Chandigarh, 29 November
On the directives of Punjab Chief Minister Bhagwant Mann, the State Government has decided to provide employment to the maximum number of people under the MGNREGA scheme by the Rural Development and Panchayat Department besides individual benefits to the villagers. As part of this , the villagers can also get a free biogas plant constructed in their homes.
Regarding this unique initiative, today Chief Secretary Vijay Kumar Janjua held a meeting with Finance Commissioner Rural Development and Panchayat K Siva Prasad and explored the possibility of daily wages for MGNREGA beneficiaries for the construction of biogas plants under this scheme. Besides, funds will also be provided for the construction of a biogas plant. Under this scheme, a biogas plant of 1 cubic meter will be built at a total cost of Rs 38500 including daily wages to the job holders. Along with this, the beneficiary will be able to use the bio gas for cooking.
The Chief Secretary said that biogas is a clean, pollution-free and cheap fuel. It is a source of renewable energy generated from animal dung, crop waste, vegetable peels, surplus/spoiled vegetables and any kind of excrement which is provided free of cost to the MGNREGA beneficiaries.
Divulging more, the Chief Secretary said that Biogas will be available for cooking which is also non-polluting, and along with it the waste from the biogas plant can also be used as fertilizer for agriculture, which has more properties than manure. Biogas technology uses commonly used fuels like wood, kerosene and LPG. Saves gas expenses, besides its use also gets rid of environmental damage caused by harmful gases produced from wood, kerosene, added the Chief Secretary.
The Chief Secretary also mentioned that for every needy family whose job card has been created under the MGNREGA scheme, the construction of a biogas plant will be provided free of charge by the Rural Development Department. A campaign will also be launched by the department to generate awareness in this regard among the people so that the maximum number of rural families can construct biogas plants in their homes.
