Centre's move to release MGNREGA funds early to help clear backlog only

Average daily wage under the MGNREGA for 2017-18 has been raised by a mere Rs 1 per day

The Centre’s reported move to release almost 50 per cent of 2017-18 MGNREGA labour budget by April 1 would only help it in clearing the backlog of funds, which till date is estimated to be over Rs 7,600 crore, but how far will it help in creating more work demand remains to be seen.

According to the 2017-18 Outcome Budget, the Centre has budgeted for 220 crore person days of work in the year, which is almost the same as 2016-17. 

The final work demand is still being tabulated as per estimates made from the state and the BE can