New Guidelines for MGNREGS Job Card Deletions

The Ministry of Rural Development has introduced new guidelines to address the high rate of job card deletions under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). Over the past four years, approximately 10.43 crore workers have been removed from the programme. The deletions surged dramatically from 1.49 crore in 2021-22 to 5.53 crore in 2022-23. This increase coincided with the government’s implementation of an Aadhaar-based payment system. However, the government denies any link between these deletions and the mandatory Aadhaar system.

Background of MGNREGS

MGNREGS was launched in 2005 to enhance livelihood security in rural areas. It guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household. The scheme aims to provide income support and improve rural infrastructure.

Job Card Deletions

Job card deletions have become issue within MGNREGS. The reasons for deletions include permanent migration, urban settlement declarations, duplicate registrations, fraudulent documentation, and worker deaths. Many deletions were previously attributed to “not willing to work.”

New Verification Guidelines

The new guidelines mandate a verification process before any deletion occurs. This verification must involve the gram sabha, the local self-governance body, during meetings focused on work approvals or social audits. Deletions must be justified and documented.

Public Disclosure of Deletions

To enhance transparency, the guidelines require that the list of job cards flagged for deletion be made public for at least 30 days. This allows affected individuals to raise objections. The reasons for deletions must also be clearly communicated to the public.

Right to Appeal

Households have the right to appeal against job card cancellations. The guidelines suggest that gram sabhas convene twice a year to discuss deletion lists and any objections received. Clear procedures for appeals must be outlined and communicated to the affected individuals.

Payment of Dues

Before executing any deletions, the guidelines stipulate that all pending dues to the workers must be settled. This ensures that workers are not left without compensation before their job cards are cancelled.

Impact of Aadhaar-Based Payment System

The government has implemented an Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) to streamline payments under MGNREGS. The system aims to reduce fraud and ensure that payments reach the intended beneficiaries. However, the correlation between ABPS and job card deletions remains a contentious issue.

Future Implications

The new guidelines aim to restore trust in MGNREGS. By ensuring transparency and accountability, the government hopes to reduce the number of unjust deletions. The effectiveness of these guidelines will be monitored in the coming months.

Questions for UPSC:

1. Critically analyse the implications of the Aadhaar-Based Payment System on rural employment schemes.
2. What are the key objectives of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme? Explain.
3. Comment on the role of gram sabhas in ensuring transparency in government programmes.
4. Explain the significance of public disclosure in the context of job card deletions under MGNREGS.

Answer Hints:

1. Critically analyse the implications of the Aadhaar-Based Payment System on rural employment schemes.

1. ABPS aims to streamline payments, reducing fraud by linking payments directly to verified identities.
2. Concerns include potential exclusion of eligible workers due to technical issues or mismatches in Aadhaar data.
3. The high rate of job card deletions has raised fears that ABPS may inadvertently disenfranchise rural workers.
4. While the government claims no correlation, the timing of deletions coinciding with ABPS rollout raises questions.
5. Long-term implications may include increased accountability but also the risk of reduced participation in rural employment schemes.

2. What are the key objectives of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme? Explain.

1. To provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household.
2. To enhance livelihood security and reduce rural poverty through income support and employment generation.
3. To improve rural infrastructure by involving local communities in development projects.
4. To empower marginalized communities by ensuring their access to work and financial resources.
5. To promote sustainable rural development through skill enhancement and capacity building.

3. Comment on the role of gram sabhas in ensuring transparency in government programmes.

1. Gram sabhas serve as local governance bodies, facilitating community participation in decision-making processes.
2. They are responsible for verifying job card deletions and ensuring justifiable reasons for such actions.
3. Regular meetings allow for public discussion of issues, enhancing accountability and transparency.
4. They provide a platform for voicing objections and appeals against government actions, protecting citizens’ rights.
5. Through documentation and minute-taking, gram sabhas ensure that decisions are transparent and traceable.

4. Explain the significance of public disclosure in the context of job card deletions under MGNREGS.

1. Public disclosure promotes transparency, allowing affected individuals to be informed about deletions and reasons.
2. It provides an opportunity for workers to raise objections and appeal against unjust deletions.
3. Making deletion lists public for 30 days enhances community oversight and accountability of local governance.
4. Public awareness can deter arbitrary deletions and encourage responsible administration of the MGNREGS.
5. It encourages trust between the government and rural communities, ensuring that rights are upheld.