India's jobs guarantee scheme: A global model under threat?
Summary
India has a programme that guarantees jobs for rural families, offering them paid work annually. Recent changes to this programme include increasing the number of workdays and adjusting how costs are shared between the federal and state governments. Critics say the changes could weaken the programme, which is important for many poor people in rural areas.Key Facts
- India has a programme called the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) that started in 2005.
- The scheme offers rural households up to 100 days of paid work each year, which is now increased to 125 days.
- The programme provides unskilled public work to support rural livelihoods.
- Over half of the workers in the programme are women, and 40% are from disadvantaged groups.
- The programme was crucial during the Covid pandemic, providing jobs for those returning to villages from cities.
- A recent law changed the programme's name to G RAM G and altered funding arrangements.
- The federal government now pays 60% of costs, with states expected to cover the remaining 40%.
- Critics are concerned that shifting costs to states might weaken the job guarantee.
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