NREGS works to be made permanent, durable assets

The state government has announced a new scheme for promotion of convergence with the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for creation of durable assets and sustainable livelihood resources in rural areas.

Chief secretary Minnie Mathew issued orders to this effect here on Thursday.

In order to ensure that the assets created under the MGNREGS are durable and the livelihood resource base of rural poor is permanently strengthened, it has been decided to implement the scheme for promotion of convergence with MGNREGS.

Under this scheme, the government will provide additional funds to upgrade the work taken up earlier under MGNREGS into a durable permanent asset. The entire unskilled labour component  and material component of the project cost will be funded from the MGNREGS. The balance material component required to make the asset permanent and durable will be met from the funds provided under this scheme.

The scheme will be applicable to works taken up under MGNREGS for providing all- weather rural connectivity and minor irrigation works. An amount of Rs 200 crore to the panchayati raj engineering department, Rs 100 crore to the roads and buildings department and Rs 300 crore for minor irrigation will be provided under the scheme for 2012-13.

These funds can be utilised for strengthening the works already taken up  under the NREGS or supplementing the 40 per cent ceiling under material component after exhausting the funds, if any, provided under the normal state plan.

The scheme will be implemented by the minor irrigation department.

The department will complete the process of identification and sanction of works under this scheme by December 31.