A Case Study on Sustainable Development and Service Provision: The Effect of Digital Transformation on the Implementation of MGNREGA and Social Security in Krishnagiri District, Tamil Nadu, India

Abstract

Through providing rural families 100 days of guaranteed paid work per year, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural work Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), which was established in 2005, seeks to alleviate rural poverty while advancing social security & sustainable development. This article examines the MGNREGA implementation in Tamil Nadu, emphasising resource regeneration, asset-based development, and stable incomes for marginalised people. Case studies carried out in the Krishnagiri District indicate that resources such as irrigation wells, compost tanks, and orchards help users become self-sustaining and diversify their revenue streams, which lessens their reliance on wage labour. Digital technology adoption has the ability to increase resource allocation efficiency, decrease delays, and improve transparency. Examples of these technologies include digital payment systems, geographic mapping tools, and mobile apps for attendance tracking. Nevertheless, delays, ineffective administrative processes, and a shortage of qualified staff restrict the initiative's efficacy despite its promise. It is advised to increase community awareness, hire capable administrators, and set up reliable digital monitoring and auditing mechanisms in order to solve these issues. The social security benefits of MGNREGA are clear, but in order to maximise its effectiveness in fostering rural resilience and lowering poverty, a redesigned implementation strategy that incorporates digital transformation is essential.