Question

Explain the efforts done by the Indian government towards “Right to work”.

Answer 1

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which was implemented in 2005, is the Indian government’s most major endeavour toward the “Right to Work”. This momentous legislation elevated employment from a mere plan to a legal entitlement for rural families.

1. Guaranteed Employment: Every rural household with adult members who volunteer to do unskilled manual work receives a legal guarantee of 100 days of work every fiscal year.
2. Unemployment Allowance: A crucial aspect of this right is that if the government fails to provide employment within 15 days of receiving an application, it is constitutionally required to pay the applicant a daily unemployment allowance.
3. Proximity of Work: To ensure accessibility, work is typically provided within a 5 kilometre radius of the community. If the distance is higher, an additional 10% salary is paid to cover transport costs.
4. Focus on Development: The projects focus long-term rural assets such as water conservation, land development, and afforestation to boost future agricultural productivity.
5. Empowerment: One-third of the proposed jobs are reserved for women, which will considerably promote gender equality and financial independence in rural areas.