The Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Act (MGNREGA), originally termed the National Rural Employment Act (NREGA), was introduced by Minister Raghuvansh Prasad Singh and enacted by the Indian Parliament. This groundbreaking labor law offers Indian citizens critical social security through the "right to work." Enacted in September 2005, MGNREGA pledges a minimum of 100 days of paid work annually for volunteers in unskilled manual labor.

Under this scheme, registration assures job placement within 15 days. MGNREGA extends across India, except for Jammu and Kashmir, providing equal minimum wages subject to state variations.

MGNREGA, initiated from the NREGA law by Prime Minister P.V. Narasimha Rao in 1991, was later expanded to cover all 625 districts by April 1, 2008. It is celebrated as "the world's most ambitious law" for social security by the Indian government, and is praised by the World Bank as a model for rural development.

The core objectives of MGNREGA include securing a minimum of 100 days unskilled labor for rural workers annually, enhancing the livelihood of economically vulnerable citizens. It promotes rural community growth, social protection, and strengthens Panchayati Raj institutions while boosting local economies and utilizing unused labor.

As one of India's largest employment initiatives, MGNREGA is demand-driven, focusing on human-centric and rights-based principles. The program involves automated beneficiary selection, ensuring efficient operation.

The central government supports job creation by funding 100% of unskilled labor costs and 75% of material costs, incentivizing state job creation. A remarkable feature is that Gram Panchayats must execute at least 50% of work, considering cost.

MGNREGA thrives on the cooperation between recruiters, Gram Sabhas, and Gram Panchayats, significantly aiding natural resource management and livelihood creation. Social Audits play a crucial role in maintaining accountability, with annual reports presented to the Central Government by the Central Employment Guarantee Council, and respective State Councils reporting to State Legislatures.

MGNREGA encompasses activities in agriculture, livestock, watershed management, irrigation, sanitation, fisheries, and coastal work, along with building Anganwadi Centers.

The MGNREGA App facilitates access to work information, government payment details to Gram Panchayats, and updates on new initiatives.

MGNREGA recognizes special worker categories, including those with disabilities, the internally displaced, HIV-positive individuals, seniors above 65, members of Nomadic, De-notified, or Primitive Tribal Groups, and women under special conditions. Applicants must be Indian citizens, at least 18, and open to unskilled labor work.

The NREGA Job Card, essential for registered individuals, confirms eligibility, enabling applications for paid jobs within their local Gram Panchayat and serving as KYC proof.

Job Card applications can be downloaded from the official website or obtained at local Gram Panchayats, requiring personal details and proof documents such as Aadhar, PAN, Voter ID, or Ration Cards. Issuance follows submission, verification, and approval within 15 days.

Payment under MGNREGA is directly deposited into job cardholders’ bank accounts, or via cash with approvals from the ministry or state government. The scheme ensures equal wages for all genders.

MGNREGA and the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS work in tandem; the former provides the framework for guaranteed employment, while the latter ensures comprehensive implementation. The Central Government defines MGNREGA functions and circumstances, while the State Government manages NREGS operations within its territory.

In summary, known also as NREGA, MGNREGA is a pivotal scheme offering employment and social safety to vulnerable rural Indians, enhancing economic stability, empowering women, conserving the environment, and curbing rural-urban migration. Despite challenges, MGNREGA persistently generates job opportunities and elevates rural livelihoods.