Jammu, April 2 – The Directorate of Rural Development Department (RDD), Jammu, has issued a circular tightening oversight on material payments under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). The move aims to curb irregularities where vendors receive payments despite not supplying materials for sanctioned works.
The directive underscores the importance of ensuring that only genuine vendors who have actually provided materials receive payment. It follows complaints that in certain instances, funds were disbursed to vendors without verification of supply. The circular mandates that concerned officials, including Project Officers of Wage Employment and Block Development Officers (BDOs), verify vendors before approving payments.
As per the circular, procurement of materials such as bricks and reinforcement bars, which are used across multiple Gram Panchayats (GPs), should be aggregated at the block level. The BDOs are responsible for issuing tenders to ensure cost efficiency and fair pricing. Only vendors approved by the BDOs will be authorized to supply materials at standardized rates.
The government has cited several official orders reinforcing the directive, including Order No: 185-RD&PR of 2020 (dated 24-08-2020), Circular No: 03-RD & PR of 2020 (dated 14-01-2020), 10-RD & PR of 2021 (dated 26-07-2021), and 10-RD & PR of 2023 (dated 18-12-2023). Any violation of these guidelines, the department warned, would invite disciplinary action.
Responding to the circular, Mehraj Malik, Member of the Legislative Assembly (MLA) from Doda, hailed the government’s move. Sharing the circular on social media, Malik wrote: “Thanks to Hon’ble minister for action. Material bills will be provided to only those who supplied material. Public must stand up for their rights. Don’t let any vendor get paid who did not supply material. Keep a record, and action will be taken.”
The directive has sparked discussions among rural workers and suppliers, many of whom see it as a necessary step to ensure transparency in the implementation of MGNREGS. Officials have urged the public to report any discrepancies to ensure adherence to the guidelines.
The Rural Development Department has instructed all concerned officers to implement the circular’s provisions immediately and submit compliance reports. The government is expected to monitor the situation closely to ensure adherence to the new policy.
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The Chenab Times News Desk
