UPSC Prelims Practice Questions — Survey backs decision to scrap MGNREGA, cites structural flaws, strong rural economy

Q1. With reference to the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, consider the following provisions: Which of the above is/are correctly identified?

  1. Guarantee of 125 days of wage employment per rural household in a financial year.
  2. Centre–State fund-sharing pattern of 60:40 for general category States.
  3. Issuance of Gramin Rozgar Guarantee Cards to adult members of every eligible rural household.
  4. Payment of unemployment allowance by the State Government if employment is not provided within 30 days of application.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 1, 2 and 3
  • C. 2, 3 and 4
  • D. 1 and 4 only

Q2. With reference to the differences between the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) and the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are correct?

  1. The statutory employment guarantee per rural household in a financial year has been raised from 100 days to 125 days.
  2. Under MGNREGA the Centre bore the entire wage cost of unskilled manual work, whereas under the new Act wages are shared between the Centre and general-category States in a 60:40 ratio.
  3. Implementation has been shifted from the Ministry of Rural Development to the Ministry of Panchayati Raj.
  • A. 1 only
  • B. 1 and 2 only
  • C. 2 and 3 only
  • D. 1, 2 and 3

Q3. How many days of wage employment per rural household in a financial year are statutorily guaranteed under the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025?

  • A. 100 days
  • B. 120 days
  • C. 125 days
  • D. 150 days

Q4. With reference to the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025, consider the following statements: Which of the statements given above is/are NOT correct?

  1. The Centre–State fund-sharing ratio is 90:10 for North-eastern and Himalayan States.
  2. States may notify up to 60 days in a year during sowing or harvesting seasons when employment under the scheme may be temporarily suspended.
  3. The entire cost of wages for unskilled manual work is borne by the Central Government.
  4. The Act came into force across all rural areas with effect from 2 February 2026, the date on which MGNREGA originally commenced.
  • A. 1 and 2 only
  • B. 3 and 4 only
  • C. 1, 3 and 4
  • D. 2 and 3 only

Q5. Which one of the following is the nodal Union Ministry for the implementation of the Viksit Bharat–Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025?

  • A. Ministry of Panchayati Raj
  • B. Ministry of Rural Development
  • C. Ministry of Labour and Employment
  • D. Ministry of Skill Development and Entrepreneurship