G.O. (Ms) No.92, Commencement of works under IVGNREGS in rural areas excluding containment zones and Red Blocks

What this document is

The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, issued G.O. (Ms) No.92 dated 27.04.2020 to allow commencement of IVGNREGS works in rural areas, excluding containment zones and Red Blocks, during the COVID-19 period. The Government approved draft implementation guidelines prepared by the Director of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj, in both Tamil and English, and attached them as annexures.

What it governs

The document governs how IVGNREGS works may be started and carried out in permitted rural areas. It is linked to lockdown and public health restrictions, and it follows earlier directions from the Government of India and the Government of Tamil Nadu.

It also makes clear that:

• IVGNREGS works can proceed only outside containment zones.
• IVGNREGS works can proceed only outside Red Blocks.
• Other construction works in rural areas were also permitted under the earlier Government of Tamil Nadu order referred to in the text.
• All other COVID-2019 instructions for the concerned schemes must continue to be followed.

Who it affects

The document mainly affects:

• rural workers engaged under IVGNREGS,
• village and block level implementing officials,
• District Collectors,
• Project Directors of District Rural Development Agencies,
• the Director of Rural Development and Panchayat Raj.

For landowners and property buyers, this is not a land title, patta, classification or transfer document. It is a work commencement and safety guidance document for rural public works under IVGNREGS during the pandemic period.

Key points from the annexed guidelines

The annexed guidelines set out practical conditions for implementation. From the source text, the main points include:

• works must be taken up only in eligible rural areas,
• project shelves and approved works are to be used,
• quarantine related restrictions must be respected,
• workers and officials must follow health and safety precautions,
• social distancing is required at worksites,
• COVID-19 related instructions from health and disaster management authorities remain applicable,
• if any worker is found positive or affected, further action must follow the prescribed health process,
• local administration and implementing authorities are responsible for supervision and compliance.

Why it matters

The Rural Development and Panchayat Raj Department, Government of Tamil Nadu, G.O. (Ms) No.92 dated 27.04.2020 matters if you were involved in IVGNREGS work in rural Tamil Nadu during the COVID-19 restrictions. It tells officials where work could restart and under what safety controls, but it does not change ownership or legal status of private land.