An analysis of the central scheme database of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA), has revealed that at least 1.4 lakh underprivileged rural households have exhausted their quota of 100 days of guaranteed work in the first three months of this year. Hence, these families will not receive any further benefits from the rural employment guarantee scheme for the remainder of the year.
Data Indicating Increased Reliance on MGNREGA
Pertaining data shows that around 23 lakh households have completed 60 days of work, while seven lakh households have worked for 80 days and are nearing their quota’s limit. Most notably, Chhattisgarh tops the list with nearly 60,000 households having finished their 100 days of work, followed by Andhra Pradesh with about 24,500 households in the same category. Notably, Andhra Pradesh maintains its unique database, which reveals that 8.6% of all beneficiary households in the state have already used up their 100 workdays.
Influence of Covid-19 Pandemic on MGNREGA
The nationwide lockdown due to the Covid-19 pandemic saw thousands of unemployed migrant workers returning to their villages, relying heavily on MGNREGA wages. As a result, the demand for MGNREGA nearly doubled in June, primarily due to a lack of alternative employment opportunities. This was exacerbated by the collapse of the construction sector which typically employs a significant number of workers.
MGNREGA and Monsoon Season Challenges
In many regions, the monsoon season is synonymous with a scarcity of food, pushing many people into desperate need for work and triggering dependence on MGNREGA wages. It is anticipated that by December, women, the elderly, disabled individuals, and tribes will be in dire situations when agricultural work concludes, with no subsequent MGNREGA work available.
Proposed Solutions to Overcome MGNREGA Limitations
Several solutions have been suggested to alleviate these issues. The MGNREGA scheme contains a provision allowing for an expansion of the scheme to permit 150 working days per household in districts affected by droughts or other natural disasters. As Covid-19 has been declared a national disaster, this provision could immediately be applied nationwide. Another suggestion is to impose the work limit per adult individual rather than per household. Moreover, it has been proposed to increase the daily wage rate to ₹600 for 200 days per individual, given that the current wage rate of ₹200 per day doesn’t match the minimum wages in most states.
Agriculture: An Alternative Source of Employment
Agriculture and farming can provide alternative employment to migrants. For instance, migrant workers could be employed in Bihar’s Litchi farms.
Government Initiatives Targeting Migrant Labourers
In March, the government announced an average of Rs. 2000 hike for workers under MGNREGA. The government also launched the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyan, targeting migrant labourers who returned home during the lockdown. This scheme covers six states and ensures 125 days of employment to migrants.
About MGNREGA
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, previously known as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, was introduced in 2005 to enhance employment generation and social security in India. It operates under the Ministry of Rural Development and aims to provide 100 days of employment every financial year to adult members of any rural household willing to do public work-related unskilled manual work.
The Future of MGNREGA
MGNREGA has played a crucial role in combating growing poverty in the nation. Programs such as Swachh Bharat and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana are being merged to leverage its utility, reach, and value. Therefore, there is an urgent need to extend the work limits for those who have already reached them. To help workers find alternative livelihoods under similar circumstances, it’s vital they’re provided with skills training. Furthermore, Gram panchayats need to be equipped with adequate resources, powers, and responsibilities to sanction works, provide work on demand, and authorize wage payments.