Congress leader Jairam Ramesh has raised concerns about the use of technology in the implementation of MGNREGA. According to him, the widespread use of technology has made it difficult for the rural poor to access the benefits of the scheme. Some of the ways in which technology is affecting the objective of MGNREGA are:

• Many rural workers are unable to make use of the online portal for registering themselves, leading to exclusion from the scheme.
• The use of biometric authentication for attendance has led to instances of wrongful denial of work to eligible workers.
• Irregular power supply in many areas makes it difficult for workers to use the online system, leading to exclusion from the scheme.
• A lack of awareness about the use of technology is hindering the access of the rural poor to the scheme.

Therefore, Jairam Ramesh has urged the government to ensure that the use of technology does not hamper the objective of MGNREGA, which is to provide employment and prevent distress migration.