• Dr. T. Madanna

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a flagship program of the Indian government aimed at providing guaranteed employment to rural households. Launched in 2006, the scheme has been instrumental in providing a safety net for the rural poor, promoting livelihood security, and fostering inclusive growth. This study examines the impact of MGNREGA on rural employment and poverty alleviation in India. To assess the impact of MGNREGA on rural employment generation, evaluate the effectiveness of MGNREGA in reducing poverty and inequality in rural India, and identify the challenges and limitations of MGNREGA implementation. A mixed-methods approach was employed, combining quantitative data from the National Sample Survey Organisation (NSSO) with qualitative insights from focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with MGNREGA beneficiaries. MGNREGA has had a positive impact on rural employment generation, with a significant increase in employment opportunities for rural households. The scheme has been effective in reducing poverty and inequality in rural India, particularly among marginalized groups. However, challenges persist, including corruption, delayed wage payments, and inadequate work availability. This study highlights the critical role of MGNREGA in promoting rural employment and poverty alleviation in India. While challenges remain, the scheme's impact on the lives of rural households is undeniable. Policymakers should prioritize efforts to strengthen MGNREGA implementation, address corruption, and improve wage payment systems to enhance the scheme's effectiveness. MGNREGA, rural employment, poverty alleviation, India, social protection, mixed-methods research, livelihood security, inclusive growth.

MGNREGA, rural employment, poverty alleviation, India, social protection, mixed-methods research, livelihood security, inclusive growth

"A Study on the Impact of MGNREGA on Rural Employment and Poverty Alleviation in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no.394-398, March-2025, Available :http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGU06076.pdf

"A Study on the Impact of MGNREGA on Rural Employment and Poverty Alleviation in India", International Journal of Emerging Technologies and Innovative Research (www.jetir.org | UGC and issn Approved), ISSN:2349-5162, Vol.12, Issue 3, page no. pp394-398, March-2025, Available at : http://www.jetir.org/papers/JETIRGU06076.pdf