MGNREGA: A Critical Analysis Of The Scheme Through The Lens Of Labour Law

Vemuri Phani Pragneya, B.Com.L.L.B.(Hons), Tamil Nadu National Law University

ABSTRACT

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural employment Guarantee Act, 2005, formerly known as National rural employment guarantee act, is believed to be worlds largest flagship program for poor. This is a labor law legislation which works under the bedrock provision of constitution, I.e. Right to work. India after centuries long leeching under British empire, was faced with an almost undying challenge of poverty. Thought the country is on the path of progress and a spec of light is visible at the end of the cave, the number of people who still live under extreme poverty in the country is around 6 million. MGNREGA as stated earlier is an attempt to make a difference in the lives of such people. Though the ideal of the scheme is admirable, in the recent past, there have been different kids of issues that sprouted which rather stand as criticisms to the scheme. The Indian Labor Legislation is a beautifully established on some fundamental principles and regulations, and therefore they hardly faced any amendments. However, MGNREGA, been subjected to reprehension from time to time. This research work seeks to analyse the legislation of MGNREGA from the lens of the fundamental principles of Labor law, note the reasons for some of the criticisms and provide a plausible solutions for the same.

Keywords: Employment, poverty, wages, Equality, Social Protection, Rights, Social Justice.