Lucknow: A major scam in the MNREGA job card system has come to light in Amroha district, Uttar Pradesh, revealing that cricketer Mohammad Shami’s millionaire sister, Shabina, has been listed as an MNREGA worker. The revelation has sparked outrage and prompted an investigation into the misuse of the rural employment scheme meant for the economically weaker sections.
Shabina, who resides in Palola village of Joya block, is the daughter-in-law of village head Gule Ayesha. Reports suggest that her family owns a house worth over ₹20 lakh, and her son is currently pursuing an MBBS degree. Despite this, records show that she and her relatives have been issued MNREGA job cards and have received wages under the scheme.
Officials have also discovered that MNREGA job cards have been fraudulently issued in the names of doctors, engineers, and other well-off individuals in Palola village. Out of 657 registered job cards, only 150 are active. Shabina’s name appears at number 477 on the list, with her registration dating back to January 4, 2021.
Her brother-in-law, Ghaznavi, has reportedly worked for about 300 days from 2021 to 2024, receiving approximately ₹66,000 in wages. The names of the village head’s two sons—one an MBBS student and the other studying law—also appear on the list, along with a contractor and his engineer son.
MGNREGA is a scheme launched by the Government of India that aims to provide employment to the poor and helpless people living in rural areas. Under MGNREGA , people living in rural areas are given jobs in their own villages. So that they can help take care of their families.
Amroha District Magistrate Nidhi Gupta has taken cognizance of the matter and ordered an inquiry through the MNREGA Deputy Commissioner. She stated that strict action would be taken against those responsible, and the money will be recovered from all levels, including the block administration and computer operators involved in the fraudulent registrations. “Action will be taken after a thorough investigation,” she assured.
The scandal has raised serious concerns about corruption and misuse of welfare schemes, prompting authorities to tighten monitoring mechanisms to prevent such irregularities in the future.
