• Smt. Vadla Nagarathnamma,
• Sri. Siva Krishna Sonti

India is predominantly rural, as per 2011 census, approximately 70 percent population live in rural areas. The Economic Survey 2022-23 notes that 65 per cent (2021 data) of the country’s population lives in the rural areas and 47 per cent of the population is dependent on agriculture for livelihood. Thus, the focus of the government on rural development is imperative. For India’s economic development, empowering rural communities and enhancing their contribution to Indian economy is a must. Empowering rural communities means helping people in rural areas gain control over their lives and communities. This can lead to better livelihoods, more resilience, and sustainable growth. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a scheme that guarantees 100 days of employment to rural households in India. The scheme was passed in 2005 to improve the livelihood of people in rural areas. This paper evaluates the impact of MGNAREGA in reducing the rural poverty in India in general and in the state of Andhra Pradesh in particular.

Rural Communities, Rural Development, Rural Empowerment, Rural Employment, MGNAREGA, Migration, Agriculture distress, Poverty

"Empowering Rural Communities: Impact of MGNAREGA in Rural Employment Generation", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.276-282, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGU06053.pdf

"Empowering Rural Communities: Impact of MGNAREGA in Rural Employment Generation", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. pp276-282, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGU06053.pdf