IMPACT OF MGNREGA ON RURAL LIVELIHOOD AND INFRASTRUCTURE: AN ANALYTICAL STUDY IN NORTH EAST INDIA

Abstract

The idea of three tier system of local self-government is immensely beneficial from the view point of decentralization of power as well as resource allocation from Centre to Periphery. On account lack of studies on the main theme of the paper, a modest attempt has been taken to investigate the functioning of local self-government in implementation of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in the perspective of rural economy of north eastern states of India in a time period of seven years from 2013-14 to 2019-20. The main objectives of the study are to investigate the status of mandatory 100 days wage employment of rural workers and resultant Per Capita income generation over the time period stated. Moreover, this study also aims at analyzing the status and growth rate of success stories of basic infrastructure facilities under the scheme implemented by local self-government. The findings of the study indicates that, among the north eastern states, Meghalaya occupies the most dominant position in terms of providing 100 days wage employment to rural workers. Except Assam, Mizoram and Tripura, this status is very unsatisfactory for other states. However, Assam is in the topmost position of developing highest number of rural road connectivity and Mizoram enjoys the highest level of per capita income derived from such scheme. The study concludes with relevant recommendations and policy suggestions in order to attain more development of rural north eastern states of India.

Keywords: Local Self Government, MGNREGA, Per Capita Income, Rural Infrastructure,    

Wage Employment