Srinagar (NVI): Advisor to J&K Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan today said that MGNREGA activities can be resumed amid lockdown in the Union Territory while following the guidelines issued by Union Ministry of Rural Development.
Khan stated this while chairing a meeting to review the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for the resumption and roll out of Rural Development Department activities during the lockdown in Jammu and Kashmir.
During the meeting, instructions were conveyed for resumption of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) activities as per the Guidelines issued by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India. “The Advisor further stated that under the SOPs, officials of MGNREGA must ensure that an adequate shelf of works is approved in every area in order to meet the demand for the works of the job seekers,” the statement said.
The meeting was informed that the Departmental Promotion Committee (DPC) would start works at district level as per demand of wage seekers for areas outside the demarcated containment zones. However, if any new area is included in the category of containment zones, then MGNREGA activities allowed in that area will be immediately suspended.
The DPC will also ensure allocation of works in such a way that social distancing could be maintained at the works sites. During the allotment of works, it shall be ensured that the on-going and incomplete works should be completed first.
The Advisor emphasized the need for adherence to Social Distancing, usage of masks and personal sanitation at the work sites. “He further directed to focus on Irrigation and Water Conservation Works, Construction of Ponds, Wells, Horticulture and other related activities,” the statement said.
