The Congress party has strongly criticized the central government’s decision to implement the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) App in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) scheme. According to the party, the app’s rollout may negatively impact rural workers’ livelihoods and compromise the transparency and accountability the scheme is meant to uphold.
The NMMS App is a digital tool introduced to improve real-time monitoring of MNREGA work. It mandates that workers mark their attendance and submit geo-tagged photographs to verify their work progress.
Congress’s Key Concerns
The Congress party has raised several issues regarding the app’s implementation:
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Increased Surveillance: The party argues that the app increases government surveillance of rural workers, infringing on their privacy and autonomy.
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Technical Issues: Reports indicate the app often malfunctions, leading to attendance errors and delays in payment.
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Digital Literacy Gaps: Many rural workers are not digitally literate, making it difficult for them to use the app without assistance.
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Exclusion of Marginalized Groups: The app could unintentionally exclude vulnerable groups, including women, elderly laborers, and marginalized communities who may not have access to smartphones or mobile internet.
Impact on Rural Workers
Ground reports suggest that the NMMS App has caused significant difficulties for workers, including trouble in marking attendance and verifying work. These issues have led to payment delays, reduced trust in the system, and growing frustration among laborers who rely on MNREGA for basic income support.
Way Forward
While technology has the potential to enhance transparency and efficiency, its deployment must consider the socio-economic realities of rural India. Congress has urged the government to revisit the implementation strategy, consult stakeholders—including workers and civil society groups—and ensure that digital tools do not become barriers to welfare access.
