The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) in Punjab is giving women the opportunity to earn. While men prefer higher wages in nearby towns, the scheme has proved to be a breather for the women in the state.
Disclosing this here today, Ranjit Singh Brahmpura, Rural Development and Panchayats Department, said that ever since the NREGA schemes have been implemented in their locality, they have been able to augment their family incomes.
“Be it for an increase in the family income or a crucial tool for living, Panchayats engage a substantial number of women in NREGA projects launched in the villages”, he said.
The minister acknowledged that higher participation of the women in NREGA schemes is a very positive aspect. “Another reason is that women feel safe at the work place in a better socio-economic environment. Participation of women is highly encouraging and it will definitely give rural economy a boost in the near future”, he said.
He also said that the state government would ensure the convergence of NREGA with other schemes that were already being implemented in Punjab. “We will strive for providing 100 days of employment under NREGA and to ensure timely payment of wages to rural job card holders, and also address the issue of uneven erformances of various districts”, said Brahmpura.
