Panel to find ways for convergence of NREGA, water projects

NEW DELHI: Government has set up an expert group to devise better methods to achieve convergence of MGNREGA activities with that of various water conservation and management programmes.

The 30-member expert group, constituted by the Rural Development Ministry, will be headed by the CEO of the National Rainfed Areas Authority.

"It has been decided to constitute an expert group to devise process, methodologies and mechanisms for convergence of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA with watershed development and other water conservation programmes of various ministries and departments," a Rural Development Ministry official said.

Convergence of NREGA activities with those of the watershed development programmes of various department and ministries assumes importance as more than 50 per cent the activities under the scheme has to be related to land development, water resource development, water harvesting and afforestation, he said.

The states have been making efforts to converge NREGA with watershed development programmes since it was permitted under the Act.

"Unless these works (water conservation and management) are properly orchestrated to support and strengthen development of the watershed, the expenditure so made may become superfluous and wasteful," the official said.

The expert group will comprise officials from ministries of Rural Development, Panchayti Raj, Water Resources and Environment and Forest, as members.

Representatives from NABARD, and other stake holders including NGOs working in the field of water conservation and management have also been made part of the group.

"The committee has been assigned to develop ways and means of harmoniously integrating activities of MGNREGA and the watershed programmes through well defined seamless convergence process, including participation people and institutional approach," the official said.

It will also suggest mechanisms or arrangements for documenting "location specific" development works, prescribe farming system to land use.

"The group can also suggest launching of pilot projects in selected districts to test and validate the methodologies developed for later adoption all over the country," the official said.