The correct answer is: Both (A) and (B).
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a social security legislation and an important tool of rural development in India. It was enacted in 2005 and provides for the guarantee of 100 days of unskilled manual work in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do such work. The Act also provides for the payment of minimum wages to the workers.
In Jammu and Kashmir, the implementation of MGNREGA has been facing several challenges, including fund shortage, mismanagement and corruption. As a result, the Act has not been able to achieve its full potential in the state.
One of the major challenges in the implementation of MGNREGA in Jammu and Kashmir is fund shortage. The state government has not been able to release the required funds to the implementing agencies, which has led to delays in the execution of works. In addition, the state government has also been accused of diverting funds meant for MGNREGA to other schemes.
Another major challenge in the implementation of MGNREGA in Jammu and Kashmir is mismanagement and corruption. There have been several reports of irregularities in the selection of beneficiaries, payment of wages and execution of works under the Act. In addition, there have also been allegations of corruption against the officials involved in the implementation of the Act.
As a result of these challenges, the implementation of MGNREGA has been tardy in Jammu and Kashmir. The Act has not been able to provide the desired level of employment and livelihood security to the rural poor in the state.
In order to improve the implementation of MGNREGA in Jammu and Kashmir, the state government needs to take several steps, including:
- Releasing the required funds to the implementing agencies on time.
- Ensuring that the funds are used for the intended purpose.
- Taking strict action against the officials involved in irregularities and corruption.
- Making the implementation of MGNREGA more transparent and accountable.