Unemployed and Uncompensated: MGNREGS’ Chronic Allowance Flaw
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGS) is a beacon of hope for India’s rural unemployed, guaranteeing 100 days of paid work per year. However, a critical flaw in the system has emerged: a chronic underpayment of unemployment allowances.
The Economic Survey 2024 revealed a startling statistic: a mere ₹90,000 was disbursed as unemployment allowance in 2023-24, a stark contrast to ₹7.8 lakh in the preceding year. This alarming disparity underscores the government’s failure to uphold the Act’s core tenet – to provide financial relief to those unable to find work within 15 days of their request.
Broken Promises: The MGNREGS’ Accountability Crisis
The unemployment allowance, intended to hold states accountable for providing timely employment, is enshrined in Section 7(1) of the MGNREGA. Yet, its chronic underuse has raised concerns about the Act’s implementation and the states’ commitment to its objectives.
Nikhil Dey of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) attributes this issue to a combination of administrative deficiencies and systemic challenges. Often, beneficiaries are not provided with receipts acknowledging their work demand, hindering their ability to claim the allowance. Moreover, chronic underfunding by the central government exacerbates the problem, leaving states struggling to meet their obligations.
Data Discrepancies: Masking the True Extent of Unemployment
The Economic Survey also highlights a flaw in the MGNREGS reporting system. Work demand is only recorded when employment is provided, potentially skewing the data and masking the true extent of unmet work demands. This raises concerns about transparency and accountability within the system.
A Call for Action: Restoring the Promise of MGNREGS
The dismal state of unemployment allowance disbursal is a blemish on MGNREGS’ reputation and a betrayal of the rural population’s trust. Urgent action is needed to rectify this chronic issue and restore the Act’s promise of assured employment and financial security.
Key Takeaways:
- MGNREGS’ unemployment allowance disbursal is abysmal, failing to provide essential financial relief to the rural unemployed.
- The chronic underuse of the allowance raises questions about the Act’s implementation and states’ accountability.
- Administrative deficiencies, systemic challenges, and underfunding contribute to the problem.
- Data discrepancies in reporting work demand mask the true extent of unemployment.
- Urgent action is needed to rectify the issue and uphold MGNREGS’ core objectives.
Soumya Smruti Sahoo is a seasoned journalist with extensive experience in both international and Indian news writing. With a sharp analytical mind and a dedication to uncovering the truth, Soumya has built a reputation for delivering in-depth, well-researched articles that provide readers with a clear understanding of complex global and domestic issues. Her work reflects a deep commitment to journalistic integrity, making her a trusted source for accurate and insightful news coverage.
