Why The MGNREGA Wage Rise Won't Offer Any Real Respite
The Hindu Business Line|April 01, 2020
Most States have notified a wage rate far above the ₹202/day announced by the Finance Minister last week
Radhika Merwin
Why The MGNREGA Wage Rise Won't Offer Any Real Respite

Sangaralingam Ramanujam, director of the Jayankondam Collective Farming Producer Company in Tamil Nadu’s Kundaveli village in Ariyalur district, played a key role in opening Jan Dhan accounts for people in his village.

However, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), he says, has been a disappointment. The scheme, which promises 100 days of work a year to each rural household at a pre-determined minimum wage rate, has seen poor activity over the past few years in his village.

The lockdown to stem the Covid-19 outbreak has brought even the minimal work to a complete halt, he says.

How, then, can the Centre’s announcement of a ₹20 per day in crease in the average wage under MGNREGA (as part of the Pradhan Mantri Garib Kalyan Yojana) amount to any significant relief if other States are facing similar challenges?

What’s more, the wage increase announced recently was already notified by the Ministry of Rural Development earlier, on March 23, as part of the annual revision exercise for each State under MGNREGA.

This story is from the April 01, 2020 edition of The Hindu Business Line.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

This story is from the April 01, 2020 edition of The Hindu Business Line.

Start your 7-day Magzter GOLD free trial to access thousands of curated premium stories, and 8,500+ magazines and newspapers.

MORE STORIES FROM THE HINDU BUSINESS LINEView All
Covid Presents An Opportunity For India
The Hindu Business Line

Covid Presents An Opportunity For India

India must attract investors exiting China post-Covid. Streamlining of project clearances and relaxation in FRBM norms will help

time-read
4 mins  |
April 29, 2020
Did Alternative Assets Shield You From Covid-19 Volatility?
The Hindu Business Line

Did Alternative Assets Shield You From Covid-19 Volatility?

The assets closely linked to stock and debt markets could not stave off the losses

time-read
4 mins  |
April 29, 2020
How To Put Aircraft To Bed
The Hindu Business Line

How To Put Aircraft To Bed

Preserving grounded planes, to get them up and flying at short notice, is a challenging task. Ashwini Phadnis captures the process

time-read
5 mins  |
April 29, 2020
There Can Be No Going Back On WFH
The Hindu Business Line

There Can Be No Going Back On WFH

Covid-19 has fast-forwarded the shift to ‘work from home’. However, some face-to-face connect will always be needed

time-read
5 mins  |
April 29, 2020
UN, WHO Urged To Ensure ‘Benefit Sharing' Of Covid-Related Data
The Hindu Business Line

UN, WHO Urged To Ensure ‘Benefit Sharing' Of Covid-Related Data

Biopharma firms should reach vaccines, medicines to poor nations at an affordable price, say civil society bodies

time-read
2 mins  |
April 29, 2020
With No Clear Signal From Rlys, States Explore Ways To Bring Back Migrants
The Hindu Business Line

With No Clear Signal From Rlys, States Explore Ways To Bring Back Migrants

Quarantine centres, cross-country buses being arranged even as migrants hop on to boats, trucks and ambulances

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
Centre Allows All Neighbourhood Shops To Open But With Riders
The Hindu Business Line

Centre Allows All Neighbourhood Shops To Open But With Riders

Final call will be taken by local authorities; shopping complexes that draw fewer ‘outsiders’ are permitted to operate

time-read
2 mins  |
April 28, 2020
Covid Impact Relatively Muted In India
The Hindu Business Line

Covid Impact Relatively Muted In India

Compared to Italy and the US, India’s rate of infection spread has been slow. This can be attributed to the strict measures in place

time-read
4 mins  |
April 28, 2020
How Global Trade Will Fare Post-Covid
The Hindu Business Line

How Global Trade Will Fare Post-Covid

China isn’t likely to lose its pre-eminent position soon. India, for one, will need to make manufacturing globally competitive

time-read
4 mins  |
April 28, 2020
How To Curb Harassment In The Virtual Office
The Hindu Business Line

How To Curb Harassment In The Virtual Office

Training and sensitisation are essential. Institute a strict dress code and chat etiquette to ensure professionalism during video calls

time-read
3 mins  |
April 28, 2020