States get Rs 5,000 crore National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme funds
, ET Bureau|
Updated: Nov 08, 2017, 02.10 AM IST
NEW DELHI: The government has started the second phase of release of funds to states for the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, transferring close to Rs 5,000 crore.
The funds released cover the dues of the states and also include some advance payment towards the requirement for the coming months. The rural development ministry will release more funds since demand for NREGS is expected to pick up next month onwards.
“We are expecting further allocation to the tune of Rs 17,000 crore which we will provide to the states as per demand...Drought-prone states such as MP and UP will be given priority," a senior government official said. So far, Rs 41,083 crore has been released to the states by the Centre of the total budgetary allocation of Rs 48,000 crore. The second phase of release has been made only after states submitted their financial audit reports of April to September 2017 period. Rural development ministry has also hauled up banks for delaying the payment to the beneficiary account at the last mile.
“Funds for wage payments and other activities would be released to the states immediately on receipt of audited statements of account, once they are found in order,” a press statement said. The ministry has been able to ensure payment of wages to the workers within 15 days in 85% of the cases.
The funds released cover the dues of the states and also include some advance payment towards the requirement for the coming months. The rural development ministry will release more funds since demand for NREGS is expected to pick up next month onwards.
“We are expecting further allocation to the tune of Rs 17,000 crore which we will provide to the states as per demand...Drought-prone states such as MP and UP will be given priority," a senior government official said. So far, Rs 41,083 crore has been released to the states by the Centre of the total budgetary allocation of Rs 48,000 crore. The second phase of release has been made only after states submitted their financial audit reports of April to September 2017 period. Rural development ministry has also hauled up banks for delaying the payment to the beneficiary account at the last mile.
“Funds for wage payments and other activities would be released to the states immediately on receipt of audited statements of account, once they are found in order,” a press statement said. The ministry has been able to ensure payment of wages to the workers within 15 days in 85% of the cases.
