Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Research Articles

A Study on the Role of MGNREGA in Fostering Economic Development via Welfare Initiatives, Employment Opportunities, and Asset Formation in Rural Bangalore

Abstract: Over the years, the evolution of the Indian economy has witnessed substantial transformation and enhancement. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has emerged as a pivotal component in fostering the development of rural India, primarily through its dual impact of employment generation and asset formation. This research paper employs trend analysis to investigate the pivotal role of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in driving economic development in rural areas of Bangalore. MGNREGA, a flagship welfare initiative, is examined through its multifaceted impact on welfare enhancement, employment generation, and asset accumulation. The study delves into the effectiveness of MGNREGA in improving the socio-economic well-being of rural communities by providing critical welfare benefits, facilitating employment opportunities, and promoting asset formation. The findings of this study provide valuable insights into the nuanced relationship between MGNREGA initiatives and economic development outcomes in rural Bangalore. By uncovering significant trends and patterns, the research offers actionable recommendations for policymakers, practitioners, and stakeholders to optimize MGNREGA's impact on fostering inclusive and sustainable economic growth in rural areas

Examining decentralization, patronage, and rent seeking: lessons from Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in Uttar Pradesh

ABSTRACT The present study delves into the complex interplay of decentralization, patronage, and rent seeking within the context of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA, Act) in Uttar Pradesh (UP). It addresses some pertinent questions: How does decentralization promote corruption? What tactics and strategies does the local implementer (pradhan) adopt to manipulate this Act? Have these manipulations benefited the pradhan? How have these strategies affected poor households? Drawing on data collected through household surveys, and semi-structured interviews with bureaucrats, sitting pradhans, and local power holders, I investigate whether decentralization has enabled marginalized communities to access employment opportunities or has facilitated patronage and rent seeking practices. The findings suggest that political actors and power brokers exploit decentralized structures for personal gains, manipulating resource allocation and beneficiary selection. Such practices of rent seeking can dilute the demand-driven principles of the Act and defeat the objective of equitable development.

Towards right to work: A reflexive analysis on an action research

This article explores the potential of action research by evaluating the research process, methodological nuances and experiential learnings of an action researcher involved in the action research conducted at Dudhera, a rural village in India on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA). It documents the struggles and resistance of MGNREGA workers of Dudhera. They came together and decided to claim rights under MGNREGA when they felt powerless and starved - of both information and influence over the key decisions that affected their lives. The article critically examines the implementation failure of MGNREGA and the malpractices perpetuated by the Panchayat. It also portrays the community’s determination to bring change by claiming their right and challenging the status quo. The article also presents a reflexive analysis of action research, including the role of action researcher, community engagement and subjective transformation of both self and community in the action research process. The article advances knowledge about participatory action research and its potential for transformative change.

An Empirical Study of the Impact of NREGA Implementation on Rural Poverty Rates in India

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), now known as the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), was implemented in India with the objective of enhancing livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment per year to every household willing to do unskilled manual work. This study empirically examines the impact of NREGA on rural poverty rates in India, utilizing a Difference-in-Differences (DID) approach to analyze data from the National Sample Survey (NSS) and Census of India. The findings reveal a significant reduction in rural poverty rates in districts where NREGA was implemented compared to non-NREGA districts. The program has been particularly effective in regions with higher initial poverty levels, indicating successful targeting of the most vulnerable populations. Additionally, the study highlights regional variations in the impact of NREGA, with some areas experiencing greater benefits than others. The results suggest that while NREGA has substantially contributed to poverty reduction, its effectiveness is influenced by local governance and administrative capacities. Policy recommendations include improving administrative efficiency, enhancing the quality and sustainability of created assets, and complementing NREGA with other skill development and capacity-building initiatives. Addressing regional disparities and ensuring robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms are also crucial for maximizing the program’s impact.

Post-Pandemic Challenges of Textile Industry Workers in India: Analysis of Social Security Laws of Select Asian Countries

Abstract The COVID-19 pandemic ensued a challenging period for global health; however, the loss of livelihoods throughout the lockdown also led to a significant economic issue that warranted a reassessment of the existing socio-economic structures. Manufacturing lines were severely impeded, particularly in the Indian textile industry, the second-largest employer and labour-intensive industry. The initial lockdown did not provide manufacturers enough time to prepare for the impending catastrophe, compelling many to shut down their operations. The above circumstances highlighted the lack of resilient social security laws in India. Despite initiatives like the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), the Employees’ Provident Fund (EPF) scheme and other initiatives like grain distribution to families below the poverty line, lack of economic security came to the forefront. There is a need to have a competent social security legal framework in India to ensure economic stability for all that would fall in line with the noble ideas of the framers of the Constitution as enshrined in the Directive Principles of State Policy, the guiding light for all state action in India. India has not ratified the International Labour Organizations Social Security (Minimum Standards) Convention of 1952. The focal area of the current research would be to look into the sufficiency of the legal framework (International and National) to protect the economic interests of the workers. The authors examine the following: 1. Examine the Code on Social Security, 2020 passed by the Indian legislature interpreting it in light of the COVID-19 pandemic and its effect on textile manufacturing in India along with other steps initiated by the government for the textile industry. 2. Carry out a comparative analysis of the social security laws of other Asian countries (Bangladesh, Vietnam, and China) to carve out best practices that can be adopted in India. 3. Analyse and contrast the statistical data of the four predominant textile manufacturing and exporting economies on selected parameters.

MGNREGA and Women Empowerment: A Literature Review

Creating jobs has been the goal of every government. Since independence, a large number of programmes have been implemented to eradicate poverty and unemployment from the country in the rural area. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is one such programme introduced by government of India. The primary goals of the MGNREGA is job creation, and poverty reduction. Regarded as having a pioneering effect on rural impoverishment and joblessness, MGNREGA's original concepts of guaranteed employment have been acknowledged. This program has received a great deal of attention, being carefully examined, comprehended by everyone, and is riddled with fundamental conflicts. In this paper, the analyses of various facets of MGNREGA by many researchers, academics, and government institutions' are highlighted.

The National Policy of Empowerment of Women- A Critical Evaluation of Policies with Special Reference to Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2006

The simple logic about the status of women in India is “as women receive greater education and training, they will earn more money. As women earn more money they spend it in the further education and health of their children, as opposed to men. Women rise in economic status; they will gain greater social standing in the household and the village, and will have greater voice. As women gain influence and consciousness, they will make stronger claims to their entitlements - gaining further training, better access to credit and higher incomes - and command attention of police and courts when attacked. As women's economic power grows, it will be easier to overcome the tradition of "son preference" and thus put an end to the evil of dowry. As son preference declines and acceptance of violence declines, families will be more likely to educate their daughters” (Coonrod, 1998). In other words, the women need to be ‘empowered.’

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) - Description and Evaluation of the Rural Employment Policy in India

This paper provides a comprehensive analysis of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in India, tracing its origins from the National Food for Work Programme. The study explores the policy framework, objectives, and implementation of MGNREGA, emphasizing its role in addressing work and food shortages in Indian villages. The paper employs policy analysis and impact assessment methodologies, considering factors such as rural poverty, wealth distribution, and the need for inclusive economic growth. The evaluation covers key features of the policy, including the establishment of a National Employment Guarantee Fund, weekly wage payments, gender equality, and prohibition of contractors and labour-displacing machines. The impact assessment indicates positive outcomes in areas such as income, labour rates, food security, savings, debt clearance, confidence building, and reduced distress migration. The case study of Andhra Pradesh highlights the program's effectiveness, with an average employment of 53 days per household and an additional income of Rs.5100 during the 2010-11 period. The paper underscores MGNREGA's significance in achieving participatory and equitable growth, complementing market-oriented and infrastructure-related policies.

Role of MGNREGA in Sustainable Development: Environmental and Social Perspectives

The article examines the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), focusing on its environmental and social impacts for sustainable development in rural India. It highlights the importance of eco-friendly practices and empowerment of marginalized communities, while also identifying challenges and offering policy recommendations to enhance MGNREGA's environmental and social sustainability. Strategies for integrating these considerations into MGNREGA planning and implementation are discussed to ensure effective poverty alleviation and inclusive, sustainable development in rural areas. Further research is recommended to evaluate these strategies and address emerging challenges.

The role of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act on women empowerment in selected districts of West Bengal, India

The role of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act on women empowerment in selected districts of West Bengal, India

A Study on the Empowerment of Rural Women through Mgnres, Specifically Focusing on Sivakasi Block in Virudhunagar District

The main goal of the empowerment process is to alter the structure and course of institutional forces that, in a particular situation, marginalize women and other underprivileged groups. The MGNREGA is the first of its kind to guarantee wage employment to people living in rural areas, especially women. It has a favorable effect on women's employment and employment patterns in recent years. Promoting gender equality through wage employment, particularly for women, is the main goal of the "Women Employment" Act. This study explores how women are empowered culturally and economically in the study area through the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, with a particular focus on the 43 Gram panchayats in the Sivakasi block of Virdhunagar District.

Impact of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (Mnrega) on Poverty Alleviation Programme in Tiruvarur District of Tamilnadu, India

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) is a pivotal initiative aimed at bolstering the financial stability of rural households in India by ensuring a minimum of 100 days of guaranteed wage employment annually. This study, conducted in the Nannilam Block of Tiruvarur District, focuses on 110 rural poor beneficiaries to assess the impact of MNREGA. Findings reveal that a majority of beneficiaries experienced an increase in their annual income, leading to upward mobility in income brackets. Individual characteristics such as education, social engagement, land ownership, credit accessibility, information sources, interaction with MNREGA staff, scheme attitude, and beneficiary knowledge were identified as influential factors in the beneficiaries' improved annual income. Notably, over one-third of recipients advocate for collaborative efforts between local NGOs and community leaders to enhance awareness and promote the benefits of MNREGA within households. This underscores the need for comprehensive community engagement and support structures to maximize the effectiveness of MNREGA in uplifting rural economies.

Socio-Economic Impact of MGNREGA – A Paradigm shift with special reference to women senior citizens

Rural development has emerged as a significant concern for governments characterized by a substantial rural populace, prompting the implementation of diverse initiatives aimed at fostering the advancement of impoverished and marginalized individuals residing in rural regions. The significance of rural regions in the development of countries such as India requires little substantiation, as it is apparent from the strategic focus of government programmes that rural areas serve as catalysts for the nation's progress. These initiatives have been designed to harness the available resources for the purpose of improving the living conditions and overall well-being of the rural population. A considerable proportion of those experiencing poverty in India are mostly located in rural regions and heavily rely on wage labour as their primary means of sustenance. The government has consistently implemented various public works projects and social security measures in order to alleviate the hardships faced by individuals and improve their circumstances. The Act has been implemented nationwide to ensure the provision of job opportunities for rural communities, hence promoting sustainable livelihood support at the community level. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which was passed in 2005, is a groundbreaking piece of legislation aimed at providing a legal assurance of 100 days of employment to individuals living in rural areas who face limited capacity to bear risks, have poor creditworthiness to engage in self-employment endeavors, and exhibit a strong inclination towards wage labour. A random selection approach was used to choose a sample of 200 women senior citizen for inclusion in the research, so ensuring the attainment of representative findings.

An Analysis of Direct Changes by MGNREGS on the livelihoods of Dalit Women Beneficiaries in Northern Districts of Tamil Nadu

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is one of the largest social security scheme implemented in the world to ensure food and livelihood security to the marginalized sections of our country. The main objective of this scheme is to provide employment for a minimum of 100 days in a year to every family member willing to do unskilled manual labor in rural areas. The direct changes brought out by MGNREGS on the livelihoods of dalit women beneficiaries was found to be medium in this study. With regard to componentwise direct changes, medium level on total number of man days in a year, two persons being employed in a family, more than seven hours of daily working hours, daily wage rate of Rs. 200-Rs.300, with a medium level of migration after their participation in MGNREGA was reported in this study. Our policy planners at the national and state level, district administrators at the regional level and extension professionals at all levels need to be involved in strengthening this welfare scheme to achieve it’s desired objectives.

An Analysis of Direct Changes by MGNREGS on the livelihoods of Dalit Women Beneficiaries in Northern Districts of Tamil Nadu

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme is oneof the largest social security scheme implemented in the world to ensure foodand livelihood security to the marginalized sections of our country. The mainobjective of this scheme is to provide employment for a minimum of 100 days ina year to every family member willing to do unskilled manual labor in rural areas.The direct changes brought out by MGNREGS on the livelihoods of dalit womenbeneficiaries was found to be medium in this study. With regard to componentwisedirect changes, medium level on total number of man days in a year, twopersons being employed in a family, more than seven hours of daily workinghours, daily wage rate of Rs. 200-Rs.300, with a medium level of migration aftertheir participation in MGNREGA was reported in this study. Our policy plannersat the national and state level, district administrators at the regional level andextension professionals at all levels need to be involved in strengthening thiswelfare scheme to achieve it’s desired objectives.

Outcomes of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee act project in the Jhalawar district Rajasthan

Outcomes of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee act project in the Jhalawar district Rajasthan

Expanding Women’s Land Rights: Can MGNREGA Help?

Expanding women’s ownership of land has remained a challenge despite amendment to inheritance laws towards gender equality on account of gender bias, originating from entrenched patriarchy, hereditary customs and sociocultural norms. This may never change without political will and support from executive arms of related government departments, but innovative interventions may help. The article recommends one such measure drawing upon a multi-state evaluation study, wherein type and proportion of works completed on private lands under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) were examined with respect to land ownership of beneficiary household by gender. The study found inequality in terms of both number and type of works completed on land owned by women, which largely may be attributable to comparatively lower proportion of women having land in their name. The article advocates affirmative action with respect to MGNREGA works on private lands, which could be a proactive policy push towards expanding women’s land rights.

Social Audit of MGNREGA: A Path of Community Participation in Tribal Area of Himachal Pradesh

Social audit is a powerful tool for social change, community engagement, and government accountability. The technique of closely examining and assessing a program with community involvement while comparing government data with real-world experiences is known as social auditing. After the implementation of the social audit, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) implementing agency has become increasingly transparent and accountable in its functioning. The present research paper is an attempt to know the effectiveness of social audit mechanisms in enhancing transparency, ensuring accountability, and promoting community participation in the implementation of MGNREGA in the tribal development block Bharmaur in the Chamba district of Himachal Pradesh. The paper aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of social change, people participation, and transparency through social audit practices on the execution of MGNREGA work.

Farm Access Roads: The Low Cost Convergence Model for Doubling Farmers’ Income in India

"In agricultural sector, many policy reforms in India are introduced to achieve the target of doubling farmers’ income. Most of the recent studies and policy focuses on rural roads, while the critical part, which is still unaddressed, is the farm access roads (Pandan or Dhuri roads). We did a study in Amravati district of the Maharashtra state on the farm access roads. Farms are becoming inaccessible because of absence of proper road. Farmer are not able to take high value crops, scheduled farm operations are getting distorted and sometimes bringing the harvest from farms to home or market becomes difficult. In addition, owing to accessibility issues, farmers are not able to cultivate land, which result in low productivity and low income, especially small and marginal farmers, who are the majority, have no capacity to pay for or build farm roads. We recommend a convergence “farm road access model” implemented in Amravati district, dovetailing schemes of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee (MGNREGA), state funds and farmer’s contribution or Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) funds. The two types of roads under this model are as, low cost farm access road of ` 1,50,000 per kilometre and high cost road of ` 17,00,000 per kilometre. The impact of farm access roads is that farmers are able to get access to their land throughout the year and are able to do farm operations timely. Overall, it resulted in increase in farmers’ income by one third. Therefore, we strongly suggest replicating the Amravati farm access road (Har Khet ko Rasta) model across the nation."

Empowering Tribal Women Through MGNREGA: A Study of Keonjhar District of Odisha

Keonjhar district is the central integrated tribal district of Odisha. The tribal families in the Keonjhar district, particularly women, were concerned about financial security. In 2006, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) programme was initiated in the district during its first implementation stage across the country. The effective investment of the tribal people, particularly tribal women in the Keonjhar district. In the tribal area of Keonjhar district, the scheme has become a vital source of income. The system allowed women to earn money independently and find a good livelihood. It has achieved more significant financial freedom for tribal women. On the whole economic situation of the household has enhanced due to the participation in the programme.As a woman, she began to earn money and she was able to gain respect for tribal women and establish a new identity within the family. As a result, the scheme improved the livelihood opportunities for tribal women in the Keonjhar district of Odisha.