Damages to private property to be covered under MGNREGA: Anirudh

Rains in several parts of the state have caused considerable damage to public and private property, especially the rural infrastructure in the state. As a result, the state government has decided that the repair, refurbishment, maintenance and renovation work of public and private properties in rural areas could be taken up immediately under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) without prior approval from the Gram Sabha, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad. This was stated by Rural Development Minister, Anirudh Singh here today.

The shelf of such works will be approved by the Deputy Commissioners cum District Programme Coordinator and ex post facto approval of the Gram Sabha, Panchayat Samiti and Zila Parishad may be obtained.

Anirudh Singh said that after taking note of battered private properties due to incessant rains that triggered flash floods and landslides, it has been decided that any loss to the private infrastructure will be covered under the new guidelines, even if the infrastructure has not been created under MGNREGA. Individual work up to the limit of one lakh rupees will be covered under the new directions, the Minister stated.

The Rural Development Minister added that cement for individual works can be procured from the open market.