An operational guideline suggested for a radically improved version of MNREGA calls for urgent measures to convert the rural job scheme into a productivity- enhancing instrument, particularly in the agriculture sector. Rural Development Minister Jairam Ramesh, who unveiled the new guideline prepared by a committee headed by Planning Commission Member Mihir Shah suggested that strengthening the synergy between the job scheme and rural livelihoods especially agriculture and allied sectors. It also called for responding to demands of the states for greater location-specific flexibility in permissible works.

The Guide Line says MNREGA programme should be utilised to improve the ecological balance in rural India and to provide a cleaner, healthier environment to its people.

Mr Ramesh said the real success of MNREGA will lie in raising the agriculture productivity of millions of these farmers who will then be able to return once again to farming and will no longer need to depend on MNREGA for their survival. Mr Ramesh said the new guidelines for the MNRGEA-2 to be implemented from April was prepared after consulting the state governments which gave valuable suggestions to address the shortcomings found in the programme.