Utilise MGNREGA to the Fullest Capacity

Context: The MGNREGA scheme should not be diluted in the name of the Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan which provides work in 116 districts for returned migrant workers.

Challenges in implementation of MGNREGA:

• Work provided to few: Not all the workers who applied under MGNREGA are getting work.

• E.g.: In U.P more than one-third of 1 crore workers who had applied for work were turned back.

• Unemployment allowance: Despite a legal provision, no compensation has been paid in Bihar.

• Issues with Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan:

• West Bengal and Chhattisgarh not covered: reverse migration is particularly high in these States.
• Duplication of efforts: As per the list of 25 kinds of work available in the new scheme, almost everyone is already covered under the MGNREGA. 

• Skill mapping work is also already covered.

• No clarity: on the guidelines issued to generate workdays in the 116 selected districts.

• E.g.:  Last year in these districts the average workdays were lower than the national average of 50 days under MGNREGA.

• Lack of legal rights: The new Scheme has no legal binding on the administration.
• Exclusion of women: In the selected districts women who comprise a smaller percentage of migrant workers will be largely excluded. 

Utilising the full potential of MGNREGA:

• Removal of the restriction of only one person per household to make every individual eligible. 
• Expanding workdays: The cap of 100 days should be removed to expand it to at least 200 days. 
• Unemployment allowance should be guaranteed for all those turned away from work. 
• Early release of funds: The government needs to release funds on an emergency basis.
• Inclusion of women: The works provided under Garib Kalyan Rojgar Abhiyaan should be in addition to the MGNREGA to benefit the women workers.