The Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme (AUEGS) is Kerala’s pioneering urban employment programme, established in 2010 under the Local Self Government Department. It is the first urban employment guarantee scheme in the country, designed to address unemployment and under-employment in urban areas by providing a rights-based social safety net for urban households .
The scheme is named after the legendary social reformer Ayyankali, who championed the rights of marginalised communities in Kerala. Its core objective is to enhance livelihood security by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every urban household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work .
AUEGS serves as a crucial fall-back employment source for vulnerable families in municipalities and corporations across Kerala, especially when other employment opportunities are scarce or inadequate. The scheme acknowledges the structural unemployment and under-employment challenges that persist in urban settings, offering a pathway to economic security for the state’s urban poor .
Overview of Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme
| Parameter | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme (AUEGS) |
| Launched By | Government of Kerala |
| Year of Launch | 2010 |
| Department | Local Self Government Department (Directorate of Urban Affairs) |
| Objective | Provide 100 days of guaranteed wage employment per household per year |
| Daily Wage | ₹311 (same as MGNREGS wage rate) |
| Target Beneficiaries | Urban households in Kerala municipalities and corporations |
| Total Registered Families | 3.18 lakh families |
| Annual Person Days Created | 41,11,753 person days |
| Annual Budget (2024-25) | ₹165 Crore |
| Gender Provision | 50% of employment reserved for women |
| Welfare Fund | Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund |
| Official Website | www.urbanaffairskerala.org |
| auegskerala@gmail.com | |
| Current Status | Active scheme |
Key Features of AUEGS
The Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme incorporates several distinctive features that make it unique among employment guarantee programmes.
100 Days Guaranteed Employment:
Every registered urban household is entitled to at least 100 days of unskilled manual work in a financial year. This entitlement may be distributed among one or more adult members of the family .
Rights-Based Approach:
Workers have the right to demand employment, and the municipality is legally obligated to provide work within 15 days of receiving an application. Failure to do so triggers provisions for unemployment allowance .
Equal Wages for All:
The scheme ensures equal wage rates for male and female workers, promoting gender equity in urban employment. The daily wage is ₹311, matching the wage rate applicable to Mahatma Gandhi NREGS .
Priority for Women:
At least 50% of total employment opportunities are reserved for women, ensuring their economic participation and empowerment .
Social Security Coverage:
Workers are covered by the Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund, providing pension, medical assistance, educational support for children, and family benefits. This was established under the Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund Act, 2021, making Kerala the first state to have such a fund for employment guarantee workers .
Welfare Benefits:
Additional benefits include unemployment allowance, employment injury benefit, sickness benefit (daily wage ≥ half of allowable wages), disability and dependent benefit of ₹50,000, and compensation for delayed wages beyond 14 days .
Workplace Facilities:
Mandatory facilities at worksites include drinking water, first-aid facilities, tents for summer shade, resting places, basic sanitation, primary care, and creche facilities for children accompanying workers .
Eligibility Criteria for AUEGS
To qualify for the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme, applicants must meet the following criteria:
| Requirement | Details |
|---|---|
| Residency | Must be a permanent resident of a municipal area (municipality or corporation) in Kerala |
| Age | All adult members (18+ years) of a family can register |
| Work Willingness | Must be willing to do unskilled manual work |
| Family Definition | Family includes mother, father, children, or any dependent person; single-member families are also eligible |
| Work Entitlement | The household (not individual) is entitled to 100 days of work per financial year |
Important Notes:
- Only one family member needs to register for the family to be eligible
- All adult members of the family can apply for work
- Persons with physical or mental challenges shall be provided work which they are capable of performing
- Registration is an ongoing process available on any working day
Documents Required for AUEGS Registration
Applicants need the following documents when applying for the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme:
| Document | Purpose |
|---|---|
| Residence Proof (Ration Card / Voter ID) | Proof of municipal residency |
| Aadhaar Card | Identity verification |
| Bank Account Details | For wage payments (if applicable) |
| Passport-size Photographs | For job card |
| Age Proof | For adult verification |
Special Note:
The scheme application is designed to be simple and accessible. Registration applications can be submitted on white paper to the concerned municipality. Municipalities are required to provide printed forms free of cost to job applicants .
Registration Process: Step-by-Step Guide
The registration process for the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme is designed to be straightforward and accessible to all urban residents.
Step 1: Visit the Municipality Office
Go to the concerned Municipal Corporation or Municipality office in your area. Registration can also be done through zonal offices of corporations.
Step 2: Obtain Application Form
Collect the registration application form from the municipality. Municipalities must provide printed forms free of charge to applicants. Alternatively, applications can be submitted on plain white paper .
Step 3: Fill the Registration Form
Provide personal details of all adult family members who wish to register. Clearly indicate the job card number (if applying for work) and the date from which work is sought .
Step 4: Submit Application
Submit the completed application form to the Front Office of the Municipality or the Zonal Office of the Corporation. You will receive a dated receipt as acknowledgment .
Step 5: Verification Process
The municipality will investigate the application. Verification procedures should be completed within 14 days of receipt of the application .
Step 6: Receive Job Card
Upon successful verification, each registered family will be issued a job card. This is a crucial document that must be kept safely. The job card contains photos of all adult family members who applied for work .
Step 7: Apply for Work
Once you have the job card, you can apply for employment by submitting a work application to the municipality. You can apply for different periods of a financial year in one form .
Step 8: Employment Allocation
The municipality must provide work within 15 days of receiving the work application. Employment is generally provided within a 5 km radius of the applicant’s residence. If employment is provided beyond this radius, workers are entitled to 10% extra wages .
Types of Permitted Works
The Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme covers a wide range of unskilled manual works across multiple sectors :
Community Spaces & Infrastructure:
- Construction of playgrounds
- Maintenance of urban public assets created under the scheme
Risk & Resilience Work:
- Works relating to public infrastructure
- Road restoration
- Flood control and mitigation
- Rainwater harvesting and storm water drains
- Construction of spaces for food storage
Environment & Natural Resource Management:
- Restoration and conservation of forests on government lands
- Organic agriculture
- Construction of underground dykes, earthen ponds, stop and check dams
- Watershed maintenance (contour trenches, terracing, etc.)
- Irrigation work; construction, restoration and maintenance of canals
- Land development works on public land
Livelihood Work & Infrastructure:
- Personal assets for disadvantaged groups
- Livelihood improvement through fruit cultivation, silk farming, horticulture, and floriculture
- Construction of worksheds for neighbourhood livelihood activities
- Fish drying and rearing centres, aquaculture facilities
- Construction of sheds for livelihood activities of self-help units
Sanitation Works:
- Construction of household, school, and Anganwadi toilets
- Domestic waste management (collection and treatment)
Service & Maintenance:
- Maintenance of urban public assets created under the scheme
- Maintenance of watersheds and canals
Convergence with Other Programmes:
- Indira Awas Yojana: Production of non-skilled labour components and construction equipment
- Haritha Keralam Mission: Interventions in sanitation, watershed development, and organic farming
- Collection, treatment, and disposal of solid and liquid waste
- Construction under central and state housing schemes
Wage Payments and Worker Entitlements
The AUEGS ensures fair and timely compensation for workers, with a comprehensive framework of minimum entitlements .
Daily Wage Rate:
Workers are paid the wage rate applicable to Mahatma Gandhi NREGS, currently ₹311 per day. Equal wage rates apply to male and female workers .
Timely Payment:
Wages must be paid within 14 days of work completion. If payment is delayed beyond this period, workers are entitled to compensation .
Unemployment Allowance:
If employment is not provided within 15 days of application, workers are entitled to unemployment allowance .
Social Security Benefits:
- Employment injury benefit
- Sickness benefit (daily wage ≥ half of allowable wages)
- Disability and dependent benefit: ₹50,000 in case of permanent disability or death at workplace
- Free medical treatment for injuries or illness on the job
Welfare Fund Benefits (under Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund):
- Pension for workers completing age 60 (with 10+ years contribution)
- Medical assistance
- Educational assistance for children
- Funds for marriage
- Family benefits
The workers’ monthly contribution is around ₹50, with the government contributing an equal amount .
Workers’ Rights and Grievance Redressal
The Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme establishes clear rights for workers and a grievance redressal mechanism to ensure accountability .
Rights of Registered Workers:
- Right to receive a job card within 15 days of registration
- Right to apply for employment and receive a dated receipt
- Right to be provided work within 15 days of application
- Right to work within 5 km of residence
- Right to workplace facilities (drinking water, rest, shade, sanitation, creche)
- Right to check muster rolls and get job information on the job card
- Right to receive compensation for delayed wages
- Right to unemployment allowance if work is not provided
Grievance Redressal:
- Complaints regarding non-availability of work cards should be submitted to the Municipal Secretary, who must resolve them within 15 days
- If work is not provided, the Regional Joint Director shall be informed and alternative measures will be taken
- Cancellation of job cards requires a hearing with the Additional Secretary/Municipal Secretary, and the applicant can appeal to the Regional Joint Director
Transparency Provisions:
- All documents and figures that are part of the scheme shall be public records
- Public notices about work availability must be displayed at the urban local body office
- Comprehensive social audit conducted by a team with proportionate SC/ST representation
Recent Updates and Budget Allocations
The Kerala government has consistently increased funding for the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme, demonstrating its commitment to urban employment security.
Budget Allocation 2024-25:
The government accorded administrative sanction for ₹165 crore for implementation of AUEGS in the financial year 2024-25. This is a continuing scheme since 2010 with no change in components or scope from the previous year .
Onam Allowance 2025:
The state government raised the Onam gift for AUEGS workers to ₹1,200 (up from ₹1,000 in 2024), benefiting 6,368 workers who completed at least 100 working days in the past year. An allocation of ₹63.68 lakh was made for the urban scheme workers .
Welfare Fund Development:
Kerala became the first state to establish an Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund in May 2023, with AUEGS workers being part of the fund. The fund provides pension, medical assistance, educational support, and family benefits .
Benefits Comparison: AUEGS vs MGNREGS
| Feature | AUEGS | MGNREGS |
|---|---|---|
| Geographical Coverage | Urban areas (municipalities and corporations) | Rural areas (panchayats) |
| Target Beneficiaries | Urban households | Rural households |
| Daily Wage | ₹311 (same rate) | ₹311 |
| Guaranteed Days | 100 days per household per year | 100 days per household per year |
| Gender Provision | 50% employment for women | 33% employment for women |
| Welfare Fund | Yes (Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund) | Yes |
| State-Led | Yes (state scheme) | Yes (central scheme) |
| Year Launched | 2010 | 2005 |
| District | Kerala-specific | India-wide |
Common Challenges and Solutions
Recent research has identified key constraints faced by beneficiaries of the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme. A study conducted during October 2025 to February 2026 among 180 beneficiaries in Malappuram and Sreekandapuram municipalities revealed important implementation gaps .
Major Financial Constraints:
- Delay in wage payments (most significant constraint)
- Non-payment of unemployment allowance despite scheme provisions
- Accident coverage gaps despite being a scheme provision
- Lack of financial literacy among beneficiaries
Social and Technical Constraints:
- Lack of awareness and information about the programme (most significant technical constraint)
- Lack of proper knowledge about work
- Lack of knowledge about the programme (most significant social constraint)
Administrative Constraints:
- Non-availability of assured 100 days of work (significant constraint)
Facility Constraints:
- Lack of drinking water at worksites (most severe constraint)
- Lack of resting facilities
- Lack of childcare support
Suggested Solutions:
- Timely wage payments
- Improved infrastructure at worksites
- Awareness programmes for beneficiaries
- Simplified procedures for registration and work application
Welfare Fund Benefits Detailed
The Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund, established under the Act of 2021 and inaugurated in May 2023, provides comprehensive social security to AUEGS workers .
Eligibility for Benefits:
- Workers who have completed the age of 60 and paid contributions continuously
- For those who have paid contributions for not fewer than 10 years, families will get benefits in case of the beneficiary’s death
- Workers are allowed to work until the age of 75
Benefits Provided:
- Pension: Monthly pension for workers completing age 60
- Medical Assistance: Support for medical expenses
- Educational Assistance: Support for children’s education
- Marriage Assistance: Funds for marriage
- Family Benefits: Support for families in case of worker’s death
Contributions:
- Workers pay a nominal monthly amount of around ₹50
- The government contributes an equal amount
Current Coverage:
As of 2023, 3.18 lakh families were registered under AUEGS, with a total of 41,11,753 person days of work created annually .
Important Official Links and Resources
Official Websites:
- AUEGS Official Website: www.urbanaffairskerala.org
- LSGD Kerala: lsgkerala.gov.in
- Directorate of Urban Affairs: Swaraj Bhavan, Nanthancode, Thiruvananthapuram
Contact Details:
- Email: auegskerala@gmail.com
- Phone: 0471-2312886
Application Resources:
- Registration Forms: Available at Municipal Corporation/Municipality offices
- Job Card Applications: Available at Front Office of Municipality and Zonal Office of Corporation
- Grievance Redressal: Submit complaints to Municipal Secretary
What is the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme?
AUEGS is Kerala’s state-led urban employment guarantee scheme launched in 2010, providing 100 days of guaranteed wage employment per household per year in urban areas. It is the first urban employment guarantee scheme in India .
Who is eligible for AUEGS?
Any urban household permanently residing in a municipality or corporation area in Kerala is eligible. All adult members (18+ years) who volunteer to do unskilled manual work can register. Work entitlement is for the household, with 100 days per financial year .
What is the daily wage under AUEGS?
The daily wage under AUEGS is ₹311, which is the same as the MGNREGS wage rate. Equal wages are paid to male and female workers .
How do I register for the scheme?
Visit your concerned municipality or corporation office, submit a registration application (available free of cost), undergo verification, and receive your job card within 15 days. You can then apply for work .
How many days of employment are guaranteed?
Each registered urban household is entitled to at least 100 days of unskilled manual work in a financial year. This may be shared among one or more adult members of the family .
What types of work are available under AUEGS?
Permitted works include community infrastructure, flood control, watershed management, organic agriculture, sanitation, housing construction, and livelihood support activities like horticulture, sericulture, and aquaculture .
What benefits does the scheme provide?
Benefits include 100 days guaranteed employment, ₹311 daily wage, unemployment allowance, employment injury benefit, sickness benefit, disability benefit of ₹50,000, compensation for delayed wages, and social security through the Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund .
Is there a gender provision in the scheme?
Yes, at least 50% of employment opportunities are reserved for women. The scheme also provides equal wages for male and female workers .
What is the Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund?
Launched in May 2023, this is India’s first welfare fund for employment guarantee workers. It provides pension, medical assistance, educational support, and family benefits. Workers contribute about ₹50 monthly, with equal government contribution .
Who implemented this scheme?
AUEGS is implemented by the Directorate of Urban Affairs under the Local Self Government Department, Government of Kerala. The scheme is managed through urban local bodies (municipalities and corporations) across the state .