Model Answer
0 min readIntroduction
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, represents a landmark piece of social legislation in India. Born out of the National Rural Employment Programme (NREP) and Employment Assurance Scheme (EAS), it aims to guarantee 100 days of wage employment to rural households whose members are willing to do unskilled manual work. This right-based approach to employment security was a significant step towards addressing rural poverty and vulnerability, particularly in the context of agrarian distress and seasonal unemployment. The scheme has undergone several amendments and continues to be a focal point of discussions regarding rural development and social welfare.
Historical Background and Genesis
Prior to MGNREGA, several schemes like the Rural Works Programme (1980), NREP (1985), and EAS (1999) attempted to address rural unemployment. However, these were often supply-driven and lacked legal backing. The National Advisory Council (NAC), under Sonia Gandhi, played a crucial role in advocating for a legally guaranteed employment scheme, culminating in the enactment of MGNREGA in August 2005.
Key Provisions of MGNREGA
- Legal Guarantee: Guarantees 100 days of wage employment to every rural household willing to do unskilled manual work.
- Wage Rate: Wages are determined by the state governments, but cannot be less than the minimum wage for agricultural labourers.
- Employment Demand: Rural households can apply for employment at the Gram Panchayat level.
- Employment Provision: If employment is not provided within 15 days of application, the applicant is entitled to an unemployment allowance.
- Works Undertaken: Permissible works include water conservation, soil conservation, land development, roads, and other durable asset creation.
- Decentralization: Implementation is largely decentralized, with Gram Panchayats playing a key role.
Implementation and Performance
MGNREGA’s implementation has been a mixed bag. While it has created significant employment opportunities, several challenges persist.
| Aspect | Details (as of 2023-24, based on available data) |
|---|---|
| Total Households Provided Employment | Approximately 5.68 crore (Source: MGNREGA website, data as of Feb 2024) |
| Average Days of Employment per Household | 48.4 days (Source: MGNREGA website, data as of Feb 2024) |
| Total Expenditure (FY 2023-24, Budget Estimate) | ₹89,400 crore (Source: Union Budget 2023-24) |
Challenges in Implementation
- Delays in Wage Payments: A persistent issue, often due to administrative bottlenecks and fund constraints.
- Corruption and Leakages: Instances of fake beneficiaries and misappropriation of funds have been reported.
- Quality of Works: The quality of assets created under MGNREGA is often sub-optimal.
- Lack of Awareness: Many eligible households are unaware of their rights under the scheme.
- Convergence with other Schemes: Effective convergence with other rural development schemes remains a challenge.
Impact of MGNREGA
- Poverty Reduction: MGNREGA has contributed to reducing poverty and increasing rural incomes.
- Empowerment of Women: A significant proportion of MGNREGA workers are women, leading to their economic empowerment.
- Asset Creation: The scheme has led to the creation of durable assets, such as water harvesting structures and rural roads.
- Social Inclusion: MGNREGA has provided employment opportunities to marginalized communities, including Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes.
- Increased Agricultural Productivity: By creating rural infrastructure, MGNREGA indirectly supports agricultural productivity.
Recent Developments and Amendments
The scheme has seen several amendments over the years. Recent focus has been on increasing digitization, strengthening grievance redressal mechanisms, and promoting skill development. The integration of the National Mobile Monitoring System (NMMS) aims to enhance transparency and accountability. There have been debates regarding budgetary allocations and the scheme’s effectiveness in the face of changing economic conditions.
Conclusion
MGNREGA remains a crucial intervention for rural livelihoods and social protection in India. While challenges related to implementation, corruption, and wage delays persist, its positive impact on poverty reduction, women’s empowerment, and asset creation is undeniable. Strengthening monitoring mechanisms, ensuring timely wage payments, and promoting convergence with other schemes are essential for maximizing the scheme’s potential and ensuring its long-term sustainability. Continued investment in MGNREGA is vital for achieving inclusive and equitable rural development.
Answer Length
This is a comprehensive model answer for learning purposes and may exceed the word limit. In the exam, always adhere to the prescribed word count.