What are the main features of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rura... - Economics

The main features of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005 are:

1. Guaranteed Employment: It provides 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.

2. Focus on Sustainability: The aim of the act is to provide livelihood security and address causes of drought, deforestation, and soil erosion through projects like water conservation and land development.

3. Reservation for Women: One-third (1/3rd) of the proposed jobs are reserved for women.

4. Inclusivity: A significant share of employment is provided to Scheduled Castes (SC), Scheduled Tribes (ST), and women (e.g., in 2013-14, the share was 23%, 17%, and 53% respectively).

5. Unemployment Allowance: If an applicant is not provided employment within 15 days, he/she is entitled to a daily unemployment allowance.

6. Wage Payment: Wages are revised periodically by the government and paid directly to the workers' bank or post office accounts.

7. National and State Funds: The central and state governments have established National and State Employment Guarantee Funds to implement the scheme.