SC directs Centre to release MGNREGA funds, pay damages to farmers

The Supreme Court on Friday asked the Centre to release all the outstanding and necessary funds for MGNREGA scheme to the States and directed it to pay compensation for delayed wages to the farmers in drought-affected areas.
"Government can't hide behind a smokescreen for lack of finances," the court said. A bench comprising Justices MB Lokur and NV Ramana directed the States to appoint commissioners for effective implementation of provisions of National Food Security Act and strengthening of public distribution system especially in drought-hit areas.
The bench also directed the government to set up Central Employment Guarantee Council as envisaged in the statute and to ensure compensation for crop loss in such areas.
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