Answer

Introduction

MGNREGA is a demand-driven, rights-based social security law guaranteeing rural employment through statutory entitlements. The proposed Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Bill, 2025 seeks to restructure this framework, raising concerns about dilution of legal guarantees, decentralisation, and worker protections.

Body

Concerns over the Proposed Bill, 2025

• Rights Dilution: Replacing a statutory right with a mission-mode scheme weakens enforceability and removes citizens’ ability to legally claim employment.
  Eg: Proposed shift from “guarantee” to “mission” framework.
• Demand Erosion: Employment provision risks becoming supply-driven, undermining workers’ right to demand work at their discretion.
• Wage Insecurity: Chronic delays in wage payments weaken income security and discourage participation of the poorest households.
  Eg: Large pending wage liabilities reported across multiple states.
• Centralisation Bias: Greater bureaucratic control may weaken Panchayati Raj institutions and reduce local flexibility in work selection.
  Eg: Declining role of Gram Sabhas in planning MGNREGA works.
• Exclusion Risks: Technology-heavy implementation risks excluding vulnerable workers due to Aadhaar, biometric, or connectivity failures.
• Asset Dilution: Focus on short-term livelihood missions may dilute durable asset creation crucial for rural resilience.

Measures to Overcome These Concerns

• Legal Continuity: Retain statutory employment guarantee and unemployment allowance to preserve enforceable social security rights.
• Demand Protection: Ensure worker-initiated demand registration with mandatory employment within a fixed timeframe.
• Wage Reforms: Implement automatic compensation and decentralised fund availability to eliminate chronic payment delays.
• Decentralised Governance: Strengthen Gram Sabha planning and Panchayat execution to maintain local accountability and relevance.
• Inclusive Technology: Use digital tools as enabling mechanisms with offline alternatives to prevent worker exclusion.
  Eg: Relaxation of Aadhaar-based attendance during hardship.

Conclusion

Reforms to MGNREGA must enhance efficiency without undermining its rights-based core. Any restructuring should strengthen demand-driven employment, decentralised governance, and wage security, ensuring rural livelihoods remain protected while adapting to evolving development priorities.

DOWNLOAD PDF