The rural development ministry has proposed to organise NREGA Mela - annual fests where best practices in the implementation of the scheme can be shared at one platform.

The mela, to be held on the annual day of the Act on February 2, will aim to highlight the achievement of the state governments in rural development.

The interactions during the mela will serve to facilitate exchange of information among state governments, media persons and members of the rural communities and administrations. It will provide an opportunity for learning and dissemination of best practices across the country.

States have been asked to submit proposals for the award of excellence in NREGA administration. District programme coordinators nominated by the states will be required to make presentations enlisting achievements under teh scheme to be considered for the honour. The last date for submission of the proposal is December 20.

The states have also been sent detailed evaluation criteria and the presentation format that will be used in the assessment of the applications submitted by the district NREGA teams.