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Introduction to MGNREGA: India's Rural Employment Act Explained

Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Act (MGNREGA), formerly known as the National Rural Employment Act (NREGA), was introduced by Raghuvansh Prasad Singh, Minister of Rural Development, and enacted by the Parliament of India. This act is considered a crucial step taken by India's labor law to provide social security to Indian citizens in the form of the "right to work." MGNREGA was enacted in September 2005, guaranteeing a minimum of 100 days of paid work each fiscal year. This act covers all members of Indian households who volunteer for unskilled manual labor.

By law, if you register for this system, you can find a job within 15 days of registration. MGNREGA applies to all states in India except Jammu and Kashmir. The allocated minimum wages are equal for all and may vary from state to state.

MGNREGA, also known as NREGA, has its roots in the NREGA law passed by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991. It was later approved by parliament and enforced in 625 districts of India, eventually covering all districts by April 1, 2008. The Indian government describes this law as "the world's most ambitious and far-reaching law, providing social security and benefiting the public." The World Bank has acknowledged MGNREGA as a fine example of rural development.

Some of the key goals and objectives of MGNREGA are to provide a minimum of 100 days of unskilled manual labor to rural workers each year, ensuring the livelihood of economically vulnerable populations. The program aims to promote the growth of rural communities, provide social protection, and empower rural households. Additionally, it aims to strengthen Panchayati Raj institutions across India, improve the local economy, and create lasting value in rural areas by utilizing underutilized labor.

MGNREGA is one of the largest employment initiatives in human history taken by the Government of India. It is a unique and unparalleled program that is demand-driven and focuses on human-centric and rights-based approaches. The program ensures coordination through an automated beneficiary selection mechanism.

Under MGNREGA, the state is incentivized to create jobs as the central government bears 100% of the cost of unskilled labor and 75% of the cost of materials for the program. Gram Panchayats must implement at least 50% of the work in terms of cost, which is unprecedented.

The success of MGNREGA relies heavily on recruiters, Gram Sabhas, and Gram Panchayats. It also plays a significant role in aid programs for natural resource management and livelihood creation.

Social Audit is a vital part of MGNREGA, ensuring performance accountability. The Central Employment Guarantee Council prepares an annual report on MGNREGA results, submitted to the Central Government. Similarly, the State Employment Guarantee Council prepares annual reports for submission to the State Legislature.

MGNREGA covers various activities related to agriculture, livestock, watersheds, irrigation, rural drinking water, sanitation, fisheries, and coastal operations. It also includes the construction of Anganwadi Centers.

The MGNREGA App enables users to access information on works conducted under the scheme and payment details provided by the government to Gram Panchayats. It also provides information on new schemes and more.

Special categories of workers under MGNREGA include people with disabilities, internally displaced individuals, those who are HIV positive, senior citizens above 65 years old, people belonging to Nomadic, De-notified, or Primitive Tribal Groups, and women under special conditions. The eligibility criteria for MGNREGA require the applicant to be an Indian citizen, at least 18 years old, and willing to work as unskilled labor.

The NREGA Job Card is a crucial document for individuals registered under the scheme, identifying them as eligible for employment and providing necessary details. This card allows workers to apply for paid jobs in their local Gram Panchayat and serves as proof of eligibility for KYC purposes.

To apply for the MGNREGA Job Card, one can download the application form from the official website or obtain it from the local Gram Panchayat. The form requires personal details, including a photograph, name, age, gender, address, and proof documents such as Aadhar Card, PAN card, Voter ID card, or Ration card. The job card will be issued within 15 days of submission, verification, and approval.

The MGNREGA payment process involves direct deposit into the job cardholder's bank account. In case of no bank account, the applicant must open one using the job card as KYC proof. Cash wages are also available in some circumstances but require appropriate approvals and prior knowledge of the ministry or state government. MGNREGA ensures equal wages regardless of gender.

MGNREGA and MGNREGS are interdependent. MGNREGA lays the foundation for guaranteed employment, while MGNREGS ensures the comprehensive implementation and fulfillment of guarantees under MGNREGA. The functions and situations for assured employment are designated by the Central Government for MGNREGA, while the State Government manages the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS within the state.

In conclusion, MGNREGA, also known as NREGA, is a significant initiative aimed at providing social security and employment opportunities to vulnerable sections of rural India. The program promotes economic stability, empowers women, protects the environment, and reduces rural-to-urban migration. Despite some controversy, MGNREGA continues to create job opportunities and improve the lives of people in rural areas.

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