MGNREGA Updates and COVID-19 Pandemic

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Questions and Answers

What is the name of the payment system that the Union Government has made mandatory for MGNREGA beneficiaries?

Aadhar-Based Payment System (ABPS) (correct)

National Electronic Fund Transfer (NEFT)

Real-Time Gross Settlement (RTGS)

Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT)

How much amount has been allocated for the MGNREGA scheme in 2021-22?

Rs. 1 lakh crores

Rs. 50000 crores

Rs. 90000 crores

Rs. 72000 crores (correct)

What was the average hike in wages for MGNREGA workers announced by the Finance Minister in March 2020?

Rs. 2000 (correct)

Rs. 2500

Rs. 1500

Rs. 1000

What was the expected cost of the 21-day lockdown to the Indian Economy?

Rs. 9 lakh crores Signup and view all the answers

What is the name of the act under which MGNREGA was launched?

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 Signup and view all the answers

How many senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and widows were to receive a one-time additional amount of Rs 1,000 in two instalments?

Three crore Signup and view all the answers

What was the purpose of the additional amount of Rs 1,000 to senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and widows?

To compensate for the loss caused by the COVID-19 outbreak Signup and view all the answers

Under which category of the UPSC syllabus is MGNREGA covered?

Economic and Social Development for Prelims and Economy for Mains Signup and view all the answers

What was the name of the pilot scheme proposed by the P.V Narashima Rao government in 1991?

Employment Assurance Scheme Signup and view all the answers

What is the approach taken by MGNREGA to employment generation?

Grassroots-driven approach Signup and view all the answers

Who bears the full cost of unskilled labour under MGNREGA?

Central government Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the annual reports prepared by the CEGC and SEGC?

To audit the works undertaken under MGNREGA Signup and view all the answers

What is the percentage increase in the number of jobs under MGNREGA in the past 10 years?

240% Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the benefits of MGNREGA in rural India?

Enhancing economic empowerment Signup and view all the answers

What is the role of Gram Sabha in MGNREGA?

To plan and approve the works Signup and view all the answers

What is the purpose of the State Employment Guarantee Councils (SEGC)?

To audit the works undertaken under MGNREGA Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

MGNREGA Updates

In March 2023, the government announced new wage rates for unskilled manual workers under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.
The Union Government has made it mandatory for payments to be made for MGNREGA beneficiaries through the Aadhar-Based Payment System (ABPS).
In 2021-22, the Union government allocated Rs. 72,000 crores for the MGNREGA scheme.

MGNREGA and COVID-19 Pandemic

During the COVID-19 pandemic, Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced a hike of Rs. 2,000 each on average for workers under the MGNREGA.
Three crore senior citizens, persons with disabilities, and widows received a one-time additional amount of Rs. 1,000 in two instalments through Direct Benefit Transfer (DBT).
The 21-day lockdown was expected to cost the Indian Economy around Rs. 9 lakh crores.
Funds worth Rs. 31,000 crore were allocated to augment medical testing, screening, and providing better healthcare facilities to those affected financially.

MGNREGA History

In 1991, the P.V Narashima Rao government proposed the Employment Assurance Scheme, which later evolved into the MGNREGA.
The scheme merged with the Food for Work Programme in the early 2000s.

Objectives of MGNREGA

MGNREGA has a grassroots-driven approach to employment generation.
The scheme is demand-driven and provides legal provisions for appeal in case work is not provided or payments are delayed.
The central government bears the full cost of unskilled labour and 75% of the cost of material for works undertaken under this law.

Salient Features of MGNREGA

The scheme has been successful in enhancing economic empowerment in rural India and helping overcome the exploitation of labour.
The scheme has diminished wage volatility and the gender pay gap in labour.
The number of jobs has increased by 240% in the past 10 years.

Role of Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat

Gram Sabha is responsible for identifying the beneficiaries, preparing the Shelf of Projects, and monitoring the implementation of the scheme.
Gram Panchayat is responsible for implementing the scheme, maintaining the records, and providing employment to the beneficiaries.

Role of State Governments

The state government is responsible for executing the MGNREGA scheme.
The state government plays a crucial role in the implementation and monitoring of the scheme.

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Get updates on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, including new wage rates, payment systems, and allocations during the COVID-19 pandemic.