No compromise on transparency

BHUBANESWAR: Issuing a warning to states on the implementation of development and welfare schemes, Union Minister for Rural Development Jairam Ramesh on Sunday said there would be no compromise on the issues of transparency and accountability.There is a lot of concern all over the country on spending for welfare programmes and leakage, the Minister told a media conference here winding up his three-day visit to the State. Ramesh said he would never compromise if there is irrefutable proof of irregularities in the implementation of the schemes. He, however, said this was not confined to Orissa alone, it exists in other states also.Jairam declined comment on the ongoing CBI probe into irregularities in the implementation of MGNREGS in six districts. “Let the inquiry report come and then we will take action,” he said.Ramesh, who met Chief Minister Naveen Patnaik here on Sunday, said he also raised the issues of transparency and accountability during the meeting. “I have requested the Chief Minister to learn from Andhra Pradesh on the implementation of MGNREGS - how the state has started social audit and put in place a system to ensure transparency,” he said.The Union Minister said the Centre provides ` 1 lakh crore for rural development every year out of which ` 6,000 crore comes to Orissa. “It is my duty to see that the funds are utilised properly and spent for the poor people,” he said.Ramesh said he had met the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) and sought his assistance on these issues. He said special AGs would be posted in states to audit rural development expenditure.Jairam said he would try different tactics to bring pressure on state governments to ensure that the funds are spent properly and reach the beneficiaries.Ramesh, who was in the State to review implementation of rural development schemes in 15 Naxalite-affected districts, said infrastructure development and welfare programmes would have to be executed properly to win the confidence of the people, particularly the tribals. He said the fight against Naxalites cannot be won through paramilitary forces and police alone, though they are very important.