MGNREGA at Village Level
Revenue & Panchayati Raj · ग्राम स्तर पर MGNREGA
📋Quick Overview
MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) was passed in 2005 and came into effect on February 2, 2006. It is a demand-driven scheme that legally guarantees 100 days of unskilled manual work per year to every rural household that demands it. If work is not provided within 15 days of application, the worker is entitled to an unemployment allowance. It is the world's largest social safety net programme. The Gram Sabha plays a central role in planning works and conducting mandatory social audits.
MGNREGA key numbers: 100 days guarantee per household per year; Work must be provided within 15 days; 60:40 wage-to-material ratio; wages paid through bank/post office accounts; Centre funds 100% wages + 75% material cost.
📖MGNREGA — Key Features
| Feature | Detail |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 |
| Effective From | February 2, 2006 (initially in 200 districts; nationally from 2008) |
| Guarantee | 100 days unskilled manual work per rural household per year |
| Time Limit | Work must be provided within 15 days of application |
| Unemployment Allowance | Paid if work not given in 15 days; 1/4 wage for first 30 days; 1/2 wage thereafter |
| Wages | State-specific notified wages (national average ~₹267/day); equal wages for men and women |
| Funding Pattern | Centre: 100% wages + 75% material cost; State: 25% material cost |
| Wage:Material Ratio | 60% wages : 40% materials (by value) — ensures labour-intensive works |
| Job Card | Every household issued a job card with photo; records work demanded and provided |
| Social Audit | Mandatory; conducted by Gram Sabha; reviews all works and expenditure; open to public scrutiny |
📝Types of Works & MIS System
- •Permissible works: Water conservation + harvesting, drought proofing, irrigation canals, land development, flood control, rural connectivity, renovation of traditional water bodies
- •NREGA Soft: Software system managing MGNREGA — tracks job cards, work completion, attendance, wage payment
- •Payment: Wages paid directly to bank/post office accounts within 15 days of completion of work
- •Gram Panchayat role: Implements at least 50% of works; shelf of projects prepared annually
- •100 days can be extended: States can provide additional 50 days (up to 150) in drought-declared areas from state funds
- •Women participation: Minimum 1/3 of MGNREGA workers must be women; equal wages mandated