The directive for a mandatory use of the Aadhaar-Based Payment System (ABPS) under the MGNREGS from February 1 had stoked massive protests by workers, many of whom claimed that they were being deprived of payments due to technical glitches. Subsequently, the rural development ministry decided to allow payments through both the ABPS and the usual National Automated Clearing House (NACH) electronic payment system until the end of March.