concerns and issues.
Biswajit also expressed on the need to ensure proper protocols are followed while executing works including physical distancing and usage of mask and hand sanitizers. He added that DPCs should ensure that workers are utilized in batches so that physical distancing is maintained at the work-sites.
He also expressed on the need to focus on utilization of Information Education and Communication fund of the scheme to spread awareness on how to maintain government protocols and guidelines during the Covid-19 pandemic.
He said hoardings should be put up in the rural areas in this regard.
The MGNREGS is a wage oriented scheme, and it will help in financially supporting the rural population during this lockdown period, he said.
He instructed the DPCs to conduct frequent meetings with the GRS for the smooth implementation of the scheme.
Deputy secretary RD and PR Lalrobul Fimate said the minister has proposed improvement of individual beneficiary livelihood improvement under the MGNREGS by taking up certain activities under animal husbandry, horticulture, housing, fisheries, sericulture, plantation of lemon grass and citronella and under Industries department.
He continued that during a video conferencing with the central ministry on Wednesday, the minister’s proposal was reflected in a directive of the central ministry. He said Centre has asked all states to emphasis and give focus on individual beneficiary work, which is likely to be turned into livelihood activities.
The meeting was also attended by additional chief secretary MH Khan, BDOs, MGNREGS officials, among others, a DIPR press release said.
+ There are no comments
Add yours