Authors:
Anshu Gupta, Virendra Singh
Addresses:
Department of Art and Humanities, IIMT University, Meerut, Uttar Pradesh, India, anshugupta301@gmail.com, drvirendraraghuvanshi@gmail.com.
Abstract:
The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been a significant policy intervention in India, enhancing livelihood security and promoting socio-economic development in rural areas. This paper evaluates the impact of MGNREGA on the empowerment of women workers over the past five years. Utilizing a mixed-methods approach, the study combines quantitative data from government reports and surveys with qualitative insights from interviews and focus group discussions. The findings reveal that MGNREGA has contributed to women’s empowerment by enhancing their social status within communities, improving their economic stability, and increasing their participation in the workforce. However, the impact varies across regions, with disparities in access, wage parity, and work conditions. The paper identifies key factors influencing these variations, including local implementation practices, socio-cultural barriers, and community engagement. By highlighting both achievements and challenges, the study provides actionable recommendations for policy improvements and strategies to further strengthen the role of women in rural development. This comprehensive analysis underscores the importance of targeted interventions and continued support to maximize the benefits of MGNREGA for women workers and to foster sustainable empowerment in rural Uttar Pradesh.
Keywords: Impact of MGNREGA; Women’s Empowerment; Skills and Training; Economic Independence; Strengthened Community Networks; Legal and Social Awareness.
Received: 23/02/2024, Revised: 29/04/2024, Accepted: 11/06/2024, Published: 03/09/2024
AVE Trends in Intelligent Social Letters, 2024 Vol. 1 No. 3 , Pages: 123-134