Despite implementing the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), rural migration increased by a whooping 116 per cent in Orissa with irregularities in galore at many fronts, a report by the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) of India today.

The rate of rural migration was abnormally high by 483 per cent in Nuapada district while the state average was 116 per cent, CAG said in its report for the year ending March 31, 2009.

The report which was tabled in the assembly today found several lacunae as incidents of manipulation in muster
rolls, non-payment of unemployment allowance and others.

"Deceased persons, government employees and old age persons were shown engaged and received wages," the report said adding 61 per cent beneficiaries were not even aware of their rights and privileges they are entitled to under the scheme.

Use of labour displacing machines was also noticed in Jajpur, Mayurbhanj and Nayagarh districts. Inspection in 26 blocks found that 11030 works were executed at Rs 154.99 crore through contractors/middlemen in the guise of Village Labour Leaders (VLLs) and department officials.