Author: Subrata Malick
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03060031
Abstract: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, was a key governmental effort aimed at tackling rural poverty and unemployment in India. MGNREGA provides an essential safety net for people enduring financial difficulties by ensuring that every rural household has at least 100 days of wage employment each year. It is often been seen that the socioeconomic landscape in rural India is greatly influenced by patriarchal practices and conventions, which often marginalize women and overlook their contributions to agriculture. Women confront institutional barriers in owning land, obtaining credit, and participating in decision-making processes despite working alongside males in the fields. Unpaid childcare tasks further limit women’s economic empowerment, reducing them to inferior roles at home and in society. Gender exclusion stifles the potential for inclusive rural development while also perpetuating poverty cycles. In this setting, MGNREGA stands out as a source of hope, particularly for rural women. This research investigates the influence of MGNREGA on the socioeconomic condition and position of women in rural India. This study looks at how MGNREGA has helped women achieve economic empowerment, financial independence, and higher social standing. This study also explores ongoing concerns such as salary disparities, increased workload, and limited access to childcare services. Finally, this study intends to illustrate MGNREGA’s revolutionary potential in advancing gender equality and aiding the long-term development of rural women in India. The findings will help shape policy suggestions to make MGNREGA more effective in building an inclusive and equitable rural economy.
Keywords: Rural, Employment, Gender, Empowerment, Social, Economic, Women.
Page No: 268-272