- Between April and September 2024, 8 lakh workers were deleted from MGNREGS rolls.
- 4 lakh new workers were added, resulting in a net deletion of 39.3 lakh.
- Highest deletions were from Tamil Nadu (14.7%) and Chhattisgarh (14.6%).
- Lib Tech report suggests 15% of deletions were wrongful.
- Deletions are linked to the mandatory implementation of the Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) from January 1, 2024.
What is MGNREGA?
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), passed in 2005, guarantees 100 days of unskilled work per year to adult members of rural households in India.
- It aims to provide employment, improve economic conditions, and uphold the “right to work.”
- It was driven by grassroots efforts, notably by the Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) and economist Jean Drèze.
Key Provisions:
- Eligibility: Must be an Indian citizen, 18+ years old, part of a rural household, and willing to do unskilled work.
- Employment Guarantee: 100 days of work at the minimum wage, within 5 km of residence.
- Unemployment Allowance: Provided if work isn’t assigned within 15 days.
- Social Audit: Mandated to ensure transparency.
- Decentralized Planning: Led by local Panchayati Raj Institutions, with Gram Sabhas suggesting work plans.
Evolution of MGNREGA:
- Provides work to 15 million people daily.
- Recent budget cuts, from ₹98,468 crore in 2021-22 to ₹60,000 crore in 2023-24.
- Generated over 31 billion days of employment and ₹6.4 lakh crore in spending since 2006.
- Integrated with digital tools for transparency, such as online registration and geotagging.
- Works in tandem with other schemes like NRLM, PMAY, and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
Challenges of MGNREGA
- Budget Cuts: Reduced funding limits workdays and delays payments.
- Delayed Payments: Payments often lag, affecting beneficiaries’ livelihoods.
- Corruption: Issues like fake job cards and fund leakages persist.
- Lack of Awareness: Many eligible workers remain uninformed about their rights.
- Gender Disparities: Women face wage gaps, safety concerns, and fewer skilled roles.
- Poor Asset Quality: Many assets created are substandard or non-durable.
- Tech Issues: Digital tools face connectivity challenges in remote areas.
- Implementation Gaps: Weak coordination and support at local levels.
- Weak Grievance Redressal: Slow and inaccessible complaint resolution.
- Seasonal Demand: Higher demand during lean seasons limits year-round work.
Significance of MGNREGA:
- Infrastructure: Improves rural assets like water bodies, sanitation, and housing.
- Income Compensation: Helped offset income losses during the COVID-19 lockdown.
- Migration Prevention: Reduces rural-to-urban migration by providing local work.
- Livelihoods: Enhances rural livelihoods through asset creation.
- Rights-Based Approach: Legally ensures the right to work, with built-in accountability.
Best Practices:
- Jalpaiguri: Promoted fish farming alongside agriculture.
- Paschim Bardhaman: Empowered women with poultry farming.
- South West Khasi Hills: Built a suspension bridge to improve market access.
Despite challenges like budget cuts and implementation gaps, MGNREGA remains crucial in supporting rural livelihoods, reducing migration, and enhancing infrastructure. Its success depends on efficient management and addressing ongoing issues.
