MGNREGS Sees Decrease in Active Workforce amid High Demand

A recent analysis conducted by LibTech India has shed light on the state of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), revealing a notable 7.5% dip in the active workforce. However, the study also brings to the forefront a paradoxical phenomenon—despite the decline in the workforce, there has been a remarkable 9% increase in person-days, indicating a robust demand for MGNREGS jobs.

The MGNREGS program, designed to provide rural employment opportunities, plays a crucial role in India’s socio-economic landscape. In recent times, the scheme has witnessed a decrease in the number of active workers, with a net deletion of 80 lakh workers. This decline in the workforce might be a cause for concern, but it is important to delve deeper into the reasons behind this trend.

The increase in person-days despite the reduction in the active workforce is a fascinating observation. It suggests that, despite the challenges posed by a diminishing workforce, the demand for MGNREGS employment opportunities remains strong. This could be attributed to several factors, including economic hardships brought on by the ongoing pandemic and a renewed focus on rural.

Re-reported from the article originally published in The Hindu