MNREGA Workers Not Entitled to Compensation Under Employees' Act : Himachal Pradesh High Court

The Himachal Pradesh High Court dismissed a compensation claim under the Employees’ Compensation Act, 1923, by the family of a deceased MNREGA worker.

The Court held that MNREGA workers do not fall under the definition of "employee" under Section 2(dd) of the Act, and are thus not eligible for compensation under it.

The worked, who died in a 2009 worksite accident, was also not registered on the e-Shram portal, making the family ineligible for benefits under that scheme.

The Court noted that MNREGA offers voluntary, household-based, temporary employment, not structured service. The family had already received ₹25,000 from the Government of India and was not entitled to any additional compensation.