Why is it in the news?
- As of January 1, 2024, Aadhaar-based payment system (ABPS) is mandatory for Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) workers, ensuring efficient and transparent wage disbursements.
| About MGNREGS · Legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment annually for adult members of rural households. · Utilizes Aadhaar Payment Bridge System (APBS) since 2017, made mandatory from January 1. · Exemptions possible on a case-to-case basis for Gram Panchayats facing technical or Aadhaar-related issues.
About ABPS · ABPS uses the worker’s unique 12-digit Aadhaar number as their financial address. · To be paid under ABPS, Aadhaar details must be seeded to the job card, bank account, and mapped with the NPCI database. |
Significance of the Move
- Curbs corruption by eliminating fake beneficiaries.
- Ensures speedy payments and reduces rejections due to changes in beneficiaries’ bank accounts.
Recent Changes to Enhance MGNREGS Efficiency
- National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app for MGNREGS worker attendance capture.
- SECURE application for estimating preparation and approval of MGNREGS works.
- Geo-MGNREGA for geo-tagging completed works.
- Project “UNNATI” to upgrade the skill base of MGNREGS workers.
Aadhaar in Other Government Schemes
- Over 1100 government schemes and programs, both at the Centre and States, use Aadhaar.
- Examples include Pradhan Mantri Ujjwala Yojana, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojna, Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana, and Atal Pension Yojana.
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