MGNREGA at Village Level — Set 3

Correct Answer: B. B) Designated day for receiving work applications and resolving grievances at Gram Panchayat level

Rozgar Diwas is a designated day (typically the first Monday of each month) when Gram Panchayats receive work applications, issue dated receipts, and resolve grievances related to MGNREGA. It provides a predictable and transparent mechanism for workers to access their rights under the Act. On Rozgar Diwas, the GRS and Gram Panchayat Pradhan or Secretary must be present to record all applications. This initiative was introduced to improve the efficiency of work demand registration and reduce delays in providing employment.

Correct Answer: B. B) A web-based management information system for tracking MGNREGA implementation

Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Soft is a web-based Management Information System (MIS) developed by the National Informatics Centre (NIC) for end-to-end tracking of MGNREGA implementation. The system captures data on job card registration, work allocation, muster rolls, asset creation, and wage payments. It provides real-time transparency and enables citizens to check their work status and payment history online. The MIS data is publicly available on the MGNREGA website and is used for monitoring and evaluation by the Ministry of Rural Development.

Correct Answer: B. B) Works for SC/ST, BPL households, beneficiaries of land reforms, or Indira Awaas Yojana

MGNREGA permits works on privately owned land belonging to households of Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Below Poverty Line families, beneficiaries of land reform schemes, and beneficiaries of the Indira Awaas Yojana (now PMAY-G). This provision allows the rural poor who own small parcels of land to develop their own land with MGNREGA labour, improving their agricultural productivity. Works on private land are limited to land development, horticulture, plantation, and farm pond construction. This feature makes MGNREGA a unique programme that enhances both employment and asset building for the poorest households.

Correct Answer: B. B) A skill training scheme to enhance employability of MGNREGA workers

Deen Dayal Upadhyaya Grameen Kaushalya Yojana (DDU-GKY) is a skill and placement initiative under the Ministry of Rural Development that aims to train rural poor youth in market-relevant skills. It complements MGNREGA by providing long-term livelihood opportunities beyond wage employment. While MGNREGA provides immediate unskilled employment, DDU-GKY aims to build skilled workforce from rural areas and link them to regular jobs in industry and services. The programme targets youth between 15–35 years from poor rural families, with priority to SC/ST, minorities, and women.

Correct Answer: B. B) A national advisory body to review and monitor MGNREGA implementation

The Central Employment Guarantee Council (CEGC) is a statutory body constituted under Section 10 of MGNREGA at the national level. It advises the Central Government on matters related to implementation, evaluates the Scheme's operation, and promotes the interests of workers. The CEGC consists of representatives from Central and state governments, workers' organisations, and civil society. It reviews the MGNREGA guidelines, monitors overall implementation, and submits annual reports to Parliament. The CEGC plays an important oversight role in ensuring the Act's objectives are met.

Correct Answer: A. A) Works must be within 5 km of worker's home or travel allowance must be paid

Under MGNREGA, employment must be provided within 5 kilometres of the applicant's residence. If work is provided beyond 5 kilometres, the worker is entitled to an extra 10% of wages as travel and living expenses. This provision ensures that the programme genuinely benefits the rural poor without requiring them to migrate for work. The proximity clause is particularly important for women workers who may have household responsibilities and cannot travel long distances. This feature distinguishes MGNREGA from other employment programmes that may require workers to travel to distant work sites.

Correct Answer: B. B) A system for procuring and storing materials required for MGNREGA works in advance

The Material Bank concept under MGNREGA refers to a system where Gram Panchayats or Block-level agencies procure and store construction materials required for MGNREGA works in advance, to ensure timely availability when works commence. This prevents delays caused by material procurement after works begin and ensures the 40% material cost cap is efficiently utilised. The concept helps in better planning and coordination between the labour component and material requirement. It also enables bulk procurement at competitive prices, reducing costs and improving efficiency in MGNREGA implementation.

Correct Answer: B. B) To advise state government, review implementation, and recommend improvements

The State Employment Guarantee Council (SEGC) is a statutory body constituted under Section 12 of MGNREGA in each state. It advises the state government on matters related to scheme implementation, reviews the work done under the State Employment Guarantee Scheme, and recommends improvements. The SEGC includes representatives from civil society, workers' organisations, and state government officials. It monitors district-wise implementation and prepares annual reports for the state government. The SEGC serves as an important accountability mechanism to ensure the programme meets its objectives at the state level.

Correct Answer: B. B) A quasi-judicial authority at district level to address MGNREGA grievances

The MGNREGA Ombudsman is a quasi-judicial authority appointed at the district level to redress grievances of MGNREGA workers, including complaints about non-payment of wages, denial of employment, and corruption. The Ombudsman can investigate complaints, summon records, and pass orders directing remedial action. The institution was established following guidelines issued by the Ministry of Rural Development and recommendations of the Supreme Court. The Ombudsman provides an accessible, informal, and speedy mechanism for workers to seek redress without resorting to courts.

Correct Answer: B. B) GPDP planning process integrates MGNREGA works into comprehensive village development plan

The Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP) is a comprehensive annual development plan prepared by each Gram Panchayat covering all government schemes including MGNREGA. The GPDP planning process, held through Gram Sabhas, identifies priority works to be taken up under MGNREGA and integrates them with other infrastructure and livelihood schemes. This ensures that MGNREGA works contribute to the overall development vision of the village rather than being isolated activities. GPDP preparation begins on January 1 each year at the national level as part of People's Plan Campaign.