Use of drones is among initiatives taken by Centre to push for using tech to bring in transparency & accountability in MGNREGS work. However, only 11 states have been using drones for this. https://theprint.in/india/too-many-work-sites-lack-of-trained-staff-why-drone-monitoring-of-mgnregs-work-remains-limited/2131051/
In July last year, the ministry issued the standard operating procedure (SOP) for the use of drones in surveillance of work sites. As per the SOPs, drones can be used for four activities: monitoring of ongoing works, inspection of completed works, impact assessment of completed works and special inspection in case of a complaint.
“We started using drones for assessment of work and monitoring workers at the sites in December last year. One of the reasons for the slow pace of work is unavailability of trained professionals. A lot of empaneled companies are working in the agriculture sector. We are now trying to rope in women self-help groups (SHGs) for drone flying in selected work sites,” said a senior official with Tamil Nadu government’s rural development department.