Syllabus:

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

Context: Recently, the Centre has amended Schedule I of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA), 2005 to mandate a minimum allocation of NREGS funds for water conservation in rural blocks, determined by the level of groundwater extraction in each area.

About the Notification 

• The Ministry of Rural Development has issued a notification regarding the allocation of NREGS funds for water-related activities based on groundwater extraction levels.
• In rural blocks classified as ‘over-exploited’ or ‘critical’ by the Central Ground Water Board (CGWB), at least 65% of NREGS expenditure shall be allocated to water conservation, water harvesting, and other water-related works.
• For blocks in the semi-critical category, a minimum of 40% of NREGS funds must be used for water conservation, water harvesting, and related activities.
• In safe blocks at least 30% of the funds shall be earmarked for water-related works.
• District Programme Coordinator or Programme Officer shall ensure that a minimum percentage of the works to be taken up in the assessment units (Blocks) in terms of cost, shall be for water conservation, water harvesting and other water-related works.

Key terms: 

• Over-exploited blocks: These are areas where groundwater extraction exceeds 100% of the annual replenishable groundwater recharge, indicating that more groundwater is being withdrawn than naturally replenished.
• Critical blocks: These are areas where groundwater extraction ranges between 90% and 100% of the annual replenishable groundwater recharge.
• Semi-critical blocks: These includes areas where groundwater extraction is between 70% and 90%.
• Safe blocks:  The blocks include where groundwater extraction is 70% or less.

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 

Salient Features: 

• Schedule I: It provides the list of permissible works under the rural job guarantee scheme. 
• Employment Guarantee: It legally guarantees 100 days of employment per year to every rural household, ensuring a minimum level of income and providing a safety net during economic distress.
• Focus on Rural Development: The scheme aims to enhance rural livelihood security by promoting sustainable development through the creation of productive assets such as water conservation structures, rural roads, and other infrastructure.
• Inclusive and Demand-Driven: The employment under MGNREGA is generated based on the demand of rural households. Beneficiaries have the right to request work, which the government must provide within 15 days.
• Women's Participation: The act actively promotes women's participation, targeting at least one-third of beneficiaries to be women and striving for 50% female participation in the workforce, supporting gender empowerment and equity.
• Transparency and Accountability: It mandates transparency through social audits, allowing local communities to monitor project implementation. Scheme-related information, including wages and fund allocation, is publicly accessible.
• Electronic Fund Management: The adoption of technology like the Electronic Fund Management System (e-FMS) enables direct wage transfers to workers’ bank accounts, minimizing leakages and ensuring timely payments.

Sources:
Indian Express
Nrega.Dord