Topic: Storage, transport and marketing of agricultural produce and issues and related
constraints.
3)The guarantee of payment and a viable minimum wage rate, that is pegged on the prevailing market rate, are indispensable to the raison d’être of MGNREGA. Comment.(250 words)
Why this question
MGNREGA aims to provide a basic livelihood security to the large population of unskilled workers, by providing assured 100 days of employment in a year. The scheme has been acknowledged to have multiplier effects in agricultural and more importantly rural economy. The question is related to GS-3 syllabus-
Key demand of the question
The question wants to know our understanding of the essence of MGNREGA and our opinion on why a guaranteed payment and a viable minimum wage rate is necessary to serve that purpose.
Directive word
Comment- we have to present our personal understanding and viewpoint on the given issue. We have to back our stand/opinion by providing necessary justifications/ arguments/ facts.
Structure of the answer
Introduction- in the introduction briefly discuss the raison d’etre of MGNREGA.
E.g providing minimum livelihood security, rights based law to improve the socio-economic condition of the rural poor, sustainable development of agriculture and participatory governance.
Body- divide the body into two main parts. In one part, discuss the problem with payment system and minimum wage rates in different parts of India.
In the other part, discuss in points, why guarantee of payment and a viable minimum wage rate, that is pegged on the prevailing market rate, are indispensable to the raison d’être of MGNREGA.
E.g guarantee of work lost, men migrate to other works while women participation increased, loss of decentralization and participatory democracy.
conclusion – present a clear and concise conclusion based on the above discussion and suggest some remedies if possible.