The Uttarakhand state government has taken a significant step towards enhancing the livelihood security of rural inhabitants by extending the number of working days under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). This initiative is expected to provide additional employment opportunities to the rural population, thereby contributing to the alleviation of poverty and unemployment in the state.
Extension of MGNREGA Working Days
The Chief Minister of Uttarakhand, Trivendra Singh Rawat, announced the decision to increase the MGNREGA working days from the current 100 days to 150 days. This extension aims to provide rural households with more substantial economic support through guaranteed wage employment. This move by the state government acknowledges the importance of MGNREGA in supporting the rural economy and demonstrates a commitment to rural development.
Funding the Additional MGNREGA Days
The financial implications of extending the MGNREGA working days will be entirely shouldered by the Uttarakhand government. This decision highlights the state’s proactive approach in ensuring that the rural population receives adequate support without waiting for additional central funds or assistance. The government’s willingness to bear the costs indicates a prioritization of rural welfare in its budgetary allocations.
Distribution of Job Cards in Uttarakhand
According to official data, Uttarakhand has issued a total of 12.19 lakh job cards, which serve as a gateway for rural workers to access employment under MGNREGA. In the year 2020 alone, the state distributed 2.66 lakh job cards, reflecting a significant effort to integrate more individuals into the program and provide them with the opportunity to earn wages through public work projects.
Launch of the ‘Uttarakhand Aajeevika App’
In addition to increasing the MGNREGA working days, Chief Minister Trivendra Singh Rawat introduced the ‘Uttarakhand Aajeevika App’. This mobile application is designed to assist unemployed individuals in the state by offering them information and resources to find employment. The app is a step towards digital empowerment and aims to streamline the process of job searching for the state’s unemployed population.
Origins and Objectives of MNREGA
The concept of a rural employment guarantee scheme was first proposed by former Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao in 1991. It took shape with the enactment of MNREGA in 2005. The primary objective of MNREGA is to secure 100 days of wage employment per financial year for every household in rural areas, with the intent to create durable assets and enhance livelihood security. The extension of working days in Uttarakhand builds upon this foundation to offer even greater economic stability to rural families.
Establishment of Atal Utkrisht Vidyalayas
Furthering its commitment to development, the Uttarakhand Government plans to open 190 Atal Utkrisht Vidyalayas across the state. These schools, two in each block, will be affiliated with the Central Board of Secondary Education (CBSE) and are set to commence operations from the next academic session. The establishment of these educational institutions signifies the government’s investment in the future of the state’s youth and its dedication to providing quality education.
