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MGNREGA Scheme Full Form, Eligibility Criteria, Features

PWOnlyIAS November 07, 2024 05:50 88 0

MGNREGA is the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act launched to ensure the “right to work” for rural people.

MGNREGA Scheme Full Form, Eligibility Criteria, Features

MGNERGA: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a landmark social security scheme launched by the Government of India to ensure the “right to work” for rural households. Established in 2005, this scheme provides unskilled manual work to promote livelihood security, reduce poverty, and improve rural infrastructure. Understanding MGNREGA is crucial for UPSC aspirants as it touches upon rural development, social welfare, and poverty alleviation.

What is the MGNREGA Scheme?

The full form of the MGNREGA is Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. The scheme guarantees at least 100 days of paid employment per year to every rural household willing to do unskilled manual labor. It aims to boost rural livelihoods, improve infrastructure, and create sustainable assets, ultimately enhancing economic stability in rural areas. The scheme also aims to reduce migration from rural to urban areas by providing job opportunities locally.

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Aspect Details
MGNREGA Full Form Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
Official Launch Date of the MGNREGA Scheme 2nd February 2006
Act Passed On 23rd August 2005
Former Name of MGNREGA National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
Difference Between MGNREGA and MGNREGS MGNREGS is the scheme based on the MGNREGA Act
Number of Districts Covered 708 districts as of 11th February 2021
Key Stakeholders
  • Wage seekers
  • Gram Sabha (GS)
  • Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
  • Block-level Programme Officer
  • District Programme Coordinator (DPC)
  • State Government
  • Ministry of Rural Development (MoRD)
  • Civil Society
  •  Self-Help Groups (SHGs) and other line departments.
MGNREGA Job Card A document that entitles a worker to work under the MGNREGA Scheme
Mandate of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS Provision of at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year
MGNREGA Official Website https://nrega.nic.in/netnrega/home.aspx

Recent Updates in MGNREGA 

For the financial year 2023-24, under Section 6(1) of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, the Ministry of Rural Development has announced revised wage rates, effective from April 1, 2023. The new rates are based on changes in the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL).

Key updates in MGNREGA wages:

  • Wage Increase: Daily wages have been increased by Rs. 7 to Rs. 26, reflecting a 2% to 10% rise.
  • Highest and Lowest Wages: Haryana has the highest wage rate at Rs. 357 per day, while Madhya Pradesh and Chhattisgarh have the lowest at Rs. 221 per day.
  • Percentage Hikes: Rajasthan saw the highest percentage hike at 10.39%, with wages rising from Rs. 231 to Rs. 255 per day. Goa recorded the lowest hike, with wages increasing from Rs. 315 to Rs. 322 per day.

MGNREGA History

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was enacted on 23rd August 2005 and officially launched on 2nd February 2006. It was initially known as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).

MGNREGA was initially implemented in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh in 2006 and later expanded to cover rural areas throughout India.

MGNREGA was implemented in a phased manner nationwide, focusing on unskilled manual labor for rural development projects. Over time, the scheme has expanded to cover 708 districts as of February 2021 and has become one of the world’s largest employment guarantee programs.

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MGNREGA – State Employment Guarantee Council (SEGC)

Under MGNREGA, each state is mandated to establish a State Employment Guarantee Council (SEGC). The SEGC is responsible for advising the state government on MGNREGA implementation. It monitors the scheme’s progress and ensures that objectives are met effectively.  

Key Functions of SEGC:

  • Advising the state government on MGNREGA implementation.
  • Monitoring employment and asset creation under the scheme.
  • Reviewing and suggesting improvements for better performance.
  • Ensuring grievance redressal mechanisms are in place.
  • Overseeing the transparency and accountability of funds utilized under MGNREGA.

MGNREGA Eligibility Criteria

To apply for an MGNREGA Job card, candidates must fulfill the eligibility criteria. Here is the eligibility for MGNREGA that individuals must meet:

  1. Residency: Must be a resident of a rural area.
  2. Age: Must be at least 18 years old.
  3. Willingness for Manual Work: Must be willing to engage in unskilled manual labor.

How Many Days of Work in MGNREGA?

Under MGNREGA, each rural household is guaranteed at least 100 days of employment in a financial year. In certain states and under specific circumstances, this can extend up to 150 days to support rural families during crises.

Key Features of MGNREGA

  • Legal Right to Work: MGNREGA provides a statutory right to work for rural households.
  • Income Support: Ensures a minimum wage, reducing rural poverty and unemployment.
  • Sustainable Development: Creates assets like roads, ponds, and irrigation facilities, contributing to rural infrastructure.
  • Women Empowerment: Prioritizes employment for women, promoting gender equality in rural areas.
  • Transparency: Implements social audits to maintain transparency and prevent corruption.

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MGNREGA remains one of India’s most impactful social welfare programs, addressing rural poverty while promoting sustainable development and economic resilience. Understanding its features and benefits is essential for UPSC aspirants.

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FAQs on MGNREGA

The full form of MGNREGA is the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act.

MGNREGA was first implemented in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh in 2006.

Rural residents aged 18 or older, willing to work in unskilled manual labor, are eligible.

MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of work per rural household per year.

MGNREGA aims to enhance rural livelihood security, reduce poverty, create sustainable assets, and empower women.

MGNREGA was first implemented in the Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh in 2006, before expanding to cover rural areas across India.
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