Mokokchung District’s Social Audit Public Hearing on MGNREGS held

Mokokchung, 20 September (MTNews): The 2nd Phase Social Audit District Level Public Hearing under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for Mokokchung District took place on 19 September 2023 at the DRDA Conference Hall in Mokokchung, with a strong focus on transparency and accountability.

During the event, several resolutions were adopted. It was unanimously decided that all Village Development Boards (VDBs) must mandatorily maintain Wall Paintings, which serve as visible symbols of accountability and transparency. Additionally, it was resolved that Job cards categorized under ‘deceased’ or ‘migrated’ should be reported to the concerned Block Development Officer (BDO) for either deletion or replacement with genuine households following due verification.

The event featured a comprehensive review presentation of Social Audit findings from 11 villages -Longpayimsen, Moayimti, Chungtiayimsen, Aokum, Shihaphumi, Aosenden, Aosungkum, Watiyim, Medemyim, Satsukba, and Vikuto under Tzurangkong Block.

Imyapangla, Program Officer (MGNREGA), DRDA, Mokokchung served as the chairperson for the hearing. The proceedings commenced with an introduction by Vepo Keyho, State Resource Person, NSSAA, SAU, Nagaland. Keyho highlighted the necessity of Social Audits and District Level Public Hearings, emphasizing their pivotal roles in ensuring transparency and accountability in implementing the scheme.

Yanathung Odyuo, Block Resource Person, NSSAA, SAU, Nagaland, delivered the presentation on the Social Audit findings, while Abeinuo Jasmine Ashao, EAC (HQ) Mokokchung, took on the role of Independent Observer during the program. Ashao stressed the significance of proper maintenance of records and documents to enhance transparency and social accountability.

Furthermore, she called upon the DRDA to organize orientation and training programs for VDB Secretaries to enhance their understanding of the guidelines.

All Social Audit findings were subjected to thorough review and discussion, resulting in directives for VDBs to take appropriate corrective measures.

The program concluded with a vote of thanks delivered by the chairperson, acknowledging the collective commitment to transparency and accountability.