• Aadhaar-based payments for MNREGS workers refer to the use of Aadhaar-enabled payment systems for transferring wages and other payments to the beneficiaries' bank accounts connected to their Aadhaar numbers.
• This initiative was undertaken to bring about efficiency, transparency, and accountability in the disbursement of MNREGS payments, which is a welfare scheme to provide employment and social security to rural households in India.
• The use of Aadhaar-based payments can significantly reduce leakages, delays, and errors in the wage payment process, leading to timely and accurate disbursal of benefits to the workers.
• The deadline for implementing Aadhaar-based payments for MNREGS workers was extended due to various reasons such as lack of connectivity, incomplete verification of beneficiaries, and glitches in the payment systems.
• The extension of the deadline was necessary to ensure that the transition to Aadhaar-based payments does not lead to any disruption or hardship for the MNREGS workers who rely on these payments for their livelihood.
• In conclusion, Aadhaar-based payments for MNREGS workers hold immense significance in improving the lives of rural households by providing timely and accurate wage payments while eliminating corruption and middlemen in the payment process. The extension of the implementation deadline reflects the government's commitment to ensuring a smooth transition to this payment system without compromising the welfare of the workers.