Freeze on JCB machines for MNREGA works

Chatra: The Chatra district administration on Wednesday put a freeze on the use of JCB earthmoving machines to ensure manual labourers, particularly migrants returning home, can get employment under MNREGA scheme. Chatra deputy development commissioner (DDC) Murli Manohar Prasad has sent notices to owners of JCB machines here, asking them not to provide the machines for projects under MNREGA.
Talking to TOI on Wednesday, Prasad said, “Migrant labourers have returned to the district in large numbers. To provide them with more avenues of employment, I have issued notices to 165 JCB owners asking them not to use the machines in MNREGA projects. If anyone is found violating the order, then they will face legal action and their machines will be seized.” Prasad also directed all block development officers in the district to inform JCB owners about the order.
District officials said they have received complaints about implementing agencies using JCB machines to complete MNREGA projects, but maintaining false records of labourers to siphon off government funds.
Meanwhile, deputy commissioner Jitendra Kumar Singh terminated the services of 13 contractual employees of the district rural development authority for misusing funds to the tune of Rs 45 lakh, which was allocated for the construction of 40 roads and two ponds in 2016-2017. Rural development minister Alamgir Alam had ordered an inquiry in this regard.