A new report from the Belagavi district reveals a deep financial security crisis for the elderly. For over 5 lakh senior citizens, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has become the only option. More than 5,07,919 people aged 60 and above have registered as labourers under the scheme. This dependence clearly shows the failure of social security and retirement systems in rural Karnataka.
The scale of this issue is immense. Individuals well past retirement must now do manual, unskilled labour. They need this work to achieve financial stability.
Read more: https://www.kannadaprabha.com/karnataka/2025/Oct/22/over-5l-senior-citizens-in-karnatakas-belagavi-register-for-work-under-mgnrega
Alarming Rise in Elderly Registration
The overall figure of over half a million elderly workers highlights an alarming trend. Registrations have surged significantly, increasing by 61,136 from the previous year.
The figures break down like this:
- Aged 61 to 80: 4,94,834 workers registered.
- Aged over 80: 13,085 workers registered.
This increase signals that many people have no other income or support. This is particularly true for the oldest citizens.
The Struggle of Octogenarian Labourers
The number of individuals over 80 seeking physical work is the most disturbing indicator. The 13,085 people in this age bracket mark an increase of 3,000 over the last two years. The very old are now forced into physical labour just to make ends meet.
MGNREGA rules require Gram Panchayats to assign work based on age and ability. Still, poverty is the main reason for their registration. In the first half of the current fiscal year (2025-26), the scheme provided jobs to 457 individuals over the age of 80.
Demand for work from this age group is high in specific areas:
- Belagavi taluk has the most registered individuals over 80 (1,778). However, employment provision for this group lags.
- Hukkeri taluk recorded the most senior citizen registrations overall. 55,076 people registered in the 60-80 age group, and 1,602 registered in the 80+ category.
Why the Elderly Depend on This Work
Multiple factors cause this heavy reliance on MGNREGA:
- Insufficient Social Security: Many senior citizens seek manual work because old-age pension schemes are insufficient. Most rural residents work in the informal sector. For them, the MGNREGA wage is essential. It helps them meet basic needs and pay medical bills.
- Economic Need and Migration: The scheme works as a crucial safety net in agrarian areas like Belagavi. It provides income during lean seasons or crop failures. Younger family members often move to cities for work. This leaves the elderly without support.
- Vulnerability to System Issues: The most vulnerable people depend on this scheme. They are often victims of implementation problems. Delayed wage payments, underpayments, and administrative issues restrict their access to full benefits.
MGNREGA: A Matter of Survival, Not Just a Job
MGNREGA is a right-based scheme meant to fight poverty. However, its use by non-working age senior citizens makes it a vital last-resort social security program.
The Belagavi data demands immediate action from policymakers. They must ensure the scheme runs smoothly. Most importantly, they must strengthen social pension schemes. A reliable and dignified monthly income will prevent the most vulnerable from having to do demanding physical labour to survive.
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