The program was launched in 2005 as a social initiative that guarantees the “right to work”.
A key point of this social and labour law is that local/state government will have to formally provide at least 100 days of wages in rural India to improve their quality of life.
Key objectives:
Generation of paid rural employment of not less than 100 days for each volunteer worker with unskilled work.
Continuing to ensure community inclusion by strengthening the livelihood of the rural poor.
Construction of durable infrastructure in rural areas such as springs, lakes, roads and canals.
Reduce urban migration from rural areas.
Building rural infrastructure through underutilized domestic workers.
The following are eligible ways to receive benefits under the MGNREGA program:
You must be a citizen of India to claim the benefits of MGNREGA.
A job applicant has completed 18 years of age.
The applicant must be part of a local family of that village (i.e. the application must be made through a local Gram Panchayat).
Applicants must volunteer for unskilled jobs.
Program implementation:
Within 15 days of submitting the application or from the date on which the job is sought, salary work will be provided to the applicant.
There is a right to receive an unemployment benefit grant, in the event that the work is not granted within 15 days of submission of the application or from the date of application.
The Social Audit of MGNREGA works is mandatory to enhance their accountability and transparency.