S M Raju, Special Secretary, Rural Development Department, Bihar, spoke recently to Samir Prasad, the PACS Programme's communications resource person in Patna, on implementation of the NREGS in his state. Excerpts from the interview:

On NREGS implementation and monitoring systems

We have roped in dalit self-help groups (SHGs) under the Swarnajayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY) to facilitate NREGS implementation in all panchayats. In every panchayat, one SHG is assigned to generate awareness, help the poor file applications for employment and also broadly oversee the implementation process.

To monitor implementation of the NREGS, we have asked panchayat functionaries to organise a gram sabha every month, starting September 2008.

For MIS, we have set up block informatics centres in every block and NREGS updates are done online.

SHGs are also being used for awareness-building. Also, we have provided flex boards in every panchayat and are featuring NREGS issues on an All-India Radio ( Patna) programme called Chaupal which is quite popular in the villages of Bihar.

On training NREGS functionaries

We have conducted training and orientation programmes for all mukhiyas, pramukhs, rozgar sevaks, programme officers and assistant engineers in all blocks of 34 districts. The floods have hampered training in the remaining districts. We have also organised training and orientation programmes for district development commissioners (DDCs) at the state level.

On recruitment of staff

All accredited engineers, technical and other staff required to implement the scheme have been recruited.

On steps taken to curb improper and unfair practices

Panchayats have been asked to organise a gram sabha every month where villagers can voice their demands and their complaints. As regards prompt payments, we have opened up bank and post office accounts for the labourers and now payments are being done through these accounts.

On the role of NGOs

CSOs/NGOs can help in a big way. They can help create awareness about NREGS facilities, and make villagers understand the value of the gram sabha and promote their participation in it. Secondly, they can pursue NREGS implementing agencies to provide facilities and full payment to the labourers. Thirdly, they can mobilise labourers into asking for unemployment allowance if work is not given on time.

On difficulties in creating a shelf of works

We organise gram sabhas every month, which will help bring out the shelf of projects. Moreover, as an awareness-building exercise, we have supplied panchayat functionaries and representatives with technical guidelines of the NREGA and also seven different flex boards for each panchayat. Orientation and training programmes for local NREGS functionaries have been held to make them technically competent.

On problems of payment through bank accounts

We have routed payments through banks and post offices. The state government is taking care of any problems with maintaining a minimum balance in banks, and directives have been issued by the district administration to post offices.

As for payments through NGOs, the state administration still has to build up enough faith in NGOs in general to route payments through them.

On extending NREGS work through the monsoons

We have not received any work plan for durable work under the NREGS during the rainy season. We would be grateful to PACS CSOs if they came up with a shelf of projects to be undertaken during this period.