MGNREGA norms relaxed in Himachal to expedite repair of damaged rural infrastructure: CM

In the wake of widespread destruction caused by the ongoing monsoon, the Himachal Pradesh government has decided to relax norms under MGNREGS to ensure timely relief and rehabilitation.

This would allow additional works to be undertaken as per actual demand for employment in rural areas, particularly for the repair and restoration of damaged infrastructure, Chief Minister Thakur Sukhvinder Singh Sukhu said here on Thursday.

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The state has suffered a massive loss due to cloudbursts, incessant rains, flash floods, and landslides, which have severely impacted agriculture, horticulture, livestock, and rural infrastructure, he said, assuring that the government was committed to extending all possible support to the affected people.

“To accelerate restoration, Deputy Commissioners have been empowered to approve new works under MGNREGA without waiting for prior approval from the gram sabha. Ex-post facto approval from gram sabha, panchayat samiti, and zila parishad would be obtained later, keeping in view the practical impossibility of holding such a meeting during the prevailing weather conditions,” the Chief Minister said.

Sukhu further said that Deputy Commissioners can now sanction all categories of works, including land development projects, by relaxing the earlier cap of 20 works per gram panchayat. In addition, the financial ceiling for individual work on land development projects has been increased from Rs 1 lakh to Rs 2 lakh per beneficiary.

This initiative would not only help rebuild damaged rural infrastructure, but also generate much-needed employment opportunities for the rural population during this challenging period, he said.

The Chief Minister reiterated that the state government was making every effort to support people in distress.