Correct Option: B

The Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) underlying the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is by far one of the largest social safety-net programmes launched anywhere in the developing world. Maharashtra became the first state in India to guarantee work in 1979 following a severe drought. The EGS began in 1972 during the drought period. However, it received statutory basis in 1977 when the Maharashtra Legislative Assembly unanimously voted it as a law of the land. The law became operative from January 26, 1979 with the consent of the President of India.