2. Jharkhand Assembly Resolution: MGNREGA vs. VB-G RAM G

The Jharkhand Legislative Assembly recently adopted a resolution urging the Union Government to retain the existing framework of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005. The resolution specifically opposes the transition to the new \'Viksit Bharat Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin)\' (VB-G RAM G), citing concerns over fiscal federalism and the dilution of labor rights. • Shift in Funding Pattern: A primary contention is the proposed 60:40 cost-sharing ratio between the Centre and States under the new Act. The Jharkhand government argues this departs from the predominantly Centrally-sponsored nature of MGNREGA, imposing an \'unbearable\' financial burden on resource-constrained states. • Dilution of Rights-Based Framework: The state highlights that while MGNREGA provides a legal guarantee to demand work, there are apprehensions that VB-G RAM G might eliminate this demand-driven mechanism, potentially weakening the social safety net for landless laborers and women. • Migration and Employment Days: The resolution advocates for increasing the guaranteed employment days from 100 to 150. This is seen as a critical step to curb rural-to-urban migration, which remains a significant socio-economic challenge in Jharkhand. • Federal Structure Concerns: The move is framed as a defense of the \'Cooperative Federalism\' principle. The state argues that unilateral changes to shared social welfare architectures undermine the constitutional balance of power and financial autonomy of states. • Socio-Economic Impact: State authorities emphasize that MGNREGA has historically served as a lifeline for rural empowerment and poverty reduction; any tampering with the original 2005 Act\'s provisions could jeopardize the livelihoods of lakhs of job card holders. Key Definitions • Demand-Driven Scheme: A system where the government is legally obligated to provide work within a specified timeframe (usually 15 days) once a worker requests it. Failure to do so typically triggers an unemployment allowance. • Centrally Sponsored Schemes (CSS): These are schemes implemented by State governments but largely funded by the Central Government with a defined share-matching ratio (e.g., 60:40, 90:10). • Voice Vote: A preliminary method of voting in the legislature where members indicate their agreement or disagreement by shouting \'Aye\' or \'No,\' with the Speaker deciding the outcome based on volume. Constitutional & Legal Provisions • Article 21: The Right to Life has been interpreted by the Judiciary to include the \'Right to Livelihood,\' which forms the philosophical basis for guaranteed employment acts. • Directive Principles of State Policy (DPSP): Article 39 (Right to an adequate means of livelihood) and Article 41 (Right to work, to education and to public assistance in certain cases) guide the state in formulating employment guarantees. • Seventh Schedule: \'Social Security and Social Insurance; employment and unemployment\' falls under the Concurrent List (List III), allowing both Centre and States to legislate, though Central laws generally prevail under Article 254. • The MGNREGA Act, 2005: The parent legislation that mandates 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. Conclusion The friction between the Jharkhand government and the Centre over the VB-G RAM G transition reflects a broader debate on the evolution of social welfare in India. While the Centre aims for a modified mission-mode approach (Viksit Bharat), states are advocating for the preservation of a rights-based legal entitlement that ensures financial accountability remains largely with the Union. UPSC Relevance • GS Paper II: Issues and challenges pertaining to the federal structure; Devolution of powers and finances up to local levels; Welfare schemes for vulnerable sections. • GS Paper III: Indian Economy and issues relating to planning, mobilization of resources, growth, and employment; Government Budgeting. • Mains Perspective: Analyze the impact of changing funding patterns in Centrally Sponsored Schemes on State finances and the effectiveness of the \'Rights-based approach\' to development.