Name change! Is the rural employment scheme also changing in character? The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Empowerment Guarantee Act, 2005, which started during the Congress era, has been renamed 'VB-Giramji' – 'Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajivika Mission (Gramin)'. However, it's not just the name that's changing; various aspects of this scheme are being altered. Let's take a look at a glance.
Increase in the number of employment days
Previously, this scheme guaranteed wage-based employment for a total of 100 days per year to rural area residents. However, according to the BJP government's proposed bill, a guarantee of employment for a total of 125 days has been provided.
Project costs to be shared between state and centre
In the MGNREGA scheme, the entire wage amount was provided by the central government. Opposition parties occasionally raise their voices against the centre, alleging that job card holders are not being paid wages on time. According to the new bill, major changes are being made to that very rule. The centre and states will have to share the expenses of this scheme.
Section 22(2) of the bill states that for Uttarakhand, Himachal Pradesh and Jammu & Kashmir, the cost allocation sharing ratio will be 90:10. For the remaining states, this ratio will be 60:40. This means the concerned states (northeastern states, union territories 10 percent) will now have to bear 40 percent of the costs.
Work under pre-approved plans
MGNREGA allowed rural families to seek work when needed and claim compensation if employment was not provided. However, according to the new bill, employment will be created through pre-approved plans. Block, district and state level plans will be in alignment with the national level framework.
Availability of agricultural workers
According to the new bill, a provision will be introduced to suspend rural employment for up to 60 days during sowing and harvesting seasons. This rule is being introduced to maintain balance between rural employment and agricultural productivity. This arrangement is claimed to be for ensuring easy availability of adequate workers for agricultural work and addressing farmers' complaints about labour shortage during crucial times.
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Changes in wage payment rules
Previously, wages were paid within 15 days under the MGNREGA scheme. According to 'Giramji', workers will be paid wages every week. Under no circumstances can wages be paid after 15 days.
