Schemes Like MGNREGS and Rajeevika Will Prove to be a Boon - Chief Minister

Review Meeting of Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department : Strengthen the Rural Economy by Effective Implementation of the Schemes 

Jaipur, August 6. Chief Minister Shri Ashok Gehlot said that a major employment crisis has arisen in cities along with villages due to COVID-19. In such a situation, effective implementation of schemes related to village development should be ensured to strengthen the rural economy. He said that the schemes such as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and National Rural Livelihood Mission that were started at the time of the UPA Government have proved to be a boon during this challenging time of corona pandemic. More and more people should be provided employment by linking them with these schemes. 

Shri Gehlot was reviewing Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Department through video conference from his official residence on Thursday. The district and block-level officers of the department from all the 33 districts attended the conference. The Chief Minister had direct dialogue with Zila Parishad CEO and ACEO including other officers regarding the schemes related to rural development. 

Do Better Marketing of Products Prepared by Self-Help Groups 

The Chief Minister said that the role of National Rural Livelihood Mission had been commendable in providing employment opportunities in villages through Self-Help Groups (SHGs). He directed to encourage these groups along with promoting the formation of more SHGs under the scheme. Besides this, he said that marketing of their products should be done in a better way to make them strong. At this time of COVID, these SHGs could be linked with online platforms like e-bazaar, he said. 

Approval of Works of MLA Funds Should be Issued in 45 Days 

Shri Gehlot said that complaints are received regarding delay in development works done under MLA Local Area Development Programme and MP Local Area Development Programme. To resolve this, the administrative and financial approvals should be issued within the prescribed time of 45 days. He said that an online portal should be made for effective monitoring of these programmes, besides ensuring regular monitoring. 

Panchayat Assistants To Get Honorarium Soon 

An issue of around 26,000 Panchayat Assistants' pending honorarium was brought to the notice of the Chief Minister during the meeting. Shri Gehlot directed Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Shri Niranjan Arya to issue the approval of Rs 100 crore with immediate effect. He said that Panchayat Assistants will be paid honorarium soon. 

The Chief Minister directed to create the posts of Village Development Officer and Block Development Officer for the 1456 new Gram Panchayats and 57 new Panchayat Samitis in the State. He also directed for the early approval for the construction of electric crematorium as per requirement keeping in view the Corona infection. 

Shri Gehlot intensively reviewed Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana, Swachh Bharat Mission, Rashtriya Rurban Mission Yojana, Border Area Development Programme, Mahatma Gandhi Jan Bhagidari Vikas Yojana, Dang, Magra and Mewat Development Scheme and other schemes related to Rural Development and Panchayati Raj during the meeting. He said that Rural Development and Panchayati Raj department plays vital role during this period of corona infection. It could provide relief to people by implementing various schemes in a better manner. 

Chief Secretary Shri Rajeeva Swarup said that maximum population of the State resides in villages. The Rural Development and Panchayati Raj department should shoulder greater responsibility by providing employment to the people. Besides this, the general public should be made aware under Rajasthan Epidemic Ordinance and ensure that people follow the health protocol so that infection does not spread in villages. 

Additional Chief Secretary, Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Shri Rajeshwar Singh while giving a presentation of the various schemes said that the highest number of employed labourers in a single day under MGNREGS was 53.45 lakh, which is 20 lakh more than the employed labourers in previous year. This year around 6 lakh new job cards have been issued, he said. 

Additional Chief Secretary, Finance Shri Niranjan Arya, Director Swachh Bharat Mission Shri P. C. Kishan, Livelihood Mission Director Smt. Shuchi Tyagi, Commissioner Information and Public Relations Shri Mahendra Soni and other officers were present in the meeting.