MGNREGA 2.0 will be unveiled by next month, says Jairam Ramesh

Union Rural Development Minister Shri Jairam Ramesh said, time has come for second generation reforms in the implementation of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, MGNREGA. Addressing the sixth MGNREGA SAMMELAN here, he said, widespread consultations with State Governments and various groups has thrown up many new ideas and some of them will be incorporated in the MGNREGA 2.0 by next month and added that shortcomings in the implementation of the Job Scheme will be tackled effectively. He informed that Mihir Shah Committee assigned to redraft rules and guidelines of NREGA will submit its report by next week. Shri Ramesh said, by making work a legal guarantee, MGNREGA has empowered the destitute and backward sections in the rural areas, but at the same time admitted several shortcomings in its implementation and promised to rectify the same. He said, state specific work allocation may become part of the second generation reforms as several state governments have called for non-rigid guidelines and changes in the administrative mechanisms.