• GAYATHRI T.D.A
• Dr.SHIVAKUMARASWAMY

This study examines the socio-economic benefits of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) for rural households in Chikkamagaluru district, Karnataka. As a major employment guarantee scheme, MGNREGA aims to provide 100 days of wage employment annually while enhancing infrastructure. The research assesses its impact on employment, income, poverty reduction, and social empowerment using a mixed-methods approach. Findings show that MGNREGA has significantly boosted employment and income stability, particularly for marginalized groups. However, issues like wage delays, corruption, and inadequate facilities limit its effectiveness. The study also highlights its role in empowering women and improving rural infrastructure, offering policy recommendations and directions for future research.

Socio-economic benefits, rural development, employment generation, Chikkamagaluru, poverty alleviation, women’s empowerment, infrastructure development, public works, wage employment.

"Evaluating the Socio-Economic Benefits of MGNREGA for Rural Households: Insights from Chikkamagaluru District", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 10, page no.c265-c285, October-2024, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2410329.pdf

"Evaluating the Socio-Economic Benefits of MGNREGA for Rural Households: Insights from Chikkamagaluru District", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.11, Issue 10, page no. ppc265-c285, October-2024, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIR2410329.pdf