In order to decentralise the planning, implementation and monitoring processes of the MGNREGA works, the government is planning a national strategic framework using the geographical information system (GIS).
The move will help the rural development ministry bring in greater transparency and accountability in the implementation of the act as real time data would be available to it.
The use of GIS will help capture existing assets (created under MGNREGA) with their location, status and other information on the basis of which periodic assessment can be done and policy for their management can be developed said an official.
Following the report of an expert group on the issue, the rural development ministry has now set up a sub-group to implement its suggestions.
The sub group will suggest a strategy for nationwide rollout of the programme and evolve parameters for standardisation with an objective to link GIS with decentralised planning, preparing labour budget, programme implementation and asset monitoring under the flagship MGNREGA.
Keeping in mind the different geographic condition of states, the sub panel is expected to suggest region-wise appropriate models. A representative from the Indian Space Research Organisation (ISRO) will also be the part of the plan.
An appropriate methodology for collection, collation, storage and processing of data on natural resources in a given region will be developed. The group will commission studies of ongoing use of GIS in states and suggest strategy for effective implementation of Geo-ICT tools with specific reference to planning, implementation and monitoring works under NREGA, he said.
Interestingly, the Gujarat model has come in for some appreciation from the working group. The use of GIS will also help in managing the assets being created under the programme.