Question

What is true about Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MNREGS), a flagship rural development programme of Union Government?
(A) In phase-I, it was launched in four hundred selected districts of the country in 200
(B) It is backed by the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) passed by Government of India in 200
(C) It is fundamentally different from all other wage employment programmes, as it guarantees employment as a legal right.
(D) The number of households who availed employment under Mahatma Gandhi NREGS from financial year 2020-21 was 55 crore.

• A. (A), (B), (C) and (D).
• B. (A) and (B) only.
• C. (B) and (C) only.
• D. (C) and (D) only.

Hint:

Remember that MGNREGS launched in exactly 200 districts in Phase-I (2006) before expanding nationwide in April 200 It is unique because it is a demand-driven program backed by a legal act.

Answer 1

The Correct Option is C

Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is a key social security initiative.
It guarantees rural households a legal right to wage employment.

Step 3: Detailed Explanation:
Let us analyze each statement for accuracy:
- Statement (A): The program was launched in its first phase on 2 February 2006 in 200 selected districts of India, not 400. It was expanded to an additional 130 districts in 2007-08, and eventually implemented nationwide from 1 April 200 Thus, statement (A) is incorrect.
- Statement (B): This statement is correct. The program is backed by the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), which was passed by the Parliament in September 200
- Statement (C): This statement is correct. Unlike previous rural employment schemes, MGNREGS is a demand-driven program that guarantees employment as a legal right. If employment is not provided within 15 days of application, the applicant is legally entitled to an unemployment allowance.
- Statement (D): During the COVID-19 pandemic in financial year 2020-21, demand for rural work increased significantly. However, because statement (A) is incorrect, any option containing (A) can be eliminated. This leaves statement (C) as the correct choice.

Step 4: Final Answer:
The correct statements are (B) and (C) only.