Parliamentary panel criticises low wages under MGNREGA, recommends reforms
New Delhi: The Parliamentary Standing Committee on Rural Development and Panchayati Raj has expressed concern over the low wages provided under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA), highlighting the need for urgent revisions. The panel has urged the Ministry of Rural Development to link wages under the scheme to an inflation index, ensuring they reflect the rising cost of living.
In its report tabled in the Lok Sabha on Thursday, the panel criticised the ministry for its lack of progress on increasing wages, noting that responses to wage revision proposals were “stereotyped.” The committee pointed out the inadequacy of the current daily wage rates—averaging around ₹200 in many states—which it deemed illogical given significantly higher labour rates elsewhere.
The report also flagged disparities in MGNREGA wages across states, urging the government to align them with Article 39(d) of the Constitution, which mandates equal pay for equal work irrespective of gender.
While the wages were last revised in April 2024, with increases ranging from 4% to 10%, the committee observed that the highest daily wage, ₹374 in Haryana, and the lowest, ₹234 in Arunachal Pradesh and Nagaland, were still insufficient.
The panel also recommended increasing the number of guaranteed workdays under the scheme from 100 to 150 per household, to provide enhanced economic support to rural families.
Introduced as a social security initiative, MGNREGA aims to guarantee at least 100 days of unskilled manual labour to rural households annually. However, the scheme’s current implementation, particularly its wage structure, has drawn criticism for failing to address inflationary pressures effectively.
The committee urged the Ministry of Rural Development to adopt mechanisms ensuring fair wages and uniformity across states, reinforcing the scheme’s intended goal of economic security for rural workers.
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Vijay secures majority support, set to stake claim to form Tamil Nadu govt
Chennai: After four days of political uncertainty and intense negotiations in Tamil Nadu, actor-politician Vijay is learnt to have secured the numbers required to form the government, sources said.
Supporters gathered outside Vijay’s residence in Chennai on Friday evening, raising slogans in support of Tamilaga Vettri Kazhagam soon after reports emerged that the party had managed to secure majority support.
Sources said Vijay is expected to meet Tamil Nadu Governor R. V. Arlekar on Friday evening to stake claim to form the government. The meeting is likely to take place around 6 pm.
In its electoral debut in the Tamil Nadu Assembly elections, TVK won 108 out of the 234 seats, dealing a major blow to the 62-year political dominance of Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam and All India Anna Dravida Munnetra Kazhagam.
However, Governor Arlekar had reportedly made it clear that the party would not be invited to form the government without proving a clear majority. Even after two rounds of discussions on Wednesday and Thursday, the Governor is learnt to have maintained his stand that letters of support from at least 118 MLAs must be submitted in the 234-member Assembly.
Apart from Vijay, TVK had the backing of 107 MLAs. Vijay had contested from Tiruchy (East) and Perambur constituencies and won both seats, meaning he would have to resign from one seat before taking oath. This increased the need for additional support.
Amid the political developments, five MLAs from the Congress party, which reportedly moved away from the DMK-led alliance, extended support to Vijay. Vijay also held discussions with leaders of Viduthalai Chiruthaigal Katchi, Communist Party of India (Marxist) and Communist Party of India.
The VCK, CPI(M) and CPI had so far been allies of the DMK. At the same time, political discussions intensified in the state over speculation that the DMK could even explore a post-poll understanding with its long-time rival AIADMK to prevent an alternative government from taking shape.
Reports had been circulating since Friday afternoon that the VCK and Left parties were likely to support Vijay. Sources later said that the VCK, CPI(M) and CPI agreed to extend the support of two MLAs each, helping TVK cross the required majority mark.
All eyes are now on the Governor’s next move and the official announcement regarding the formation of the new government in Tamil Nadu.
