Job guarantee scheme outlay stays at ₹ 86,000 cr, no change in PM-Kisan
- ₹86,000 crore budget was allocated for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS)
Key Highlights
- The budget for the scheme for the financial year 2024-25 has been hiked by ₹26,000 crore in comparison to the 2023-24 Budget estimates
- Though it is the same as the revised estimates for the ongoing financial year (2023-24).
- So, the net gain for the rural employment scheme could be zero or even negative.
- The government has argued that MGNREGS is a dynamic scheme and the dues are cyclically paid.
- But for the last two years, the Centre has halted the programme in West Bengal, claiming corruption in implementation of the scheme.
- “To meet the employment needs of registered households under MGNREGS, a crucial ₹3 lakh crore is essential.
- However, the allocated budget falls significantly short at a mere ₹86,000 crore.
- Considering the outstanding dues in West Bengal that need clearing and the additional work requirements for the workers in the State this year,
- Coupled with the historical trend of 15 to 20% of the budget being spent on clearing past dues, the allocation seems increasingly inadequate.
- This shortfall raises serious concerns as it not only jeopardises the guaranteed right to work under MGNREGS
- But also constitutes a gross violation of this fundamental entitlement,”
Prelims Takeaway
- MGNREGS
- Budget