Minister Seethakka cautions staff against extended deputations and long leaves

Minister Seethakka cautions staff against extended deputations and long leaves

Lamenting the trend of staff members going on extended deputations to other departments or taking long leaves, Panchayat Raj and Rural Development Minister Danasari Anasuya (Seethakka) cautioned them against such practices. She added that such actions would be viewed seriously, as they affect the department’s functioning, which caters to the needs of nearly 2.5 crore people.

Addressing a review meeting on MGNREGS and other works here on Monday, she warned that strict action will be taken against such employees. She directed District Panchayat Officers (DPO)to monitor the performance of panchayat secretaries regularly.

Ms. Anasuya also announced plans to launch an app on May 1 to oversee garbage collection in villages. Reviewing the NREGS action plan for 2025-26, she emphasised the need to identify works by the end of the month and instructed District Collectors to start work by the end of May.

Stressing the importance of timely planning and execution of the works, she said that works would be reviewed every three months adding that districts performing well would be recognised and honored.

The State government has proposed an extensive plan for rural development under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) for the fiscal year 2025-26. The plan aims to improve rural infrastructure, promote sustainable livelihoods, and enhance the overall quality of life in rural areas.

Key components of the plan include construction of 22,800 cattle sheds, 11,400 poultry sheds, and 1,140 goat sheds under the category of Mahila Shakti Upadhi Bharosa, development of 5,700 roads to agriculture fields under Polam Batalu, creation of 11,400 farm ponds, 5,700 rooftop rainwater harvesting structures, and 2,850 percolation tanks under Jalanidhi, construction of 57,000 individual soak pits to improve sanitation and hygiene in rural areas, construction of 1,140 Anganwadi centres, 570 GP buildings, and 1,140 school toilets, as well as 855 kilometres of CC roads.

Additionally, the government has outlined plans to improve the green cover and horticulture development, aiming to plant 7 crore saplings and develop 22,000 acres of horticulture plantations. A total of 12.22 crore persondays have been proposed under the NREGS with a budget allocation of ₹6.50 crore.