New Delhi (PTI) Giving a push to its rural development projects, the government on Monday announced a 144 per cent jump in the allocation for the flagship job guarantee scheme, NREGA, and 45 per cent hike for the Bharat Nirman programme that seeks to improve infrastructure in villages.

Presenting the 2009-10 Budget, Finance Minister Pranab Mukherjee announced an allocation of Rs 39,100 crore for NREGA for 2009-10, an increase of 144 per cent over 2008-09.

Mr. Mukherjee also proposed convergence of NREGA with other schemes relating to agriculture, forest, water resources, land resources and rural roads.

In the first stage, a total of 115 pilot districts have been selected for such convergence, he said.

The minister informed that details of these measures and convergence guidelines would be formulated by the Rural Development Ministry.

Presenting the Budget proposals, the Finance Minister said, "NREGA has been a magnificent success for more than 4.47 crore households during 2008-09."

The Finance Minister also said allocation for Bharat Nirman programme is being hiked by 45 per cent. The project covers six schemes, including rural roads, drinking water and sanitation in villages.

Also see