• UGI USER
  • Nov 24, 2023
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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.