Employment Guarantee Scheme to be revised totally; minor works like clearing weeds to be avoided

Thiruvananthapuram: The Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is going to be revised totally soon. The government has directed to avoid minor works like clearing weeds, removing dry leaves and repairing fences while taking up land development works as per the scheme.

The local self-government department has instructed to prepare the labour budget and list of jobs which includes converting unused land to farm lands. Works of repetitive nature like removing weeds and gravel and works that cannot be measured should not be taken up.

The officials will be answerable if illegal or repetitive works and renovation of private property is allowed. Integrated nature conservation works should be encouraged. The works should be approved by Gram Sabha. Also works for two years should be listed. Those related to the flood relief need to be prioritized. Permission of the authorities can be sought via online.

Works related to improving natural disaster resistance, connecting isolated villages to roads, constructing shelter homes, anganwadis, rural markets, food grain storage, crematorium and the like should be taken up. At least 60 percent of the total expense should be related to agriculture sector. The labour budget should be prepared and the problems found in the social audit should be corrected before December 3.

SC/ST, gypsy tribes, traditional tribes dwelling in forests, families belonging to BPL category, families with women as householder, physically disabled householder and beneficiaries of land reforms and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana will be given priority. At least one member of such families should obtain labour card.