Rural development ministry wants more funds for job scheme

This, despite the Revised Estimates for 2016-17 exceeding Budget Estimates by Rs 9,000 cr

The Rural Development Ministry might seek a third batch of supplementary demands for 2016-17 to clear pending wage dues under the flagship MGNREGA estimated to be over Rs 3,800 crore as on February 6. This is despite the Revised Estimates (RE) for 2016-17 exceeding the Budget Estimates by Rs 9,000 crore.

In fact, the dues could go well over Rs 6,900 crore as on February 6, if pending material and administrative expenditure are added on to them, as per the MGNREGA website.

Officials said if approved, the total allocation for the programme in 2016-17 financial year could exceed RE of Rs 47,500