30 new works notified under MGNREGA

Union Rural Development Ministry has notified 30 new works under MGNREGA, majority of which are related to agricultural and allied activities, besides the works that will facilitate rural sanitation projects in a major way. The works have been divided into 10 broad categories like Watershed, Irrigation and Flood management works, Agricultural and Livestock related works, Fisheries and works in coastal areas and the Rural Drinking water and Sanitation related works. Briefing the media about MGNREGA 2.0 ( the second generation reforms for the rural job scheme) Rural Development Minister Shri Jairam Ramesh said here that priority of the works will be decided by the Gram Panchayats in meetings of the Gram Sabhas and the Ward Sabhas. He said, the demand for new works has come mainly from the States like Kerala, Sikkim, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh Chhattisgarh and Rajasthan based on the ground realities in each of the region. He said, most of the new works are productivity enhancement activities and will give a big boost to rural economy. Rejecting the criticism emanating in some quarters that MGNREGA has led to low agricultural productivity, Shri Ramesh said, 70 percent of rural job scheme happens during the non-farm season and added that such conclusions are baseless. The Minister also informed that the 30 new works being added in the Schedule 1 will also help the rural sanitation projects, as for the first time toilet building, soak pits and solid and liquid waste management have been included under MGNREGA. He said, though the overall 60:40 ratio of labour and material component will be maintained at the Gram Panchayat level but there will be some flexibility in the ratio for certain works based on the practical requirements.