What is so unique about MGNREGA?
✓MGNREGA is unique in not only ensuring at least 100 days of employment to the willing unskilled workers, but also in ensuring an enforceable commitment on the implementing machinery i.e., the State Governments, and providing a bargaining power to the labourers.
✓The failure of provision for employment within 15 days of the receipt of job application from a prospective household will result in the payment of unemployment allowance to the job seekers.
✓Any Indian citizen above the age of 18 years who resides in rural India can apply for the NREGA scheme. The applicant should have volunteered to do unskilled work.
✓Employment is to be provided within 5 km of an applicant’s residence, and minimum wages are to be paid.
✓Thus, employment under MGNREGA is a legal entitlement.
