The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) plays a crucial role in enhancing livelihood security for individuals in rural areas. Recently, the scheme has introduced a geo-fencing feature aimed at improving transparency within its online attendance system. This initiative is part of the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS), which requires workers to mark their attendance only when they are within a 10-metre radius of a designated geo-tagged location at their worksite.
While the intention behind this new feature is to bolster system integrity, it has raised several operational challenges. These challenges are particularly evident in projects that cover extensive areas or involve linear developments such as road or canal maintenance. States including Kerala, Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka, and Maharashtra have expressed concerns regarding the practicality of this geo-fencing requirement.
This situation is significantly hindering the daily operations of the scheme, as the new geo-fencing feature complicates attendance marking.
The NMMS was introduced in May 2021 and made mandatory in January 2022. Prior to the implementation of geo-fencing, workers were allowed to mark their attendance from any location within the worksite, offering more flexibility. However, the recent changes aimed to mitigate fraudulent practices and ensure that workers are present at designated work locations. The geo-fencing feature was implemented after pilot testing in Haryana.
Critics, including social activists and state government officials, argue that the geo-fencing requirement complicates the attendance process without adequately considering the various types of projects and the geographical challenges they present. They suggest that the system needs adjustments to better accommodate different project types, especially those that are spread over large areas or involve linear developments.
Furthermore, concerns have been raised about network connectivity issues at specific geo-tagged locations. This raises questions about the effectiveness of the current implementation across various scenarios, as connectivity can significantly impact attendance marking.
The central government has recognized the role of state governments in the implementation of the scheme and has shown openness to further discussions. Stakeholder feedback will be considered for potential adjustments to the NMMS, aiming to strike a balance between ensuring transparency and maintaining practical attendance procedures for workers across diverse project types.
The integration of geo-tagging within the MGNREGS attendance system illustrates a significant shift towards transparency. However, it also highlights the need for careful consideration of the operational challenges faced by workers in various projects. As discussions continue, finding a solution that addresses these challenges while promoting accountability will be critical for the success of MGNREGS.
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