New Delhi: Union Minister of Rural Development Shivraj Singh Chauhan today presided over a review meeting on the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) at Krishi Bhawan. The meeting focused on the scheme’s performance, recent innovations, and strategies for enhancing transparency and accountability.
The minister highlighted significant milestones achieved under MGNREGS:
- Employment Generation: Over 187.5 crore person-days of work created, benefiting 4.6 crore rural households.
- Infrastructure Development: Creation of more than 56 lakh rural assets, with 44% of expenditures focused on agriculture and allied activities.
- Livelihood Empowerment: 55% of funds directed toward individual beneficiary works, aiding vulnerable families.
- Timely Payments: 97% of Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs) generated on time, with ₹74,770.02 crore released to states and UTs.
- Women’s Participation: Exceeding 50% for five consecutive years, underscoring the scheme’s role in women’s empowerment.
Targeted interventions in natural resource management and agriculture have reduced water-stressed blocks from 2,264 in FY 2017-18 to 1,456 in FY 2023-24. Across 199 districts in 18 states, 1,519 blocks have transitioned from water scarcity to water security.
The scheme has adopted several technology-based reforms:
- Aadhaar-Based Payments: 99% of wage payments processed through the Aadhaar-Based Payment System.
- Geotagging: Over 6.18 crore assets geotagged for enhanced accountability.
- Digital Attendance: The National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) App captured 96% of worker attendance in October 2024 with geo-tagged photographs.
- GIS Planning: The Yuktdhara GIS-based planning portal, developed by NRSC-ISRO, is driving scientific and holistic project planning at the Gram Panchayat level.
Chauhan directed states and UTs to prioritize social audits and appoint independent Social Audit Directors in compliance with ministry guidelines. Currently, 11 states/UTs, including Bihar, Gujarat, and Rajasthan, are yet to appoint such directors.
Additionally, the Minister emphasized the need to appoint ombudspersons in all districts, with 80% of districts already covered. Monitoring mechanisms, including the Area Officer App, will be enforced rigorously to ensure adherence to allocated targets.
The minister reiterated the commitment to water conservation under Mission Amrit Sarovar. Over 68,000 Amrit Sarovars have been created, and efforts will continue to construct and rejuvenate water bodies nationwide.
Chauhan underscored the importance of innovation, transparency, and accountability in maximizing the scheme’s impact. He encouraged states to adopt stricter measures against fund misuse and ensure the custody of job cards with beneficiaries.
