Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme is a pioneering initiative by the Government of Kerala designed to provide livelihood security to urban households. Launched in 2010, it is India’s first urban employment guarantee scheme and serves as a model for other states . The scheme guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every urban household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work .
Named after the great social reformer Ayyankali, the scheme addresses unemployment and under-employment problems in urban areas by providing a rights-based social safety net. When other employment alternatives are scarce or inadequate, AUEGS provides a fall-back employment source for vulnerable urban families . The scheme is fully funded by the State Government and has seen remarkable growth from a ₹15 crore allocation in 2015 to ₹150 crore in the current budget .
Currently, 2.79 lakh families have registered with the AUEGS scheme, out of which 96,000 families regularly depend on it for their livelihood . The scheme has generated 41.11 lakh person-days of work in the financial year 2022-23 alone .
Kudumbashree 2026 – Eligibility, Benefits, Registration, Schemes & Latest Updates
AUEGS Overview Table
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme (AUEGS) |
| Launched | 2010 |
| Nodal Department | Local Self Government Department (LSGD), Kerala |
| Implementing Body | Directorate of Urban Affairs |
| Coverage | All 6 Municipal Corporations and 56 Municipalities in Kerala |
| Guarantee | 100 days of wage employment per household per financial year |
| Daily Wage Rate | ₹311 (same as MGNREGS wage) |
| Total Registered Families | 2.79 lakh |
| Active Dependent Families | 96,000 |
| Annual Budget (2023-24) | ₹150 crore |
| Person-Days Created (2022-23) | 41.11 lakh |
| Women Beneficiary Quota | 50% minimum |
| Official Website | https://lsgkerala.gov.in |
| AUEGS Contact | auegskerala@gmail.com |
Key Objectives of the Scheme
The AUEGS scheme has several important objectives:
- Enhance livelihood security of urban households by providing guaranteed wage employment
- Create a strong, rights-based social safety net for people in urban areas of Kerala
- Address unemployment and under-employment problems in urban society
- Provide a fall-back employment source when other employment alternatives are scarce
- Give priority to women with at least 50% of beneficiaries being women workers
- Create durable public assets while providing employment
- Reduce urban poverty through income generation
- Link with other welfare schemes for comprehensive support
Who is Eligible for AUEGS?
The eligibility criteria for registering under the scheme are simple and inclusive:
Residential Requirement
- The family must permanently reside in a municipal area (Corporation or Municipality) in Kerala
Adult Members
- All adult members of the family (18 years and above) can register
- Applicants must be willing to do unskilled manual work
Family Definition
- Family means mother, father, or any person dependent on the family head, apart from their children
- Single-member families are also included in this definition
Work Entitlement
- Each registered household is entitled to 100 days of unskilled manual employment in a financial year
- The 100 days can be shared among one or more adult members of the family
Important Note: There is no income ceiling or caste restriction for registration under AUEGS. Any urban family residing in a municipal area can register.
How to Register for AUEGS – Step by Step Process
The registration process for AUEGS is straightforward. Here is how you can apply:
Step 1 – Visit Your Local Municipality Office
Go to the municipal corporation or municipality office in the area where you reside.
Step 2 – Collect Registration Form
Ask for the AUEGS registration form from the designated official.
Step 3 – Fill the Application
Provide details of all adult family members who are willing to do unskilled manual work. Include name, age, address, and relationship with family head.
Step 4 – Submit Required Documents
Submit proof of residence and identity documents for all family members applying.
Step 5 – Receive Acknowledgment
Get a dated receipt for your application submission.
Step 6 – Verification
The municipality will verify the information provided.
Step 7 – Job Card Issuance
Within 15 days of registration, the Urban Local Body will issue a Job Card to all workers who register under the scheme .
Step 8 – Apply for Work
Once you have the Job Card, each adult member named in the card can apply for employment .
Application Time: 15 days for job card issuance
Fee: No fee for registration or job card
Job Card – Your Identity for Employment
The Job Card is the most important document for AUEGS beneficiaries. Here are its key features:
What is a Job Card?
- Official document issued by the Urban Local Body
- Contains details of adult members of the household with photographs
- Serves as proof of registration under the scheme
Issuance Process
- Issued within 15 days of registration
- The Urban Local Body shall issue job cards to all workers who register
Validity Period
- Valid for at least 5 years
- Can be renewed from time to time
Using the Job Card
- Every adult member whose name appears in the job card can apply for work
- Applications for work must be for at least 14 days of continuous work
- Apply in writing to the municipality or Programme Officer
- Each application receives a dated receipt
Applying for Employment Under AUEGS
Once you have your Job Card, you can apply for work. Here is how the process works:
Application for Work
- Submit application in writing to the municipality or Programme Officer
- Applications must be for at least 14 days of continuous work
- You may submit multiple applications for different time periods (non-overlapping)
- Get a dated receipt for every application submitted
Work Allocation
- Employment will be provided within 15 days of receipt of application
- As far as possible, work is provided within a radius of 5 km from your residence
- If employment is provided outside 5 km, you receive 10% extra wages
Work Allocation Priority
- Women get priority – at least 50% of beneficiaries shall be women
- Priority given to registered households who have not completed 100 days
Work Intimation
- You will receive written intimation
- A public notice will also be displayed at the Urban Local Body office
Wages and Payment Details
The wage structure under AUEGS is designed to be fair and timely:
Daily Wage Rate
- ₹311 per day (same as MGNREGS wage rate, updated from time to time)
- Equal wages for male and female workers
Wage Payment Norms
- Wages must be paid promptly after work completion
- In case of delayed wages, workers are entitled to compensation as per Code on Wages, 2019
- Workers are entitled to minimum wage; no less than prescribed rates
Extra Wage Benefits
- If employment is provided outside 5 km radius, workers receive 10% extra wages
Additional Allowances
- Onam allowance of ₹1,200 for workers completing 100 days in the previous year
- In 2025, 6,368 urban workers received this allowance with ₹63.68 lakh allocated
What is a Person-Day?
- One person working for 7 hours is counted as one person-day
- Period of employment is ordinarily at least 14 days continuously with not more than 6 days in a week
Works Permitted Under AUEGS
The scheme covers a wide range of works that create durable assets and strengthen livelihood resource base :
Waste Management
- Collection, treatment, and disposal of solid and liquid waste
- Domestic waste management
- Public toilet maintenance and clean-up
Water Supply and Harvesting
- Rainwater harvesting structures
- Storm water drains construction
- Water conservation activities
- Irrigation work and canal restoration
Housing
- House construction under PMAY-LIFE scheme
- Production of unskilled labour components for housing projects
- Construction of household/school/Anganwadi toilets
Flood Control and Protection
- Flood control and mitigation works
- Drainage in water-logged areas
- Road restoration
Environment and Green Spaces
- Restoration and conservation of forests on government lands
- Afforestation projects
- Enhancement of green spaces
- Land development works
Organic Agriculture
- Subhiksha Keralam project for organic farming
- Livelihood improvement through fruit cultivation, horticulture
- Dairy farming (beneficiaries with more than 2 cows producing 10+ litres milk/day)
Community Infrastructure
- Construction of playgrounds
- Construction of workspaces for neighbourhood livelihood activities
- Animal husbandry facilities
Social Security and Welfare Benefits
AUEGS provides comprehensive social security coverage to its workers:
Social Security Benefits
- Kerala is the first State to have a welfare fund for employment guarantee workers
- Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund covers AUEGS workers
- Workers contribute a nominal monthly amount (~₹50), with government matching the contribution
Benefits Under Welfare Fund
- Pension – For workers completing age 60 with 10+ years contributions
- Medical Assistance – Free treatment for work-related injuries and illness
- Educational Assistance – For children of workers
- Marriage Fund – Financial assistance for marriages
- Family Benefits – In case of beneficiary’s death
- Workers allowed to work until age 75
Injury and Accident Benefits
- If injured on the job, worker receives free medical treatment
- Hospitalization arranged by State Government including accommodation, treatment, medicines
- Daily allowance not less than half of wage rate during hospitalization
- Ex-gratia payment of ₹50,000 for death or permanent disability
Sickness Benefit
- Daily wage at least half of allowable wages during sickness
Unemployment Allowance
- Paid when work is not provided within 15 days
- Programme Officer must inform District Programme Coordinator in writing
Workplace Facilities Provided
Every work site under AUEGS must provide the following facilities :
- Safe drinking water
- First-aid box with adequate materials for emergency treatment
- Tents for summer shade
- Resting place
- Basic sanitation facilities
- Primary care services
- Creche facilities for children (if 5 or more children below age 6 accompany women workers, one woman worker is deputed to look after them with full wages)
Implementation Governance Structure
AUEGS is implemented through a well-defined governance structure:
State Level
- Department of Urban Affairs provides policy direction
- AUEGS State Cell at Directorate of Urban Affairs, Swaraj Bhavan, Nanthancode, Thiruvananthapuram
District Level
- District Planning Committee monitors and evaluates
- Regional Joint Director reviews reports
Urban Local Body Level
- Municipal Corporation / Municipality implements scheme at ground level
- Municipal Council provides administrative approval
- Project Officer coordinates implementation
Ward Level
- Ward level project listing and planning
- Work allocation and supervision
Community-Based Organizations
- Kudumbashree acts as implementing partner
- Kudumbashree area development societies provide Mate (supervisor) for work sites
Convergence with Other Schemes
AUEGS works in coordination with other government schemes for maximum impact:
PMAY-LIFE Housing Scheme
- Beneficiaries receive amount equivalent to 90 person-days (approx ₹30,000) in addition to ₹4 lakh housing allocation
- Kudumbashree women construction groups build houses
Subhiksha Keralam
- Organic farming initiatives under AUEGS
Arogya Jagratha
- Health awareness and sanitation activities
Indira Awas Yojana
- Production of non-skilled labour components
Haritha Keralam Mission
- Interventions in sanitation, watershed development, and organic farming
Important Statistics and Performance
AUEGS has shown remarkable growth over the years:
Registration and Employment
- 2.79 lakh families registered
- 96,000 families regularly depend on the scheme
- 41.11 lakh person-days of work created (2022-23)
Budget Growth
- 2015-16: ₹15 crore allocation
- Current: ₹150 crore budget allocation
- ₹29.85 crore allocated at beginning of financial year, ₹23 crore utilized
Person-Day Growth
- 2015-16: Only 3 lakh person-days
- 2022-23: 41.11 lakh person-days
Worker Demographics
- 90% of active workers are women
- 50% minimum quota for women beneficiaries
Onam Allowance (2025)
- ₹1,200 per eligible worker
- 6,368 urban workers received allowance
- ₹63.68 lakh allocated for urban workers
Important Links and Notifications
Official Website
- Local Self Government Department: https://lsgkerala.gov.in
- Directorate of Urban Affairs: www.urbanaffairskerala.org
Scheme Information
- AUEGS Scheme Page: https://lsgkerala.gov.in/en/schemes/ayyankali_urban_employment_guarantee_scheme
Contact Information
- Email: auegskerala@gmail.com
- AUEGS State Cell, Directorate of Urban Affairs, Swaraj Bhavan, Nanthancode, Thiruvananthapuram
Reports and Guidelines
- AUEGS Guidelines (PDF): Available on LSGD website
- Undp Report on AUEGS (2023)
Key Notifications
- Funds sanctioned for AUEGS (₹24.4 crore second instalment) – July 2023
- Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund – May 2023
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Ayyankali Urban Employment Guarantee Scheme?
AUEGS is a Government of Kerala scheme launched in 2010 that guarantees 100 days of wage employment per year to urban households whose adult members volunteer for unskilled manual work. It is India’s first urban employment guarantee scheme .
Who is eligible to register for AUEGS?
Any family permanently residing in a municipal area (Corporation or Municipality) in Kerala can register. All adult members (18+ years) willing to do unskilled manual work are eligible. There is no income or caste restriction .
How do I get a job card under AUEGS?
Visit your local municipality office, fill the registration form, submit required documents, and get acknowledgment. The Urban Local Body must issue your job card within 15 days of registration .
What is the wage rate under AUEGS?
The current wage rate is ₹311 per day, same as MGNREGS wages. Men and women receive equal wages. If work is provided outside 5 km radius, workers get 10% extra wages .
How many days of work am I guaranteed?
Each registered household is guaranteed 100 days of unskilled manual work in a financial year. The 100 days can be shared among one or more adult members of the family .
Do women get priority in employment?
Yes, at least 50% of beneficiaries under the scheme must be women. Women are given priority in providing employment .
What social security benefits do AUEGS workers get?
Workers receive pension, medical assistance, educational assistance for children, marriage fund, and family benefits through the Kerala Employment Guarantee Workers’ Welfare Fund. Work-related injuries are covered with free treatment and ex-gratia payment for death/disability .
What type of work is provided under AUEGS?
Work includes waste management, water supply and harvesting, housing construction, flood control, afforestation, organic farming, public toilet maintenance, and community infrastructure development .
Is there any allowance or bonus under AUEGS?
Yes, workers who complete 100 days in the previous financial year receive an Onam allowance. For 2025, this was ₹1,200 per eligible worker .
How is the scheme implemented and monitored?
AUEGS is implemented through Urban Local Bodies (Corporations/Municipalities) with support from Kudumbashree. The Directorate of Urban Affairs oversees implementation. Social audits, field inspections, and regular reporting ensure transparency and accountability .