SRINAGAR: Advisor to Lieutenant Governor, Baseer Ahmad Khan chaired a meeting to review the Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) for resumption and roll out of Rural Development Department activities during the lock down 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 Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.
The meeting was informed that in view of the instructions of the Union Government, the Administrative Department vide Circular No: 13 RD& PR of 2020 Dated: 21/04/2020 issued SOPs (Standard Operating Procedures) for resumption of MGNREGA works during the lock down period in the UT of J&K.
It was further informed that under the SOPs, DPO and PO MGNREGA must ensure that an adequate shelf of works is approved in every GP in order to meet the demand for the works of the job seekers.
Further, the meeting was informed that 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.
Speaking on the occasion, 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.
As per MIS reports 344 works have been taken up by Rural Development Department (RDD) under MGNREGA in seven districts of Kashmir Division in which 27 works were taken up in Budgam district 27, 14 works in Bandipora, 18 in Baramulla, 20 in Ganderbal, 4 in Kulgam, 240 in Kupwara and 21 works in Pulwama districts. The natures of the works taken up by the districts are mainly of Irrigation and Rural Connectivity related.
