ANALYSIS OF THE GENDER AND SOCIAL EQUITY IMPACTS OF MGNREGA ON RURAL HOUSEHOLDS

Abstract

This study analyses the gender and social equity impacts of MGNREGA on rural households, using a mixed-methods approach that combines quantitative data from official sources and qualitative data from field interviews. The study examines how MGNREGA affects the participation, empowerment, income, and well-being of women and marginalized groups such as Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs) in rural areas. The study also explores the challenges and opportunities for enhancing the gender and social equity outcomes of MGNREGA, such as improving the implementation, monitoring, and evaluation of the program, ensuring the quality  sustainability of the works, and promoting the convergence and complementarity of MGNREGA with other rural development schemes. The study finds that MGNREGA has positive effects on the gender and social equity dimensions of rural development, by providing employment opportunities, income security, social protection, and asset creation for women and marginalized groups. However, the study also identifies some gaps and limitations in the design and delivery of MGNREGA, such as low awareness and demand for work, inadequate wage rates and payment delays, gender and social discrimination and harassment, lack of skill development and diversification of works, and weak institutional mechanisms and accountability. The study suggests some policy recommendations to address these issues and enhance the gender and social equity impacts of MGNREGA on rural households.

Keywords: Gender issues, Sustainability, Employment, Rural Development, Women Empowerment