Author: Subrata Malick & Dr. Seema Rani
DOI Link: https://doi.org/10.70798/Bijmrd/03020008
Abstract: Food security and women’s empowerment are two interconnected challenges that continue to shape socio-economic landscapes in rural India. While food insecurity stems from unstable livelihoods, underemployment, and inadequate resources, gender inequality manifests in limited access to economic opportunities and exclusion from household decision-making processes. Addressing these issues requires systemic interventions that balance inclusivity with sustainability. This paper critically reviews the role of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) as a policy tool aimed at addressing these urgent issues. Through guaranteed rural employment and women’s work participation, MGNREGA gives a raise to household food security while promoting gender balance. However, this paper explores a theoretical critique of empowerment, arguing that empowerment initiatives risk reinforcing perceptions of inferiority when framed as remedial measures for marginalized groups. Instead, MGNREGA differentiates itself by offering equal opportunities for economic participation, fostering a sense of autonomy and agency.
The paper examines gaps between the intended policy and actual ground realities with issues of delay in payments, administrative ineffectiveness, and persistence of patriarchal structures limiting women’s true empowerment. On the basis of a literature review and empirical study review, the paper argues that despite MGNREGA as being an important intervention towards solving issues of food insecurity and gender-based inequality, societal will remains at the helm for the eventual successful implementation of MGNREGA. The results highlight the need for policy synergy and grassroots-level reforms to achieve sustainable development outcomes.
Keywords: empowerment, food security, marginalized, equality
Page No: 55-61