MNREGA is a Revolutionary Step for Employment in Rural India

Abstract

About 72 percent of India's population lives in villages. Various schemes are being run by the central government to stop the exodus of the villagers and to provide them with employment in the village itself. In this direction, the most important step taken by the government to eradicate rural poverty and unemployment has been the National Employment Guarantee Act, 2004. which was passed by the Parliament. The main objective of this act is to provide a legal guarantee of 100 days of employment to at least one member of every family in rural India. The uniqueness of MGNREGA is that it is not just a scheme but it is an act that legally guarantees employment. The scope of employment under MGNREGA is increasing equally. While 3.39 crore families came under the ambit of employment during the year 2007-08, employment opportunities were provided to around 6 crore families during the year 2016-17.