BUDGET ALLOCATION FOR (MGNREGS)

Why in the News?

  • The Interim Budget earmarks ₹86,000 crore for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), up by ₹26,000 crore from the previous year.
  • However, this matches the revised estimates for the ongoing financial year, potentially resulting in no net gain for the scheme
Source: GeeksforGeeks

Key Highlights:

  • MGNREGS expenditure is ₹88,309.72 crore, with ₹16,000 crore owed to states.
  • Allocation addresses past dues, notably ₹7,000 crore to West Bengal.
  • The allocated ₹86,000 crore seems insufficient, highlighting concerns about violating entitlements.
About MGNREGS (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme)

·    Enacted in 2005, Under (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

·    Guarantees 100 days of wage employment annually

·    Aims to enhance livelihood security in rural areas.

·    Focuses on labour-intensive work like road construction, water conservation,and rural infrastructure.

·    Provides social security through employment.