In this article, we discuss the functioning of the Rural Development Act of Telangana, India.
MGNREGA Telangana: Overview
During the recently concluded Monsoon Session of Parliament, the Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development released a report focusing on the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Development Act, 2005 (MGNREGA).
This blog provides an overview of the key provisions of MGNREGA before delving into the primary findings and recommendations put forth by the Standing Committee. It’s important to note that the initiative spans multiple districts in Telangana, encompassing the following regions:
- ADILABAD
- BHADRADRI KOTHAGUDEM
- HANUMAKONDA
- HYDERABAD
- JAGTIAL
- JANGOAN
- JAYASHANKAR BHOOPALPALLY
- JOGULAMBA GADWAL
- KAMAREDDY
- KARIMNAGAR
- KHAMMAM
- KOMARAM BHEEM ASIFABAD
- MAHABUBABAD
- MAHABUBNAGAR
- MANCHERIAL
- MEDAK
- MEDCHAL-MALKAJGIRI
- MULUG
- NAGARKURNOOL
- NALGONDA
- NARAYANPET
- NIRMAL
- NIZAMABAD
- PEDDAPALLI
- RAJANNA SIRCILLA
- RANGAREDDY
- SANGAREDDY
- SIDDIPET
- SURYAPET
- VIKARABAD
- WANAPARTHY
- WARANGAL
- YADADRI BHUVANAGIRI
MGNREGA: A Quick Overview
MGNREGA Telangana, recognized as the world’s most expansive employment guarantee program, is primarily designed to ensure that rural households have access to 100 days of paid employment each year. Additionally, the program aims to address the underlying causes of persistent poverty through the implementation of various projects, referred to as “works.”
Moreover, a key emphasis is placed on enhancing the decentralization process, with Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) playing a crucial role in organizing and executing these projects. Before delving into further details, let’s explore the fundamental aspects that govern such projects.
Critical Characteristics of MNREGA: What Do You Need To Know?
Key Features of MGNREGA Telangana: What You Should Know
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Legal Entitlement to Employment
MNREGA grants adult members of rural households a legal right to employment, with at least one-third of beneficiaries being women.
Wages, if not specified by the central government, are determined based on the rates set for agricultural laborers under the Minimum Wages Act of 1948, ensuring a minimum of ₹60 per day.
Currently, central government-set salary rates vary by state, ranging from ₹135 to ₹214 per day.
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Time-Bound Guarantee and Unemployment Benefit
A time-bound guarantee of work is provided, and if employment cannot be secured within 15 days, an “unemployment benefit” must be granted.
- Decentralized Planning
Gram Sabhas are mandated to carry out at least 50% of the work and recommend projects to be undertaken.
Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) play a significant role in organizing, executing, and overseeing projects.
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Worksite Amenities
Every worksite is required to have essential amenities such as nurseries, drinking water, and first aid.
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Accountability and Transparency
Provisions for proactive disclosure through wall writings, citizen information boards, Management Information Systems, and social audits.
Gram Sabhas conduct social audits, allowing locals to monitor the program’s implementation.
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Funding
Funding is shared between the central government and states.
Expenditure categories include wages (unskilled, semi-skilled, and skilled labor), material costs, and administrative expenses.
The central government covers 100% of the cost of unskilled labor, 75% of semi-skilled and skilled labor costs, 75% of material costs, and 6% of administrative expenses.
The Standing Committee on Rural Development’s Conclusions and Recommendations
The Standing Committee on Rural Development highlighted several notable achievements of MGNREGA during its seven-year implementation, specifically:
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Ensuring Economic Support for Rural Residents
MGNREGA has played a crucial role in enabling rural residents to sustain themselves economically.
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Inclusive Participation
The program has witnessed widespread participation, especially from women and historically marginalized groups, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes (SCs/STs).
Women contribute to 47% of the total person-days, while SCs/STs contribute to 51%.
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Wage Rate Enhancement and Economic Boost
MGNREGA has led to an increase in wage rates in rural areas, contributing to the overall growth of the rural economy through infrastructure development.
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Promotion of Sustainable Development
The program has been effective in promoting sustainable development in rural regions.
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Strengthening of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
The active participation of PRIs in planning and overseeing the program has contributed to the strengthening of these institutions.
Challenges of the Project
Despite its accomplishments, the Committee identified various implementation challenges with the MGNREGA scheme. The average number of employment days provided to households has fallen short of the mandated 100 days since 2010–11. Key issues highlighted by the Committee include:
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Job Card Manipulation
Despite around ₹12.5 crores being distributed to approximately 13.8 crore rural households as job cards (as per the 2001 census), challenges persist, including the existence of fake job cards, false names, missing entries, and delays in updating job card information.
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Delayed Wage Payments
Wage payments have not been made promptly in most states, violating MGNREGA’s 15-day deadline. Workers also face non-compensation for delayed wage disbursements.
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Non-Payment of Unemployment Benefits
Many states do not provide unemployment benefits when work is unavailable on demand. Lack of dated receipts for requested work hampers employees from claiming unemployment benefits.
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Unfinished Projects
MGNREGA-related projects have experienced delays, with inconsistent project inspections. Only 98 lakh out of 296 lakh assigned tasks were completed. A significant portion of MGNREGA-funded projects remains unfinished, and recent years have seen a decline in project completion rates.
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Poor Asset Quality, Corruption, and Inadequate PRI Involvement
Poor quality of assets, instances of corruption during implementation, and insufficient involvement of Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) are notable issues.
Recommendations
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Regulation of Job Cards
The Act should incorporate penalties for offenses related to employment information inclusion and unauthorized possession of job cards by elected PRI representatives and MGNREGA officials.
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Encouragement of Women’s Participation
Improved awareness of MGNREGA Telangana should be promoted to encourage women’s participation, given the significant impact of women’s income on enhancing household standards of living.
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Involvement of Individuals with Disabilities
Special projects, unique job cards, and employment opportunities should be identified to ensure the active involvement of individuals with disabilities.
The Utilisation of Funds
The Committee uncovered a significant portion of the allocated funds for MGNREGA remained unused, with 27.31% of funds unutilized in 2010–2011.
It recommended that the Department of Rural Development investigate the reasons behind inefficient budget utilization and take corrective measures. Additionally, the members advocated for appropriate action against individuals found guilty of misappropriating funds from MGNREGA.
Conclusion
MGNREGA stands as a distinctive development initiative designed to benefit eligible workers across Telangana districts. However, eligibility criteria play a crucial role in determining project beneficiaries. Notably, some experts observe that while the program has been implemented, only a select few eligible candidates have reaped its benefits.
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FAQs on MGNREGA Telangana
Who can register under MGNREGA?
All adult members of a rural household willing to do unskilled manual labor can register under MGNREGA.
What kinds of works are permissible under MGNREGA?
Permissible works include water conservation, water harvesting, and creation of durable assets in the community.
Are there any non-negotiable rules under MGNREGA?
Yes, there are non-negotiable rules that must be complied with, such as the 60:40 ratio of wage and material and equal payment for men and women.
What are the core objectives of MGNREGA?
The core objectives include providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year and creating durable assets in the community.
What are the entitlements under MGNREGA?
The ten entitlements under MGNREGA include the right to get a job card, guaranteed employment, and equal payment for men and women.
Is it allowed to employ persons below 18 years under MGNREGA?
No, individuals below 18 years are not allowed to be employed under MGNREGA.
Who will keep the custody of the job card?
All job cards should be in the custody of the individual to whom they are issued.
What type of work will be given under MGNREGA?
Works that lead to the creation of durable assets in the community and provide employment to the rural poor are the types of work given under MGNREGA.
What is the additional amount given if the work provided is beyond 5 kilometers?
If the work provided is beyond 5 kilometers, the job seekers shall be given 10% of the minimum wages as the additional amount.
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