Deficient rains: Govt to increase employment under MGNREGA

With the monsoon predicted to be deficient this year, the Central government today said it is preparing plans for the states that would be the worst-hit as it announced that the number of days for MNREGA work in such states would be raised from 100 to 150.

The Union Minister for Rural Development and Drinking Water Birender Singh said arrangements would be made to provide drinking water in areas which may be hit by drought or less rainfall.

"We are preparing big plan in places which are going to be the worst affected. I have told Secretary Rural Development that states where we give 100 days of employment, we will make provision of 150 days so that people do not face problem in getting employment," he said while addressing a press conference here on completion of one year of Modi government.

The plan is being worked out "in view of forecast of 14 per cent less monsoon rains this year", he said.

Replying to a question, the minister said there was no question of changing the name of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) and that the present government has done more to strengthen the programme.

"As compared to the previous budget allocation which was never more than Rs 34,000 crore, the present government has increased it to Rs 40,000 crore. While Rs 35,000 crore were allocated in Union Budget, the Finance Minister also announced Rs 5,000 crore more," he said.

In addition, there was a budgetary ratio of 60:40 between labour and assets, which have been maintained, Singh said, denying the allegation that the central government would change it to 51:49.

He said that for the skill development of those working under MGNREGA, the government has for the first time implemented a new scheme known as Deen Dayal Upadhyay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana and National Rural Livelihood Mission.