VECs fail to maintain records of NREGS implementation

JOWAI: Village Employment Councils under Thadlaskein C&RD Block in West Jaintia Hills District have failed to maintain proper records while implementing the MGNREGS in their respective villages.
This was revealed during a public hearing on Social Audit held at BNRGSK Hall, Block HQ, for the current financial year 2015-16.
Improper maintenance of records and failure to submit utilization certificates has been creating difficulties for the BDO’s office and the DRDA to deal with various project works taken up by various VECs in their respective villages.
This was detected by the Bosco Integrated Development Society – an NGO who facilitated the social audit supposed to be conducted by the respective social audit committees constituted in every VEC.
The failure of the VECs to complete all formalities as per guidelines of the MGNREGA has also put a question mark on the field staff of the Block Office.
Gram Sevaks who are supposed to look after all problems faced by the VECs and also guide them in maintaining records such as muster roll, cash book and others, were found to be deficient in the performance of their duties. No supervisor or field staff from the BDO office was willing to take up the responsibility of helping the VEC members.
Meanwhile, beneficiaries or job card holders have expressed their unhappiness over not getting their wages on time. The BDO clarified that the delay was not on his part and he was trying hard to get the fund released from the government.
Sources also informed that the government is yet to clear Rs.2.97 crore, which is the wage due to hundreds of job cards holders under Thadlaskein C&RD Block.
“The Thadlaskein Block Office has paid Rs.2.60 crore to various VECs for the current financial year 2015-16 and the VECs are yet to receive Rs.2.97 crore,” a source said.