(a) whether at the work place where the work under the Mahatma Gandhi National
Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is being carried out, there is
lack of creche facilities for mothers with toddlers and also sanitation facilities for
both men and women in some States;
(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefor State/UT-wise; and
(c) the steps taken/being taken by the Government to redress the said problems?
MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)
(a)to (c): Para 27 of Schedule II of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) provides as under:-
`The facilities of safe drinking water, shade for children and periods of rest and
first-aid box with adequate material for emergency treatment for minor injuries and other
health hazards connected with the work being performed shall be provided at the work
site.`
As per para 28 of Schedule II of the Act, `In case the number of children below the age
of six years accompanying the women working at any site are five or more, provisions
shall be made to depute one of such women worker to look after such children.` Further,
all expenditure on worksite facilities should be booked as part of administrative
expenditure. The ministry has amended Schedule-I of MGNREGA for Inclusion of
`construction of anganwadi centres` as permissible work under MGNREGA vide Gazette
Notification dated 21.11.2012. The provisions in MGNREG Act are effected through
Schemes formulated by States under Section 4(1) of the (MGNREGA). The Schemes
made by the States are required to provide for the minimum features specified in
Schedule I and II of the Act for which guidelines are issued by the Central Government.