Kolkata 7th September : The Union government decided to stop the transfer of central funds to West Bengal under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) because of the lack of proper accounts and the utilization of prior expenses under the scheme the state’s Panchayat Affairs and Rural Development department has finally issued a notice regarding the appointment of Ombudsman for each district in the state.A top official of the department stated that, except for the three districts of Hooghly, Cooch Behar and East Burdwan, the state government has already made a decision who is to be appointed the the ombudsman for the remaining districts.
“These names have been sent to the magistrates of district who are concerned.They have been asked to choose them as soon as they can.The appointment of the ombudsman of Hooghly, Cooch Behar and East Burdwan districts will also be announced soon.The names of the individuals will be published to the official website of the Panchayat Affairs and Rural Development department in the near future,” the official said.
It is understood that in addition to the district’s ombudsman, a distinct Ombudsman will also be chosen to the Gorkhaland Territorial Administration (GTA).
“Mainly retired bureaucrats are appointed in these positions,” the official said.
Ombudsmen will have the power to investigate any complaints regarding irregularities in spending within the MGNREGA scheme.They also will ensure that central funds that are derived under MGNREGA are not used for funding other expenses.
“These appointments will result in an openness in the entire process of spending and also the issues related to the inaccessibility of accurate accounts and usage certificates will be eliminated,” the official said.
The Union government has stopped paying through the MGNREGA scheme to West Bengal since December last year.
Chief Minister Mamata Banerjee during his recent visit to Delhi had pleaded with the Prime Minister Narendra Modi to release funds under MGNREGA.
On the other on the other hand the head of the opposition in West Bengal Assembly, Suvendu Adhikari, was insisting on the freeze of central funds in the scheme.
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