Villages in Sekruzu area report MGNREGA payment delays, food-grain shortages

DIMAPUR — Serious lapses in the implementation of MGNREGA and the Public Distribution System (PDS) were flagged during a consultative meeting chaired by the extra assistant commissioner (EAC) of Sekruzu, according to a DIPR update on Friday.

The meeting held, on November 13 with Sekruzu Range Public Organisation, village council chairmen and head GBs, placed on record that several MGNREGA job card holders had not received their Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) payments.

The participants attributed the problem to the dysfunctional state of the BDO office and urged the BDO and staff to remain regularly stationed to ensure timely grievance redress.

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During the meeting, villages also reported months-long non-receipt of allocated food-grains under PDS.

The EAC directed the villages to submit detailed reports on allotments and actual receipts for the year, assuring that the matter would be taken up with the supply officer and the department concerned.

Strong objections were raised against moves to shift the Sekruzu Block SHG Federation office from Sekruzu to Chozuba town, it stated.

The representatives maintained that the office must remain attached to BDO Sekruzu, warning that relocating any service from what they described as one of the most backward regions of the district would cause further hardship.

The EAC informed the gathering that the proposed shift had already been put on hold and the house unanimously resolved not to allow the move.

The meeting also discussed concerns over the status of GBs in Sekruzu town.

Clarifying rumours, the EAC stated that the two GBs had neither been suspended nor terminated. The case relating to allegations of misconduct remains pending with the government, but the GBs should continue discharging their duties and assist in local administration, he added.