MGNREGS workers report glitches in new facial recognition attendance app
Workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) are reporting significant glitches with the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app, which made facial recognition mandatory for attendance from March 1. Workers in Rajasthan, among other places, struggled to download muster rolls and faced authentication failures with the facial recognition system. While the government claims over 22 lakh workers successfully used the feature, unions like MKSS question the system's efficacy in curbing corruption, arguing it creates technological barriers for workers. Officials state the new system, introduced after an e-KYC drive, adds an essential verification layer to eliminate ineligible beneficiaries and that handholding is provided for the transition.
Key Points
- MGNREGS workers are experiencing glitches with the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app, particularly its new mandatory facial recognition feature for attendance.
- Issues include difficulties in downloading muster rolls and authentication failures, as reported by workers and unions like MKSS.
- The government introduced facial recognition from March 1, following an e-KYC drive, to enhance transparency and eliminate ineligible beneficiaries.
- Critics argue that the technological barriers created by the app hinder workers and question its effectiveness in curbing corruption.
- Officials maintain that the system is functioning, with over 22 lakh workers successfully using it, and that support is being provided during the transition.
Exam Facts
- The National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) app is used for MGNREGS attendance.
- Facial recognition became mandatory for MGNREGS attendance from March 1 (implied 2026).
- The Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) highlighted the issues.
- The system was introduced after the government's e-KYC drive for MGNREGA workers.
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