Jan Sunwai on MGNREGA at Kitam-Manpur

GANGTOK, 11 Dec: In order to ensure accountability and transparency in MGNREGA works, a Jan Sunwai under Social Auditing for Kitam-Manpur GPU under Namchi GVK was convened today at Kitam Secondary School premises. The programme was organised by Pacific Club of Manglee which is the District Resource Institution and was chaired by Zilla Panchayat Member of Kitam-Manpur ZTC, KN Pradhan.
A press release informs that the programme began with a welcome address by President of the GPU, Savitri Chettri. The District Resource Persons [DRPs] highlighted the objectives of the hearing and presentation of works under MGNREGA for the year 2011-12 and 2012-13. The stakeholders participated in the hearing and also pointed out some irregularities such as non-receipt of some materials.
The hearing revealed some imbalance in the proportion of sand and cement supplied for some works and royalty of sand and stone not being included in the bills and as such directed the implementing authority to pay royalty to the Forest Department.
It was also revealed that Public Information Board for some works was not displayed at worksite, the release mentions.
The DRPs made some suggestions with regard to record keeping and documentation and urged the Mates and Panchayats to take photographs of worksite before and during the commencement and after completion of work, maintain site book and inspection register, filling up of Muster Roll in the worksite and sign material receipt slip after verification of materials actually received.
However, the hearing also recorded that the works implemented in the GPU was qualitative, it is added.
Panchayat President, Savitri Chettri informed that the GPU is newly created and accordingly Mates were freshly appointed and delivering their service without any training. GRS of another GPU has been given additional charge which had created some problems in keeping proper record of the works and materials, she added.
She said that this Jan Sunwai is the first one in the GPU and has brought to light the need for proper maintenance of records. GVA (In-charge) Milan Rai congratulated the stakeholders for a successful hearing and urged the workers to contribute work in proportion to wages and budget of the work to achieve the target.
ADC Development, Binu Gurung highlighted the essence of the Jan Sunwai and asserted that the concept of MGNREGA has changed now. It is not only about getting employment of 100 days but about the development and progress of the village and improvement and welfare of the society, she added.
Chairperson of the programme, KN Pradhan expressed that the objective of the Jan Sunwai is to provide benefits to people at the grass root level. Here he expressed his dissatisfaction over certain issues where he urged all to be more vigilant and informative.
The programme concluded with vote of thanks proposed by Panchayat member, Meera Pradhan. The Jan Sunwai was attended by Officials from GVK Namchi, SAU, DRI, Gram panchayats, Ex-panchayats, GRS, Mates and Job card holders of the GPU.