3.8 crore households get employment under MGNREGA upto Dec, 2013

Union Ministry for Rural Development has introduced a new category of State Award for Effective Initiatives under MGNREGA. Under this category three awards will be given tomorrow on the occasion of 9th MGNREGA Divas and they are Sustainable livelihood through Convergence, Social Inclusion and the third one will be for Transparency and Accountability. The Ministry has also decided to give Certificate of Commendation to three districts and three awards for the Development and Display of Best Exhibits. A total of 47 Awards will be given away by the Minister of Rural Development Shri Jairam Ramesh. This is to be underlined that every year on MGNREGA Divas, awards are given to District, Gram Panchayat and Postal Officers for effective initiative. Ministry has compiled success stories on convergence and a book titled “Enhancing Sustainable Livelihoods through Convergence of MGNREGA with other Schemes” will also be released on the occasion. This Year Ministry has also organized an exhibition showcasing some of the IEC initiatives taken by the State Governments. Since 2008, MGNREGA has provided employment to around 5 crore households of which 50 percent are SCs and STs, while 48 percent are Women. In the current financial year upto December 2013, 3.8 crore households have been provided employment and 135 crore person days have been generated.