Roadmap for Answer Writing
1. Introduction
- Briefly introduce MGNREGA and its primary objectives, such as providing 100 days of guaranteed wage employment, alleviating rural distress, and strengthening rural infrastructure.
- State that the act has had both achievements and limitations, which will be analyzed in the answer.
2. Achievements of MGNREGA
- Use subheadings to organize key successes:
- Employment Generation and Capacity Building
- Highlight facts like 3.1 billion person-days of employment generated in 2023-24
- Mention skill enhancement through Project “UNNATI”.
- Creation of Productive Assets
- Refer to Economic Survey 2022-23, which reports increased agricultural productivity and reduced migration through asset creation.
- Social Inclusion
- Cite participation statistics: SCs 19.75%, STs 17.47%, Women 57.39% (2022-23).
- Strengthening Panchayats
- Emphasize the role of Gram Panchayats and Gram Sabhas in planning, execution, and social audits.
- Employment Generation and Capacity Building
3. Limitations of MGNREGA
- Structure this section under the following points:
- Violation of Rights-Based Approach
- Reference CAG Report 2021, highlighting that only 9-14% of disabled persons and 5-9% of senior citizens in Bihar benefitted from the scheme (2014-19).
- Wage Disparities and Delayed Payments
- Mention wage variations (Rs. 193 to Rs. 318) and 3% unemployment allowance beneficiaries in five years.
- Weakness in Social Audits
- Note that only 29,611 Gram Panchayats conducted audits in 2020-21.
- Labour Displacement by Machinery
- Highlight the 2021 CAG report, which exposed machinery use like tractors in Bihar.
- Violation of Rights-Based Approach
4. Conclusion
- Summarize by stating MGNREGA’s substantial contribution to rural development while acknowledging its shortcomings.
- Suggest improvements, such as indexing wages to rural inflation, appointing Ombudspersons, and increasing budgetary allocations.
Relevant Facts for the Answer
- Employment Generation
- 3.1 billion person-days of employment created in 2023-24.
- Social Inclusion
- Participation: SCs 19.75%, STs 17.47%, Women 57.39% in 2022-23.
- Asset Creation
- Assets increased agricultural productivity, household income, and reduced migration.
- Rights-Based Approach
- Only 9-14% of disabled persons and 5-9% of senior citizens in Bihar benefitted between 2014-19.
- Wage Disparities and Delays
- Wages vary from Rs. 193 to Rs. 318, with frequent delays in payments.
- 3% unemployment allowance beneficiaries in five years.
- Social Audit Issues
- Only 29,611 Gram Panchayats audited in 2020-21.
- Labour Displacement
- 2021 CAG report revealed widespread machinery use like tractors in Bihar, undermining the scheme’s purpose.
Model Answer
Introduction
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, aims to provide 100 days of wage employment annually to rural households, foster inclusive development, and strengthen rural infrastructure. However, its effectiveness in achieving these goals remains a subject of analysis.
Capacity Building of Rural Poor
In the financial year 2023-24, MGNREGA generated 3.1 billion person-days of employment, significantly aiding rural livelihoods. Additionally, initiatives like Project “UNNATI” have enhanced workers’ skills, equipping them for sustainable employment.
Creation of Productive Assets
As per the Economic Survey 2022-23, MGNREGA-funded projects, such as water body renovation and land reclamation, have improved agricultural productivity, increased household incomes, reduced migration, and alleviated rural indebtedness.
Social Inclusion
The scheme has effectively involved marginalized communities. In 2022-23, Scheduled Castes (SCs) constituted 19.75%, Scheduled Tribes (STs) 17.47%, and women 57.39% of total participants, promoting equitable development.
Strengthening Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs)
Panchayats play a critical role in planning and executing MGNREGA projects, while Gram Sabhas conduct regular social audits, fostering transparency and accountability.
Limitations of MGNREGA
Violation of Rights-Based Approach
A significant number of applicants are denied employment. For instance, only 9-14% of disabled persons and 5-9% of senior citizens in Bihar benefited from the scheme between 2014-2019.
Non-Uniform Wages and Payment Delays
Wage rates under MGNREGA vary across states, ranging from Rs. 193 to Rs. 318, with frequent delays in disbursal. Only 3% of job seekers received unemployment allowance in the past five years.
Ineffective Social Audits
Despite being mandated, social audits are inconsistent. In 2020-21, only 29,611 Gram Panchayats conducted audits, leaving many projects unexamined.
Use of Labour-Displacing Machinery
The 2021 CAG Report highlighted the widespread use of machinery, such as tractors, in Bihar, undermining the scheme’s labour-intensive mandate.
Conclusion
MGNREGA has significantly contributed to rural development but faces critical challenges. Measures like indexing wages to rural inflation, appointing a district-level Ombudsperson, and increasing financial allocation can enhance its efficiency and better address rural distress.