Background: MGNREGA was launched on February 2, 2006, initially as the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). The name was changed to MGNREGA in 2010.
Objective: To provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work in a financial year.
Legal Right: It is a legal right to work, making it a landmark social security and a public works program.
Implementation: It is implemented by Gram Panchayats at the village level.
Focus Areas: The scheme aims to strengthen rural infrastructure, such as building roads, bridges, check dams, and water conservation structures. It also focuses on livelihood generation and poverty reduction in rural areas.
Key Features:
Minimum 33% of beneficiaries must be women.
At least 60% of the funds allocated must be used for labor costs.
Wages are paid at the state-specific minimum wage rate for agricultural laborers.
Job cards are issued to households participating in the scheme.
Grievance Redressal mechanisms are in place.
Economic Impact: It has been instrumental in increasing rural household incomes, reducing distress migration, and empowering rural communities, particularly women.
