11 Key facts for users: MNREGA(Mahatma Gandhi Nrega)

Overview of MGNREGA

1. About MGNREGA
2. What users need to know about MNREGA
3. Status
4. Relationship between Mahatma Gandhi NREGA & Mahatma Gandhi NREGS
5. Activities covered by MGNREGA
6. MGNREGA Works directly in relation to Agriculture and Allied Activities
7. Online Public Grievances Resolution System
8. Similar resources

MGNREGA

• The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, also known as Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes (MNREGS), is an Indian law that was enacted August 25, 2005. The MGNREGA gives a legal guarantee of one hundred days employment for all adult members of rural households who are willing to perform unskilled manual public work at the minimum wage. In association with state governments, the Ministry of Rural Development (MRD) monitors the implementation of this scheme.
• This law was created to increase the purchasing power and income of rural Indians. It focuses primarily on semi- or unskilled work for those living below the poverty line in rural India. This act aims to reduce the gap between the poor and the rich in the country. Women must make up about one-third the work force.
• The Gram Panchayat accepts adult members of rural households who submit their name, address and age along with a photo. After making enquiries, the Gram Panchayat registers the households and issues a jobcard. The job card includes the information of each adult member and their photo. A registered person can apply for work (for at most fourteen days continuous work) to either Panchayat, or to the Programme Officer.
• The Panchayat/Programme officer accepts the valid application. A dated receipt will be issued. A letter providing work will also be sent to the applicant. If the distance is greater than 5km, an additional wage will be charged.

MNREGA: Key facts for users

1. MGNREGA provides hundred days of wage employment for rural households whose adult members are willing to perform unskilled manual labor.
2. Individual beneficiary-oriented works can be undertaken on the cards of Scheduled Castes/ Scheduled Tribes, marginal farmers, beneficiaries of land reforms, or beneficiaries under Indira Awaas Yojana of Government of India.
3. Wage employment will be offered to the applicant within 15 days after the submission of the application.
4. You have the right to apply for unemployment benefits if employment is not offered within 15 days or after the date you applied.
5. Within fifteen days of the work being done, you will receive your wages.
6. There are many permissible work that can be done by Gram Panchayaths.
7. MGNREGA is focused on economic and social empowerment for women.
8. MGNREGA offers “Green” and “Decent” work.
9. Social Audit by MGNREGA is mandatory. This promotes accountability and transparency.
10. MGNREGA addresses climate change vulnerability, protects farmers from such risks, and conserves natural resources.
11. Gram Sabha is where wage seeker can raise their concerns and demand wages. The Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat approve the MGNREGA shelf and determine their priority.

Status of Implementation

• In fiscal year 2006-07, the scheme was implemented in 200 districts and in 130 districts during 2007-08.
• NREGA was expanded to the entire country in April 2008. It now covers 34 States and Union Territories. 614 Districts. 6,096 Blocks. 2.65 lakhs Gram Panchayat.
• In the financial year 2015-16, 648 districts, 6,849 blocks, and 2,50,441 GRAM PANYATS are covered by this scheme.

Relationship between Mahatma Ghandi NREGA & Mahatma Mahatma NREGS

MGNREGA covers activities

The following are permissible activities, as per Para 1 of Schedule I of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA:

• Union Rural Development Ministry has notified works under MGNREGA. The majority of these works are related to agriculture and allied activities. Also, works that will greatly facilitate rural sanitation projects.
• The works are divided into 10 broad categories, including Watershed, Irrigation and Flood management, Agricultural and Livestock-related works, Fisheries and works along the coast, and Rural Drinking water and sanitation related works.
• The Gram Panchayats will inform the MGNREGA 2.0 (second generation reforms for rural job schemes) about the priority of works. They will do this in meetings of both the Gram Sabhas as well as the Ward Sabhas.
• The Rural development informed us that the 30 additional works in Schedule 1 will help to support the rural development.
• MGNREGA has included rural sanitation projects such as toilet building, soak pits, and solid and liquid waste management. The overall 60:40 labour-material ratio will still be applied at Gram Panchayat, but certain works will have some flexibility based on practical needs.
• The MGNREG Act has approved construction of AWC buildings. On 13th August 2015, Secretary, WCD, and Secretary, Ministry of Rural Development issued joint guidelines for the construction of Anganwadi Centres under MGNREGS. MGNREGS allows construction of AWC buildings up to Rs.5 million. Exceeding Rs. 5 lakh per AWC, including flooring, painting, plumbing and electrification. The ICDS funds will cover the costs.

MGNREGA Works in Direct Relation to Agriculture and Related Activities

Source Advisory Works Related Agriculture Allied Activities (1.54MB)

Online Public Grievances Redressal Program

• Through the MGNREGA’s Online-Public Grievances Redressal system, you can assist people in submitting grievances and complaints about MNREGA related problems in their locality.

• Follow the steps to file a complaint.

• Online Public Grievances Resolution System

Source MGNREGA Portal

Similar resources

1. Dashboard – MGNREGA
2. MGNREGA Video from World Bank
3. Success stories of MGNREGA and other schemes – Convergence
4. MGNREGA Report To the People – February 2015
5. Social Audit Reports State-wise
6. ICT innovations at MGNREGA
7. MGNREGA Sameeksha: An Anthology Of Research Studies on MGNREGA From 2012 – 2014.
8. Online learning materials on MNREGA