Difference Between NREGA And PM-KISAN
India’s rural population constitutes a significant portion of the country’s demographic, making the upliftment of village communities crucial for the overall development of the rural economy. Recognizing this, various leaders and governments have introduced numerous welfare schemes aimed at improving the livelihoods of rural citizens and fostering economic growth in these areas. Difference Between NREGA And PM-KISAN.
Among these initiatives, two notable schemes are the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN). Both programs play a vital role in enhancing the quality of life for rural residents, though they serve different purposes. NREGA focuses on providing wage employment through public work projects, while PM-KISAN offers direct income support to small and marginal farmers.
This article delves into the key distinctions between NREGA and PM-KISAN, exploring their unique contributions to rural welfare and economic stability. Aspiring civil servants should also refer to resources like the AIR Spotlight discussion on “PM-KISAN Scheme and Its Role in Farmers’ Welfare” to gain a deeper understanding, which is essential for IAS exam preparation.
What are the Differences between NREGA and PM-KISAN?
The table below provides a detailed comparison between two major Indian government welfare schemes: MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) and PM-KISAN (Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi). While both programs aim to support rural communities and enhance livelihoods, they differ significantly in terms of their objectives, target beneficiaries, funding mechanisms, and implementation strategies. MGNREGA focuses primarily on providing wage employment to rural households by ensuring at least 100 days of paid work per year, addressing issues of unemployment and underemployment. In contrast, PM-KISAN directly supports small and marginal farmers by offering financial assistance in the form of income support. This comparison outlines key features of both schemes to highlight their roles in fostering economic security and rural development across India.
| Aspects | Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act | Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi |
| Launch Date | 2nd February 2006 | 24th February 2019 |
| Type | It is a centrally funded employment generation act that guarantees people’s “Right to Work” and empowers democracy. | It is a Central Sector Scheme with Government’s funding to enhance people’s living. |
| Benefits | MGNREGA provides a minimum of 100 days of employment with a guaranteed wage in a financial year. | PM-KISAN provides ₹ 6,000 to every family each year through equal instalments every 4 months. |
| Beneficiary | Adult unskilled labours from each family. | Farmer family having a maximum of 2 hectares of cultivable land. |
| Aim | MGNREGA aims to amplify livelihood security by providing employment. | PM-KISAN aims to produce income support through a targeted money transfer. |
| Drawback | The minimum wage rate is shallow in several states, even lower than those states’ minimum agricultural wage rate. | Landless people are not qualified for PM-KISAN but can earn through MGNREGA. In addition, the chances of the needy being deprived are high in this scheme. |
Both the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and the Pradhan Mantri Kisan Samman Nidhi (PM-KISAN) schemes aim to improve the livelihoods and economic security of Indian citizens, but they do so in distinct ways. MGNREGA stands out as a comprehensive, all-inclusive program that guarantees wage employment to rural households, addressing both unemployment and poverty by providing work for those who need it most. In contrast, PM-KISAN focuses on direct income support to small and marginal farmers by providing targeted financial aid, helping them maintain agricultural productivity and household income.
While both schemes have their own strengths, MGNREGA’s broader reach makes it crucial for tackling rural poverty on a large scale, as it is designed to benefit anyone in need of work. On the other hand, PM-KISAN has proven successful for the specific purpose of asset transfer, directly benefiting the farming community. Understanding the nuances between these schemes is important for candidates preparing for civil services exams, as they offer valuable insights into the Indian government’s approaches to social welfare and economic upliftment.
For more detailed comparisons and insights, candidates can refer to articles on various topics that are crucial for civil services preparation, such as:
- Rashtriya Krishi Vikas Yojana (RKVY)
- Pradhan Mantri Krishi Sinchayee Yojana (PMKSY)
- Pradhan Mantri Kisan Maan-Dhan Yojana (PM-KMY)
- PM-KUSUM Scheme
- Pradhan Mantri Fasal Bima Yojana (PMFBY)
Staying updated on the latest government schemes and current affairs is essential for UPSC 2022 preparation. For study materials, updates on exams, and useful preparation tips, visit BYJU’S regularly to enhance your learning journey.
Frequently Asked Questions on MGNREGA and PM-KISAN
Which type of landholders is not eligible for the PM-KISAN scheme?
All the Institutional Landholders are excluded from the PM-KISAN scheme’s eligible categories.
How many states have a lower NREGA wage rate than the minimum agricultural wage rate?
Ans. 17 states have a lower NREGA wage rate than those states’ minimum agricultural wage rate.
An alumna of the Indian Institute of Mass Communication, Dhenkanal, Sunita Mishra brings over 16 years of expertise to the fields of legal matters, financial insights, and property market trends. Recognised for her ability to elucidate complex topics, her articles serve as a go-to resource for home buyers navigating intricate subjects. Through her extensive career, she has been associated with esteemed organisations like the Financial Express, Hindustan Times, Network18, All India Radio, and Business Standard.
In addition to her professional accomplishments, Sunita holds an MA degree in Sanskrit, with a specialisation in Indian Philosophy, from Delhi University.