Rural Job Scheme Allocation Criticized for Transition Clarity, Funding
Activists question clarity and funding for MGNREGS transition to VB-GRAM G.
Key Facts
Budget allocates ₹95,692.31 crore for VB-G RAM G
Budget allocates ₹30,000 crore for MGNREGS
Activists question 125-day employment guarantee viability
UPSC Exam Angles
GS Paper 2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.
GS Paper 3: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, development and employment.
Connects to syllabus topics like poverty alleviation, rural development, and social justice.
Potential question types: Statement-based MCQs, analytical questions on the effectiveness of rural employment schemes.
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Background
Latest Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What are the key budget allocations related to rural job schemes that are important for the UPSC Prelims?
The Union Budget allocated ₹95,692.31 crore for Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) and ₹30,000 crore for MGNREGS. Activists are questioning the viability of the 125-day employment guarantee under VB-G RAM G given the current funding.
Exam Tip
Remember the allocation amounts for both schemes. Focus on the concerns raised about the 125-day guarantee.
2. What is the main difference between MGNREGS and the new VB-G RAM G, as understood from the current news?
The key difference, based on the news, is the transition and the promised number of employment days. MGNREGS guarantees 100 days of employment, while VB-G RAM G promises 125 days. The main concern is whether the allocated budget is sufficient to support the increased employment days under VB-G RAM G.
Exam Tip
Focus on the number of guaranteed employment days and the financial viability concerns.
3. Why is the allocation for MGNREGS being questioned by civil society groups?
Civil society groups, like MKSS and NREGA Sangarsh Morcha (NSM), are questioning the allocation because of a lack of clarity. They fear the ₹30,000 crore provision might be used to clear existing liabilities or wind down the program instead of funding new employment opportunities.
Exam Tip
Note the names of the organizations raising concerns.
4. What are the potential implications of the transition from MGNREGS to VB-G RAM G for rural employment?
If the transition is not managed well with adequate funding and transparency, it could negatively impact rural employment. The promised 125 days of employment might not be achievable, leading to dissatisfaction and potential distress among rural households dependent on such schemes.
Exam Tip
Consider both positive and negative impacts of the transition.
5. What is the historical background of MGNREGA?
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was enacted in 2005. It guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to rural households whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The act aimed to address rural poverty and provide social security.
Exam Tip
Remember the year of enactment and the guaranteed employment days under MGNREGA.
6. Who is Nikhil Dey and what is his opinion on the MGNREGS allocation?
Nikhil Dey of MKSS argues that the ₹30,000 crore provision for MGNREGS is unclear. He suspects it may be used to clear liabilities or wind down the program instead of funding new employment.
Exam Tip
Remember Nikhil Dey's name and his association with MKSS.
7. What are the key facts to remember about VB-G RAM G for the UPSC exam?
Key facts include the allocation of ₹95,692.31 crore in the Union Budget, the promise of 125 days of employment, and the concerns raised about its financial viability by civil society groups.
Exam Tip
Focus on the allocation amount, employment days, and associated concerns.
8. What reforms are needed to ensure the effective implementation of rural employment schemes like VB-G RAM G?
Reforms should focus on ensuring transparency in fund allocation and utilization, adequate funding to meet the promised employment days, and effective monitoring to prevent corruption and ensure that the benefits reach the intended beneficiaries.
Exam Tip
Think about transparency, accountability, and effective monitoring.
9. Why is the transition from MGNREGS to VB-G RAM G in the news recently?
The transition is in the news because of concerns raised by civil society groups about the clarity and financial viability of the new scheme, particularly regarding the allocation of funds and the ability to guarantee 125 days of employment.
Exam Tip
Focus on the concerns raised about funding and employment guarantee.
10. How does the current situation impact common citizens in rural areas?
If the concerns about funding and implementation are not addressed, common citizens in rural areas may face reduced employment opportunities and financial distress. The promised 125 days of employment under VB-G RAM G may not materialize, impacting their livelihoods.
Exam Tip
Consider the potential impact on livelihoods and financial security.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): 1. It guarantees 100 days of wage employment to every rural household in a financial year. 2. The scheme is demand-driven, ensuring employment based on demand from rural households. 3. The Ministry of Finance is responsible for overseeing the implementation of MGNREGA. Which of the statements given above is/are correct?
- A.1 and 2 only
- B.2 and 3 only
- C.1 and 3 only
- D.1, 2 and 3
Show Answer
Answer: A
Statement 1 is CORRECT: MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to rural households. Statement 2 is CORRECT: The scheme is demand-driven. Statement 3 is INCORRECT: The Ministry of Rural Development, not the Ministry of Finance, oversees the implementation of MGNREGA.
2. Which of the following statements accurately reflects the concerns raised by civil society groups regarding the recent budget allocation for rural job schemes?
- A.The allocation for MGNREGS is significantly higher than that for the new VB-G RAM G scheme, ensuring continuity of the existing program.
- B.There is a lack of clarity on the transition from MGNREGS to the VB-G RAM G framework, and the allocated funds may not be sufficient to guarantee 125 days of employment under the new scheme.
- C.Civil society groups have praised the increased transparency in the budget allocation for rural job schemes.
- D.The budget ensures that the VB-G RAM G scheme will provide 200 days of employment, exceeding the original MGNREGS guarantee.
Show Answer
Answer: B
Civil society groups have criticized the lack of clarity on the transition from MGNREGS to VB-G RAM G and the potential inadequacy of funds to guarantee 125 days of employment. The budget earmarked ₹95,692.31 crore for VB-G RAM G and ₹30,000 crore for MGNREGS. The promised 125 days of employment may not be financially viable with the provided outlay.
3. Which of the following is NOT a key feature of the MGNREGA Act, 2005?
- A.Guarantee of 100 days of wage employment to rural households.
- B.Provision for social audits to ensure transparency and accountability.
- C.Focus on asset creation in rural areas.
- D.Providing unemployment allowance if work is not provided within 15 days of demand.
Show Answer
Answer: D
The MGNREGA Act, 2005 guarantees 100 days of wage employment, provides for social audits, and focuses on asset creation. Unemployment allowance is provided if work is not provided within 15 days of demand. This is a key feature, so D is the wrong answer.