Challenges Faced by Workers Under MGNREGA and Possible Solutions

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, was envisioned as a social security measure aimed at providing livelihood security in rural areas by guaranteeing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Despite its noble objectives, workers under MGNREGA face several challenges that undermine its efficacy. Understanding these challenges and exploring potential solutions can enhance its impact significantly. Challenges Faced by Workers Under MGNREGA 1. Delay in Wage Payments: One of the persistent challenges that workers face is the delay in wage payments. Although the act mandates payment within 15 days of work completion, delays are common. Reports indicate that delays can extend for months, undermining the economic security that the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act aims to provide. The average wage provided under the scheme, ...