Karnataka Considers Legal Action Against MGNREGA Repeal
Karnataka explores legal options to challenge the repeal of MGNREGA.
Photo by Claudio Schwarz
Karnataka is considering legal measures to oppose the repeal of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGA) and the enactment of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act by the Centre. The State Cabinet decided to seek legal remedy and highlight the damage to the Constitution’s 73rd amendment.
The Advocate-General has been asked to explore legal possibilities, including approaching the High Court or the Supreme Court. The State argues that the Centre enacted the Act without consulting States, increasing the financial burden and centralizing powers.
Key Facts
Karnataka opposes: MGNREGA repeal
Legal action: Considered by State
73rd Amendment: Damage highlighted
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper II: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
GS Paper III: Inclusive Growth and issues arising from it.
Potential question types: Statement-based, analytical, critical evaluation of MGNREGA and its future.
Visual Insights
MGNREGA Implementation and Legal Challenge by Karnataka
Highlights Karnataka's location and its opposition to the proposed changes to MGNREGA. Shows the state's geographical context in relation to the scheme.
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More Information
Background
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) of 2005 has its roots in earlier employment schemes like the National Food for Work Programme (2004) and the Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (2001). These schemes, in turn, were influenced by decades of rural development initiatives in India, dating back to community development programs in the 1950s. The conceptual foundation lies in providing a social safety net and addressing rural poverty through guaranteed wage employment.
The Act's passage was preceded by extensive debates on the effectiveness of such schemes, their potential for corruption, and their impact on agricultural labor markets. The 73rd Amendment to the Constitution, which aimed to empower Panchayati Raj Institutions, provided a crucial framework for decentralized implementation of MGNREGA.
Latest Developments
In recent years, MGNREGA has faced challenges related to funding delays, wage payment issues, and concerns about the quality of assets created. There has been increasing emphasis on convergence with other rural development programs to enhance its impact. The debate around MGNREGA's role in addressing reverse migration during the COVID-19 pandemic highlighted its importance as a safety net.
The government has been exploring ways to improve the efficiency and transparency of the scheme through technology and social audits. The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, if implemented, could significantly alter the structure and funding of rural employment programs, potentially leading to increased centralization and reduced state autonomy.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): 1. It legally mandates the provision of at least 150 days of wage employment to rural households. 2. Social audits of MGNREGA works are mandatory and conducted by the beneficiaries themselves. 3. The Act promotes decentralized planning through the involvement of Gram Panchayats. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: B
Statement 1 is incorrect because MGNREGA mandates 100 days of wage employment. Statements 2 and 3 are correct as social audits are mandatory and conducted by beneficiaries, and the Act promotes decentralized planning through Gram Panchayats.
2. In the context of the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, which of the following concerns have been raised regarding its potential impact on the 73rd Constitutional Amendment? 1. Increased centralization of power, reducing the autonomy of Panchayati Raj Institutions. 2. Potential reduction in funding for state-specific rural employment programs. 3. Lack of consultation with state governments during the Act's formulation. Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three concerns are valid. The Act's potential to centralize power, reduce state funding, and lack of consultation with states are all concerns that directly impact the principles of decentralization enshrined in the 73rd Amendment.
3. Which of the following committees/commissions is/are associated with recommendations on rural employment and poverty alleviation programs in India? 1. Dantwala Committee 2. Lakdawala Committee 3. Hanumantha Rao Committee Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All three committees are associated with recommendations on rural employment and poverty alleviation. The Dantwala Committee focused on block-level planning, the Lakdawala Committee on poverty estimation, and the Hanumantha Rao Committee on rural employment programs.