New Payment System for NREGS Beneficiaries Launches January 2024
The Indian government is set to implement the Aadhar Payment Bridge System (APBS) for beneficiaries of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) starting January 1, 2024. This initiative aims to streamline wage payments and address issues related to frequent changes in beneficiaries’ bank account numbers. Currently, nearly all active workers have completed the necessary Aadhaar seeding, with the government closely monitoring progress across states and union territories.
Mandatory Aadhar Payment Bridge System Implementation
To enhance the efficiency of wage payments under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS, the Central Government has mandated the use of the Aadhar Payment Bridge System (APBS) effective January 1, 2024. This system is designed to ensure that wages are directly deposited into the accounts of beneficiaries, minimizing delays and errors caused by changes in bank account details. As of now, 99.49% of the 13.55 crore active workers have completed the Aadhaar seeding process. The Central Government is actively monitoring states and union territories to achieve full compliance with APBS conversion in the NREGASoft system.
In addition to improving payment efficiency, the APBS is expected to have a positive impact on the livelihoods of beneficiaries by ensuring timely access to their wages. The government has prioritized resolving any issues flagged by states or stakeholders to facilitate a smooth transition to this new payment system.
Annual Wage Rate Adjustments for NREGS Workers
The Ministry of Rural Development annually revises the wage rates for unskilled workers under the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS, as stipulated in Section 6(1) of the Act. This revision is based on the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers (CPI-AL) to ensure that workers are compensated fairly in light of inflation. For the financial year 2024-25, the average wage rate has seen an increase of approximately 7% compared to the previous year.
States and union territories have the option to provide wages above the centrally notified rates, allowing for additional support to local workers. This flexibility aims to enhance the overall effectiveness of the NREGS and improve the economic conditions of rural communities.
Enhanced Monitoring and Attendance Tracking
To promote transparency and accountability within the NREGS, the Ministry has introduced the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) App. This app requires states and union territories to capture attendance at worksites using geo-tagged photographs and timestamps. The NMMS App will be mandatory for all works, excluding individual beneficiary projects, starting January 1, 2023.
In situations where network coverage is unavailable, attendance can be recorded offline and uploaded once connectivity is restored. The Ministry has also decentralized the exemption process for attendance issues to block-level administrations, ensuring that workers are not penalized for circumstances beyond their control.
Recent enhancements to the NMMS App include features such as eye blink detection, headcount capabilities, and improved mapping of worker IDs to muster rolls. These updates aim to make the app more user-friendly and effective in ensuring timely wage payments.
Ongoing Support and Awareness Initiatives
The Ministry is committed to addressing any concerns related to the NMMS App promptly. Continuous awareness campaigns and training programs are being organized across states and union territories to familiarize workers and officials with the app’s functionalities. This proactive approach aims to ensure that all stakeholders are equipped to utilize the new system effectively.
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