Reforms being made in MGNREGA: Manohar Lal Khattar

CHANDIGARH: Haryana Chief Minister Manohar Lal Khattar today said the reforms are being introduced in the MGNREGA to provide greater benefits to a larger number of people.

The Chief Minister said the scheme, which was launched about 10 years ago, had a number of "shortcomings".

"This had resulted in the benefits being limited to only a few people. However, under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi, Union Rural Development Minister, Birender Singh, consistent efforts are being made to overcome the drawbacks in the scheme," he said at the 30th Surajkund International Crafts Mela-2016, according to an an official release.

Referring to his upcoming visit to Chennai, the Chief Minister said that he would visit the city on February 10, to attract investment in Haryana.

He said that apart from foreign investors, the Haryana Government was also wooing investors from other states.

He said Haryana Government was ready for elections to Urban Local Bodies in the State and all preparations have been completed. The election process would begin as soon as the date is announced by the State Election Commission, he added.

The Chief Minister had earlier held a discussion with officers regarding health services being provided in the State.

Speaking on the occasion, Urban Local Bodies Minister Kavita Jain, said that the Haryana Government is ready to take every possible step for empowerment of women and the ambitious 'Beti Bachao, Beti Padhao' programme is being implemented.

She also hailed the election of nearly 50 per cent women to Panchayati Raj Institutions in the State during the recently-concluded elections.