Siddaramaiah Urges Centre to Reinstate MGNREGA, Revoke New Scheme
Karnataka CM demands MGNREGA revival, criticizes Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar.
Key Facts
Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah is urging the central government to reinstate MGNREGA.
Siddaramaiah wants the central government to revoke the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevik Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act.
He advocates for re-establishing the right to employment.
He called for a uniform minimum wage of ₹400 per day for rural employment.
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 questions on the evolution of rural employment schemes, their impact, and the challenges they face.
In Simple Words
The government runs a program called MGNREGA that promises work to people in villages. Now, there's talk of replacing it with a new scheme. The Chief Minister wants to keep the old program because it guarantees jobs and income for rural families.
India Angle
For many families in rural India, MGNREGA is a lifeline. It provides income during lean seasons and helps them survive. Replacing it could affect their ability to make ends meet.
For Instance
Imagine a farmer who relies on MGNREGA work during the off-season. If the program is replaced and the new one doesn't offer the same guarantee, the farmer might struggle to feed their family.
This matters because it affects the job security and income of millions of people in rural areas. It's about whether the government will continue to guarantee them work.
MGNREGA: A promise of work for rural India.
Expert Analysis
The recent call by Karnataka Chief Minister Siddaramaiah to reinstate the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and abolish the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevik Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act brings key rural development concepts into focus.
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to rural households whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. This demand-driven program aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing employment opportunities and creating durable assets. Siddaramaiah's advocacy for MGNREGA highlights its role in providing a safety net for rural households and ensuring their right to employment, especially during times of economic distress. His call to reinstate MGNREGA suggests a perceived weakening or replacement of this safety net by the newer VB-G RAM G Act.
The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevik Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act, which Siddaramaiah wants abolished, is intended to be a new initiative focused on rural employment and livelihoods. While details of this act are not fully available in the provided context, the Chief Minister's opposition suggests a concern that it may not be as effective or comprehensive as MGNREGA in guaranteeing employment and providing adequate wages. The core issue is whether this new mission adequately addresses the employment needs of rural populations and upholds the principles of the right to work.
The concept of a minimum wage is central to the debate. Siddaramaiah's call for a uniform minimum wage of ₹400 per day for rural employment underscores the importance of ensuring fair compensation for manual labor. Minimum wages are intended to protect workers from exploitation and provide them with a basic standard of living. The adequacy of the current minimum wage under MGNREGA, and whether the VB-G RAM G Act proposes a comparable or better wage, is a key point of contention. A uniform minimum wage across states can also address disparities and ensure equitable opportunities for rural workers nationwide.
For UPSC aspirants, understanding the nuances of MGNREGA, its objectives, and its impact on rural employment is crucial for both prelims and mains. Questions may arise on the effectiveness of MGNREGA, its challenges, and potential reforms. Additionally, the role of alternative employment schemes like VB-G RAM G and their comparative analysis with MGNREGA can be relevant for the exam. Aspirants should also be aware of the constitutional provisions related to the right to work and the Directive Principles of State Policy that guide such employment guarantee programs.
Visual Insights
States Affected by MGNREGA and VB-G RAM G Act
Highlights states where MGNREGA has significant impact and where protests against VB-G RAM G Act are occurring.
Loading interactive map...
More Information
Background
Latest Developments
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What's the core difference between MGNREGA and the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar, and why is the Karnataka CM advocating for MGNREGA's reinstatement?
The core difference likely lies in their approach to rural employment. MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment, acting as a safety net. The Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar probably focuses on skill development and private sector participation, potentially offering less guaranteed employment. The CM is likely advocating for MGNREGA due to its guaranteed employment aspect, especially crucial for vulnerable populations.
2. If UPSC asks about MGNREGA, what common traps should I avoid in the Prelims?
Avoid getting trapped by statements that alter the guaranteed employment days (e.g., saying it's 120 days instead of 100). Also, be careful with statements about who is eligible; it's for rural households, not all Indian citizens. Examiners might also try to confuse you with similar-sounding schemes.
Exam Tip
Remember '100 days' and 'rural households' as keywords. When in doubt, eliminate options that sound too good to be true or make sweeping generalizations.
3. How might this situation affect the Centre-State relationship, especially regarding social welfare schemes?
This could strain the Centre-State relationship. If states perceive the Centre as undermining established social welfare programs like MGNREGA with new schemes, it can lead to accusations of the Centre imposing its agenda and neglecting the needs of the states. This is especially true if the new schemes are perceived as less effective or less beneficial for the rural poor.
4. What are the potential benefits and drawbacks of a uniform minimum wage of ₹400 per day for rural employment?
Potential benefits include increased income for rural households, potentially boosting rural demand and reducing poverty. Drawbacks could include increased costs for the government, potentially leading to reduced employment opportunities under MGNREGA if the budget remains the same. It could also disincentivize private sector participation in rural employment.
5. How does this news relate to the broader debate on the right to work in India?
This news highlights the ongoing debate about the best way to ensure the right to livelihood, if not a direct right to work. MGNREGA is seen by some as a practical implementation of this right, while others argue for alternative approaches like skill development. The CM's statement reinforces the importance of guaranteed employment in this context.
6. If a Mains question asks me to 'critically examine' the effectiveness of MGNREGA, what are some balanced points I should include?
When critically examining MGNREGA, acknowledge its successes in providing a safety net and creating rural assets. However, also discuss issues like wage delays, potential for corruption, and the quality of assets created. Consider including arguments for and against alternative approaches to rural development. Acknowledge both sides.
Exam Tip
Structure your answer with an introduction defining MGNREGA, followed by sections on its achievements, limitations, and potential reforms. Conclude with a balanced assessment of its overall impact.
Practice Questions (MCQs)
1. Consider the following statements regarding the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA): 1. It guarantees 150 days of wage employment in a financial year to rural households. 2. It is a demand-driven program. 3. The Act aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by creating durable assets. 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: B
Statement 1 is INCORRECT: MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of wage employment, not 150 days. Statements 2 and 3 are CORRECT: MGNREGA is indeed a demand-driven program that aims to enhance livelihood security by creating durable assets in rural areas. The act was enacted in 2005 to provide a social safety net for rural households.
2. Which part of the Indian Constitution contains the Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP)?
- A.Part II
- B.Part III
- C.Part IV
- D.Part V
Show Answer
Answer: C
The Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP) are contained in Part IV of the Indian Constitution. These principles guide the state in formulating policies to promote social and economic justice. Article 41, a part of DPSP, directs the state to secure the right to work.
3. Assertion (A): Chief Minister Siddaramaiah urged the central government to reinstate MGNREGA. Reason (R): He believes the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevik Mission (Gramin) (VB-G RAM G) Act is less effective in guaranteeing employment.
- A.Both A and R are true and R is the correct explanation of A
- B.Both A and R are true but R is NOT the correct explanation of A
- C.A is true but R is false
- D.A is false but R is true
Show Answer
Answer: A
Both the assertion and the reason are true, and the reason correctly explains the assertion. Siddaramaiah's call to reinstate MGNREGA is directly linked to his belief that the VB-G RAM G Act is less effective in guaranteeing employment and providing adequate wages to rural households.
Source Articles
Scrap VB-G RAM G Act, bring back MGNREGA for rural job rights: Siddaramaiah to Centre - The Hindu
Karnataka CM demands re-implementation of MGNREGA, abolition of VB -G RAM G - The Hindu
Chief Minister Siddaramaiah tables resolution opposing VB-G RAM G Act and seeking full restoration of MGNREGA amidst vociferous dissent by Opposition - The Hindu
Siddaramaiah accuses BJP of dismantling MGNREGA, says party has ‘allergy’ to Mahatma Gandhi - The Hindu
Siddaramaiah calls upon farmers to ‘unanimously oppose’ VB G-RAM-G Act - The Hindu
About the Author
Richa SinghNurse & Current Affairs Analyst
Richa Singh writes about Polity & Governance at GKSolver, breaking down complex developments into clear, exam-relevant analysis.
View all articles →