The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a significant social security measure in India that guarantees the ‘right to work’. Over the past decade, the performance of MGNREGA has seen considerable changes and improvements. Here’s a more detailed overview:
Initial Perception and Changes:In its early tenure, the government viewed MGNREGA poorly, according to civil society activists. However, over time, the importance of MGNREGA has been repeatedly reinforced. This change in perception was backed by increased budgetary allocations for the scheme. The administration of the scheme also underwent changes, leading to an increase in the budgetary allocation.
Technological Transition and Monitoring: One of the key benefits of MGNREGA has been its effectiveness marked by technological transition. A significant part of this transition was the introduction of the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS). However, the implementation of NMMS without proper piloting has proceeded under substantial challenges. Despite these challenges, NMMS has played a crucial role in monitoring the scheme.
Performance and Impact:MGNREGA has had a considerable impact on rural employment in India. Over the past decade, the scheme has seen significant improvements in terms of wages to workers. The scheme has also contributed to rural development and infrastructure. Despite initial criticisms, the scheme’s importance has been repeatedly reinforced with increased budgetary allocations.Post-Covid it was particularly useful.
Current Status:As of now, MGNREGA continues to play a crucial role in providing employment opportunities in rural areas. Despite the challenges faced by the scheme, such as the hurdles created by NMMS, the scheme continues to function effectively. The decision-making process, including the identification of works taken up, has improved, although there are still issues related to transparency.
Future Prospects: The future of MGNREGA looks promising. With continued government support and further improvements in administration and monitoring, the scheme is expected to continue benefiting rural workers in India. However, it is crucial to address the existing challenges to ensure the scheme’s long-term success.
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