explain important features of NREGA?

The important features of NREGA is:-

• 1. Eligibility: Any person who is above the age of 18 and resides in rural areas is entitled to apply for work.

• 2. Entitlement: Any applicant is entitled to work within 15 days, for as many as he/she has applied, subject to a limit of 100 days per household per year.

• 3. Distance: Work is to be provided within a radius of 5 kilometres of the applicant’s residence if possible, and in any case within the Block. If work is provided beyond 5 kilometres, travel allowances have to be paid.

• 4. Wages: Workers are entitled to the statutory minimum wage applicable to agricultural labourers in the state, unless and until the Central Government “notifies” a different wage rate. If the Central Government notifies, the wage rate is subject to a minimum of Rs. 60 per day.

• 5. Timely payment: Workers are to be paid weekly, or in any case not later than a fortnight. Payment of wages is to be made directly to the person concerned in the presence of independent persons of the community on -pre-announced dates.

• 6. Unemployment allowance: If work is not provided within 15 days, applicants are entitled to an unemployment allowance: one third of the wage rate for the first thrity days, and one half thereafter.

• 7. Worksite facilities: Labourers are entitled to various facilities at the worksite such as clean drinking water, shade for periods of rest, emergency health care, and child-minding.