CAG to probe NREGS Scam

A recent survey conducted by a Delhi-based NGO, revealed that bulk of the NREGS (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) money in Orissa had gone to the pockets of officials and politicians. The scheme is currently being implemented in 24 out of 30 districts of the state. The scheme guarantees minimum 100 days of work per annum to interested people. Ironically, only Rs. 87 crore has been spent against availability of Rs. 497 crore.

Union Rural Development Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh has requested the CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) to probe into the scam. According to the Minister, the government cannot absolve itself of the scam, it failed both in implementation and monitoring the scheme. The allegations of irregularities in the implementation of NREGS had been reported from 69 districts across the country, however, Orissa is worst-affected.