Karnataka is lagging behind in the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), a flagship programme of the Union Government, as compared to the performance of the three other southern States where the programme has also been implemented. In fact, the scheme is yet to take off in 18 districts, some of which have been categorised as backward.The scheme, which was extended to 29 districts in the State in 2008-09, has not lived up to its potential for transforming livelihoods in rural Karnataka.
In terms of fund utilization, Karnataka ranked the last among the southern States. The State had spent only 27 per cent (Rs. 131.78 crore) of the available funds (Rs. 468.08 crore) as on October 31, 2008. This is lower than the 68 per cent spending achieved by Andhra Pradesh, 59 per cent by Tamil Nadu and 49 per cent by Kerala. Among the four States, Andhra Pradesh has spent the largest sum of Rs. 1,879.85 crore.
A directorate for NREGA has been set up in Karnataka. But the scheme is yet to pick up momentum in a majority of the districts. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has, in a 2007 report, criticized the Government for laxity in the implementation of the scheme, and for the non-distribution of job cards.
In terms of fund utilization, Karnataka ranked the last among the southern States. The State had spent only 27 per cent (Rs. 131.78 crore) of the available funds (Rs. 468.08 crore) as on October 31, 2008. This is lower than the 68 per cent spending achieved by Andhra Pradesh, 59 per cent by Tamil Nadu and 49 per cent by Kerala. Among the four States, Andhra Pradesh has spent the largest sum of Rs. 1,879.85 crore.
A directorate for NREGA has been set up in Karnataka. But the scheme is yet to pick up momentum in a majority of the districts. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India has, in a 2007 report, criticized the Government for laxity in the implementation of the scheme, and for the non-distribution of job cards.
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