- By Aditya Pratap Singh
- Fri, 27 Dec 2024 05:56 PM (IST)
- Source:JND
Former Prime Minister of India Manmohan Singh passed away on 26 December 2024. He was a profound economist and a visionary politician. He not only expanded India's economy and social sector but also contributed to building an inclusive India. MGNREGA Act is one of those schemes that underline his vision toward bringing social and economic equality.
Manmohan Singh served as the Finance Minister of India in 1991 and played a very important role in bringing India out of a severe economic crisis. His policies of privatization and globalization transformed India's economy and opened new avenues for unprecedented growth. He continued to introduce such groundbreaking schemes during his tenure as Prime Minister from 2004 to 2014.
MGNREGA, a game-changer scheme for rural India
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is a revolutionary initiative brought by the Manmohan Singh government in 2005, that provides guaranteed 100 days of wage employment in a year to rural families. The law, initiated by the T.D.R. Singh-led government, aimed to reduce poverty in rural areas and reduce rural unemployment, especially in the most backward parts of India.
Employment to Rural Families: MGNREGA is a work guarantee for rural families so that they gain steady incomes. Till now, up to 2022-23, around 15.4 crores have availed of this scheme.
Women Empowerment: In many ways, MGNREGA proves to be an effective means of supporting gender equality and economic freedom in the countryside of India. End.
Infrastructure Development: Other than providing wages, MGNREGA has also given provision to the construction of rural roads, and water conservation projects, among other critical infrastructures towards long-term development.
How Does MGNREGA Help In Reducing Poverty?
The implementation of MGNREGA has reduced poverty to a great extent in rural areas. For instance, in states like Bihar, which are known for their high poverty rates, the scheme has provided much-needed income security. Families can also save portions of their earnings, with options like Fixed Deposits offering financial stability.
MGNREGA ensures rural households have a safety net through unemployment allowances if work is unavailable. The scheme in its focus on inclusive development reflects the vision of a fair and just India from Dr. Singh.
Not just about increasing growth rates, Dr Singh has always envisioned growth where no person was left behind by any mile, the examples such as MGNREGA, have indeed established him as a serious reformer.
As India is bidding adieu to one of its most distinguished leaders, it is his visionary policies, like MGNREGA, that keep on uplifting millions. While Dr Manmohan Singh may have left us, his legacy continues to inspire future generations to build an inclusive and prosperous India.