World · India Bureau
57 lakh MGNREGA workers await e-KYC verification under new card scheme
A significant portion of India's rural employment scheme participants remain unverified under the government's new digital identity process, raising concerns about potential service disruptions. The Centre has assured that existing verified job cards will retain validity during the transition period.
LSN India ·
Approximately 57 lakh active workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) are still awaiting e-KYC verification as the government transitions to new Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards, according to official data.
The Centre has provided assurances that existing job cards already verified through electronic Know-Your-Customer protocols will maintain their validity until the new cards are formally issued. This guarantee aims to prevent disruption of wage payments and work opportunities for rural labourers during the migration to the upgraded system.
However, implementation has faced persistent hurdles, with multiple state governments repeatedly missing the designated deadlines for completing e-KYC verification processes. The delays have created uncertainty for millions of workers dependent on the employment guarantee programme for their livelihoods.
The e-KYC verification initiative is intended to modernize the MGNREGA's identification and record-keeping systems. Officials have stressed that timely completion of the verification process is critical to ensuring seamless transition to the new card system and uninterrupted access to employment benefits for rural workers across the country.