SYLLABUS

GS-2: Government policies and interventions for development in various sectors and issues arising out of their design and implementation.

GS-2: Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections of the population by the Centre and States and the performance of these schemes.

Context: 

Recently, the Union Government has launched the National Initiative on Water Security to prioritize water conservation and rainwater harvesting under MGNREGA, transforming water security into a national mission.

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• Union Minister for Agriculture & Farmers’ Welfare and Union Jal Shakti Minister launched the initiative at Krishi Bhawan, New Delhi. 
• This move mandates a minimum expenditure on water conservation and harvesting activities, transforming water security into a national mission.

Key Features of the Initiative

Water-related works are accorded the highest priority in rural blocks facing water stress.

A fixed portion of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) funds is now mandatorily dedicated to water conservation and harvesting activities across the country.

• In over-exploited or dark zone blocks, 65% of MGNREGA funds will be utilised for water-related initiatives.
• In semi-critical blocks, 40% of the allocated funds will be directed toward water conservation activities.
• Even in blocks without water scarcity, a minimum of 30% of funds will be spent on water-related works.

The initiative seeks to enhance groundwater recharge, promote rainwater harvesting, and ensure resources are deployed effectively where they are most needed.

It transforms rural water management from a reactive approach to a preventive and long-term strategy.

Significance of the Initiative

• This initiative strengthens water security in rural areas by ensuring dedicated investments in conservation and harvesting.
• This ensures long-term sustainability of agriculture, livestock, and rural livelihoods by improving groundwater recharge and water availability.
• This empowers rural communities through better resilience against droughts and water stress.
• This integrates environmental sustainability with rural development, making water management a national priority under the MGNREGA.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA)

• MGNREGA is India’s work guarantee programme launched in 2005 by the Ministry of Rural Development to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work.
• It objective is to providing social protection for the most vulnerable people living in rural India by guaranteeing wage employment opportunities.

Achievements under MGNREGA

• Since 2014, MGNREGA has generated over 3,000 crore person-days of employment with a total expenditure of ₹8.4 lakh crore.
• Women’s participation in MGNREGA increased from 48% in 2014 to 58% in 2025.
• Over 1.25 crore water conservation assets, including farm ponds, check dams, and community tanks, have been created, reducing water-stressed blocks.
• Under Mission Amrit Sarovar, more than 68,000 reservoirs have been constructed or rejuvenated in its first phase.

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