MGNREGA: A Practical Guide for Rural Indian Workers

Rights and Entitlements of MGNREGA Workers

As an MGNREGA worker, you have specific rights and entitlements guaranteed by law. Understanding these can help you ensure that you receive all the benefits you’re entitled to:

1. Right to Work:
   • You have the right to demand and receive work within 15 days of applying.
   • If work is not provided within 15 days, you’re entitled to unemployment allowance.
2. Right to 100 Days of Work:
   • Your household is entitled to 100 days of work in a financial year.
   • Some states have extended this to 150 days in drought-affected areas.
3. Right to Timely Payment:
   • You should receive your wages within 15 days of completion of work.
   • If payment is delayed, you’re entitled to compensation for each day of delay.
4. Right to Minimum Wages:
   • You must be paid at least the minimum wage rate as notified for agricultural laborers in your state.
   • Wages are to be paid according to piece rate or daily rate.
5. Right to Worksite Facilities:
   • You’re entitled to facilities at the worksite including drinking water, shade, first aid, and crèche if there are more than five children below six years of age.
6. Right to Transportation Allowance:
   • If the worksite is more than 5 km away from your village, you’re entitled to 10% extra wages as transportation allowance.
7. Right to Gender Equality:
   • Equal wages for men and women for similar work.
   • At least one-third of the beneficiaries should be women.

8. Right to Unemployment Allowance:
   • If work is not provided within 15 days of demanding it, you’re entitled to an unemployment allowance.
   • The allowance should be at least 1/4th of the wage rate for the first 30 days and 1/2 for the remaining period.
9. Right to Worksite Safety:
   • You have the right to a safe working environment.
   • In case of any injury at the worksite, you’re entitled to free medical treatment.
10. Right to Social Audit:
    • You have the right to participate in social audits of MGNREGA works.
    • These audits ensure transparency and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.
11. Right to Grievance Redressal:
    • You have the right to register complaints if you face any issues with MGNREGA implementation.
    • There should be a proper system in place to address these grievances promptly.
12. Right to Information:
    • You have the right to access all MGNREGA-related information.
    • This includes details about works, funds allocated, expenditures, and other relevant data.
13. Right to Choose Type of Work:
    • While the final decision rests with the authorities, you have the right to indicate your preference for the type of work you’d like to do.
14. Right to Changing Work:
    • If you’re unable to continue with a particular type of work due to physical inability, you can request a change to lighter work.
15. Right to Compensation for Injury:
    • In case of any disability or death due to an accident at the MGNREGA worksite, you or your family are entitled to compensation.

Remember, these rights are legally guaranteed. If you feel any of these rights are being violated, you have the option to raise the issue with your Gram Panchayat, Block Development Officer, or even file a complaint through the official MGNREGA grievance redressal system.