AGARTALA, July 29 (TIWN): The NDA government has issued new guidelines in the rural job guarantee scheme launched by UPA by proposing maximum investment into agriculture alone, official said.

Speaking to reporters at secretariat C. K. Jamatia, Additional Secretary of Rural Development department  said , “ Union Ministry of Rural Department has sent note on June 21st  seeking suggestion  to bring amendment to the Schedule I of the MGNREGA Act to clearly bring forth the focus on agriculture".

According to the guidelines,  the district programme coordinator shall ensure that at least 60 per cent of the works to be taken up in a district in terms of cost shall be for creation of productive assets linked to agriculture and allied activities through development of land, water and trees said additional secretary.

“The government has suggested new solutions to address the issues including poor asset quality, absence of adequate technical staff for planning/supervision and lack of outcome orientation in the works being carried out under the MGNREGA,” he added.

The ministry also emphasised greater focus on convergence with other departments - resulting in greater technical guidance, more professionalism and higher resource availability for works says Mr. Jamatia.

Besides Rozgar Diwas should be observed on the notified days at Gram Panchayat level once in a month. District and department wise breakup of physical and financial targets for convergence should be completed within July 31, 2014.   

It may noted that Rs 5295.96 crore fund was received by Tripura  since the  inception of MGNREGA and 97 percent of fund was spent, 399259 number of  assets created , there are 630519 job card holders, 2997.48 mandays generated and the women participation is 43 percent.