This article examines several key aspects related to the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) scheme, including technology-based interventions and avenues for ensuring transparency. The MGNREGA scheme, launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural Development, is one of the world’s largest work guarantee programs, providing paid employment for adults in rural households.
MGNREGA Scheme: An Overview
The MGNREGA scheme legally guarantees 100 days of employment each fiscal year for adult members of any rural household. This initiative enables participants to perform unskilled manual labor related to public projects while earning a statutory minimum wage. Currently, there are 14.32 crore registered Job Cards with 68.22% being active and a total of 25.25 crore workers, of which 56.83% are active.
Aadhaar Integration: Ensuring Genuine Beneficiaries
The MGNREGA scheme incorporates technology through Aadhaar integration, whereby Aadhaar numbers are linked with primary bank accounts for de-duplication and validation of beneficiaries. The system has already completed Aadhaar verification for 98.31% (14.08 crore) of active workers. Furthermore, National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) data indicates a success rate of 99.55% or higher for Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT) when Aadhaar is enabled.
Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS)
Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS) leverages Aadhaar numbers to electronically deliver government subsidies and benefits directly to beneficiaries’ bank accounts linked with Aadhaar. Gram Panchayats facing technical or Aadhaar-related issues may seek exemptions from APBS until these issues are resolved.
National Electronic Fund Management System (NEFMS)
NEFMS was introduced in the 2016-2017 fiscal year for direct wage payments to beneficiaries. This system ensures over 99% of wage payments are directly credited to beneficiaries’ bank or post office accounts.
National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS)
The NMMS app captures real-time attendance of beneficiaries at workplaces. This tracking feature allows beneficiaries and citizens to verify worker attendance, bolstering transparency.
Geotagging of Assets
MGNREGA employs remote sensing technology for asset geotagging. Remote sensing measures an area’s physical characteristics by assessing its reflected and emitted radiation from a distance. This process provides location-specific data that enables public scrutiny and accountability.
Job Card Updation
Job card updates and deletions are routinely conducted by states/Union Territories. Circumstances leading to deletion include a fake or duplicate job card, an unwilling household, a permanent shift from Gram Panchayat, or the demise of a single person on a job card. Since April 2022, about 2.85 crore Job cards have been deleted.
Drone Monitoring
Pilot testing for drone usage is done to monitor implementation, enhancing real-time surveillance and data collection. This advanced approach assists in improved decision-making based on accurate data inputs.
The MGNREGA scheme benefits from a range of modern technological interventions, aiding in robust governance, transparency, and efficient implementation. The various systems integrated with the scheme help ensure genuine beneficiaries receive their due benefits and maintain the efficiency of the program.
