 "Why casual labour prefers to work in fields than under MGNREGA")
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, or MGNREGA, has been one of the main livelihood sources for millions of migrants and other workers in rural India during the lockdown, providing much-needed daily wages.
The scheme, which saw a sharp increase in its budget in 2020-21 because of increased demand, continues to see strong interest, though there has been a decline in work demand since lockdown was eased and farming activity picked up in villages.
The chart explains why in several states casual labourers prefer to work in fields than under MGNREGA as wages are much lower than minimum agriculture wages.
One subscription. Two world-class reads.
Already subscribed? Log in
Subscribe to read the full story →*Subscribe to Business Standard digital and get complimentary access to The New York Times
Smart Quarterly
₹900
3 Months
₹300/Month
SAVE 25%
Smart Essential
₹2,700
1 Year
₹225/Month
SAVE 46%
*Complimentary New York Times access for the 2nd year will be given after 12 months
Super Saver
₹3,900
2 Years
₹162/Month
Subscribe
Renews automatically, cancel anytime
Here’s what’s included in our digital subscription plans
Exclusive premium stories online
Over 30 premium stories daily, handpicked by our editors
Complimentary Access to The New York Times
News, Games, Cooking, Audio, Wirecutter & The Athletic
Business Standard Epaper
Digital replica of our daily newspaper — with options to read, save, and share
Curated Newsletters
Insights on markets, finance, politics, tech, and more delivered to your inbox
Market Analysis & Investment Insights
In-depth market analysis & insights with access to The Smart Investor
Archives
Repository of articles and publications dating back to 1997
Ad-free Reading
Uninterrupted reading experience with no advertisements
Seamless Access Across All Devices
Access Business Standard across devices — mobile, tablet, or PC, via web or app
SAVE 25%