Tue Dec 02 14:11:55 UTC 2025: News Article:

Andhra Pradesh Sees Sharp Drop in MGNREGA Workforce Amid Aadhaar-Based Verification Drive

VIJAYAWADA – A recent report by LibTech India reveals a significant decline in Andhra Pradesh’s MGNREGA workforce during the mandatory Aadhaar-based e-KYC drive conducted between October 8 and November 19, 2025. The number of registered workers plummeted by 11.4%, from 124.7 lakh to 110.5 lakh, accounting for nearly 60% of the national reduction during this period.

While Andhra Pradesh boasts the highest e-KYC completion rate in India (79% among all workers, 86% among active workers), this achievement coincides with the substantial workforce reduction, suggesting a complex issue. LibTech India’s analysis points to stringent deadlines, connectivity issues, biometric authentication failures, and challenges with the NMMS attendance application as potential factors. Seasonal migration of rural workers also played a role, making it difficult for officials to reach them in time for e-KYC completion.

Researcher Naveen Kumar Gajjalagari from LibTech India raised concerns about procedural safeguards, noting a lack of evidence that mandatory draft deletion lists were publicly displayed at Panchayats, reviewed in Grama Sabhas, and shared with workers before finalization.

LibTech India recommends pausing mandatory e-KYC and NMMS requirements until safeguards are strengthened, calling for a reinstatement campaign, restoration of workers removed without due process, and renewed consultations with workers and civil society. The organization emphasizes the need for a more nuanced approach that considers the on-the-ground realities of workers facing barriers to verification or those who are away on migration.

Summary:

A LibTech India report indicates a large decline in Andhra Pradesh’s MGNREGA workforce during a recent Aadhaar-based e-KYC drive. While the state achieved the highest e-KYC completion rate nationally, this was accompanied by a significant reduction in registered workers. The report cites stringent deadlines, technical challenges, worker migration, and procedural concerns as potential causes, recommending a pause on mandatory e-KYC and NMMS requirements until safeguards are strengthened.

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