Rajasthan Minister Points to Centre for MGNREGA Payment Delays in Assembly Session
In a significant statement during the Rajasthan Assembly's Question Hour on Monday, Rural Development Minister Kirori Lal Meena addressed concerns over timely wage payments under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). Responding to a supplementary question posed by Leader of Opposition Tikaram Jully, Minister Meena acknowledged that payments are not always made within the stipulated 15-day period, attributing the primary cause to delays in receiving the Union government's share of funds.
Centre's Fund Release Cited as Key Issue
"The primary reason for the delay is that the Union government's share of funds is not received on time," Meena stated emphatically in the House. He elaborated that the state government has proactively written to the Centre, requesting the release of pending amounts, and assured that he would personally follow up on the matter to expedite the process. The minister emphasized that once the Centre releases its contribution, all pending payments would be cleared promptly, highlighting the interdependence between state and central funding for the scheme.
Additional Factors Contributing to Payment Delays
Beyond the central funding issue, Meena noted that delays can also occur when workers fail to submit required documents on time, which is essential for processing payments. This dual challenge of administrative hurdles and funding gaps underscores the complexities in implementing MGNREGA effectively at the ground level. The minister's remarks shed light on the operational bottlenecks that affect the timely disbursement of wages to rural workers, who rely on this scheme for livelihood support.
Clarification on Jalore District Payments and Approval Process
In response to a separate question from MLA Samarjit Singh regarding pending payments for MGNREGA works approved in Jalore district, Meena provided detailed clarification. He reported that labor wages had been fully paid, achieving 100% completion, while approximately 83% of the material component payments had been released. The remaining 17% of material payments, he explained, will be disbursed once approval and necessary funds are received from the Centre, indicating a phased approach to payment clearance based on fund availability.
Furthermore, Meena clarified to the Assembly that approvals for MGNREGA works are issued at the district level, not by the state government. This decentralization aims to streamline local decision-making but also places responsibility on district authorities to ensure compliance with payment timelines and documentation requirements. The minister's comprehensive responses highlighted both the achievements and ongoing challenges in MGNREGA implementation across Rajasthan.
