Clearance issues delay release of MGNREGS funds, says Community and Rural Development Minister

Syllad | The Rising MeghalayaAugust 10, 2023

Community and Rural Development (C&RD) minister Abu Taher Mondal said that the department will soon release funds for the material component under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS).

Speaking to reporters on the sidelines of a programme on Wednesday, he said, “We are trying to release as early as possible, some funds have been released this month which is 50 percent and very soon we will release the others as and when it is available to us.”

Asked as to the reason behind the delay, he claimed that it is due to clearance issues. 

It may be mentioned that leaders of Village Employment Council (VEC) from the Ri Bhoi District and the Synjuk of Rangbah Shnong Ri Bhoi District recently threatened to file a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) in the High Court against the State government over the delayed release of funds since 2020.

The Voice of the People Party (VPP) also recently demanded the State Government to take immediate steps to release the fund relating to the implementation of the MGNREGA in Meghalaya.