'My Mother is an MGNREGS Worker Too'

Q: When did you return to the village and how did you come?

Beneficiary: I came back from Jaipur in May in a rented vehicle.

Q: Are you a Public Distribution System beneficiary and were you able to get free ration during the lockdown period?

Beneficiary: I have received 50 kgs of wheat for five family members and 2 kgs of pulses.

Q: Are you registered for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)? Have you begun work?

Beneficiary: My mother was already working under the MGNREGS. I have also got my name registered now.

I have been working for two weeks but have not received the remuneration yet. My mother got Rs 1,560 and Rs 1,120 for two week.

Q: What are your means of earning a livelihood now that you are back in the village?

Beneficiary: I am working under the MGNREGS and also in my own farm. As soon as the situation becomes better, I will go back.

This interview was conducted with an MGNREGS beneficiary in Churu, Rajasthan in Hindi on 15 July 2020, and has been translated.