Shivraj holds MGNREGA review amid push for higher wages, more work days

During the three-hour meeting at Krishi Bhawan, issues related to implementation of the MGNREGS, including recent interventions like introduction of the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS), delay in release of funds, delay in payment of wages, and non-payment of funds to West Bengal were discussed, a source said.

Civil society representatives were of the view that instead of mandating the NMMS, the government should emphasize on conducting more social audits to ensure transparency in MGNREGS. They also raised the issue of holding of funds to West Bengal.

Anuradhapura Talwar and Uttam Gayen of Paschim Banga Khet Major Samity urged Chouhan to resume MGNREGS works in West Bengal that have been stopped since March 2022. “…Jinhonne choree kee hai unko na to chinhit kiya ja raha hai aur na hi punish kiya ja raha hai. NREGA workers punish ho rahe hain. (Those who have committed the theft are neither being identified nor punished. NREGA workers are being punished.),” Talwar said, speaking about alleged leakages in West Bengal. She also urged Chouhan to allow release of MGNREGS funds to the state.

The meeting comes at a time when the government is in the process of finalizing allocations for central schemes for FY2025-26. Earlier this week, a Parliamentary Standing Committee had recommended an increase in guarantee of work under NREGS from 100 to 150 days, and hike in wages.

Chouhan said that MGNREGS is not just a scheme, but an important means of stability and empowerment in rural India.