Expanding Scope of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

Introduction

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (2005), known as the NREGA, is a significant initiative aimed at enhancing the livelihoods of rural households in India. Initially designed to guarantee 100 days of wage employment per household annually, this act has been expanded with additional provisions to address specific needs in certain groups and areas. This blog will explore the key provisions, completed projects, and challenges associated with the NREGA.

Key Provisions

The NREGA is structured around three main provisions:

1. Guaranteed 100 Days of Wage Employment: Every household whose adult members volunteer to engage in unskilled manual work receives 100 days of guaranteed wage employment per financial year.

2. Additional Progressions for Scheduled Tribes (STs) in Forest Areas:

   • STs in forest areas receive up to an additional 50 days beyond the guaranteed period, as long as they meet specific criteria regarding land rights under the Forest Rights Act (FRA), 2006.

3. Drought-Compensated Rural Areas:

   • In regions affected by droughts or natural disasters, STs and other rural areas can receive up to an additional 50 days of wage employment in financial years where climate conditions are unfavorable.

These provisions aim to provide equitable support to diverse rural groups, ensuring that all households have access to stable jobs and income during challenging times.

Completed Works (Schedule I)

Based on Schedule I from the NREGA, several projects highlight progress under the scheme:

1. Water Conservation and Harvesting in Forest Areas:

   • Projects include infrastructure development such as underground dykes, earthen dams, check dams, and rainwater harvesting structures to ensure consistent water supply.

2. Community Assets/Individual Assets:

   • In vulnerable sections, initiatives like food production systems (e.g., tea plantations, handicrafts) and microloans provide livelihood support for individuals who cannot afford basic needs.

3. Rural Sanitation Projects:

   • Initiatives such as agricultural runoff abatement and toilet flushing programs are implemented to improve water quality in rural areas.

These projects underscore the tangible progress being made under the NREGA, demonstrating its effectiveness in improving rural livelihoods.

Challenges

Despite its goals, challenges remain. The Additional provisions for STs and drought-affected areas face resistance from participants who may view these as additional costs rather than equitable support. Addressing these challenges requires collaboration between governments, NGOs, and local communities to ensure sustained and equitable funding and support.

Conclusion

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is a multifaceted effort aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods through wage employment guarantees. By addressing specific needs in areas like forest conservation and drought resilience, the scheme contributes significantly to rural development. While challenges persist, ongoing efforts ensure that these provisions are both equitable and effective in driving sustainable economic growth in India’s rural regions.

This blog provides a comprehensive overview of the NREGA, highlighting its key provisions, recent initiatives, and the impact it is making on improving rural livelihoods.