In India, ensuring rural employment and improving the livelihoods of those in the countryside is a critical concern. Among all such programs being undertaken towards this end, perhaps the most impactful has been the Upadi Hami Pathakam or Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, whereby every rural household with members who are willing to be employed for unskilled labor has a guarantee for wage employment. But one of the most significant aspects of this program is that it has the Upadi Hami Pathakam Payment, which directs individuals to their wages for what they do.
In this article, we shall discuss everything regarding Upadi Hami Pathakam Payment from how it operates, benefits to checking one’s payment status, application procedures, and more. Regardless of whether you are an applicant or simply looking into the scheme, this article will be your comprehensive resource.
Table of Contents
What is Upadi Hami Pathakam?
Upadi Hami Pathakam, a program in the MGNREGA scheme, is offered by the Ministry of Rural Development of India, whereby they provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment per financial year to the rural households. The principal objective of this program is to offer unskilled labor opportunities to adult members of rural families. Be it digging a trench or other basic tasks such as the construction of infrastructure, it is all done for the development of assets and the sake of workers’ earning.
The most distinctive feature of the scheme is the employment that can be assured within 15 days from the submission of application. This program also ensures the equal wage scale for every rural worker without any differentiation based on gender for equal work.
How Does the Upadi Hami Pathakam Payment System Work?
The Upadi Hami Pathakam is simply a payment process that ensures that workers get payment for the work they actually do. Here’s how:
Registration and Job Card Issuance: Every household in rural areas that wishes to participate in the MGNREGA program must first register with the local Gram Panchayat. This registration process involves the issuance of a Job Card, which records the details of all adult members of the household eligible for employment under the scheme. Once registered, the household is eligible for work within a designated timeframe.
Employment Allocation: After getting registered, workers are provided jobs at public work places, including road construction, afforestation, and water conservation. These jobs are mostly assigned within a radius of 5 kilometers of the worker’s residence to ensure that workers do not have to travel too long.
Work Verification and Payment: On completion of the work, the Upadi Hami Pathakam payment is done. The payment for the work is credited directly into the bank account or post office account of the worker. Payments are usually done within a week to 15 days from the completion of the work.
Transparency and Monitoring: The system is designed such that there will be complete transparency, and people will be able to ascertain whether they have been paid the amount online. The site for MGNREGA gives an opportunity to find the payment status of his account by a worker against his unique identification number he got in his work.
Eligibility for Upadi Hami Pathakam Payment
The applicant who applies for payment through the Upadi Hami Pathakam eligibility needs to meet the qualifying criteria as outlined below:
- Age: The beneficiary must be more than or equal to 18 years.
- Rural Area Residence: The beneficiary ought to be staying in any rural area because the benefits are meant to reach even rural households.
- Working Eligibility: The beneficiary willing to perform unskilled physical labour for not less than 100 days a year.
Benefits Under Upadi Hami Pathakam
The Upadi Hami Pathakam system of payment offers many benefits, especially for the rural workforce. Among these are:
Immediate Payment: Payments are directly made to a worker’s bank or post office accounts within 7 to 15 days from the date the work is completed. Such delay was normal in earlier methods of payments.
Equal Pay: MGNREGA gives equal pay to men and women for equal work. It helps promote gender equality and empowers women in the rural sector.
Local Employment: The job offered by MGNREGA is within the worker’s area of residence. Thus, they do not have to travel long distances, which not only saves time but also reduces the transportation cost.
Health and Safety at Work: Every MGNREGA worksite has minimum facilities such as shade, drinking water, and first aid, ensuring the well-being and safety of workers.
Inclusive Employment: Provisions are made for disabled persons, senior citizens, and internally displaced persons. They are given special attention in job allocation and receive tasks customized to their skills.
Social Security: Under MGNREGA, social security schemes, namely, Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY) and Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY), provide for life insurance and health protection for workers.
Travel Allowance:
For those traveling 5 kilometers or more from the residence to the work-site, MGNREGA pays a travel and subsistence allowance, typically amounting to 10 percent of the minimum wage.
Employment Guarantee:
One of the primary advantages that MGNREGA boasts of is employment guarantee. With the scheme, any eligible rural household can apply to work under the scheme with full assurance that people shall be provided with employment through the year.
Read More : How to Check Upadi Hami Pathakam Payment Status
Application process for Upadi Hami Pathakam Payment
Step-by-step guide for online and offline application processes has been given below:
Application process for registration under MGNREGA to avail upadi hami pathakam payment
Offline Application process
Submit an Application: Firstly, a candidate needs to submit an application for registration with the Gram Panchayat in his local area. It can be done either through a written application or even an oral application, which will be duly recorded by the Gram Rozgar Sahayak or the Panchayat Secretary.
Required Details: The application shall contain all the names of adult household members who are willing to work in unskilled jobs. It must also carry details such as age, sex, caste (whether SC/ST), Aadhaar number, and the details of bank or post office account.
Verification: Within two weeks from the receipt of the application, the Gram Panchayat shall verify the details of the household and its members.
Issuance of Job Card: After authenticating the household, their information is recorded in the MIS. A Job Card is issued, which enables them to seek work and be paid for the work undertaken.
Online Application Process
One can apply for Upadi Hami Pathakam online by following the given process:
Install the UMANG app: Both the official MGNREGA website and the UMANG (Unified Mobile Application for New-age Governance) app are available for download.
Login Using OTP: After downloading the app or visiting the website, log in with your mobile number and OTP (One-Time Password).
Fill in the Application: Once logged in, search for MGNREGA and select “Apply for Job Card”. Input the necessary information and attach the applicant’s photo.
Submit the Application: After completing the application form, Click “Submit” to submit the filled application form.
Job card Issue: After registration, verification shall be done after which the worker is given a Job Card. A worker may then start applying for work.
Online Via CSC Application Process
Registration application can also be made online through Community Service Centres. One will have the opportunity to register at CSCs. The operator will assist one in filling up the relevant application form. After completing the form, the operator will forward it to the concerned GP for further processing. The State Government will make appropriate orders to this effect.
Registration will be available throughout the year at the Gram Panchayat office.
Applications must be submitted by an adult member of the household on behalf of the entire family.
Documents required
While the offline as well as the online process, one has to submit following documents: –
- Photograph of Applicant
- Identity verification, such as an Aadhaar card, voter ID, ration card, etc.
- Account number and the name in the bank or post office book
- SC/ST Status, if he/she is falling in it.
- Proof of below-poverty-line (BPL) status (if applicable)
- Signature or Thumb Impression
- Caste Certificate if applicable (SC/ST status)
- BPL Status (if applicable)
How to Verify the Payment Status of Upadi Hami Pathakam
To track the Upadi Hami Pathakam payment status, follow these steps:
- Visit the MGNREGA Official Website: Go to https://nrega.nic.in and navigate to the Key Features section.
- Click on Social Audit: From the drop-down, select “Social Audit” and section from the top menu.
- Select the Appropriate State and District: Select your state, district, and block from the list below.
- Select the Report Type: Choose “Payment to Workers” from the options below
- Download the Report: This will display a detailed break-down of payments made, including the number of days worked, wages paid, etc.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1Q. Who are the key stakeholders in MGNREGA?
The key stakeholders in MGNREGA include wage seekers, Gram Panchayats, program officers, state and central government, and civil society organizations.
2Q. What is the wage rate under MGNREGA?
Wages under MGNREGA vary depending on the state but must adhere to the minimum wage standards as defined by the central or state governments.
3Q. Whether the wage can be paid on a monthly or weekly basis?
The wages are usually paid on a weekly basis or within 15 days after the completion of work.
4Q. How is payment under MGNREGA?
Payments are made directly into the bank account or post office account of the worker to ensure transparency and efficiency.
5Q. Is any compensation for delay in payment?
Yes, MGNREGA provides delay compensation for workers at a rate of 0.05 percent per day for delays exceeding the 16th day.
6Q. What is Job Card and why is it important?
The Job Card is an important document in MGNREGA. It is a record that contains all the details of any worker’s employment and thereby ensures they receive their payable wages.
7Q. Who can enroll in MGNREGA?
Any adult resident of a rural area can enroll in MGNREGA, given that they are willing to work for unskilled manual labor.
8Q. What paperwork is required to open a bank account and make a payment?
To open a bank account for receiving MGNREGA wages, you would require the MGNREGA Job Card and any other KYC documents like Aadhaar, PAN, or voter ID.
9Q. Can Differently Abled Workers participate?
Yes, MGNREGA has special provisions for disabled workers, including work that is specifically designed for them, such as managing crèches or water supply.
10Q.How Do I Get a Duplicate Job Card if My Original One is Lost?
If a Job Card is lost, workers can apply for a duplicate card by filing a request at the local Gram Panchayat.
Conclusion
The Upadi Hami Pathakam payment forms a crucial part of the MGNREGA scheme that ensures that rural workers receive payment on time for their work. Understanding the process of application, benefits, and tracking payments will fully help you take advantage of this program. The direct deposit system ensures that wages are paid securely and without delays, which is much needed by rural households.
If you wish to apply under the scheme or need information about your payment, use the steps outlined above and prepare all the documents needed. MGNREGA has been a lifeline for millions of rural families across India. Knowing how to navigate its systems ensures you are able to make the best of it.