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Title : Need to include more categories of jobs under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme and provide regular work to the people even during rains in Tamil Nadu.
SHRI D. VENUGOPAL (TIRUVANNAMALAI): The Central Government has implemented Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme throughout the country to help the depressed sections of the rural society especially the economically backward people to earn livelihood by way of getting employment during non-cultivation period. This scheme that guarantees a minimum of hundred days of jobs, has been found to be widely extending the intended benefits. Tamil Nadu is one of the leading states that are successfully implementing this MGNREG scheme. But even in the Tamil Nadu, this programme faces problems as it is difficult to provide jobs during incessant rains and monsoon season. So, there is a need to consider and include alternative jobs even from the construction industry that raises our infrastructure facilities. MGNREGA provides for financial compensation as allowance during off season when jobs can not be provided. Accordingly, Centre is expected to monitor closely the ground reality and release funds in time. The recent incessant rains in Tamil Nadu have reportedly come in the way of the needy in getting jobs. There is a need to evolve ways and means to provide jobs continuously without a break to the beneficiaries under MGNREGA overcoming shortcomings even during the time when vagaries of weather and natural disasters affect the lives of people. I would like to point out that the hands of State Government would be strengthened if proper certification and release of funds are made in time. Hence, I urge upon the Prime Minister and the Union Rural Development Minister to consider this plea and do the needful.