New Delhi, March 21: To ensure timely payment of wages to the beneficiaries under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme Mahatma Gandhi (NREGS) and to address the issues arising due to frequent changes in bank account numbers of the beneficiaries and subsequent non-updation, it was decided to implement Aadhar Payment Bridge System (APBS). This has been made mandatory with effect from 1st January 2024.
APBS helps in improving the transparency and accountability of wage distribution under the scheme and ensure faster crediting of wages in the account of beneficiaries. Aadhar Authentication also reduces leakage and corruption and ensures that only legitimate beneficiaries with verified identities receive wages.
In case of failure in payment through APBS, an alternative route to make payment is available through account-based payment that is National Automated Clearing House (NACH). Currently, against total of 13.55 crore active workers Aadhaar seeding of 99.49% have already been completed.
State/UTs are continuously being monitored by the Central Government for achieving 100% Aadhaar Seeding and APBS conversion in NREGASoft. As and when any issue is flagged by the State and UT or any other stakeholders, same is resolved on priority basis.
Updation and deletion of Job Cards under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS is a regular exercise conducted by the States and UTs. Job card cannot be deleted for non-linking of Aadhaar with bank account. To streamline the process for deletion and addition of Job Cards.
Ministry of Rural Development has issued a Standard Operating Procedure (SOP) vide letter dated 25.01.2025 to all States and UTs, with clear guidelines regarding deletion and restoration of job cards.
The SOP ensures compliance with the Mahatma Gandhi NREGS guidelines, promotes transparency and protects the rights of workers by defining conditions for deletion.This information was given by the Minister of State for Rural Development Shri Kamlesh Paswan in a written reply in Rajya Sabha today.
