Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is a substantial work guarantee initiative, launched globally in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural Development. It provides a legal framework ensuring the right to work for the rural poor. In MGNREGS, social audits are an inbuilt anti-corruption mechanism, designed for the purpose of reviewing official records to confirm that state-reported expenditures reflect the actual money spent.
Recent Data on Social Audits in MGNREGS
According to recent data from the Management Information System (MIS) on social audits, maintained by the Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD), progress and challenges of social audits in MGNREGS are being highlighted. The information reveals that only six out of the 34 States and Union Territories have surpassed the 50% mark in completing social audits of work done under MGNREGS in gram panchayats. The scope of the social audits’ coverage varies widely across regions, with Kerala leading the way by achieving 100% coverage.
Understanding Social Audits
The process of a social audit involves quality checks of infrastructure created under MGNREGA, financial misappropriation in wages, and checking for any procedural deviations. Its main objectives revolve around empowering local communities and enabling citizens to scrutinize and assess the efficiency and effectiveness of government initiatives.
Legal Framework for Social Audits
Section 17 of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act mandates the gram sabha to monitor the execution of works, providing a legal basis for social audits. The Audit of Scheme Rules, 2011, developed by the Ministry of Rural Development in collaboration with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India, outlines the procedures for social audits and the duties of various entities.
Challenges in Implementation of Social Operations
Despite the importance of social audits, several challenges hinder the process. These include limited awareness, especially among local communities, limited financial resources for Social Audit Units, political influence, lack of cooperation, and coordination between authorities and social audit units, among others.
MGNREGS at a Glance
MGNREGS aims to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to rural households whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The scheme also focuses on strengthening the livelihood resource base of the poor and ensuring social inclusion.
Until 15th December 2022, a total of 11.37 Crore households availed employment and a total of 289.24 crore person-days employment had been generated under MGNREGS.
Achievements and New Initiatives of MGNREGA
MGNREGA has initiated several achievements, including GIS-Based Planning of Gram Panchayats and National Electronic Fund Management System. Additionally, initiatives such as Amrit Sarovar, Jaldoot App, Ombudsperson, and skill development projects have also been introduced in the implementation of the programme.
Eligibility to benefit from MGNREGA
As per the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, adult members of any household are eligible to benefit from the scheme, irrespective of their socio-economic status. This reflects the scheme’s commitment to ensuring the right to work for the rural poor.
