Following the lockdown, India witnessed an exodus of jobless migrant workers from cities to rural areas. The workers turned to MGNREGS to earn their livelihood. The key question is whether the programme is adequate in providing the required support. Mint finds out.
What role does MGNREGS play?
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is meant to enhance the livelihood of the rural populace by guaranteeing at least 100 days of employment within 15 days of raising a demand, to every household wherein the adult members perform unskilled manual labour. The covid-induced lockdown resulted in loss of livelihoods for millions of workers in cities and forced them to return home in rural areas. With an allocation of ₹40,000 crore, as a part of the stimulus package to MGNREGS, the government hopes to increase employment generation in rural areas.
Can MGNREGS cover millions in rural areas?
The scheme is often viewed as a means for employment in rural areas during the lean period of agricultural activity. Therefore, demand for work generally peaks in May-June, before it declines during the main kharif cropping season. Currently, the demand is even higher, since it is not just the landless agricultural labourers, but also migrants seeking work. In order to gainfully employ the home-bound workers, the scheme would have to expand its scope in terms of projects and offer jobs beyond the 100-day mark because even if the workers wish to go back to cities, those jobs will not be available anytime soon.
Source: livemint
