Job scheme can prevent migration

BALANGIR: The Western Odisha NREGA Consortium claimed that poverty and distress migration in western Odisha can be checked through proper implementation of MGNREGS.Abani Mohan Panigrahi, who is leading the consortium, said in a survey conducted in April, 30 per cent of the respondents said they would not migrate if there is timely work and payment.He said absence of staff, lack of awareness among labourers, late payment or non-payment of wages were the major impediments in the implementation of the job scheme.The consortium has helped 10,600 beneficiaries open bank accounts and another 4,400 demand jobs under the scheme. Over 10 lakh man-days have been created in the 40 gram panchayats where the consortium is active, he added.