CENTRAL Govt asks states & UTs to take care of migrant workers: 7,300 crores under MGNREGS released

GOI has asked states and Union Territories to ensure adequate arrangements for safety, shelter and food security of migrant labourers and stranded persons. Cabinet Secretary Rajiv Gauba has conveyed the directive to the Chief Secretaries, reports All Indi Radio. Gauba has asked the State Chief Secretaries to direct all the District Collectors to review the situation. He said that District Collectors must appoint nodal officers for coordinating and monitoring the issues related to migrant labourers.  Gauba directed that each camp should be under the charge of a senior officer.  In Metropolitan areas, the States have been suggested to appoint municipal commissioners to implement the welfare measures. Besides, all Districts will  undertake a comprehensive enumeration of migrant labourers and stranded persons and make all necessary arrangements for food and shelters to them. Psycho-Social counselling can also be provided to them as per the guidelines of the Health Ministry. The Centre has released 7,300 crore rupees to the States and Union Territories under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) to liquidate pending dues of last financial year but also the wage dues for the first fortnight of 2020-21. Rural Development Minister Narendra Singh Tomar conducted a detailed review of all flagship schemes of the Rural Development on  April 16. He directed that MGNREGS works in Non-Containment Areas with adequate focus on social distancing, must be resumed in an efficient manner. The Minister said the focus should be on creating durable assets relating to irrigation and water conservation. Tomar expressed satisfaction that over 93 thousand Self Help Group members are engaged in manufacturing of cotton protective face covers as well as sanitizers and are also running community kitchens across the country.