Question : PERSONDAYS UNDER MGNREGS

(a) whether the Government proposes to increase mandays under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in naxal-affected areas; and

(b) if so, the details thereof?

MINISTER OF STATE IN THE MINISTRY OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI PRADEEP JAIN `ADITYA`)

(a)&(b): No, Madam. As per Section 3(1) of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) the State Governments shall provide to every household, work not less than one hundred days in accordance with the Scheme to be made under the Act. Section 3 (4) reads, `The Central Government or the State Government may, within the limits of its economic capacity and development, make provisions for securing work to every adult member of a household under a Scheme for any period beyond the period guaranteed under sub-section (1), as may be expedient`. The enabling provision under Section 3(4) of the Act is however, exercised by the Central Government in special circumstances like natural calamities.