Guidelines for MGNREGS Job Card Deletions

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has faced challenges regarding job card deletions. In recent years, the deletions have surged, prompting the Ministry of Rural Development to introduce new guidelines. These guidelines aim to ensure transparency and fairness in the deletion process while addressing the concerns of affected workers.

About MGNREGS

MGNREGS was launched in 2005. It is one of the largest work guarantee programmes globally. The scheme guarantees 100 days of employment annually to rural households willing to engage in unskilled manual work. The minimum wage is statutory. The programme aims to enhance purchasing power and reduce poverty in rural India.

Surge in Job Card Deletions

In the last four years, over 10.43 crore job cards have been deleted. In 2021-22, 1.49 crore deletions occurred. This figure increased by 247% in 2022-23, with 5.53 crore deletions. Many deletions were attributed to the implementation of an Aadhaar-based payment system, although the government denies any correlation.

New Guidelines for Deletions

The Ministry of Rural Development issued a 10-page guideline document. It mandates that deletions can occur only after verification through gram sabhas. Deletions are permitted for specific reasons – permanent migration, urban settlement designation, duplicate cards, registration with forged documents, or the worker’s death.

Public Transparency

The guidelines require that the list of deleted job cards be made public for at least 30 days. This allows affected individuals to raise objections. If a worker requests deletion, a formal written request must be submitted.

Right to Appeal

The guidelines stipulate that gram sabhas must meet twice a year to discuss potential deletions. During these meetings, households will be informed of their right to appeal against cancellations. The reasons for each deletion must be disclosed, and decisions must be documented.

Social Audit and Worker Rights

Social audits are mandated under Section 17 of MGNREGS. This ensures that community members can review the implementation of the programme. Before any deletion, outstanding dues to workers must be settled as per the new guidelines.

Active Participation and Gender Focus

As of 2023-24, there are 14.32 crore active workers under MGNREGS. The scheme prioritises women’s participation, ensuring that at least one-third of beneficiaries are women. This focus aims to empower women and promote gender equality in rural employment.

Month: Current Affairs - March, 2025

Category: Government Schemes Current Affairs