Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MG-NREGA)

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), launched on February 2nd, 2006, is a landmark legislation that guarantees a hundred days of wage employment in a financial year to adult members of rural households who are willing to do unskilled manual work.

How to Apply

1. Explain the simple registration process for MGNREGA through local Gram Panchayats (village councils).

2. Mention the availability of online registration options in some states.

Types of Projects

Provide a list of examples of projects undertaken under MGNREGA, such as:

• Water conservation works (wells, ponds, canals)

• Drought proofing initiatives

• Rural roads construction

• Land development

• Rural electrification

• Social infrastructure projects (schools, anganwadis)

Benefits for Workers

Highlight additional benefits workers receive besides wages, including:

1. Maternity leave entitlement

2. Accident insurance coverage

Transparency and Accountability

Briefly explain the emphasis on transparency in MGNREGA, mentioning features like:

1. Social audits to ensure fair wages and project completion

2. Online grievance redressal mechanisms

Current Status

• Active Scheme: The Government of India continues to run MGNREGA.
• Recent Wage Increase: Minimum wages for MGNREGA workers were revised in April 2023.
• Active Workers: As of July 2024, there are over 13 crore active workers registered under MGNREGA.
• Focus on Transparency: The government is using digital tools to track attendance and ensure timely wage payments.

Conclusion

MGNREGA is a transformative initiative that empowers rural communities by creating employment opportunities, strengthening infrastructure, and fostering social inclusion. It plays a vital role in poverty alleviation, drought-proofing, and overall rural development in India.