Recommendations for MNREGA Operations, by the Standing Committee of Parliament (PSC)
Recently, the Parliamentary Standing Committee has reviewed MGNREGA. As a result of which the Standing Committee of Parliament on Rural Development (PSC) has made some recommendations regarding MGNREGA.
It is to be noted that these recommendations have been submitted at a time when MGNREGA has become a safety net for migrant workers who have returned to their villages during COVID-19. Also, the demand for work had reached an all-time high in the last financial year.
Constraints described in the PSC report
- There is lack of effective coordination with the states in terms of timely release of funds.
- Necessary formalities associated with the procedures are not completed within the time-limit prescribed by the State Governments.
- Non-Updation of Attendance Register (register recording employee’s attendance at work place) within three days of completion of work.
- There is a delay in submission of documents required by the states to release part of wages or material.
Recommendations:
- Guaranteed working days should be increased from 100 days in a year to at least 150 days.
- To utilize the allocated funds in a stipulated time, and in a financially prudent manner, so that the entire amount is spent appropriately
- Wage rates should be raised by linking them to the index commensurate with inflation.
- In case of crisis, a unified wage rate should be implemented throughout the country to prevent migration.
- The labor budget of the scheme should be reviewed from time to time.
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGA) – Under this, at least 100 days of wage employment is provided to every rural family in a financial year. This includes the adult member of the rural household. This member does unskilled manual work voluntarily.
Source – The Hindu
