Sansad TV: Milestones Series - MGNREGA | Current Affairs & Hindu Analysis: Daily, Weekly & Monthly - UPSC PDF Download

Introduction

MGNREGA

• At its core, this social measure and labor law ensure that local governments are legally obligated to offer at least 100 days of paid employment in rural India, aiming to improve the quality of life in these areas.

Key Objectives

• Generate at least 100 days of paid employment for individuals volunteering for unskilled labor in rural areas.
• Actively promote social inclusion by strengthening the livelihoods of the rural poor.
• Create long-lasting assets in rural regions, such as wells, ponds, roads, and canals.
• Reduce migration from rural to urban areas.
• Develop rural infrastructure by harnessing untapped labor resources.

Eligibility Criteria for MGNREGA Benefits
To be eligible for the benefits offered by the MGNREGA scheme, individuals must meet the following criteria:

• Must be an Indian citizen.
• Must be at least 18 years old when applying.
• Must be a member of a local household and submit the application through the local Gram Panchayat.
• Must be willing to engage in unskilled labor voluntarily.

Implementation of the Scheme

• Within 15 days of submitting an application or requesting work, the applicant will be provided with wage employment.
• If employment is not provided within 15 days of submitting the application or requesting work, the individual has the right to receive an unemployment allowance.
• Mandatory social audits of MGNREGA projects ensure accountability and transparency.
• The Gram Sabha serves as the primary platform for wage seekers to voice their concerns and make demands.

Role of the Gram Sabha

• The Gram Sabha determines the priority order for works during its meetings, considering the local area's potential, needs, and available resources.
• It monitors the execution of works within the Gram Panchayat.

Roles of the Gram Panchayat

• Receiving and verifying registration applications.
• Registering households.
• Issuing Job Cards (JCs).
• Receiving applications for work.
• Issuing dated receipts for work applications.

Responsibilities of the State Government in MGNREGA

• Formulating rules related to state responsibilities under Section 32 of the Act.
• Developing and announcing the Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme for the state.
• Establishing the State Employment Guarantee Council (SEGC).
• Creating a state-level agency or mission dedicated to MGNREGA implementation, consisting of qualified professionals.
• Establishing a state-level social audit agency/directorate for MGNREGA, comprising individuals with expertise in MGNREGA processes and a commitment to social audits.
• Establishing and managing a State Employment Guarantee Fund (SEGF).

Need for Reforms

• There has been a decline in the demand for work under the MGNREGA scheme.
• States that are typically destinations for migrant workers have experienced the highest demand for work, rather than the source states.

Challenges

• Historically, there have been budget estimate revisions higher than the initial estimates.
• Funds are often released with delays.
• Significant wage rate disparities exist between states.
• Issues such as fraudulent job cards, widespread corruption, and delays in recording work attendance are prevalent.

Way Forward

• MGNREGA should be integrated with other government schemes, such as the Green India initiative and Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.
• There is a need to address delays in project completion and irregular inspections under MGNREGA. Moreover, the quality of work and asset creation should be improved.
• Strengthening the demand-driven aspects of MGNREGA can be achieved through increased focus on local-level social audits, funding, and tracking of outcomes.
• State governments should ensure that public work projects commence in every village. Immediate employment should be provided to workers arriving at the worksite, minimizing delays.