Question : CHANGES IN MGNREGS

(a) whether the Government has madechanges/proposes to make changes inMahatma Gandhi National RuralEmployment Guarantee Scheme(MGNREGS) including the provisionsrelating to labour-material ratio and if so,the details of the provisions changed/likelyto be changed under the Scheme;

(b) whether the Government alsoproposes to confine the Scheme to somedistricts/blocks and to tighten the releaseof funds and fix a cap on expenditure underthe Scheme, if so, the reasons and the criteriaadopted therefor;

(c) whether the Government hadconsulted various stakeholders includingStates for making the above changes in theScheme and if so, the details thereof andtheir reaction thereto;

(d) whether the Government has madeany evaluation study on theimplementation of MGNREGS, if so, theoutcome thereof and the follow-up actionbeing taken thereon; and

(e) the details of the SC/ST job cardholders in each State/UT under the Schemeand the steps taken by the Government tostrengthen the Scheme?

MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI BIRENDER SINGH)

(a) The provisions in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) are effected through Schemes formulated by States under Section 4(1) of the Act. The Schemes made by the States are required to provide for the minimum features specified in Schedule I of the Act for which guidelines are issued by the Central Government. Schedule–I and II of MGNREGA are amended by the Central Government from time to time as and when the need arises.

Vide the Notification dated 21.07.2014, amendments have been made by the Government in paragraph 4 and 20 of Schedule –I of the MGNREG Act providing for at least 60% of the works in a district in terms of cost for creation of productive assets directly linked to agriculture and allied activities through development of land, water and trees. To ensure quality, productivity and durability of assets created under MGNREGA, cost of material component including the wages of the skilled and semi-skilled works shall not exceed 40% at the Gram Panchayat level for all the works taken up by the Gram Panchayats. For works taken up by the implementing agencies other than Gram Panchayats, the overall material component shall not exceed 40% at the district level.

(b) There has been no such decision taken by the Government.

(c) Does not arise.

(d) The Ministry of Rural Development regularly conducts evaluation studies on the implementation of MGNREGA. Apart from the Ministry, several independent institutionshave also conducted the evaluation studies on MGNREGA.

The findings of the reports are shared with the state governments to improve the implementation of MGNREGA.The Ministry also reviews the outcomes of the studies during Performance Review Committee meetings with states, regional review meetings and during the visits of area officers. The outcomes of the studies are also uploaded on the MGNREGA website for larger dissemination and review of the programme.

(e) The details of the SC/ST job card holders in States/UTs under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme are given in Annexure.

The major steps taken by the Government to improve the programme implementation under MGNREGA are as follows:

# At least 60% of the works to be taken up in a district in terms of cost shall be for creation of productive assets directly linked to agriculture and allied activities through development of land, water and trees.

# The wage-material ratio for works taken up by agencies other than Gram Panchayats would be counted at the district level to facilitate taking more durable assets.

# The associated outcomes of each work would be estimated before taking up the work and the same would be measured after completion of the work-thereby bringing in more focus on outcomes.

# The quality of the assets is sought to be improved through better planning and closer technical supervision.

# States/UTs have been asked to operationalize the provision relating to compensation for delayed wage payments as per Para-29, Schedule II of MGNREGA 2005.

# States/UTs have been asked to strengthen Social audits of MGNREGS works in accordance with the provisions of the Audit of Schemes Rules 2011 issued in consultation with the Comptroller and Auditor General of India.

# With a view to avoid bogus attendance and to check instances of tempering and misuse of muster rolls, the e-Muster system has been introduced.

# For smooth fund flow, the electronic Fund Management System (e-FMS) has been introduced which would also reduce delays in payment of wages.

# All States have been requested to appoint Ombudsman at the district level for grievance redressal.

# The Ministry has established a comprehensive system of monitoring and review mechanism for MGNREGA, which, inter alia, include visits of Area Officers of the Ministry and National Level Monitors and Vigilance & Monitoring Committee meetings at the State/ District levels.

# To facilitate states to engage technical assistants/barefoot engineers for better technical planning and supervision of works under MGNREGA, guidelines have been issued to allow their establishment cost as a part of material cost of works instead of administrative cost.

# Formulation of State Convergence Plan in 21 States.