Department of Rural Development Wokha conducted its 1st Phase district level social audit public hearing under MGNREGS for Wokha District for the financial year 2020-21 on 12th July 2022 at Deputy Commissioner's Conference Hall, Wokha.
Altogether, 27 villages were covered during the first phase of the social audit for the financial year 2022-23. Assistant Director of Social Audit Unit, Nagaland Imlirenla Sanglir in her introductory speech highlighted the importance of social audit under MGNREGA stating that Section 17 of MGNREGA has mandated social audit of all works executed under the scheme. She further stated that while the direct objective of the social audit process is to deter corruption, the social audits are a critical mechanism through which it empowers citizens and strengthens democratic action thereby bringing about social transformation, community participation, and a tool to bring transparency and accountability. To attain its objectives she asked the implementing agencies and the programme functionaries to judiciously follow the guidelines.
The observer from the District Administration, EAC Wokha, I. Yentinougbou said since MGNREGA is demand-driven, the workforce should be generated to its maximum as given in the guidelines, and demand for work should be made as per the needs and requirements of the community.
Project Director DRDA, Wokha reiterated that the programme functionaries to take corrective measures accordingly as per the social audit findings. He also instructed the VDBs to follow the MGNREGS guidelines while executing the projects. Resource person of SAU Nagaland, District Resource Person, Ningsangla Lomou presented the social audit finding for Ralan and Chukitong Block, while Block Resource Person, Yanathung presented social audit findings for Chanpang Block after the Gram Sabha resolution of all the respective villages were reviewed.
The programme was chaired by DPO, DRDA Wokha, Shuyhunle Nyethong while the vote of thanks was proposed by BDO Chanpang, Mhabemo Humtsoe.
(DPRO & IA, Wokha)