MREGS Department
Information about the department
The erratic monsoon and recurring droughts have become a matter of serious concern for the state government. Drought conditions lead to food, employment and water shortages in the rural areas of the state. To reduce the threat and adverse effects of drought on the rural population, the Maharashtra government has taken permanent and long-term measures by providing employment to unskilled labourers. Keeping in view all the above, the state assembly passed the Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Act, 1977 and implemented it throughout the state. Under this act, the Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Scheme was launched and two separate schemes were implemented in rural areas. In 2005, the Government of India enacted the MGNREGA Act and implemented it throughout India. Accordingly, the Maharashtra government also implemented the amended Act in 2014.
Introduction (Vision and Mission) / Objectives Working Text
Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
The main objective of this scheme is to guarantee at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household willing to work voluntarily in rural areas. The scheme provides social security, empowerment of women and weaker sections and strengthening of Panchayat Raj institutions.
Salient Features
- The Central Government guarantees 100 days of employment to adult family members. The Maharashtra Government guarantees work for more than 100 days.
- A job card is given to each family.
- It is mandatory to provide employment within 15 days of requesting work.
- If work is not provided, unemployment allowance is given.
- Work is determined with the participation of Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat.
- Travel allowance is given if work is not available within 5 kilometers.
- The work is manual labor and the use of machinery is limited.
- The work is given priority to farmers, women, Scheduled Castes-Tribes and other disadvantaged groups.
- It is mandatory to pay wages within 15 days, penalty in case of delay.
- Online and offline facilities are available for grievance redressal.