Malda DM moots more NREGA days

The Malda district magistrate has stressed the need to increase the average number of days achieved in the district through the 100-days job initiative under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.
Addressing the Republic Day celebrations at Malda police field yesterday, the district magistrate, Mr Sridhar Ghosh, said: “Although the 100-days job programme began late in the district, it has been successful. However, we have to increase the man-days achieved”.
It may be noted that the district has achieved only 16 days out of the 100-days prescribed under the NREGA.
Mr Ghosh said: “The 100-days job initiative is being hampered here due to notifications of two by-polls and rural polls last year. There is no restriction on continuing the 100-days programme during the elections, but we cannot continue on practical grounds, due to a lack of coordination with the gram panchayat officials”.
The district magistrate categorically stated that there are several ongoing schemes under the 100-days job programme which can be implemented to provide 100 days of employment to poor people. However, here rural employment schemes are traditionally hampered, showing excuse of model code of conduct.
The district administrative officials fear that the 100-days job initiative will be further hampered this year after the notification of the Lok Sabha election.