New MNREGA version aims for productivity-enhancing results

NEW DELHI: An operational guideline suggested for a radically improved version of MNREGA calls for "urgent measures" to convert the rural job scheme into a productivity- enhancing instrument, particularly in the agriculture sector.

Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, who unveiled the new guideline prepared by a committee headed by Planning Commission Member Mihir Shah, however, rejected Agriculture Minister Sharad Pawar's demand that at least three months should be considered as an off-duration for MNREGA so that agriculture labourers are available for farming.

The revised Operational Guidelines for MNREGA 2.0 suggests the strengthening of the synergy between the job scheme and rural livelihoods especially agriculture and allied sectors, and respond to demands of the states for greater location- specific flexibility in permissible works.

It says MNREGA programme should be utilised to improve the ecological balance in rural India and to provide a cleaner, healthier environment to its people.

Rejecting Pawar's demand, Ramesh said the average person- days of work generated under the programme never exceeded 54 days per household and the month-wise employment data under MNREGA during FY 2010-11 has indicated that "it is in the lean agriculture season (January-June), that around 70 per cent of person-days of work were generated".

"An analysis of the quantum of MNREGA works provided across the year indicates a powerful seasonal fluctuation, with a disproportionately higher share of works being done during the off-season in agriculture," he said.