National Rural Employment Guarantee Research Articles

The Politics of Social Policy Implementation: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and Uneven Development in India

Since the onset of the twenty-first century, India has initiated various social welfare programs to provide social protection for the people who have been marginalized from the formal social safety net. Since 2005, legislation has granted a series of social rights to marginalized rural households. Among these rights-based welfare programs, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) stands out as the flagship initiative of India’s new welfare system. It has targeted marginalized informal rural households, who have not enjoyed the fruits of the social safety net, by formally granting them the right to employment. It has also incorporated new governance ideas such as a demand-driven approach, decentralized implementation, and social audit to increase accountability and transparency. The MGNREGA has emerged as the largest social welfare scheme in terms of budget allocation and coverage, yielding positive outcomes such as increased beneficiary incomes, advancement of gender equality, and creation of assets in rural areas. Nonetheless, despite the expansion of the MGNREGA all over India, policy outcomes have been uneven between the states in terms of participation rates, the relationship between poverty level and participation, and cumulative average person-days per household. This prompts the question: why does the MGNREGA produce superior policy outcomes in certain states but not in others? By delving into the politics surrounding policy implementation at the local level, this paper argues that the degree of goal congruence between policy implementers shapes divergent policy outcomes.

Addressing Rural Poverty, Efficacy of MGNREGA and Migration Against Agricultural Productivity: Case of Kalahandi, India

ABSTRACT Poverty remains a major challenge for the countries of the global south. Decent employment opportunity, a crucial determinant of poverty reduction, is increasingly becoming elusive for those countries regardless of a decent rate of economic growth. There is a growing separation of economic growth and employment growth under the aegis of neo-liberal economic policies. Economic growth, instead of becoming inclusive, turns out to be “jobless” or “job loss.” Failing to reverse this trend, “Active Labour Market Policies” (ALMPs) in the form of “Public Works Programmes” (PWPs) have emerged as a major strategy to reduce unemployment and poverty. Secondly, rural–urban migration is very much relied upon for the same. Raising agricultural productivity, a crucial question of “agrarian transition,” well evident and verified across the globe, is, however, becoming oblivion in the fight against poverty. In this context, based on a primary survey of 300 households in the poorest regions of India, this paper endeavors to investigate the relative strength of MGNREGA (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act), rural–urban migration, and land productivity on poverty. The study suggests that an agrarian-centric intervention is more effective in dealing with poverty as compared to MGNREGA (ALMPs) and migration.

Socio-economic Profile of the Beneficiaries of MGNREGA: A Study on the MGNREGA in the Nalanda District of Bihar

Background: Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, was notified by Ministry of rural development, GOI in September, 2005. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is the first statute in the history of India empowering rural India with the power of work. The present study aims to analyse socio-economic profile of the beneficiaries of MGNREGA: A study on the MGNREGA in Nalanda district of Bihar. Methods: In this research during the year 2022-2023. Nalanda district in Bihar is selected for the study. Hilsa block for the study since it contains the greatest number of MGNREGA beneficiaries. Six villages in total were purposefully chosen for the study. A random sample of 120 respondents was obtained. Pre-structured interview schedules were used to gather the data and relevant statistical analysis was carried out to determine the significant findings. Result: The findings of the study shows that the majority of respondents 42.50 percent belong to the middle age group; the majority of respondents 46.67 per cent were illiterate; the majority 47.50 per cent belonged to the schedule class caste; the majority 53.34 per cent held land holdings of less than one acre; the majority 39.17 per cent worked alone as their primary occupation; forty per cent had low annual incomes; the majority 50.83 per cent had a family of medium size; the majority 43.33 per cent were involved in social activities; the majority 48.33 per cent had medium-level social participation and most (47.50%) of the respondents were having medium level of extension contacts.

Contentious politics of welfare in rural India: The interplay between the Maoist insurgency and the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act

This paper examines whether the Indian government used the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) to counter the radical mobilization of rural poor by the Maoist Naxalite movement. Employing an original district-level dataset from 2006 to 2014 and the GLOCON database on political events, it adopts a quasi-experimental method to analyze the strategy's effectiveness. The findings suggest that the government targeted districts with higher rural mobilization using NREGA as a counter-insurgency tool. However, the Naxalites effectively countered this strategy. Analysis of journals from the factions Liberation and People's March shows that the Naxalites actively claimed benefits under NREGA, transforming it from a containment tool to a governmental concession. This study concludes that the government's strategy was unsuccessful due to the effective counter-strategy by the Naxalites.

AN ANALYSIS OF POVERTY ALLEVIATION PROGRAMMES IN THE POST-REFORM PERIOD IN HARYANA

In 1991, India embarked on a journey of economic liberalization that introduced sweeping changes to its economic policies, aimed at integrating the Indian economy with the global market. These changes included deregulation, privatization of various sectors, and an opening up to foreign investments, leading to significant economic growth. However, the distribution of benefits from these reforms was uneven across different regions and demographics. Haryana, in response to the rapid industrial growth and resultant challenges, implemented a series of state and central government programs to alleviate poverty and improve social welfare. These initiatives, such as the Public Distribution System (PDS), Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), and Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana (PMAY), aimed at enhancing social security, employment opportunities, and living conditions. Despite notable successes, these programs faced challenges such as corruption, inefficiency, and a lack of accessibility, highlighting the complex dynamics of policy implementation in diverse settings. Keywords: Economic Liberalization, Poverty Alleviation, Public Distribution System, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana.

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.

Study of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in Saraipali area

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS), a landmark social welfare program launched by the Government of India in 2005, represents a significant initiative aimed at reducing rural poverty and promoting sustainable development across the country. Rooted in Gandhian philosophy and principles of social justice, MNREGA embodies a commitment to provide guaranteed employment opportunities to rural households, thereby improving their economic well-being and contributing to the overall development of rural communities. This study is important as it will provide empirical insight into the grassroots impact of MGNREGA in a specific rural context. By exploring the strengths, weaknesses and possibilities for improvement of the scheme within the Saraipali assembly constituency, the findings of this thesis can inform policy decisions and program adjustments at the local, regional and national levels.

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.