Bihar and Uttar Pradesh are among the Indian states that have failed to name an ombudsman to handle grievances and prevent graft related to the central government’s flagship rural jobs programme, even two years after they were directed to do so.

Only 15 of the nation’s 28 states have appointed the ombudsmen, according to the ministry of rural development. Assam, Haryana, Kerala and Tamil Nadu also haven’t appointed the watchdog.

Setting up an independent authority to redress complaints related to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was part of the 100-day agenda of the Congress party-led United Progressive Alliance government, when it was voted to power for a second term in May 2009.....Read More

Source: Live Mint