The world's biggest rural employment scheme – MGNREGA – has brought in momentum in the financial inclusion of rural population.

The Prime Minister said, it has benefited over 8 crore people, nearly half of them – 47 percent – being women empowering them to have a greater say in the financial decisions of their families.

Addressing a function to mark the 8th MGNREGA Diwas in New Delhi today, he said th Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act – MGNREGA – has also benefited people from Scheduled casts and scheduled tribes in more than 50 per cent of the works.

Over four crore bank accounts have been opened under MGNREGA and it will help in implementing direct benefits transfer scheme to rural population.

The Prime Minster said the use of information technology in MGNREGA has increased accountability and transparency in governance.

Singh said the Centre has taken many new initiatives related to the UPA's flagship scheme in the last one year.

Thirty new works have already been added focussing mainly on providing employment through agriculture.

UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi called for checking misuse of funds and corruption in MGNREGA and removal of bottle-necks in participation of women.

Advocated strengthening of the panchayati raj systems through MGNREGA, she said, the scheme can play a big role in fulfilling dreams of second green revolution.

Later, the Prime Minister and Sonia Gandhi gave away awards to few district collectors and sarpanchs for their exemplary works under the MGNREGA.