core sector communique

Enhanced Labour Budget under MGNREGA for drought like conditions

The Government has asked the states to identify development projects under MGNREGA to ensure work available for those in need mainly from agriculture labour who are in distress due to impending drought situation in some parts of the country. Being aware of the fact that rainfall has been lower than normal in some parts of the country and that this may lead to an increased demand for employment under MGNREGA, the Union Rural Development Ministry has already written to the Chief Ministers of States to prepare a contingency plan for meeting increased demand for employment under MGNREGA. The States have been assured that in drought like conditions, the Central Government will be open to revision in the labour budget for the current financial year to meet the increased demand for employment. The State Governments have also been advised to prepare supplementary shelf of projects to meet increased demand for work with emphasis on water and soil conservation works so as to mitigate the impact of deficient rainfall. This was stated in a written reply to a question in the Rajya Sabha by the Minister of State for Rural Developement Shri Pradeep Jain yesterday.