Implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA): performance audit

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, (NREGA) was enacted with the objective of enhancing livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year, to every household whose adult
members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The Act initially came into force in 200 districts with effect from 2 February 2006. According to the Act, rural households have a right to register themselves with the local Gram Panchayats (GPs), and seek employment. Work is to be provided within 15 days from the date of demand, failing which the State Government will have to pay unemployment allowance at the stipulated rates. It is noted
that the Act is a unique laudable Act of Parliament which confers a right on the rural households to demand up to 100 days of employment as a matter of their statutory right.