July 24, 2024
Sagarika Ghose’s Special Mention on the urgent need to ensure efficient implementation of MGNREGS
Madam, I seek to draw attention to the urgent need to ensure efficient implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. The Budget Estimate for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme was Rs. 60,000 crores for Financial Year, 2023-24. This had to be increased to Rs. 89,000 crores. The Union Government has been claiming that availability of funds shall not hinder the implementation of the NREGA. But the Government has already utilised 42 per cent of the funds allocated under the Interim Budget for Financial Year, 2024-25. Additionally, the Government is considering distributing excess rice for part-payment of the wages. Since most workers are PDSbeneficiaries, receiving rice during high inflation offers less flexibility and purchasing power than cash wages. As of January 1, 2024, Aadhar Based Payment System has been mandated within the framework of NREGA. More than 1.5 crore workers are yet to be ABPS (Aadhaar Payment Bridge System) enabled. The opacity of the ABPS architecture makes it impossible for workers to track which account their payment has been deposited in, leading to diverted and misdirected payments. Any deviations or inaccuracies could lead to a situation wherein rural workers may be deprived of their rightfully-earned wages, especially, people from marginalised backgrounds. There are concerns over mandatory digital attendance, deletions of job cards, delayed disbursements, and unresolved dues to States. MNREGA promises work, wages and dignity to millions of Indians. I urge the Government to urgently address these issues to ensure efficient implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Thank you.
