MAHATMA GANDHI NATIONAL RURAL EMPLOYMENT GUARANTEE ACT 2005
Why in the News?
MGNREGA Social Audit Overview
- Six states have completed social audits in more than 50% of gram panchayats under the MGNREGA.
- Kerala stands out as the only state achieving 100% coverage.
Source: the Hindu
Corruption Concerns
- High corruption rates in MGNREGA lead to the emphasis on social audits as an anti-corruption measure.
Key Data from Management Information System (MIS)
- Kerala, Bihar, Gujarat, Jammu and Kashmir, Odisha, and Uttar Pradesh have surpassed the 50% mark.
- Three states covered 40% or more villages: Telangana, Himachal Pradesh, and Andhra Pradesh.
Uniform Challenges
- Low audit coverage in Madhya Pradesh, Mizoram, Chhattisgarh, and Rajasthan.
- Uniform challenges persist, regardless of the ruling party.
Funding Delays
- States cite delayed funds from the Centre as a reason for audit delays.
- Warning from the Centre: Funds may be withheld if social audits are not conducted regularly.
Kerala’s Distinct Approach
- Kerala conducts periodic Social Audit Public Hearings at the panchayat level for comprehensive scrutiny.
- Minister M.B. Rajesh highlights Kerala’s robust social auditing mechanism and active public participation.