Question : WAGES UNDER MGNREGS

(a) whether the Union Government has received any representations from States including Kerala for refixing the minimum wages under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS);

(b) if so, the details thereof and the action taken thereon;

(c) whether the Government proposes to revise the wages under MGNREGS on the basis of different socio-economic conditions of the States;

(d) if so, the details thereof;

(e) whether the Government proposes to include some additional activities/works under MGNREGS;and

(f) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF THE STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (DR. C.P. JOSHI)

(a) to (f): A statement is laid on the Table of the House.

Statement as referred to in reply to parts (a) to (f) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 201 for answer on 9.8.2010.

(a) & (b): Yes, Sir. The Ministry has received representations from the State Governments of Punjab, Haryana, West Bengal, Chhattisgarh, Orissa, Puducherry, Maharashtra, Himachal Pradesh and Kerala for re-fixing of the wage rate under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA.

These proposals were examined by the Ministry in the light of the Central Government`s policy formulated to give effect to an announcement made by Hon`ble Finance Minister in his budget speech 2009-10 for a real wage of Rs. 100 per day under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA.

(c): No Sir.

(d): Does not arise.

(e) & (f): The matter is under consideration.