MNREGA

MNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) is a landmark rights-based social security programme of India aimed at enhancing livelihood security in rural areas.

Key Features
Enacted: 2005 (implemented from 2006)
Legal Guarantee: Provides a statutory right to employment
Assured Employment: At least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work
Demand-driven scheme: Employment must be provided within 15 days of demand, failing which unemployment allowance is payable

Objectives
Enhance livelihood security of rural households
Reduce distress migration
Create durable rural assets (water conservation, irrigation, roads, soil conservation, etc.)
Promote inclusive growth and social equity
Implementation Structure
Central Ministry: Ministry of Rural Development
Execution: Mainly through Gram Panchayats

Funding:
100% wages for unskilled labour by the Central Government
75% of material cost by Centre, 25% by States

Important Provisions
Wage parity: Equal wages for men and women
Women’s participation: At least one-third of beneficiaries must be women
Worksite facilities: Drinking water, shade, first aid, crèche (if needed)
Social audit: Mandatory to ensure transparency and accountability
Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT): Wages credited directly to bank/post office accounts

Types of Works Permitted
Water conservation and harvesting
Drought proofing and afforestation
Irrigation canals and minor irrigation works
Rural connectivity (roads)
Land development and flood control
Works benefiting SCs, STs, small and marginal farmers

Significance
Acts as a safety net during economic distress (e.g., droughts, pandemics)
Strengthens grassroots democracy through Panchayati Raj Institutions
Improves rural infrastructure and natural resource management
Empowers women and marginalized communities

Challenges
Delays in wage payments
Inadequate planning of works in some areas
Low awareness about unemployment allowance
Issues related to fund flow and implementation capacity

Conclusion
MNREGA is one of the largest employment guarantee programmes in the world, playing a crucial role in poverty alleviation, rural development, and social justice in India.