The Aadhaar-based Payment System (ABPS) is designed to facilitate wage payments for workers participating in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS). This system mandates that wages are received through a bank account linked to the Aadhaar card.
The main objective of implementing ABPS is to streamline the process of wage payments. This initiative aims to enhance transparency and reduce the potential for fraud, ensuring that payments reach the intended beneficiaries directly.
To qualify for ABPS wage payments, workers must meet specific criteria. They need to possess a job card, have a bank account linked to their Aadhaar card, and ensure that their account is mapped to the National Payments Corporation of India (NPCI) through a procedure known as 'mapping.'
Despite its intentions, several concerns have been voiced by activists and workers regarding ABPS. One significant issue is the failure of Aadhaar mapping with NPCI, which can lead to payment rejections and the potential deletion of workers' job cards.
Recent data reveals that only 57.75% of workers are currently eligible for ABPS, even after multiple deadline extensions have been announced.
Workers who are not eligible for ABPS may face serious consequences, including the risk of not receiving their wages. This situation could result in a violation of the guideline requiring that workers be paid within 15 days of completing their assigned jobs.
It is crucial for the government to address the concerns surrounding ABPS to ensure a smooth transition for workers under MGNREGS. Effective communication, awareness campaigns, and grievance redressal mechanisms will play a vital role in the successful implementation of this system.
Q1. What is the purpose of ABPS?
Answer: The Aadhaar-based Payment System (ABPS) aims to streamline wage payments to workers under MGNREGS, enhancing transparency and reducing fraud.
Q2. Who is eligible for ABPS payments?
Answer: Workers must have a job card, an Aadhaar-linked bank account, and their accounts must be mapped to NPCI to be eligible for ABPS payments.
Q3. What are the main concerns regarding ABPS?
Answer: Key concerns include payment rejections due to Aadhaar mapping failures and the potential deletion of workers' job cards.
Q4. How many workers are currently eligible for ABPS?
Answer: As of now, only 57.75% of workers are eligible for ABPS despite several deadline extensions.
Q5. What happens if a worker is ineligible for ABPS?
Answer: Ineligibility can lead to non-payment of wages, which violates the requirement to pay workers within 15 days of job completion.
Question 1: What does ABPS stand for?
A) Aadhaar-Based Payment System
B) Automated Banking Payment System
C) Aadhar-Based Payment Service
D) Aadhaar Beneficiary Payment Scheme
Correct Answer: A
Question 2: What is the main objective of ABPS?
A) To increase job opportunities
B) To ensure timely wage payments
C) To eliminate middlemen in payments
D) To provide loans to workers
Correct Answer: C
Question 3: What is required for a worker to be eligible for ABPS?
A) A job card and Aadhaar-linked account
B) A minimum of two years of work experience
C) Registration with the government
D) A bank account without an Aadhaar
Correct Answer: A
Question 4: What percentage of workers are currently eligible for ABPS?
A) 70%
B) 50%
C) 57.75%
D) 80%
Correct Answer: C
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