Question : EMPLOYMENT UNDER MGNREGS

 

(a) whether the amount of funds to be spent under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) are gradually declining during the last five years and the current year, if so, the reasons therefor;

(b) the total expenditure incurred in the first year of the implementation of this Scheme and the financial year 2014-15;

(c) whether the Government has reviewed the suggestions received from the different stakeholders/experts for reforming the MGNREGS; and

(d) if so, whether the Government proposes to enhance wages of the labour, setting up independent grievance redressal areas, make immediate payment of the outstanding wages of the workers and include new programmes under the Scheme, if so, the details thereof?  

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI SUDARSHAN BHAGAT)

(a): No, Madam. The funds for the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) have not declined in the last five years. However, the expenditure has fluctuated based on seasonal conditions and alternative job avenues. State/UT-wise details of expenditure under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) during the last five years and the current year are at Annexure-I.  

(b): In 2006-07, the first year of implementation, Rs. 8823.35 Cr has been spent whereas in 2014-15, an amount of Rs.30,752.30 Cr has been spent till 3rd March 2015.  

(c)&(d): Government is engaged in a constant interaction with the States and the experts in improving the programme implementation. Based on these suggestions, the wages have been indexed to inflation using Consumer Price Index and modifications have been made to the Schedule and guidelines of MGNREGA. The new Schedules have provisions for timely payment of wages, grievance redressal systems and also new works.