Will the Minister of RURAL DEVELOPMENT be pleased to state:-

(a)        the number of cases of diversion and misappropriation of funds under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme received by the Central Government so far since its inception, State-wise with the details of funds diverted/misappropriated; and

(b)        the action taken/proposed by Union Government to retrieve the diverted/misappropriated funds and to remedy the situation for the future?

ANSWER

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT
(SHRI CHANDRA SEKHAR SAHU)

(a):       85 complaints on diversion and misappropriation of funds have been received in this Ministry. The details of funds diverted/misappropriated have not been specifically mentioned in all the complaints.

(b):       State Governments implement various provisions of NREGA through State Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes. Complaints received in this Ministry are forwarded to the States for appropriate action. The Ministry also deputes National Level Monitors to look into the complaints of serious nature. The Ministry has urged the State Governments to establish a suitable mechanism for redressal of grievances and disposal of complaints in accordance with the relevant provisions in NREGA. The Ministry has also requested the State Governments to ensure that in case of misappropriation and embezzlement of Government funds, not only disciplinary action should be taken against the guilty officials but simultaneously criminal prosecution should also be initiated under Indian Penal Code and Prevention of Corruption Act besides recovering the amount involved in accordance with Law.