Which one of the following statements with regard to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 is correct ?

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), 2005, is a rights-based legislation designed to enhance livelihood security specifically in rural areas of India [3]. Statement 1 is incorrect because the Act guarantees a minimum of 100 days of employment per financial year, not 175 days [2]. Statement 2 is incorrect as the Act mandates equal wages for men and women, though it reserves at least one-third of the work for women to ensure gender inclusivity. Statement 3 is incorrect because the legal guarantee applies specifically to 'unskilled manual work' volunteered by adult members of a rural household, rather than skilled jobs [2]. Statement 4 is correct as the Act's primary objective and legal scope are restricted to providing employment to households in rural areas to tackle rural poverty and minimize migration [1].

Sources

1. [2] History , class XII (Tamilnadu state board 2024 ed.) > Chapter 9: Envisioning a New Socio-Economic Order > Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (MGNREGA) > p. 121
2. [3] Indian Economy, Nitin Singhania .(ed 2nd 2021-22) > Chapter 3: Poverty, Inequality and Unemployment > DID MGNREGA PLAY A CRUCIAL ROLE IN REDUCING UNEMPLOYMENT AND WHETHER IT IS TO BE CONTINUED OR NOT? ELUCIDATE > p. 57
3. [1] Understanding Economic Development. Class X . NCERT(Revised ed 2025) > Chapter 2: SECTORS OF THE INDIAN ECONOMY > How to Create More Employment? > p. 28