Punjab to Hold Special Session on MGNREGA Revamp Amidst Funding Concerns

Answer: A

Statement 1 is correct. MGNREGA aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Statement 2 is correct. The Act mandates that at least one-third of the beneficiaries should be women, promoting gender equity in employment. Statement 3 is incorrect. The unemployment allowance, if employment is not provided within 15 days of application, is to be paid by the State Government, not the Central Government. This places a financial responsibility on the state to ensure timely employment.

Answer: C

Statement 1 is correct. If the Centre's share decreases, it theoretically frees up central funds that can be reallocated to other initiatives or used to reduce the central deficit. Statement 2 is incorrect. While states might have a higher financial stake, the nature of Centrally Sponsored Schemes often involves central guidelines and monitoring, limiting true autonomy. A higher financial burden might even reduce their capacity for autonomous action. Statement 3 is correct. A reduction in the Centre's share from 90% to 60% directly means states have to bear a larger proportion (from 10% to 40%), significantly increasing their financial burden and potentially straining their budgets. Statement 4 is incorrect. 'Tied grants' are usually linked to specific conditions or outcomes. A shift in funding ratio itself doesn't inherently imply a move towards more tied grants; rather, it's about the distribution of financial responsibility. If anything, states might demand more untied funds to manage the increased burden.

Answer: B

Statement 1 is correct. A Bill can be introduced in either Lok Sabha or Rajya Sabha (except Money Bills, which originate in Lok Sabha) to replace an existing Central Act. Statement 2 is correct. For subjects on the Concurrent List (like social security, economic and social planning, which MGNREGA falls under), both the Parliament and State Legislatures can make laws. However, Article 254 states that if a State law is repugnant to a Parliamentary law on a Concurrent List subject, the Parliamentary law shall prevail, unless the State law has received Presidential assent after being reserved for his consideration. Statement 3 is incorrect. A State Assembly, even in a special session, cannot directly repeal or amend a Central Act. It can pass resolutions, express concerns, or even pass its own law on a Concurrent List subject (which would then be subject to Article 254), but it cannot unilaterally nullify a Central Act. The power to repeal or amend a Central Act lies with the Parliament.

Answer: B

The news article states that the Opposition is protesting against the proposed 'Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)' Bill, which 'seeks to replace MGNREGA'. It also mentions that the Centre's funding share for the scheme is 'reportedly changing', implying this change is linked to the proposed replacement. Therefore, it is a proposed Bill by the Central Government intended to replace MGNREGA, likely with changes in funding patterns.