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Job guarantee scheme outlay stays at ₹ 86,000 cr, no change in PM-Kisan

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

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