The recent launch of the Climate Resilience Information System and Planning (CRISP-M) tool for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has drawn attention to efforts being made in addressing climate change and rural employment issues simultaneously. The innovative tool will be implemented across seven Indian states and leverages Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology to enhance the planning and execution of MGNREGS.
Understanding the CRISP-M Tool
The CRISP-M tool is designed to incorporate climate data into the GIS, a sophisticated computer system that allows users to analyze and visualize geographical data. This integration of information will significantly enhance the planning and implementation processes under the MGNREGS.
This tool’s implementation signifies a step forward in empowering rural communities to tackle climate change issues effectively. The areas chosen for the initial roll-out of the program are Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttar Pradesh, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh, Odisha, and Rajasthan.
MGNREGS: A Brief Overview
Launched on 2nd February 2006, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is one of the world’s largest work guarantee programs. It was enacted into law on August 23rd, 2005 with the objective to provide guaranteed employment of 100 days in every financial year to every willing adult member of a rural household.
However, unlike earlier employment programs, the MGNREGS approach is based on a rights-based framework to tackle chronic poverty. It mandates that at least one-third of beneficiaries should be women and that wages should align with the statutory minimum wages designated for agricultural laborers by state law.
A Demand-Driven Initiative
One of the unique aspects of MGNREGS is its legally-backed guarantee to provide work to any rural adult within 15 days of their demand. If this guarantee is not met, the scheme is bound to pay an ‘unemployment allowance’. This demand-driven feature encourages the self-selection of workers, thus contributing to the overall success and effectiveness of the program.
The Role of Decentralized Planning
MGNREGS places a strong emphasis on decentralizing its planning and implementation processes. It vests significant control in Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) for planning and executing works recommended by Gram Sabhas. The scheme mandates that at least 50% of the recommended works should be executed by the PRIs, highlighting the importance of local governance in successful implementation.
This combination of technological and community-led approaches offers a promising strategy for more sustainable and effective rural employment programs in the face of pressing climate change challenges. The launch of the CRISP-M tool and its integration with MGNREGS is a crucial step towards this objective.