Government to issue guidelines for MPs to have a say in schemes

NEW DELHI: Government will soon issue guidelines empowering MPs to have a role in implementing centrally-sponsored schemes, including MGNREGA.

"The government wants that the MPs should have roles in implementing the centrally-sponsored schemes. We are considering to issue new guidelines in this effect," Rural Development Minister Birendra Singh said in Lok Sabha during Question Hour.

He said many MPs have complained that they do not even get invitation for inauguration or foundation stone laying ceremonies of central schemes and have no role in the implementation of those like Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).

"We are looking into all these complaints," he said. The Minister said many NGOs are associated in the implementation of the National Rural Livelihood Mission (NRLM) and MGNREGA.

However, a number of them have been blacklisted for their alleged involvement in various illegalities, including financial irregularities, Singh said.

"But there are good examples in Kerala. We give work to those NGOs which have good credential," he said.

While NGOs were implementing agencies of schemes like Mahila Kisan Sashaktikaran Pariyojna, a sub-component of NRLM, the Deen Dayal Upadhayay Grameen Kaushalya Yojana of NRLM (placement linked skill development for rural youth) was being implemented in partnership with private sector, public sector and civil society organisations.