Context: Centre issues guidelines to tackle high rate of job card deletions under MGNREGS

Source: The Hindu

To address the issue of the high rate of employment card deletions among employees under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme, the Ministry of Rural Development has released recommendations.

10.43 crore workers’ identities have been removed from the program in the last four years. The government’s quest for an Aadhaar-based payment system has led to a high rate of deletions. According to the Center, any changes to a job card or name should only be made following thorough verification at the gram sabha that authorized the shelf of works under the MGNREGS, the social audit gram sabha, or a special gram sabha that was called for that purpose.

The deletions can only be made in the following cases: the worker’s death; the gram panchayat being designated an urban settlement; the card turning out to be a duplicate; registration based on falsified documents; or a permanent move of the household to an urban area or to another panchayat. According to the standards, the names of the employees or employment cards that were removed must be made public for at least 30 days.

Model Question:

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been a significant tool for providing employment and reducing rural distress. Critically analyze its performance and suggest measures for its effective implementation.

Model Answer:

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, aims to provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment per year to rural households. It serves as a social safety net and promotes livelihood security through demand-driven, labor-intensive work.

Achievements of MGNREGA

1. Employment Generation: Provided job opportunities to millions of rural households, especially marginalized sections like SCs, STs, and women.
2. Rural Development: Contributed to the creation of rural assets such as roads, ponds, and water conservation structures.
3. Women Empowerment: Around 50% of beneficiaries are women, ensuring financial independence and social upliftment.
4. Poverty Alleviation: Supplemented household incomes and reduced rural distress during economic shocks, particularly during the COVID-19 pandemic.
5. Environmental Conservation: Promoted water conservation, afforestation, and sustainable agriculture.

Challenges in Implementation

1. Delayed Payments: Wages often remain unpaid beyond the stipulated period of 15 days.
2. Corruption and Mismanagement: Leakage of funds, ghost beneficiaries, and poor monitoring affect transparency.
3. Lack of Awareness: Many rural workers are unaware of their rights under the Act.
4. Ineffective Grievance Redressal: Complaints often remain unaddressed due to administrative inefficiencies.
5. Overburdened Gram Panchayats: Limited capacity for planning and executing projects.

Measures for Effective Implementation

1. Timely Wage Payments: Ensure Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) and impose penalties for delays.
2. Strengthening Monitoring Mechanisms: Utilize geo-tagging and social audits for transparency.
3. Skill Upgradation: Provide training to workers for asset creation with higher productivity.
4. Community Participation: Encourage greater involvement of Gram Sabhas in planning and monitoring.
5. Technological Integration: Implement MIS (Management Information System) for real-time tracking.

While MGNREGA has made significant strides in poverty alleviation and rural development, addressing its challenges is crucial for realizing its full potential. Strengthening transparency, empowering local institutions, and ensuring timely payments can further enhance its effectiveness as a robust social security measure.