States' MGNREGA under probe for potential financial misappropriation

Some states have been using more than permitted MGNREGA funds to build rural infrastructure instead of generating livelihood opportunities for rural needy, says Central government

Concerned about potential financial misappropriation, the Centre has sent a warning to the states urging them to adhere to the true spirit of the flagship rural job guarantee programme, reported The Economic Times. Some state governments have been constructing rural infrastructure with more than permitted funds under the flagship Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) rather than creating livelihood opportunities for the needy in rural areas.
 

According to an official, this was one of the main causes for the increase in programme expenses that strained the Center's budget.
 

While investigation into additional states is ongoing, the trend has