Govt to tell banks to speed up MGNREGA wage payout after worker complaints

After getting large-scale complaints of workers for not getting payment on time despite early release of funds

The Centre is likely to ask all heads of banks, particularly those with extensive rural networks, to expedite payment of wages under MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act). This follows large-scale complaints of workers not getting payment on time despite early release of funds.

The government has also directed banks to speed up the process of stage-two clearance of funds — from banks to the beneficiary accounts — according to a senior official. Obtaining the stage-two clearance is seen as a primary hurdle in the timely payment of wages under the scheme.

The Centre claims that since April