Govt hikes MG-NREGS wages in view of COVID-19, average increase of Rs 20

Speed Post News Network

New Delhi : Mahatma Gandhi NREGS wages have been revised by Department of Rural Development, GoI, with effect from April 1, 2020, in view of COVID-19 pandemic . The average national increase is Rs 20.

Focus of Mahatma Gandhi NREGS may be on individual beneficiary-oriented works which directly benefit SC, ST, and women headed households as well as small & marginal farmers and other poor households. However, close consultation and guidance of the State as well as district authorities would be necessary to ensure that lockdown conditions are not violated and norms of social distancing are scrupulously followed.

Ministry of Rural Development is according top priority to liquidate the wage and material arrears. An amount of Rs 4,431 crore has been released this week to various States/UTs to liquidate these liabilities of current fiscal year and the remaining such liabilities along with 1^st tranche for the year 2020-21 will be released before April 15, 2020. An amount of Rs 721 crore has been released to State Government of Andhra Pradesh, according to a PIB release.

With respect to COVID 19 pandemic, Department of Rural Development, GoI, in close collaboration with State Governments has taken various initiatives.