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Aniket Dnyaneshwar HirdeAIR 81· 2024

Question Q.8GS2GS2

ग्रामीण गरीबी उन्मूलन में पूरी मुनाफत, राजस्व उदाहारीना या शिकार हो गया है। हालांकि पट्टाबारी के आसांन में सकल घरेलू उत्पाद में उपजाऊ) 10 अंक "MGNREGA, the lynchpin of rural poverty alleviation, has become the victim of fiscal apathy." Critically analyze the statement in light of recent developments. (Answer in 150 words) 10 marks.

Open scan (p.25)

Main Body

The allotted funds of MGNREGA for FY23 were exhausted in October 2022 leading to delayed payments.

Fiscal Apathy by Government

1Budget in FY23 at Rs 69,000 Cr v/s FY22 expense at Rs 99,000 Cr although demand has not fallen drastically.
2~30% of payments not processed by Central govt within stipulated time of 7 days.
3Wage rate at Rs 280-330 per day => ~Rs 30,000 for 100 days => spending only of Rs 100 per day possible => too low.

For today where 1 litre milk costs Rs 50.

4Wage rate rise is not in line with inflation.
5National Mobile Monitoring Network for MGNREGA has created additional fiscal burden of buying smartphone on Contractor.

However, it is a Strategic decision

1MGNREGA is demand based scheme => Supplementary grant can be provided if demand increase (as done in 2022)
2Govt. is trying to signal rural workers to move to other sectors like 'construction' which can have multiplier effect.

Going ahead, govt. will have to balance its strategic ideas along with rural distress for optimum utilization of MGNREGA.

182 words11 paragraphs

Conclusion

Going ahead, govt. will have to balance its strategic ideas along with rural distress for optimum utilization of MGNREGA.

19 words

  • Uses specific budget figures (FY23: Rs 69,000 Cr vs FY22: Rs 99,000 Cr)
  • Quantifies wage rate issues (Rs 280-330 per day)
  • Identifies payment processing delays (30% within 7 days stipulation)
  • Presents both critical and supportive perspectives on fiscal apathy
  • Links wage issues to inflation (contemporary concern)
  • Identifies technology burden (smartphone monitoring)
  • Provides strategic context for budget constraints

Topper

Aniket Dnyaneshwar Hirde

AIR 812024

Subject & Paper

GS2GS2

Topic

Welfare Schemes for Vulnerable Sections

MGNREGA Performance and Issues

Fiscal constraints and fund allocation in MGNREGA

Writing Stats

201

Total words

11

Paragraphs

analytical

Tone