November -
- IAF Advanced Landing Ground at Vijaynagar re-
activated - ANSU observes Tallang & Hira’s death anniversary
- Japan conference creates hospital void
- KVK organizes training for fish farmers at Deomali
- Association expresses displeasure over omission of Gadam Ete from cabinet
- Land encroachment by Assam people alleged
- Training-
cum- exposure tour - EKMZSU bats for brave youths
- Climate change and agriculture
IAF Advanced Landing Ground at Vijaynagar re-
Ojing Tayeng
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: The Advanced Landing Ground (ALG) at Vijaynagar in Changlang district
was re-
Addressing the gathering on the occasion, Governor Singh said that the first landing
of the AN-
The Governor while dedicating this new airfield to the people of the state informed that this airfield is one of the first PM Package projects to be implemented since the MoU for the upgradation of ALGs was signed between the State Government and Ministry of Defence in June 2008.
He expressed his gratitude to Indian Air Force and State PWD for completing the work
in a record time. He said that with the up-
This is the first advanced landing ground (ALG) in the North East to be upgraded under military infrastructure development activities. Besides this, plan to upgrade ALGs in Pasighat, Mechukha, Walong, Tuting and Ziro including helipads is also on the card.
Meanwhile, Singh advised the people of Vijoynagar to save and protect flora and fauna
of the area and strongly advised them to promote tourism sector by adopting home-
Taking serious note over the disruption of recently constructed road from Miao to Vijaynagar during the last monsoon season, the Governor assured that he would take initiative for construction of all weather road soon. He, however, said that construction of such (all weather) road would not be possible within Namdapha National Park area.
Air Marshal S Varthaman said that since Vijaynagar is only accessible by air, revival of this ALG will provide immense relief to the local population.
UNI adds from Bangalore: Meanwhile, talking to reporters , Chief of Air Staff, Air
Chief Marshal N A K Browne informed that in addition to AN-
“The renovated air base will support the army and the Arunachal government with better air connectivity to its troops and people in the region.” Browne said.
The ALG was renovated by PWD (EZ) under the guidance of chief engineer Er. Toli Basar.
The Governor was accompanied by State First Lady Anupama Singh, Principal Secretary H.K. Paliwal and Secretary to Governor Ankur Garg.
Present on the occasion were SOA HQ EAC Air vice Marshal KS Gill, AOC, 10 Wing AF Air CMDE TK Sinha among others. Earlier, the Governor at Pasighat Aerodrome, underscored the potential of tourism sector in East Siang and suggested for exposure tour for youth and entrepreneurs in tourism sector.
He also discussed on various developmental issues with the Deputy Commissioner In-
The Vijaynagar ALG is located at an Altitude of 1275.00 Mtrs and Longitude of 79-
This ALG was constructed during 1966-
However, Ministry of Defence, Government of India and Government of Arunachal Pradesh have signed an MoU in June 2009. Accordingly handing/taking of the ALG, Vijaynagar between Ministry of Defence represented by Air Force Authorities, Jorhat was held on February 27, 2010.
Later, Air Force Authorities decided to renovate it in the year 2010 and provided Rs.90 lakhs to PWD, Jairampur Division as a deposit work.
Till then the PWD Jairampur Division with the help of Air Force Authorities started the renovation work and completed the assigned task on October 2011.
ANSU observes Tallang & Hira’s death anniversary
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) observed the 20th death anniversary
of Biki Tallang and Kabak Hira at its office complex at Tallang-
The ANSU executive members along with the parents of Tallang and Kabak paid floral tributes and offered prayers at the memorials of both Tallang and Kabak at ANSU office complex.
Biki Tallang, a former ANSU vice president and Kabak Hira died in a road accident in 1991.
“Tallang was a very sincere, dedicated and energetic student leader and he will be remembered as long as ANSU exists,” said ANSU general secretary Arjun Panye.
The parents of Tallang and Hira appealed to ANSU to properly maintain the memorials and also to erect statues of both Tallang and Hira, if possible.
Japan conference creates hospital void
Correspondent
DIRANG, Nov 18: Dirang CHC senior medical officer Dr. S.K Singh (S/G) has left for
Kyoto, Japan to attend the 2-
However, his departure for the important meet is also said to have created a difficult situation for the hospital.
“Dr. Singh is the lone human doctor posted at CHC Dirang. The public including the local legislator of the constituency have been pressing hard and requesting the state health department to post adequate doctors for the past one year but no action has been forthcoming so far. With his departure, there is no human doctor to look after the CHC and its administrative duties are being temporarily looked after by the dental doctor.
“Now, we do not know what will happen to the fate of patients who throng the hospital
from various far-
KVK organizes training for fish farmers at Deomali
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: Krishi Vigyan Kendra (KVK), Tirap organized a day-
As many as 20 fish farmers from nine different villages of Tirap district, including Wasathong, Vivek Nagar, Subang Otongkhua, Makat, Doidam, Sipini, Namsang and Natun Kheti actively participated in the training programme. The demonstration programme was planned mainly to educate and aware the progressive fish farmers of the district about different management measures to prevent occurrence of common fish diseases.
The programme was inaugurated by Dr. D.S. Chhonkar, Programme Coordinator, KVK, Tirap.
In his inaugural speech Dr. Chhonkar urged the fish farmers to avail full benefit of the programme and utilize the knowledge gained for prevention of common fish diseases in their ponds.
The method demonstrations were conducted at Govt. fish farm, Deomali. Rajdeep Dutta, SMS (Fisheries), KVK, Tirap explained the farmers about different commonly occurred fish diseases in Tirap and their symptoms, cause and preventive measures.
The different management techniques for prevention of fish diseases like monitoring of pond water pH, application of quick lime, application of potassium permanganate, dip treatment, application of different medicines and antibiotics for control of fish diseases etc. were demonstrated to the farmers during the programme.
Habon Khoisia, FD, Dept of Fisheries, Govt. Of A.P., Tirap briefed the farmers about different precautions to be taken while dealing with any fish disease to prevent it from spreading. The farmers were also provided with some critical inputs like pH paper, quick lime and potassium permanganate required for prevention of fish diseases during the programme.
Association expresses displeasure over omission of Gadam Ete from cabinet
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: The Paktu Ao Youth Association (PAYWA) along with Paktu Area People’s Forum (PAPF) extended its gratitude to Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for his kind gesture towards their sentiment by constituting four member committee headed by minister Tanga Byaling as Chairman to look into the various grievances put forward by them.
However, the PAYWA and PAPF expressed their regret over AICC’s interference in expansion of Nabam Tuki cabinet.
“AICC has denied CM the chance to pick his own independent ministers which resulted in omission of Gadam Ete from getting cabinet berth,”.
Both the organization said they were surprised over the inclusion of Jarkar Gamlin as cabinet minister by superseding the seniors like Gadam Ete, Jomde Kena and Gojen Gadi from West Siang district. They cautioned that the new minister who represents Paktu area should consult each and every developmental work with both the organizations before giving it a final shape.
They further urged MLA Gadam Ete, who is a Paktu Ao member, to take up the various issues of Paktu Ao with utmost care and priorities.
Land encroachment by Assam people alleged
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: Thousands of People from Assam have illegally occupied large areas of Arunachal land at Taraso circle under Papum Pare district, alleged Taraso ZPM Nabam Eka.
The ZPM, who visited the area yesterday, alleged that thousands of people from Assam have illegally settled down near Radhaso, Tallumso, Hokin Hote and Tasumso villages under Taraso circle. He urged the state government to immediately send a team to visit the area to take stock of the gravity of the situation.
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: As many as 20 farmers from various villages of Kurung Kumey district were taken to 3 days training cum exposure tour to Meghalaya from November 14 to 17 last by Rural Development and Heritage Society (RDHS), Sangram.
The farmers team led by Tamchi Niania, Chairman, RDHS were taken to Rural Resource and Training Centre (RRTC), St Joseph, A.T.C. Umran, Meghalaya.
The main purpose of the tour was to train the farmers on low cost vermicompost technology using earthworms to turn organic wastes into high quality compost instead of using chemical fertilizer.
Resource persons Kulendia Sarania and instructor Monica Lyngdoh of Rural Resource and Training centre trained the farmers on vermicomposting.
The team also visited Cheraponji and gathered knowledge on integrated fish farming, bee keeping etc.
Ashinu Lokiong, Coordinator, Meghalaya Rural development Society (MRDS) distributed certificates to the trainees.
The RRTC staff appreciated General Manager NABARD, Itanagar for sponsoring the exposure trip and also promised to set up vermicompost unit in their respective villages.
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: In its representation to the deputy commissioner of the district, East Kameng Middle Zone Students’ Union (EKMZSU) demanded the district administration for recognition of local youths, who saved many lives during the horrifying bridge collapse incident at Seppa on October 29 last.
Sixteen people had lost life and 30 more were injured in the tragic incident.
The union further called for early disbursement of ex-
The memorandum urged the administration to involve union in third party monitoring committee for reconstruction of hanging bridge for effective and transparent execution. It further urged the authority to curb encroachment of the Seppa Government Hr. Sec. School land.
The union also demanded for establishment of police check gate at Hari Bridge, Seppa to prevent unauthorized and illegal activities in the town in particular and district as whole. It also urged the local MLAs and authority to submit new proposal for construction of new RCC Bridge at Seppa alongwith a DPR.
Climate change and agriculture
RIMA TAIPODIA
AGRICULTURE AND CLIMATE CHANGE
Indian economy is fully dependent on monsoon since time immemorial.Rising temperatures and changes in rainfall patterns have direct effects on crop yields as well as an indirect effects on irrigation water availability.
Recent studies have shown that the rain fed yield changes are driven by both precipitation
and temperature changes; the irrigated yield effects are from temperature changes
alone. The results of the research suggest that in developing countries, yield declines
predominate for most crops. Irrigated wheat and irrigated rice are especially hard
hit. On an average, yields in developed countries are affected less than those in
developing countries. For a few crops, climate change actually increases yields in
the developed-
AGRICULTURE AND MOISTURE STRESS
In the coming decades the availability of water for agriculture will be a key issue for crop production. The demand for water for irrigation is projected to rise in a warmer climate, bringing increased competition between agriculture, urban as well as industrial users. Falling water tables and the resulting increase in the energy needed to pump water will make the practice of irrigation more expensive, particularly when with drier conditions more water will be required per acre. Peak irrigation demands are also predicted to rise due to more severe heat waves. Additional investment for dams, reservoirs, canals, wells, pumps, and piping may be needed to develop irrigation networks in new locations. Finally, intensified evaporation will increase the hazard of salt accumulation in the soil.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND QUALITY DEPRECIATION
Grain quality of wheat (e.g. protein content) is highly susceptible to current variations in climate and affects the type of foods that can be produced through, for example, gluten levels and related dough strength will affect crop storage and thereby increase the cost of transportation and storage. Other impacts on crop quality include pests and diseases, such as dangerous levels of mycotoxin contamination of groundnuts. Vegetable and fruits dehydrate and get contaminated besides losing texture and human find it difficult to consume.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND SOIL FERTILITY
Higher air temperatures will also affect the soil, where warmer conditions are likely
to speed the natural decomposition of organic matter and to increase the rates of
other soil processes that affect fertility. With dryer condition lesser water the
decomposition will make available NPK for the plants to grow. This would also enhance
the depletion of micronutrients and it availability and reduce the quality of produce
from the land. Additional application of fertilizer may be needed to counteract these
processes and to take advantage of the potential for enhanced crop growth that can
result from increased atmospheric CO2. However, of adequate irrigation not provided
the application of fertilizer will serve no purpose. Further excess application of
fertiliser to overcome stress would pose a severe cost to environment impact water
and air quality besides contamination of food chain. The continual cycling of plant
nutrients (carbon, nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, and sulphur) in the soil-
CLIMATE CHANGE AND PEST AND DISEASES
In warmer climates, severe stress in climate with erratic rainfalls helps proliferation
of insect pests. Longer growing seasons will enable insects such as grasshoppers
to complete a greater number of reproductive cycles during the spring, summer, and
autumn. Warmer winter temperatures may also allow larvae to winter-
integrated pest management techniques.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND MONSOON IMPACT
With a disturbed monsoon and unpredictable weather, rice cultivation would be worst affected. Scheduled planting and harvesting based on weather patterns will become less effective. Normal planting of rice crops begins in October and harvested by January. However, as climate change affects ENSO and consequently delays planting, harvesting will be late and in drier conditions, resulting in less potential yields.
CLIMATE CHANGE AND INDIAN AGRICULTURE
Agriculture and allied sector still constitutes the single largest component of around 17% of the Gross Domestic Product and providing an employment of around two thirds of the total work force. Its contribution to exports is close to 11 % and its intricate linkage with food prices makes it critical to providing not just the food needs of the country but also its neighboring South Asia region. At the country level the agriculture contributes 28 percentages of total GHG emissions. This share in agriculture does not include the fuel used in agriculture for energy use. The main GHG emission in agriculture comes from enteric fermentation which forms close to 60 % followed by methane emission from rice cultivation close to 23 %. The impact of climate change on India agriculture has received very less attention in terms of policy mainly on account of differences emerging in the quantification of the effect arising from the change in temperature and build up of CO2 concentration. Even the methane emission from rice has received sharp criticism wherein western media reports of high methane emission have been proved erroneous. Notwithstanding this difference there is no denying that temperature has changed significantly in the country. Recent reports from different studies show that the surface temperature across the country is increasing. The global increase over the period of 100 years was close to 0.85oC and for India it was close to 0.54oC.
This increase in temperature is cause of alarm with the level of industrialization and growth model that is being pursued. The increase in temperature is a result of the buildup of the GHG emission accumulating in the region. This is and will result in more frequent hot days, hot nights and heat waves. This will also result in erratic precipitation and rise in sea level and low lying agriculture will be seriously affected. Even the tropical cyclones in the Bay of Bengal is set to increase and the glaciers in the Himalayas are going to contract flooding the perennial rivers like Ganga, Yamuna and Brahmaputra’s.
More specifically the clear impact of climate change is the increase in vulnerability
of the crops, livestock, plantation crops, fisheries, soil fertility and water balance.
This in turn will make the ecology unstable. An increase in CO2 to a level of 550
parts per million (ppm) increases the yields of rice, wheat, legumes and oilseeds
by 10-
On account of increase in temperature water balance is going to get disturbed. With increase in surface temperature and without adaptation it is anticipated the water bodies like the lakes, ponds are going to disappear on account of the heat. Already on account of unscrupulous exploitation fertile lands with rich biomass is being converted to industrial and residential and commercial purpose which is depleting the natural carbon sinks contributing to further build up of Green House Gases (GHG).
On meeting the growing demand commercial cultivation in Indian farm using synthetic fertilizer and chemicals is further adding to the GHG emission and degrading the fertility and productivity of Indian agriculture.
The new farming policies using Genetically Modified (GM) seeds is posing a serious
threat since these crops use more water and synthetic fertilizers and chemicals which
add to the carbon foot-
However, the mitigation is possible only in the context of natural farming wherein less Carbon intensive agriculture is used. There is greater need to pursue a natural farming with more in situ (or in farm input resources which would reduce the cost of cultivation as well as help in mitigation).
(The writer is a STO, scholar(Botany), specialized in Tea Husbandry and technology sponsored by TEA BOARD OF INDIA and former tea consultant to the state planning department govt. of Arunachal Pradesh, Itanagar.)
Ex-
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: G-
Condolences
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: Jigo-
Kirjum Taso, a young documentary film maker, died on November 11 and Taani Nada, who was the first Arunachalee to establish pharmacy, died on Tuesday last.
Stating that their death has created vacuum in the society, the association prayed to almighty for eternal peace of departed souls.
Meanwhile Nani Employees Welfare Association (NEWA) has deeply mourned the sudden death of Nani Chobin, head assistant, Hydro Power Department Naharlagun and prayed for eternal peace of the departed soul.
The association prayed to almighty to bestow enough strength to bereaved family to bear the irreparable loss.
Surily Awaaz Ki Koj concluded
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: Kunal Baja and Jini Kena won the first and second prize respectively
in the month-
APLS lauds CM
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: The Arunachal Pradesh Literary Society (APLS) has lauded the state government, particularly Chief Minister Nabam Tuki for honouring its request to name the road from Arunachal State Hospital to Prem Nagar, Naharlagun after late Lummer Dai, one of the literary giants and founding father of journalism in Arunachal Pradesh.
The APLS appreciated chief minister for his magnanimity as he had accorded approval to the proposal immediately after submission of a memorandum by APLS general secretary Tokong Pertin during the National Press Day celebration here on November 16 last.
The APLS also welcomed the decision of the chief minister for announcing a high level
committee headed by Sahitya Akademy awardee and noted writer Y D Thongchi, who is
also the president of APLS, to suggest modalities to the State Government for recognizing
the immense contributions of music maestro Dr Bhupen Hazarika in the field of socio-
Meanwhile, the extra ordinary sitting of the APLS would be conducted on November 20 next at state museum to discuss various important issues.
ANYA urges govt to provide sports infra
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: All Nyishi Youth Association (ANYA) has appealed to the State Government to provide the basic infrastructure and other facilities to the sportspersons of the state.
Mentioning spectacular performance of few sportspersons despite limited facility, ANYA appealed to the Govt to reward those sportspersons suitably, who have excelled in various national and international level competitions.
Meanwhile, ANYA and All Marki Socio-
Sport cum Literary Meet
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: The 8th Sports, Cultural cum Literary Meet of All Mengio Students Union (AMSU) would be held from November 24 to 27 next at Government Secondary School Sakiang.
All Nyishi Students’ Union (ANSU) general secretary Arjun Panye and All Papum Pare District Students’ Union (APPDSU) president Nabum John will attend the function as chief guest and guest of honour respectively.
KGBV students shine at block level competition
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: Kashturba Gandhi Balika Vidalaya (KGBV), Bameng shone with medals in block level games and sports competition held at Bameng in East Kameng district today.
Mebing Waii of KGBV won the first positions in 100 meter race and high jump while
Lungchung Sonam won first position in shot-
PR leader resents functioning of health centers
ITANAGAR, Nov 18: Tuting Block Anchal Chairperson Dechen Jobo has expressed resentment
over the functioning of NGO-
In a release, he claimed that health centres at Singa and Gelling circle are presently run by a single homeopathic doctor, who also prescribes allopathic medicines. The PR leader further alleged that NGO Karuna Trust is running community health centre of Tuting as Primary Health Centre despite having MoU signed with the state government. Seeking immediate posting of sufficient staff at health centers, the PR leader appealed to the state government to look into the matter seriously.
AAPSU denounces ‘Supra State Body’
ITANAGAR: All Arunachal Pradesh Students’ Union (AAPSU) has denounced the Centre’s proposed ‘Supra State Body’ for Naga inhabited areas.
Reacting to news item on Centre’s proposed Supra Body, Takam Tatung stated that people will never accept such kind of proposal.
“If Supra State Body is implemented, parts of our state will be administered from Kohima,” he said, adding that Government of India should not play with sentiments of Arunachalee people.
Tatung, who attended the cultural cultural event of inter college youth festival at RGU as special guest, said that “RGU is highest intellectual hub of state. And here representatives of students from different colleges of state have come to be part of this celebration. Taking this opportunity, I want to urge every young student to understand the evil design of Naga rebel group and time has come for us to stand united against such evil design.”
While welcoming the new VC, Tatung hoped that under his guidance RGU will attain new height of success in years to come.
FCI store empty
ITANAGAR: The Food Cooperation of India (FCI) is once again hitting headline for wrong reason in Arunachal.
The Head Load Area Fair Price Shop Welfare Committee, a Koloriang based NGO today claimed that no essential commodities is available at Ziro FCI store for the last two months which has created acute shortage essential items in Kurung Kumey district. The committee fervently appealed to the authority concerned to ensure regular supply of PDS items to the district at earliest.
Valedictory function of CADENCE
ITANAGAR: The valedictory function of IX Inter-
Tuki chief guest
ITANAGAR: Chief Minister Nabam Tuki and Member of Parliament Takam Sanjoy have consented to be the chief guest and guest of honour of the Golden Jubilee celebration of Govt. Hr. Sec School, Tali on November 29.
News Impact
Copyright © 2008, The Arunachal Times Publications Pvt. Ltd., Siang House, Sector
-
All rights reserved.
Clarification
Dear Editor,
This is in response to the letter written by Nabam Tado, Tarak Eha and Nido Joram,
member of APPDSU where they have alleged district administration Papum Pare of implementing
the Highway Project with iron fist, khusi-
First, it is mention that vide order no LM-
The committee was entrusted to look after the land acquisition and compensation package
for smooth execution of the highway project. The HPC had its first sitting on February
24, 2010 under the chairmanship of Commissioner, LM and had fixed the land value
category wise. For rest of the assets value it was decided to implement the rates
in vogue submitted by the allied department and so rate being fixed ‘khusi-
Secondly, 99% of rates that had been implemented in the Highway project are extracted
item wise rates from the DPR copy of Pappu-
During final compensation survey and assessment some minor items like flower plants, RCC post, Angel Post etc, were recorded on the ground for which there was no rates in the list and payment were made on the basis of analysis rates after due consultation with PWD department because district administration was bound to compensate the land owners once items were recorded in the ground assessment sheet and for such minor items the public interest project can’t be halted.
In the public hearing at Doimukh on November 9, 2010 for Pappu-
Regarding involvement of technical department in preparation of compensation package, it is to clarify that every project involving compensation package is routed through district administration only in the district. The final compensation amount so prepared against affected land owners are on the basis of simple calculation i.e. multiplying approved rates with plinth area/RM for standing structures, per tree/nos for plantation items and in term of quintal or hectare for agriculture produce etc. We need not have to calculate item wise valuation from top to bottom for a single item and need not a measurement book (MB) like that of engineering department where each and every item is recorded.
Thirdly, the Durpong Reserve Forest notification of 1978 had excluded 14 sqkm of area for Chakma settlement from Chengmara in the east to Magoni river in the west and all along the foothills in the north (approx. 2Km length) and Rajgarh road in the south bordering Assam.
Also, recently the Government had issued directives to all the DCs to issue LPCs
to the native people living along the inter-
Also, the statement that DC Yupia is exercising his power along 12 Km stretch of
4-
Regarding furnishing of clarification on 12 points submitted to DC’s office on October 21, 2011, the clarification could have been furnished had the way of seeking clarification was in a cordial manner and way. Instead the clarification seekers used dictating words and terms which were not acceptable. Moreover, they are not the competent authority to whom a govt. servant should give clarification.
Lastly, I would like to request those youths on behalf of the district administration Papum Pare to use their inherent knowledge and talent in welfare activities in instead of opposing it.
Yours,
Techi Hitlar, LRSO
For Deputy Commissioner,
Papum Pare Dist. Yupia
May you take Arunachal to new prosperity
Dear Editor,
My congratulations to 11 MLAs who made it to the final list of cabinet and deep sympathy for those who couldn’t make it in spite of 6 months of rigorous fight for leadership change. May they take Arunachal to prosperity.
Just few things prick me. Why Mr. Chief Minister choose MLAs who were very recently marred with charges of corruption and nepotism?
I ask NES and ANSU to keep continue your track on Pradeep Thakur issue or else you will end up making people believe that you simply wanted the post of CM by using the issue of TOI/DC.
Pradeep Thakur has already tarnished the image of our community a lot; please do not contribute to his effort.
Yours,
Ramesh Jomo
Itanagar, (on email).
Its Kalaktang-
Dear Editor,
This is in response to your news item “Former MLA joins BJP” dated November 18.
The Nomenclature used by Arunachal Times every time is Incorrect. Its Kalaktang-
I appeal Arunachal Times to stop circulating wrong information regarding Nomenclature since you are the only reliable media in our state and Nomenclature does play a major role in Tribal States.
Hoping the mistake would be corrected at the earliest and would not be repeated again in the future course of time.
Yours,
Yeshi Wangchu Kharma
Delhi, (on email).
___________
All email and surface mails must be accompanied with contact numbers and full postal address. Do keep writing but please make sure that letters are short and to the point.
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Rural employment
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), India’s flagship rural employment programme will start paying cash directly to wage earners in some selected blocks.
This step has been taken to reduce delays in making payments.
The other likely reforms for the programe includes participatory rural planning,
demand-
A draft note on reforms in MGNREGA implementation had been published in the public domain for inputs and comments as part of the reforms.
Though the Act has helped many rural households, there have many instances of corruption and unaccountability.
Many of the states revised the wages several times after the MGNREGA was introduced. However the reach of the programe has been limited because of delay in payments and in many cases wages going to the wrong people.
The Act was noti?ed in 200 districts in the ?rst phase with effect from February 2nd
2006 and then extended to additional 130 districts in the ?nancial year 2007-
Thus MGNREGA covers the entire country with the exception of districts that have a hundred percent urban population.
The Act was implemented for inclusive growth ranging from basic wage security and recharging rural economy to a transformative empowerment process of democracy.
However the ministry and states will have to ensure that people who actually need the benefits are under the purview of the Act.
There are reports of acute decline of work demand in Naxal affected areas and other tribal areas, attributed to delay in payments.
These loopholes need to be plugged.
