Chief Minister Neiphiu Rio’s claim during the 78th Independence Day speech that 6.65 lakh person-days of employment were generated under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in Nagaland demands closer scrutiny.
This report examines the validity of this claim by integrating Dr Moameren Pongen’s research, past interviews with Mokokchung Times, Hornbill TV reports, and recent comments from viewers on Youtuber CraZy Naga Support. These sources collectively suggest that the reported figures may not accurately reflect the realities in Nagaland.
Dr Moameren Pongen published a study in the International Journal of Political Science and Governance in 2020, which reveals several issues affecting MGNREGA’s implementation in Mokokchung. His research highlights significant challenges in executing the scheme effectively.
Dr Pongen’s findings indicate that “corrupt practices, administrative lapses, and a lack of accountability have hindered the program’s success.” His research points to problems such as misuse of funds and the registration of ineligible beneficiaries, which undermine the scheme’s effectiveness.
Recent interactions with rural residents and ongoing reports reveal that many beneficiaries continue to face challenges under MGNREGA. For instance, many individuals lack their job cards, an issue also noted by Dr Pongen. Hornbill TV has reported similar concerns in other districts, suggesting that these problems may be widespread across Nagaland.
In 2022, X Chopika Sumi, former National Students’ Union of India (NSUI) Nagaland unit president, highlighted on his official Facebook page that his MGNREGA job card recorded works he was unaware of. He expressed concern that monetary payments might have been made for these works, which he did not perform. Sumi also reported receiving calls from villagers about being pressured by village council members to withdraw and submit the funds they received.
Dr Pongen’s research supports these observations, noting that proxy job cards and a general lack of awareness among rural residents exacerbate the situation. Corruption among government officials further undermines the program’s intended benefits. “The scheme’s primary aim is to uplift the economic status of the poor, but in practice, it often fails to support those most in need,” Dr Pongen stated.
He noted that villagers are sometimes required to sacrifice their entitlements for broader village development, detracting from the program’s goal of providing direct financial assistance to the economically disadvantaged.
Dr Pongen also highlighted significant corruption issues, including government officials pressuring village councils to overlook anomalies in fund allocation. He called for increased accountability and transparency, particularly among high-ranking officials in the Rural Development (RD) department.
“It is high time we pinpoint those government officials under the RD department because we are ruining our villages due to lack of implementation,” Dr Pongen asserted. He emphasized that Nagaland is “dragging the development of our state back by several years due to the lack of proper implementation.”
To address these issues, Dr Pongen stressed the need for holding officials accountable and tackling corruption at various levels. He also highlighted the role of civil society in raising awareness about MGNREGA and other government schemes. Both government officials and civil society need to play a significant role in educating rural residents about their rights.
Addressing the challenges highlighted by Dr Pongen’s research and current reports is crucial for improving MGNREGA’s effectiveness.
Enhancing transparency, accountability, and awareness about the scheme are key steps toward ensuring it meets its objectives and delivers real benefits to those it aims to assist.
This issue was further discussed with MP Supongmeren Jamir during a press conference on August 3, 2024. The Nagaland MP urged beneficiaries, VDBs, VDB secretaries, and village councils to take social justice seriously and avail themselves of the sanctions and incentives provided by the state government.
“I was told that Zapami village in Phek District is doing really well (MGNREGA),” he noted.
While Chief Minister Rio’s claim of generating 6.65 lakh person-days of employment under MGNREGA presents a positive image, ongoing issues and supplementary insights from research suggest a need for more thorough scrutiny.
Ensuring that MGNREGA fulfills its promise requires addressing these persistent problems and improving the scheme’s implementation.
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