Implementation issues with the MGNREGA
This editorial is based on “In NREGA reforms, prioritise the worker and her dues” which was
published in The Hindu Business Line on 30/01/2023. It discusses the reforms that need to be undertaken
in order to implement the MGNREGA in its true sense.
For Prelims: MGNREGA, Scheduled Caste, Scheduled Tribes, Amrit Sarovar, Jaldoot App, Ombudsperson
for MGNREGS
For Mains: Implementation issues with the MGNREGA, Government Policies & Interventions, Issues
Relating to Development
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was passed in 2005, and
the demand-driven scheme guarantees 100 days of unskilled work per year for every rural
household that wants it. There are currently 15.51 crore active workers enrolled under the
scheme.
Recently, the Central government has constituted a committee to review the implementation of
the MGNREGA scheme, especially to assess the programme’s efficacy as a poverty alleviation tool. The
committee, headed by former Rural Development secretary Amarjeet Sinha, had its first meeting in
November 2022, and has been given three months to submit its suggestions.
What are the Challenges with the Implementation of the Scheme?
Delay and Insufficiency in Funds Dispersal:
Most states have failed to disburse wages within 15 days as mandated by
MGNREGA. In addition, workers are not compensated for a delay in payment of wages.
This has turned the scheme into a supply-based programme and
subsequently, workers had begun to lose interest in working under it.
There is ample evidence by now, including an admission by the Ministry of Finance, that
delays in wage payments are a consequence of insufficient funds.
Caste Based Segregation:
There were significant variations in delays by caste. While 46% of payments to SC
(Scheduled Caste) workers and 37% for ST (Scheduled Tribes) workers were completed
in the mandated seven-day period, it was a dismal 26% for non-SC/ST workers.
The negative impact of caste-based segregation was felt acutely in poorer States such as
Madhya Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha and West Bengal.
Ineffective Role of PRI:
With very little autonomy, Panchayati Raj Institution (PRI) are not able to implement
this act in an effective and efficient manner.
Large Number of Incomplete works:
There has been a delay in the completion of works under MGNREGA and inspection of
projects has been irregular. Also, there is an issue of quality of work and asset
creation under MGNREGA.
Fabrication of Job cards:
There are several issues related to the existence of fake job cards, the inclusion of fictitious
names, missing entries and delays in making entries in job cards.
What are the Key Achievements of MGNREGA Scheme?
Achievements of 2022-23:
11.37 crore households availed employment.
289.24 crore person-days employment has been generated out of which:
56.19% were for women
19.75% were for Scheduled Castes (SCs)
17.47% were for Scheduled Tribes (STs).
New Initiatives under MGNREGS:
Amrit Sarovar: Construction/renovation of at least 75 Amrit Sarovars (ponds) in each
district of the country; they will help in increasing the availability of water, both on surface
and under-ground.
Jaldoot App: It was launched in Sept 2022 for measuring the water level in a Gram
Panchayat through 2-3 selected open wells twice a year.
Ombudsperson for MGNREGS: Ombudsperson App was launched in Feb 2022 for
smooth reporting and categorization of grievances received from various sources
related to the implementation of the MGNREGS.
What should be the Way Forward?
Address Delays in Wage Payments:
Improving the financial management system, including regular transfer of funds to
the states and timely release of funds to the implementing agencies.
Strengthening the administrative capacity and accountability of the implementing
agencies.
Improving the transparency and efficiency of the wage payment process,
including the use of digital tools and platforms to track payments and prevent delays.
Strengthen Implementation Capacities:
For a universal, demand-based social security programme such as MGNREGA,
reforms cannot be based on ‘targeting’ better. There has to be a focus on exclusion and
not inclusion “errors”.
Instead of using expenditure and income poverty as the only markers, exclusion must be
identified at the household level.
There is enough evidence to show that MGNREGA is fairly well targeted,
benefiting the poorest, especially Scheduled Caste (SC) and Scheduled Tribe (ST)
families. However, there is scope for improvement.
For instance, panchayats, blocks and districts where employment of SCs and ST
families is lower than their proportion in the population must be identified.
This would indicate pockets where the most marginalised are being
nudged out of the programme.
Building the Spirit of Public Participation:
There is a need to build the scheme on the spirit of public participation.
Government must leverage consultative processes and forums, such as the State
and Central Employment Guarantee Councils which can be beneficial for the government in
making informed decisions and addressing the needs and concerns of the people.
Any proposed reforms must be tabled in State assemblies in addition to Parliament
along with bringing civil society organisations, worker unions and representatives of
self-help groups into the discussion.
Mapping the Impact of Reforms:
It is time the Governments makes an earnest attempt to map the impact of each of
its “reforms” on access to and the expenditure of MGNREGA, particularly in poorer
States.
The government agencies must be held accountable for the denial of entitlements
to MGNREGA workers as a result of top down “reforms” that workers had no say in
designing.
Drishti Mains Question
What are the challenges faced in the implementation of MGNREGA and how can they be addressed?
UPSC Civil Services Examination Previous Year Question (PYQ)
Prelims
Q. Among the following who are eligible to benefit from the “Mahatma Gandhi National Rural
Employment Guarantee Act”? (2011)
(a) Adult members of only the scheduled caste and scheduled tribe households
(b) Adult members of below poverty line (BPL) households
(c) Adult members of households of all backward communities
(d) Adult members of any household
Ans: (d)
Exp:
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA), which is the largest work
guarantee programme in the world, was enacted in 2005 with the primary objective of
guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment per year to every household whose adult members
volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
It aims at addressing the causes of chronic poverty through the ‘works’ (projects) that are
undertaken, and thus ensuring sustainable development. There is also an emphasis on
strengthening the process of decentralisation by giving a significant role to Panchayati Raj
Institutions (PRIs) in planning and implementing these works.
Therefore, option D is the correct answer.
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