Which of the following is a government scheme for rural employment in India?

Correct option is B

The correct answer is (b) Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA).
• MGNREGA is a flagship government programme that provides guaranteed wage employment to rural households.
• It was enacted in 2005 and came into force on 2 February 2006.
• The scheme guarantees 100 days of unskilled manual work per year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to work.
Information Booster:
• The scheme was initially called National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).
• It was renamed Mahatma Gandhi NREGA in 2009.
• Wages under MGNREGA are paid as per state-specific notified wage rates.
• Employment must be provided within 15 days of demand, failing which unemployment allowance is payable.
Additional Knowledge:
• MGNREGA is implemented by the Ministry of Rural Development.
• It focuses on creating durable assets such as water conservation structures, rural roads, and soil improvement works.
• It is the world’s largest employment guarantee programme.
• The scheme strengthens rural livelihoods, poverty reduction, and inclusive growth.