 |
| Seeks inclusion of Snow Clearance job under MGNREGA |
NEW DELHI, JUNE 20: Minister for Rural Development,
Panchayati Raj, law and Justice Abdul Haq today called on Union Minister for
Rural Development Narendra Singh Tomar to seek inclusion of snow clearance job
under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA).
The meeting attended by Commissioner Secretary RDD, Nirmal Sharma and
senior officers of state and central department of Rural Department was
informed that J&K government has already sent a proposal in this regard to
Union Government.
Minister Abdul Haq informed the Union Minister that in the wake of heavy
snowfall during winters, the life in the valley especially in rural areas comes
to standstill leaving most of the rural labourers jobless for many months. He
said including snow clearance under MGNREGA will not only provide jobs to
Valley youth, but would also result in early road clearances.
Abdul Haq said since the road clearance and construction comes under
essential activity, clearing snow from roads could also be undertaken under the
scheme for the benefit of the rural areas. He said snow cutters hardly reach rural areas and hence rural areas remain cut
off from the urban areas for a long time.
The Minister said including snow clearance under MGNREGA will lessen the
burden on other departments and roads will be cleared quickly to allow
essential supplies to the villages during harsh winters.
Union Minister assured Abdul Haq that the Union Government will consider
the request of the state government and effective measures will be taken in
this regard before the onset of winter.
Both the Ministers discussed various issues regarding the implementation
of centrally sponsored schemes in the state including MGNREGA, PMAY, and
Geo-tagging. Union Minister Narendra Singh Tomar lauded the State Government
for effective implementation of the schemes. He said State Government has an
outstanding performance in the implementation of MGNERGA and geo-tagging of RDD
assets.