MGNREGA Burdwan updates in first quarter of 2013-14 : Rs 150 crores utilized created 60 Lakhs man days

Burdwan maintains its position in utilizing MGNREGA funds in the current financial year also. As per information, district could spend Rs 150 crores out of Rs 180 crores available funds till 30th June 2013. Further, requisition for funds sent to Govt. Last year, we spent Rs 158 crores in first quarter and finally spent Rs 515 crores till March 2013 which was highest ever expenditure by any district in the country.

In first quarter this year, 60 Lakhs man days has been created providing employment to 3 Lakhs plus families. Programme Officers have been authorized to make payments of ongoing and completed works till new Panchayat bodies are constituted.

Special measures during General Panchayat Election 2013 on 15th July in Burdwan

General Panchayat Elections are scheduled to be held on 15th July in Burdwan district, for the first time since during monsoon season since inception. Add to it, this Ramzan month.

We have experienced General Parliament Elections in 1999 during the monsoon months, when floods and heavy rains forced authorities to set up temporary booths in boats at few low lying areas. After careful visualisation of possible situation following steps may be taken by blocks for smooth conduct of elections :-

1. Transport arrangements - hire at least 4-5 tractors and 1-2 recovery vans in each block and station those in areas identified as water logged prone, submerged prone and flood prone localities. Ensure that these are stationed at a place from where to be easily moved to affected areas. In addition, list out small country boats in all areas where water logging or flooding due to heavy rains and river waters generally causes disconnection of road connectivity. Contact numbers of boats men must be kept with respective control rooms and sector officers. Proper shed or cover on mini trucks and lorries must be provided.
2. Disaster management teams - we have trained civil defence and disaster management volunteers in each block and GPs. They should be deployed in vulnerable areas, in proper attire. Provide them rescue equipments and life saving tools. In case of need, additional CD volunteers can be engaged. There should be arrangements for relief materials, reserve medicines, water tube wells at higher places and sand bags at the disposal of these Disaster Management Teams. All disaster management officers at block and sub division must be kept out of other election duties so that they can ensure proper management of this action plan. That means, dedicated response teams fully equipped is the need of hour.
3. Sheds and water proof arrangements at booths and DCRC- there must be temporary sheds in front of booths to protect people in voters queue from adverse weather conditions. State election commission funds can be utilized for the purpose. Water proof top must be ensured at DCRC also. Windows, doors and drains of booths must be repaired and cleaned so that no water leakage takes place. We have released maintenance grants from Sarva Siksha Mission to all schools, that can be utilized. 
4. Approach roads repairs with limited fund involvement to make it road worthy can be done including spread of gravel or coarse sand.
5. Mid day meal cooks can be asked to arrange food for polling parties at booths. Issue ID cards, maximum permissible rates of food items. There can be arrangements for fruits, juice etc as per requirement of Ramzan to be made available by cooks on payment basis. Facilitate arrangements to break fast to all personnel on election duty among Ramzan fast holders. Water carriers appointed for each booth must be told to assist them in all possible ways.  Make arrangements at DCRC also, for reserve personnel.
6. Plastic bags or covers must be provided to protect ballot papers and statutory covers.
7. Medical emergency management plan should be in place at all blocks. Keep all health units from PHCs onward open round the clock from 10 am on 14th July till 12 noon 16th July. CMOH and his teams to issue orders, depute additional manpower, ambulances at strategic locations and control rooms at ACMOH/ CMOH level.