With the increasing complaints of panchayat secretaries turning down the demand for work under MGNREGA, the centre has directed states to start registering the demand through kiosks, telephones, and interactive voice response system (IVRS).

Until now only the gram panchayat secretaries were tasked with registering demand for work.

Other than the technological devices, the demand could also be registered with anganwadi workers, school teachers, self help groups, village level revenue functionaries, and common service centres (CSCs).   

Non-registration of demand for work has been one of the major hurdles that MGNREGA workers face with panchayat secretaries turning down the demand for work at their will.

One of the reasons for not registering the demand is the provision of unemployment allowance that a worker is entitled to in case his/her demand is registered but not provided with work.  This allowance is given from the salary of panchayat secretary.

“Provision for workers to register application for work through telephones including mobile phones must be operationalised as most of the workers are illiterate, the system should be made convenient to them and should include OVRS and voice enabled interaction. This option must automatically register the demand for work and keep date and time stamp of such demand,” said the advisory from rural development ministry to the states.

“In addition to above stated provisions workers can register for work at GP office or at the worksite. This will be recorded by the gram rozgar sewak in the prescribed application form and employment register. To facilitate this certain hours of the day should be designated and the panchayat secretary or other relevant officials should remain present in the panchayat office during these designated hours,” the advisory further said.