What is the role of the gram panchayat in the implementation of the NREGA?
The gram panchayat shares important responsibilities with the block-level programme officer. He also has some additional responsibilities. To start with, the gram panchayat has to process applications for registration and employment. The gram panchayat has to: • Register households and issue job cards. • Receive applications for work. • Forward applications to the programme officer. • Inform applicants when work is available. Note: Applications for registration and employment can also be submitted directly to the programme officer, but normally they are expected to be submitted at the gram panchayat level. As noted above, the gram panchayat is also the main implementing agency. It is expected to prepare an annual development plan for the village and maintain a record of works to be taken up under the NREGA. The gram panchayat also executes these projects as and when the programme officer sanctions them. The gram panchayat has to make available all relevant documents, including muster r
