The correct option is 2 and 3 only.
Explanation
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, is a rights-based social security measure that aims to guarantee the 'right to work'. It mandates the provision of 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.
Statement-wise Analysis
- Statement 1 is Incorrect. The Act guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year, not 200 days. Furthermore, the guarantee is specifically for adult members of rural households who volunteer for unskilled manual work, rather than "all those who are able to and are in need of work" without qualification. While some states may provide additional days during calamities, the central mandate under the Act is 100 days.
- Statement 2 is Correct. The Act includes a provision for an unemployment allowance. If an applicant is not provided employment within 15 days of receipt of the application or from the date on which employment was sought (whichever is later), they are entitled to a daily unemployment allowance.
- Statement 3 is Correct. One of the core objectives of MGNREGA is the creation of durable assets and strengthening the livelihood resource base of the rural poor. The Act prioritizes works that address causes of chronic poverty like drought, deforestation, and soil erosion. Consequently, it gives preference to works that increase land productivity, such as water conservation, drought proofing, and land development.
Key Takeaway
Key Takeaway: MGNREGA guarantees 100 days of unskilled manual work per rural household per year and enforces a legal liability on the government to provide an unemployment allowance if work is not assigned within 15 days of demand.