Subversion via WhatsApp

IN Media Watch Briefs | 26/10/2016

WhatsApp is helping government circumvent the law according to a two-part investigation in Business Standard. The Ministry of Rural Development used a chat group on WhatsApp called ENCORE this summer to convey directions to state officials implementing MGNREGA, in place of normal official channels of communication. Senior officials of the ministry as well as state-level MGNREGA officials are on this group.The story suggests that this was done because orders were being passed on through WhatsApp to reduce workdays provided under the scheme. This goes against the MGNREGA law which says that as much work has to be provided as as there is demand for, regardless of budgetary constraints.

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WhatsApp MGNREGA Min of Rural Development

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