As migrant workers return home, the rural jobs scheme is key—but the two states that will matter the most have a poor record in implementing it As coronavirus cases keep rising, the ensuing economic crisis continues to take its toll.
One of the worst-affected groups is rural migrants, who have been compelled to return to their villages due to a standstill in cities.
Once back home, these migrants face the spectre of poverty due to the lack of suitable livelihood opportunities. In this scenario, MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme), which promises a minimum 100 days of wage employment to every rural household, takes on added importance.