Congress Alleges Modi Government Weakening MGNREGA, a Mahatma Gandhi Scheme
Congress accuses Modi government of undermining MGNREGA, a scheme linked to Mahatma Gandhi.
Photo by Zulfugar Karimov
Key Facts
MGNREGA: Legal guarantee of employment
Congress alleges scheme is being weakened
Viksit Bharat Mission: Alleged dilution of MGNREGA
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: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Potential question types: Analyzing the impact of MGNREGA on rural poverty and employment, evaluating the effectiveness of the scheme in asset creation, and discussing the challenges in its implementation.
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Background
The roots of MGNREGA can be traced back to pilot programs like the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) in Maharashtra in the 1970s. This scheme, designed to provide employment during droughts, served as a model for a nationwide program. The idea gained momentum in the 1990s with various proposals for a national employment guarantee.
The National Food for Work Programme, launched in 2004, was a precursor to MGNREGA. Finally, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was enacted in 2005, marking a significant shift towards a rights-based approach to employment in rural India. The Act aimed to enhance livelihood security by providing at least 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
Latest Developments
In recent years, MGNREGA has faced challenges including delays in wage payments, reduced budgetary allocations, and debates around its effectiveness. The government has been emphasizing convergence of MGNREGA with other schemes like the Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana to create durable assets and improve water conservation. There's also been a push towards greater transparency and accountability through social audits and the use of technology for monitoring and evaluation.
The focus is shifting towards skill development and providing livelihood opportunities beyond wage employment. The future of MGNREGA likely involves greater integration with rural development programs and a stronger emphasis on asset creation and sustainable livelihoods.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What is MGNREGA and why is it important, as per the provided information?
MGNREGA, or the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, provides a legal guarantee of employment. It is important because, according to the Congress party, it strengthens panchayats and provides employment.
2. What are the key allegations made by the Congress party regarding the Modi government and MGNREGA?
The Congress party alleges that the Modi government is weakening MGNREGA and eroding its provisions. Jairam Ramesh claims the government is scrapping the scheme. They also allege that the Viksit Bharat Mission dilutes the original spirit of MGNREGA.
3. What is the Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) and why is it relevant to the MGNREGA debate?
The Viksit Bharat – Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) is a scheme that the Congress party alleges dilutes the original spirit of MGNREGA. This is relevant because it forms the basis of the Congress party's criticism of the current government's approach to rural employment.
4. Why is MGNREGA in the news recently?
MGNREGA is in the news because the Congress party is accusing the Modi government of weakening the scheme. This has led to a political debate about the government's commitment to rural employment.
5. What is the historical background of MGNREGA?
The roots of MGNREGA can be traced back to pilot programs like the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) in Maharashtra in the 1970s. The National Food for Work Programme, launched in 2004, was a precursor.
6. What are the pros and cons of MGNREGA, based on the information provided?
Based on the provided information, a pro of MGNREGA is that it provides a legal guarantee of employment and strengthens panchayats. A con, based on the Congress's allegations, is that the current government is weakening it.
7. What are recent developments related to MGNREGA?
Recent developments include allegations of the scheme being weakened, and debates around its effectiveness. The government has been emphasizing convergence of MGNREGA with other schemes.
8. What aspects of MGNREGA are important to remember for the UPSC Prelims exam?
For UPSC Prelims, remember that MGNREGA provides a legal guarantee of employment. Also, be aware of the allegations that the scheme is being weakened and the role of the Viksit Bharat Mission in this context.
9. If you were asked in an interview about the future of MGNREGA, how would you respond?
I would acknowledge the differing perspectives on MGNREGA's effectiveness and the allegations of it being weakened. I would emphasize the need for a balanced approach that ensures rural employment while also addressing concerns about efficiency and transparency.
10. What are some common misconceptions about MGNREGA?
A common misconception might be that MGNREGA is solely a poverty alleviation program. While it contributes to poverty reduction, it also aims to create durable assets and strengthen local governance.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): 1. It provides a legal guarantee of 150 days of wage employment in a financial year to rural households. 2. The Act mandates that at least one-third of the beneficiaries shall be women. 3. Social audits of MGNREGA works are mandatory and conducted by the Gram Sabha. 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: MGNREGA provides a legal guarantee of 100 days (not 150 days) of wage employment in a financial year to rural households whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The Act mandates that at least one-third of the beneficiaries shall be women to ensure gender equity. Statement 3 is CORRECT: Social audits of MGNREGA works are mandatory and conducted by the Gram Sabha, promoting transparency and accountability in the implementation of the scheme.
2. 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. Tendulkar Committee Select the correct answer using the code given below:
- A.1 only
- B.1 and 2 only
- C.2 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All the committees mentioned are associated with recommendations on rural employment and poverty alleviation programs in India. Dantwala Committee (1978) focused on block-level planning for employment generation. Lakdawala Committee (1993) dealt with poverty estimation and methodology. Tendulkar Committee (2009) also focused on poverty estimation and recommended a new methodology.
3. With reference to MGNREGA, what is the role of the State Employment Guarantee Council? 1. Approving the labour budget for the state. 2. Monitoring and evaluation of the scheme in the state. 3. Ensuring convergence of MGNREGA with other schemes. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: D
All the statements are correct. The State Employment Guarantee Council plays a crucial role in the implementation of MGNREGA at the state level. This includes approving the labour budget, monitoring and evaluating the scheme, and ensuring convergence with other relevant schemes to maximize impact.