Poor implementation of MGNREGA in Bihar: CAG

MGNREGA has not gained momentum in Bihar as the percentage of household provided 100 days employment ranged from one to seven per cent during 2007-12, according to a CAG report submitted to the state assembly on Thursday.

A performance audit on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guatantee Act found that Bihar was deprived of grant of Rs 9684.24 crore (Rs 96.84 billion) during 2007-12 in the shape of central share due to less creation of mandays, sharp increase in demand for fund without sufficient justification and unspent balance grant, said the report.

The report was prepared after conducting survey in 319 units in 15 districts, 54 blocks and 250 gram panchayats for the period ending March 31, 2012.

Accountant General of Bihar B K Singh later told reporters that there was decreasing trend in providing jobs under the scheme from 75 per cent (2007-08) to 20 per cent (2011-12).

It also found that number of registered households reported to the government was inflated and households were issued more than one job cards.

Bihar government launched MGNREGA, the biggest anti-poverty programme in 23 districts in 2006 with central government funding.

Simultaneously it launched the Bihar Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in the remaining 15 districts with the state government funding.

In the second phase from April 2007, the scheme was rolled out across the state with central funding.