States assured support under job plan scheme

With delayed and scanty monsoon posing a threat to the agriculture output in the country, the Centre has reached out to states to lend a support to their contingency employment generation plans. HT reports.

With delayed and scanty monsoon posing a threat to the agriculture output in the country, the Centre has reached out to states to lend a support to their contingency employment generation plans.

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Rural development minister Jairam Ramesh has written to all chief ministers assuring them that his ministry is “open to a revision in current year’s labour budget” to meet any increased demand in employment (under MGNREGA) in the backdrop of unexpectedly low rainfall.

Apart from the material component, the employment scheme also provides for labour wages in rural jobs.

The move comes at a time when the United Progressive Alliance is politically reaching out to opposition parties for the presidential polls and the upcoming vice-presidential election.

Enclosing the latest meteorological report on rainfall, Ramesh’s pre-emptive letter says, “I would like to assure of my ministry’s fullest support in meeting the challenges that lie ahead.”

“I also wish to assure that funds are not a constraint under MGNREGA,” he added.