Karnataka minister seeks immediate disbursal of outstanding NREGA funds

Kalaburagi: State Rural Development and Panchayati Raj Minister Priyank Kharge held a meeting on Wednesday with the Union Rural Development Secretary in New Delhi, emphasizing the immediate disbursal of outstanding MGNREGA payments totaling Rs 600 crore.

During the meeting Minister Kharge emphasized that given the prevailing drought in the state, the guaranteed man-days of work under MNREGA should be raised from the current 13 crore to 18 crore.

Out of the initial allocation of 13 crore man-days, a staggering 10 crore have already been utilized, underscoring the urgent requirement for additional working days. This extension is vital to ensure the sustenance and livelihoods of residents in drought-stricken regions.

Kharge said that while the current water supply situation remains stable, the outlook for the next 2-3 months remains uncertain.

He stressed the urgency of allocating funds to address critical water requirements in drought-hit taluks.