MNREGA Full Form

MNREGA act is controlled by the Government of India, and it applies to all rural areas of Indian states. It is supposed that this act is the world’s largest social mission for unemployed and poor people. This act is all about the ‘right to work’ in rural areas of India and it is the law of labour. According to the act, to increase the living standards of poor and rural people, the government is determined to give 100 days of wage employment. This act was passed on 23rd August 2005 under the UPA government of PM Manmohan Singh.

About MNREGA 

Women have ⅓ rd reservation to get employment under the scheme. The employment provided to the person is to be under 5 km of the home, and minimum pay should be provided.  Also, if the government fails to deliver the employment within 15 days, then the government has to give a certain amount of unemployment allowance.  Thus, employment under MNREGA is a lawful entitlement. Other things are also promoted apart from providing economic security or building some assets. It also helps women’s empowerment in rural areas, protects the environment, enables social equality, and reduces migration to urban areas.  

The entitlement of 100 days of work per household per year can be shared between any adult members of a similar family. The law list permitted works are water harvesting, water conservation, afforestation, irrigation works, drought proofing, restoration of old water bodies, flood control, rural connectivity, land development, and other works which are permitted by the government. The minimum ratio for wage material is 60:40. The act has also mandated the provisions of accredited engineers and weekly reports on the worksite and worksite facilities. 

The act has set a minimum wage limit to be paid despite of any discrimination based on gender equality either on the basis of time rate or piece rate. The act has necessitated the ‘monthly squaring of accounts to promote accountability and transparency. As its key implementation MNREGA designates ‘social audits.’  The act is consistent with  Article 41 of the Indian Constitution, which directs the states to have all citizens’ right to work. Article 40 is about impacting the gram panchayat some powers and authority which is necessary to run the self-government. The acts also follow Article 46, which states to work for the economic upliftment of SC and ST without any discrimination. 

Eligibility for the Scheme 

The eligibility has been kept so basic by the government so that all the poor people can get benefits. 

• A person should be an Indian citizen 

• At the time of application, he/she should have completed 28 years. 

• A person should belong to a local household. 

• People should be ready to work unskilled labour. 

Key Objectives of MNREGA 

• To create better infrastructure in rural areas 

• To decrease the rate of migration from rural to urban areas 

• To construct lakes, ponds, canals, and wells in rural areas. 

• To provide autonomy to Panchayati Raj. 

MNREGA Job Card 

This card is a main or important document that identifies a person under MNREGA who is registered with the local Gram Panchayat. It contains the specific details of the users like registration name, registered mobile number, and other details related to Gram Panchayat. A person uses this card for paid labour within their Gram Panchayat. The chief benefit of this card is to decrease fraud and ensure transparency in employment.  Other uses of the card are to complete KYC and to open bank accounts in the Post office.  The card is issued within 15 days after applying. 

Following are the steps to get MNREGA Card 

From the state website, a person has to download the performance of the card under the scheme. The form is available in gram panchayats also. The form should be filled out and submitted to the Goan officer of that particular area. On plain paper following details or documents can also be presented: the name of the applicant, photograph, age, gender, village name, gram panchayat name, name of the block, any reservation category like SC/ST/LR, etc. 

Conclusion 

The scheme stands to give employment to the poor and needy people in rural areas. The act was passed in 2005 and started implementation in the year 2006. There is a significant result from this program. It raised the social and economic status of unskilled workers in rural areas and also decreased the rate of migration to urban areas in search of work. The main objectives of MNREGA are to give food security and livelihood by developing productive assets to decrease the migration to urban areas.