Updated on Monday, November 02, 2009, 18:39 IST Tags:NREGA, Naxal, Jobs

New Delhi: Aiming at countering extremism at grass-root level, the Centre has asked states to ensure that 100 days of employment is provided to all eligible rural households under NREGA in districts affected by the left-wing extremism.

In an advisory to the states, Ministry of Rural Development has also asked them to take effective measures to ensure that rural households receive their "due entitlement" under the Act in the districts facing drought.

"In a recent review of the implementation of NREGA in drought-affected and 33 left-wing extremism-affected districts, it has been found that a large number of rural households have not yet availed of 100 days of employment under NREGA," Ministry noted.

"It is imperative to intensify efforts to ensure that the rural households (in Naxal-affected and drought-hit districts) receive their due entitlements in accordance with the Act," it added.

The ministry suggested the Naxal-affected states to make available sufficient number of works in projects, to be taken up under NREGA, with ready estimates and due approval and sanction.

Helpline should be made operational to capture demand for job cards and employment, it added.

Bureau Report