MGNREGA and Rural Social Stratification: An Analysis of Income Security and Inclusion Dynamics Among Marginalized Communities in Rural India

Abstract

The author articles, Provides a Comprehensive analysis on how MGNREGA contributed to Household Income and Social Inclusion among the Rural population groups of India. The data used for assessing the contribution, includes data found in various Labour Bureau data sets, Government census records, MGNREGA data from the MGNREGA Management Information System (MIS), and Housing Residents Standard Living Survey, etc. The author synthesizes previous, current, and future findings of evaluation studies conducted on MGNREGA to aid in determining how MGNREGA has supported Livelihood Security and to what extent MGNREGA has increased job opportunities, especially for Marginalized Communities and Gendered, Employment. The results of the analysis conducted show that MGNREGA has increased the stability of Rural Household Income through increased Consumption Levels and Food Security, particularly during periods of low Agricultural Production or "Lean Season". Additional groups that have benefitted from MGNREGA, including Women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes, now have increased availability of Job Opportunities. Nevertheless, there are still several limitations that hinder the ability of Marginalized Community Members to fully participate in MGNREGA due to the Impact of Structural Barriers and Delays associated with Payment Administration. Further, the disparity of Regional Differences between the States in terms of Governance and Administrative Capacity to Effectively Implement MGNREGA is considerable. This analysis concludes that MGNREGA represents a Valuable Source of Support for protecting the Welfare of Rural Families. However, if we want to improve Welfare and Inclusion across all Rural Families, addressing the delays in Wage Payment, as well as increasing Administrative Efficiency within MGNREGA, must be priorities.
Keywords:MGNREGA; Rural Income; Social Inclusion; Women’s Participation; SC/ST Employment