Step 1: Understanding the Question:
The question refers to the legislative history of one of India's largest social welfare programs, MGNREGA.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
• Passing of the Act: The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) was passed by the Parliament of India in August 2005.
• Renaming: On October 2, 2009, the act was renamed the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) to honor the Father of the Nation.
• Key Feature: The act provides a legal guarantee of 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
• Link to Forestry: MGNREGA has a strong focus on sustainable development. A significant portion of the work involves drought-proofing, afforestation, tree plantation, and creation of nurseries, which directly supports the forestry and agroforestry sectors.
• Impact: It has played a vital role in increasing green cover and soil conservation in rural landscapes across India.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The MGNREGA was passed in the year 2005.