"The state government claims (about implementation of MGNREGA) are completely baseless and the figures quoted by the minister (for Rural Development) are misleading," Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chief spokesperson Naeem Akhtar said in a statement.
He said the huge funds received from the Centre during last four years have been grossly mis-utilised even as a greater portion of them is still lying with the government because of its inability to spend properly.
Quoting figures from Union Ministry of Rural Development, Akhtar said till December 2012, the government of India had released a whopping Rs 1,700 crore for implementation of the programme since 2009-10.
"Out of this, only around Rs 800 crore have been spent which amounts to less than 50 per cent of the funds received from government of India during the four years of present government," he said.
Akhtar alleged that Jammu and Kashmir has been one of the worst performers among all the states in the country.
He alleged that the present government had "politicised" the implementation of MGNREGA and as a result its very basic objective of transforming rural life through employment and development had been subverted.
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He said instead of providing jobs to the deserving persons, the present government has established a new class of rural exploiters who belong to the ruling parties and work as commission agents.
The PDP spokesperson said the Centre should take note of the gross violation of the guidelines.
The funds under MGNREGA were reportedly utilised for organising public meetings for the chief minister, minister for rural development and other politicians, Akhtar said.
He said the government must explain the source of funding of the recently held Maha Panchayat Conference which was held in Srinagar to celebrate the fourth anniversary of the coalition government.
He said the party has reports that the expenditure was booked against the funds provided under MGNREGA violating the guidelines for the scheme.