Kerala has emerged as the leading state in conducting social audits for projects undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), according to data released by the Union Ministry of Rural Development. The statistics, updated until November 10, 2023, reveal that Kerala completed social audits in all 941 panchayats. Following closely, Bihar and Jammu & Kashmir achieved audit completion rates of 64.4% and 64.1%, respectively.
Dr. N Ramakantan, the director of the Kerala Social Audit Unit, highlighted the state’s unique approach. Kerala stands out as the only state conducting periodic ward-level grama sabhas to audit all MGNREGA works and holds public hearings, known as janakeeya sabhas, at the panchayat level. This process subjects audit reports to rigorous public scrutiny, involving key stakeholders like employment-guaranteed workers, farmers, women’s self-help groups, village monitoring committees, voluntary activists, and local media representatives.
The social audit, mandated to occur every six months, ensures transparency and scrutinizes activities and works implemented by panchayats under MGNREGA. Based on the success of social auditing in this context, the Kerala government is considering extending the principle to all state and centrally sponsored schemes, with relevant Memorandums of Understanding already in place. Ramakantan emphasized the department’s commitment to supporting the social audit society in promoting local self-governance through transparent, dedicated, and corruption-free practices.
Post Your Comments