‘State provided jobs to over 18 lakh villagers under MNREGA’: Chhattisgarh govt

A press release issued by the Chhattisgarh government claimed that nearly 24 percent of the labourers employed under MNREGA across the country are from Chhattisgarh.

Updated on: Apr 29, 2020, 23:12:03 IST

Hindustan Times, Raipur | By Ritesh Mishra

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During the nationwide lockdown implemented for prevention of coronavirus spread, Chhattisgarh government claimed on Wednesday that the state is currently leading the country in terms of generating rural employment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA).

Chhattisgarh government said it boosted rural incomes of over 18 lakh households. (Bloomberg/Representational Photo)

A press release issued by the Chhattisgarh government claimed that nearly 24 percent of the labourers employed under MNREGA across the country are from Chhattisgarh.

“This is the highest in the country. Currently 18,51, 536 labourers have been employed under various ongoing MNREGA works in 9,883 Gram Panchayats of the Chhattisgarh” the release stated.

Chief minister Bhupesh Baghel and Panchayat and Rural Development minister TS Singh Deo have applauded the active approach and quick action of the sarpanchs for better implementation of MNREGA under these difficult circumstances.

“The MNREGA works are being conducted while ensuring physical distancing, wearing of masks and adhering to the hygiene standards, to bring relief to the labourer families,” the release stated.

The release further claimed that according to the statistics released by Union Rural Development Ministry, nearly 77, 85, 990 labourers have been employed under MNREGA works across the country. This includes the highest number of labourers employed 18,51, 536 labourers in Chhattisgarh alone, nearly one fourth of the total number of labourers employed across the country.

Second in this list is Rajasthan with 14% of the total number of labourers employed, and Uttar Pradesh ranks third with 12% of the total number of labourers employed in the country.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR
Ritesh Mishra
Ritesh Mishra is the State Correspondent for Chhattisgarh with Hindustan Times. He reports on Maoism, internal security, politics, mining, governance, and major developments shaping the state. Based in Raipur, he has covered Chhattisgarh since 2016, reporting extensively from the Bastar region and other conflict-affected areas. With nearly two decades of experience in journalism, Ritesh has built a reputation for ground reporting from some of India's most challenging terrains. His coverage spans Left-Wing Extremism, counter-insurgency operations, elections, tribal affairs, environmental issues, infrastructure, mining, and socio-economic developments. He has reported on major security operations, policy initiatives, wildlife crime, and the changing dynamics of conflict and development in Central India. Before moving to Chhattisgarh, Ritesh spent eight years reporting from Madhya Pradesh, covering politics, administration, crime, development, and social issues. Throughout his career, he has reported on various forms of extremism in Central India, combining field reporting with in-depth analysis to produce accurate, balanced, and impactful journalism. Prior to joining Hindustan Times, Ritesh worked with The Pioneer and The Free Press Journal, where he covered a wide range of beats and honed his skills in political, investigative, and field reporting. His reporting is marked by exclusive stories, extensive fieldwork, and a commitment to factual, on-the-ground journalism that brings complex issues to a wider audience.Read More

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