Most funds spent, few jobs left under NREGA

The future of workers seeking jobs under National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in the state looks bleak, as 84 per cent of the budget allocated for the scheme has been utilised.

Drawing comparisons between fiscal 2019-20 and 2020-21, Chakradhar Buddha, programme director, LibTech India, which comprises engineers, social workers and social scientists, explained, “Telangana state had been allocated 12 crore person days for NREGA but spent 10.72 crore person days in 2019-20. In 2020-21, the state has been allocated 13 crore person days for NREGA. It has already spent 11 crore person days. The work completed in the whole of last year has been completed in just three-and-a-half months of this financial year.”

Chakradhar suggested that the state government seek more funds under NREGA, 90 per cent of which is funded by the Centre.

Incidentally, the lowest-ever recorded work done in NREGA history was in April due to the lockdown. Usually, the work graph starts increasing from January and peaks in April and May. This year, May, June and July saw a huge rise in NREGA works. Around 80,000 workers have completed 100 days of work. In the coming months, if the number of days is not increased, it will be difficult for workers to earn and survive, Chakradhar observed.

TS made a budget projection of 18 crore person days for this year but was awarded 13 crore person days. The Centre has released funds to the state rural development department, which implements NREGA works.

According to a ministry of rural development notification on March 23, wages were increased to `237 with the new rates coming into force in both the Telugu states from April 1. The state’s average wage rate per day is just `165.

“The government should take the responsibility of employing workers who have returned to villages as a part of reverse migration. The government should ensure that workers get their full pay of `237, which many workers are not getting,” said P. Shankar of Dalit Bahujan Front.

“Since rains have started, there is a decrease in the number of workers utilising the scheme. Once the NREGA budget depletes, the government is planning to seek additional funds from the Centre,” said an official. The government is also hoping the number of work days will be increased considering the Covid-19 situation.