The world's biggest rural employment scheme, MNREGA has brought in momentum in the financial inclusion of rural population. The Prime Minister, Dr. Manmohan Singh 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 MNREGA Diwas in New Delhi today, he said th Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, MNREGA has also benefited people from Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in more than 50 per cent of the works. Over four crore bank accounts have been opened under MNREGA and it will help in implementing direct benefits transfer scheme to rural population.

The Prime Minster said the use of information technology in MNREGA has increased accountability and transparency in governance. Dr. Singh said the Centre has taken many new initiatives related to the UPA's flagship scheme in the last one year. 30 new works have already been added focusing mainly on providing employment through agriculture.

UPA chairperson Mrs. Sonia Gandhi called for checking misuse of funds and corruption in MNREGA and removal of bottle-necks in participation of women. She advocated strengthening of the panchayati raj systems through MNREGA, 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 MNREGA.