Question : MGNREGS PAYMENTS THROUGH MOBILE BANKING

(a) whether the Government is considering Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) payment to the beneficiaries through mobile banking services and through the Unique Identity Card (UIC);

(b) if so, the details thereof;

(c) whether the State Governments have started implementing direct transfer of wages to bank branches and post offices;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the steps taken/proposed to be taken to facilitate the opening of account in post offices and banks for the beneficiaries of the said scheme so that the labourers could deposit their wages directly in their accounts?

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

(a)&(b): Under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, UIC is not needed for wage payment. Business Correspondent Model has however been considered for wage payment under the Act.

(c)&(d): Payment of wages to Mahatma Gandhi NREGA workers has been made mandatory through their accounts in banks/post offices by amending para 31 of Schedule- I of the Act vide notification dated 19.2.2009. So far 9.37 crore accounts have been opened.

(e): Ministry of Rural Development has issued instructions for treating MGNREGA Job Card duly signed by a State Government Officer as a valid document for opening an account in the Bank. Accounts of the workers are no frill accounts.