Gradual increase in number of women seeking work under scheme attributed to involvement of women SHGs, horticulture related jobs, and 'women mates' who supervise MGNREGS works.
The highlight of Household Consumption Expenditure Survey 2022-23 is that the share of rural households' expenditure on cereals has fallen below 10% for the first time.
While activists also say the number of work days should be increased, they stressed it could be done only if adequate funds were allocated for the scheme.
Over 170 districts in India don't have an ombudsperson, a mandatory requirement under the job guarantee scheme. In some states, 1 ombudsperson allotted for 2 districts, it is learnt.
'Unnati' initiative was launched in December 2019 with aim to train 2 lakh workers registered under MGNREGS by March 2022. Earlier this year, the deadline was extended to March 2025.
Six months into FY24, many states have either exceeded or sanctioned over 90% of their work days under programme, it is learnt. Some have also sought review of their labour budget.
A dedicated fund for start-ups in rural India is a much-needed thrust but Budget 2023 has unexpectedly slashed allocation to the agriculture ministry and reduced funds for MGNREGA by 33%.
Growth next year is expected to slow down due to global headwinds & fading of favourable base effect. Budget must put economy on sustained growth path, consider spending priorities.
Employment in India rose from 394.6 million in August to 404.2 million in September, and while the numbers are still below pre-Covid levels, the increase is encouraging.
The BJP is working to address the post-Covid unemployment crisis in the state that could mar its prospects in the assembly elections scheduled for later this year.
In an India that was post-Mughal but pre-British Raj, diplomacy, popular religion, and a constellation of genius painters created the most spectacular Ramayana adaptation ever.
Economists say there are weaknesses in India’s GDP data. But statisticians claim the accusations are based on flawed understanding, saying while GDP has problems, the economists are looking in the wrong places.
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