NREGA needs amendments

 

 

Introduced on February 2, 2006, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (Editorial, TSI June 28- July 11) has been considered as the biggest public employment scheme so far. However, a close look at the progress of this scheme so far will show a relatively unimpressive figure as far as the stated objectives of the NREGA are concerned. The scheme has failed to bring respite to the poor in the wake of unprecedented drought and price rise this year. Without correcting its shortcomings, the government has announced NREGA-II. The future appears bleak. For the success of NREGA in the future, certain suggestions and recommendations have to be followed. A software has been developed in Andhra Pradesh for fast movement of NREGA, which could easily be made available in other states with proper social auditing and increased public awareness and monitoring. As we are experiencing drought and price rise and the Right to Food Act is in the offing, NREGA has a lot to offer to the rural poor.

Vani A

Hyderabad