BILASPUR – In Chhattisgarh under the leadership of Chief Minister Shri Bhupesh Baghel, rural economy remains strong despite the nationwide lock-down implemented for control of Covid-19 from the extensive works started under MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme).
After the lock-down, in April alone, a total of 548 crore 41 lakhs of wages have been paid, including new and old works. 210 crores have also been released by the State Government for payment of material head. 76 crore 94 lakh rupees will also be released soon for additional employment of 50 days.
As by Covid-19, the rural economy has suffered due to the amount reaching the hands of workers under adverse conditions. It increased the purchasing power of the villagers besides freeing them from employment concerns. CM. Bhupesh Baghel and Minister of Panchayat and Rural Development T.S. Singhdev had instructed to start a large number of MNREGA works to provide relief to the villages in the present difficult conditions. The state’s MNREGA unit and gram panchayats, working on the mission mode, have created more than one crore 23 lakh man days in the month of April itself.
On 1st April of the new financial year 2020-21, the number of MNREGA workers in the state was only 57 thousand 536. In view of the need of work in villages in the current phase of lock-down, MNREGA works were started by the government loudly. Due to the activeness of field staff and sarpanches, at the end of the month, on 30 April this number reached 19 lakh 85 thousand 166. During this, more than one crore 23 lakh man-days of employment were provided to 10 lakh 24 thousand families of MNREGA job holders. The process of payment of wages was speedily completed and the workers were also paid promptly. In the month of April, the workers have been paid wages of more than 200 crores.
All the measures to avoid corona virus infection and the guidelines of the Central and State Government are being followed in the ongoing MNREGA works in the state. In all workplaces, with the help of MNREGA team and Panchayats, social and physical distance is being strictly followed for covering the face with a mask or cloth and washing hands with soap. Continuous inspection of the workplaces is also being monitored by the officers.
