A Case study on MGNREGA and social security in Tamil Nadu's Krishnagiri district, India

Abstract

One of the progressive and revolutionary pieces of legislation, the National Rural work Grantee Act (NREGA) was enacted by the Indian Parliament in 2005 by the UPA administration to guarantee every rural family a stable source of income and work. The Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is the new name for it as of 2007. This right-based policy initiative's main objective is to guarantee employment and support village infrastructure development for the welfare of rural households. It is also thought of as a comprehensive plan for eradicating rural poverty and advancing sustainable growth of .MGNREGA has been in effect for nine years in all 623 districts throughout the nation, however the programme has not produced the anticipated or even stated goals. The majority of assessment studies have shown that the scheme's poor execution is the reason it is not operating as intended at the ground level. Numerous problems and difficulties arise throughout its execution. There are just a few state, like Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, and so on, where programmes are being carried out one after the other. Maharashtra state is a pioneer in MGREGA; the EGS scheme's inception forms the act's foundation. The Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS) was launched by the Maharashtra state government in 1974 and operated for the whole year. Presently, the federal government's MGNREGA guidelines include the former employment guarantee programme. Despite the state's expertise with EGS, the current amalgamated MGNREGA programme is not operating well on the ground. Numerous problems arise throughout the implementation process, stemming from several variables including increased workload, selecting the appropriate work location and planning, a convoluted administrative structure with inexperienced personnel, payment delays, and a shortage of human resources. Using a case study of two villages in Tamilnadu, Krishnagiri District area, Thally and Kelamagalam , the author has attempted to analyse these issues. The interview schedule and FGD were used to obtain data. This essay also aims to demonstrate how, if the act is used with zeal and dedication, it might aid in revitalising village resources in order to meet the main objectives of sustainable development.