Tript Bajwa writes to GoI for immediate release of overdue funds under MGNREGA

Material liabilities of Rs. 128 Crore and wage liabilities of Rs. 103 crore are pending

Chandigarh, February 10, 2019: Punjab Rural Development & Panchayats Minister Tript Rajinder Singh Bajwa has written to the Union Minister for Rural Development, Panchayati Raj and Mines, Shri Narendra Singh Tomar to immediately release funds for clearing pending material liabilities in the State.

Mr. Bajwa, in his DO letter, said that material liabilities of Rs. 128 crore are pending in Punjab for which necessary funds are awaited from the union government. He said that proposal for release of second installment has already been submitted to Government of India, but only a sum of Rs. 8.97 crore for material component has been released to the State so far. "Further, wage liabilities of Rs. 103 crore are also pending for release of payment by Government of India from 14.11.2018 onwards" said Mr Bajwa.

The Minister said that Punjab Government has been relentlessly working to make progress in the Scheme and reach out to all eligible people apart from creating durable community assets and addressing the water issue in the State. Mr. Bajwa has also mentioned in his letter that with the meager release of pending material liabilities and delay in release of wage payments, there has been disappointment and discouragement in the department and beneficiaries working under the scheme.

Mr. Bajwa has requested the Union Minister to pass necessary instructions to the concerned officials to release both 103 crore for wage payments and 128 crore for material payments to the State.