From Our Correspondent
Agartala: Even as the Left ruled, Tripura has been one of the best performing states when it comes to successful implementation of the MGNREGA, the outlay which was released could not be utilized within the stipulated time.
The startling truth came to light at a review meeting chaired by RD Minister Jitendra Chowdhury on Saturday evening. In the review meeting, performance of national flagship programmes-MGNREGA, Indira Awas Yojana (IAY), Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGWSY) and other central schemes was reviewed threadbare.
Projects like agriculture, park, fishery, silk, forest, animal resource development and rural development was also reviewed in the meeting. It was informed that for fiscal year 2012- 13 under MGNREGA the state received Rs. 97, 390.73 lakh, while an amount of Rs. 53992 lakh was spent till December 10. According to latest reports, till November 30, under MGNREGA for development of agriculture, fishery, forestry, and animal resource Rs. 2002.64 lakh was sanctioned for Gomati district while amount spent stood Rs. 1110.47 lakh. Altogether 3, 78, 017 mandays were generated in the District.
For the South District, an amount of Rs. 1027.79 lakh was released under the national flagship programme whereas an amount of Rs. 693.22 lakh was spent so far. Likewise, the newly created Sipahijala and Khowai districts also could not spend the allotted funds. In Sipahijala district, Rs 1258.45 lakh was sanctioned under MGNREGA and amount spent stood only Rs 578.33 lakhs. A total of 90, 451 mandays were generated in the district. In Khowai district, an amount of Rs. 789.10 lakh was spent out of total outlay of Rs. 869.33 lakh, according to sources. After reviewing the performance of different central sponsored schemes, RD Minister asked the officials to take all possible steps to ensure cent percent utilization of GMNREGA outlay.