Impact of MGNREGA among the livelihoods of rural people

Abstract

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a flagship rural employment scheme aimed at enhancing livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment annually to unskilled manual workers. This study was undertaken to evaluate the impact of MGNREGA on the livelihoods of rural households in three selected villages—Angalakurichi, Arasur, and Kottur—under Annamalai block of Coimbatore district, Tamil Nadu. A total of 120 beneficiaries were selected using stratified random sampling, and data were collected through a structured interview schedule. The study employed statistical tools such as percentage analysis, mean, standard deviation, paired sample t-test, and Garrett ranking technique to analyze the data. The findings revealed that MGNREGA provided an average of 78.2 days of employment per year, with an average wage of ?272 per day, resulting in an annual income of ?21,270. The scheme led to a statistically significant increase in household income (p < 0.01), improving access to food, education, and healthcare. Furthermore, women participants reported enhanced financial independence and decision-making ability, indicating a positive role of MGNREGA in women empowerment. However, major constraints identified included delays in wage payments, limited availability of work, and lack of awareness about entitlements. The study concludes that MGNREGA plays a pivotal role in improving rural livelihoods, but effective implementation and timely payments are essential to realize its full potential.