1.4 lakh families reach MGNREGA’s annual work limit
Context:
- At least 1.4 lakh poor rural households have already completed their quota of 100 days of work under MGNREGA in the first three months of the year.
- They will not be eligible for further benefits under the rural employment guarantee scheme for the rest of the year.
- Another seven lakh households have completed 80 days and are on the verge of running out of work as well.
Issues:
- Returning migrants to the rural areas are demanding work.
- Lack of work after completion of 100 days work in MGNREGA.
- Construction sector, which absorbs huge number of workforce is also not providing job opportunity.
Way Forward:
- Increase the no of days under MGNREGA to 200 days.
- The Scheme has the provision that district affected by National disaster can allow work for 150 days. Corona virus is a national disaster, hence , work should be provided for 150 days.
- Limit should be imposed per Individual than per household.
- There is need to enhance the daily wage rate.
About MGNREGA:
- The scheme was introduced as a social measure that guarantees “the right to work”.
- The key tenet of this social measure and labour law is that the local government will have to legally provide at least 100 days of wage employment in rural India to enhance their quality of life.
Key objectives:
- Generation of paid rural employment of not less than 100 days for each worker, who volunteers for unskilled labour.
- Proactively ensuring social inclusion by strengthening livelihood base of rural poor.
- Creation of durable assets in rural areas such as wells, ponds, roads and canals.
- Reduce urban migration from rural areas.
- Create rural infrastructure by using untapped rural labour.
The following are the eligibility criteria for receiving the benefits under MGNREGA scheme:
- Must be Citizen of India to seek NREGA benefits.
- Job seeker has completed 18 years of age at the time of application.
- The applicant must be part of a local household (i.e. application must be made with local Gram Panchayats).
- Applicant must volunteer for unskilled labour.
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