Include micro-shed development in NREGS,says Desarda

Former member of Maharashtra State Planning Board H M Desarda has proposed that the government incorporate ‘micro-shed’ development in the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) in order to eradicate droughts and floods in India.

“The NREGA should not just aim at providing work and wages but also ensure that it results in the creation of durable assets which strengthen and enhance the productivity of land and all agricultural resources,” he said.

“A national movement for watershed development with a clear focus on drought-proofing and flood mitigation should be developed,” he said.

Desarda said he had recently led a group of experts and activists to the new Union Ministry for Panchayati Raj and Rural Development where he urged them to reorient and restructure the NREG-works so that massive outlay and expenditure results in a tangible outcome and long-term gain.