Daijiworld Media Network - Mumbai

Mumbai, Mar 25: A report by the Comptroller and Auditor General of India (CAG) has highlighted significant shortcomings in the implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Maharashtra, pointing to delays, incomplete projects, and weak oversight mechanisms.

According to the report, only 52.81% of the 25.72 lakh works approved between 2019-20 and 2023-24 were completed. While Rs 6,725.65 crore was spent on completed projects, a substantial Rs 5,361.02 crore was spent on works that remain incomplete.

The audit revealed that nearly 7.10 lakh approved works had not even begun as of March 2025. Of these, around 2.48 lac projects (35%) have been pending for more than three years. Similarly, among the 5.03 lac incomplete works, about 1.07 lakh (21%) have been delayed for over three years.

The report also flagged serious lapses in providing timely employment under the scheme. As per MGNREGS norms, work must be offered within 15 days of demand, failing which unemployment allowance must be paid. However, out of Rs 34.85 lakh due as unemployment allowance, only Rs 2,268 was disbursed, leaving nearly the entire amount unpaid.

Oversight mechanisms were found to be inadequate. Social audits—meant to ensure transparency and accountability—were significantly below target, with shortfalls ranging between 72% and 95% of gram panchayats during the review period. Additionally, of Rs 11.22 crore identified for recovery in misappropriation cases, action worth Rs 4.44 crore remains pending across 314 cases.

The report attributed weak social audit performance partly to insufficient funding. The Social Audit Unit (SAU) noted that funds received from the central government were less than one-third of actual requirements, and state-level allocations were also inadequate, affecting the scope and frequency of audits.

Further, the Maharashtra State Employment Guarantee Council, tasked with monitoring the scheme, failed to hold regular meetings. While a Director for State Quality Monitoring was appointed, district-level quality monitors were not in place, raising concerns about the standard of work execution.

The findings underscore systemic challenges in implementing one of India’s key rural employment programmes, with gaps in execution, accountability, and monitoring continuing to impact its effectiveness.