Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), passed in 2005, is a demand-driven social security measure that guarantees the 'right to work'.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
The act's primary objective is to enhance livelihood security in rural areas.
It legally mandates the government to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members are willing to do unskilled manual work.
If the work is not provided within 15 days of demand, the applicant is entitled to an unemployment allowance.
Step 3: Final Answer:
The MGNREGA guarantees at least 100 days of wage employment per financial year.