Daijiworld Media Network – Mangaluru (MS)

Mangaluru, Aug 8: The participation of women under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) has crossed more than 50% in the districts of Dakshina Kannada and Udupi. With 62% women participation, Udupi recorded the highest in the state.

First phase of the women employment mela that was started with the intention of at least 50% participation by women has given fruits. In the first phase 10 gram panchayats were selected in Udupi for survey. Coordinators and gram panchayat personnel had visited all houses and convinced the women to join NREGA.

Representational image

In Dakshina Kannada district also 10 gram panchayats in every taluk in the first and second phases are being surveyed. As there is equal salary in NREGA and also unemployment is more in rural areas, women are showing more interest. However, according to officials, women are showing more liking for individual jobs than community work.

Dr Kumar, zilla panchayat CEO of DK says, “According to the rules of the government at least 50% women participation is required in NREGA. Dakshina Kannada district has reached that stage. Efforts are on to increase the numbers further.”

Dr Naveen Bhat, CEO, zilla panchayat of Udupi says, “Around 5,000 women have participated in NREGA. In our district the participation of women is 62% and it is highest in the whole state. We are aiming to increase this to 75%.”