Numerous complaints have surfaced under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), alleging that funds were withdrawn against already completed schemes. Despite the introduction of a geo-tagging system to prevent such irregularities, loopholes continued.
Investigations revealed that geo-tagging was being misused, with photographs taken from only one end or corner of a worksite. The location coordinates were recorded, but the actual status of the project remained concealed, enabling fraudulent withdrawals.
To plug these gaps, the central government has now directed the implementation of a new 'face geo-tagging' system across Jharkhand. Under this, the entire boundary of a worksite will be geo-tagged, making it difficult to hide pre-existing projects. Officials clarified that the term 'facing' refers to geo-fencing, a process that defines and restricts activities to a marked geographical area, ensuring transparency in MGNREGA works.
The measure is expected to curb misuse of funds in projects such as dobhas (small ponds) and rural road construction, where similar irregularities have frequently been reported.
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