Bhopal (Rajeev Sharma): Union Agriculture Minister Shivraj Singh Chouhan on Tuesday alleged widespread misuse of funds under the MNREGA programme in Punjab, stating that over 10,000 cases of financial irregularities have come to light during reviews of the scheme’s implementation.
According to the minister, scrutiny of records showed that bills were often overstated and that several projects undertaken did not fall within the permitted scope of MNREGA. He said such deviations defeat the purpose of a welfare scheme designed to provide transparent employment and income support to rural households.
Chouhan stressed that public money must reach its intended beneficiaries and warned that lax oversight could erode trust in government programmes. He called for stronger checks to ensure that the scheme operates in line with its original objectives.
Responding to opposition against the Centre’s proposed G-RAM-G initiative, the minister said the emphasis should be on constructive adoption rather than resistance. He argued that the programme, if implemented properly, could contribute positively to Punjab’s overall development.
The comments come at a time when rural welfare policies and Centre–state differences over development initiatives are under sharp political focus in Punjab.
