The State Government has decided to take up plantation and horticulture activities in convergence with MGNREGS funds. Chief Secretary GC Pati issued a direction in this regard to all district Collectors while presiding over a video-conference recently. He also asked the Collectors to monitor the plantation activities regularly and the DFOs and Deputy Directors of Horticulture to bring issues to the notice of the DMs.
Pati also wanted that the land for plantation, seedlings and nurseries be kept ready as rainy season is drawing near. He advised Collectors to involve village committees in plantation activities. Panchayati Raj Secretary DK Singh said wage costs for plantation activities can be met from MGNREGS funds and cost of materials from departmental funds.
However, Singh clarified that wherever departmental fund is not available, both the costs would be met from MGNREGS funds maintaining the prescribed ratio of labour component at district level. Similarly, Collectors have been asked to take up horticultural activities in convergence with MGNREGS funds excluding banana.