“5 LAKH CRORE SPENT ON MGNREGA IN EIGHT YEARS,” NIRMALA SITHARAMAN SAID

The Union Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman stated that the center has spent 5 lakh crores on the MGNREGA scheme over the past eight years. Out of the 5 lakh crores, 20% was spent during the COVID-19 Pandemic, further, she said.

MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) scheme was passed on 23 August 2005. Its main focus is on ‘RIGHT TO WORK’ and providing employment or livelihood security in rural areas.

Another aim is to develop durable assets such as Roads, Canals, ponds, wells, etc. This scheme is also focusing on women’s employment. Thus, employees who work under MGNREGA have legal rights.

This budget assigned Rs.73,000 crores for the MGNREGA scheme for 2022-23.

Further, she said, 4.5 lakh crore has been given as collateral-free loans to MSME sectors (Micro, Small, Medium Enterprise) as they play a crucial role in economic growth.

According to the Telangana report, the state received Rs.20,000 crores under this scheme Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act during the past 8 years. If they found any complaints that the money was not spent accordingly, a team survey will come for further investigations.