Impact of mahatma gandhi national rural employment guarantee act (MGNREGA) on the livelihood security among rural people: A study from kalahandi district of Odisha

Abstract

The aim of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is to enhance livelihood security of households in rural areas of the country by providing 100 days of manual wage employment annually to every household. The present study was designed to assess the impact of MGNREGA scheme on the livelihood of studied people. To get more insights of the research an empirical study was carried out among the selected sample in Kalahandi district of Odisha. First hand data was collected with the help of elaborate questionnaire schedules on socio-economic aspects through in-depth interviews. Outcome of the study reveals that the MGNREGA scheme had contributed significantly sustaining the lives of beneficiaries through enhancement of socio-economic status by creating valuable assets. The results of the study also found a significant impact of the MGNREGA scheme in terms of ensured food security and purchasing power.