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Context:
Over 10.43 crore workers have been removed from the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in the past four years. Aadhaar-linked payments: The deletions coincide with the implementation of Aadhaar-based payment systems, though the government denies any direct correlation.
Key Guidelines Issued by the Ministry of Rural Development
- Approval Process for Deletions:
- Job card or worker name deletions must be approved in Gram Sabha meetings:
- Regular Gram Sabha (for approving the shelf of works).
- Social Audit Gram Sabha.
- Special Gram Sabha (called specifically for this purpose).
- Job card or worker name deletions must be approved in Gram Sabha meetings:
- Valid Reasons for Deletion:
- Permanent migration (to urban areas or another panchayat).
- Panchayat reclassification (declared as urban).
- Duplicate job card found.
- Registration with forged documents.
- Worker’s death.
Transparency & Due Process
- Publication of Deleted Names:
- Deleted workers/job card details must be published in public domain for at least 30 days.
- Biannual Reviews in Gram Sabhas:
- Twice a year, Gram Sabhas must convene to:
- Discuss the draft list of flagged job cards.
- Address objections raised by affected workers.
- Twice a year, Gram Sabhas must convene to:
- Right to Appeal:
- Households must be informed about their right to appeal against job card deletions.
- The cause of deletion must be disclosed.
- Pending Dues Clearance:
- Before deletion, all pending wages must be paid to affected workers.
Significance & Implications
- Enhanced Accountability: Ensures job card deletions are justified and verified.
- Worker Protection: Provides transparency and appeal mechanisms for affected workers.
- Improved Record-Keeping: Prevents wrongful deletions and ensures MGNREGS benefits reach genuine beneficiaries.
Source: TH
