A Study on the Impact of Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (Mgnrega) in Madurai District

Abstract

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was one of India's major rural employment and livelihood-security programmes. It provided a statutory framework for wage employment to rural households and aimed to strengthen livelihood security, create durable rural assets, improve natural resources and promote social inclusion. The present study examines the impact of MGNREGA on the rural labour market, agricultural activities, employment opportunities and asset creation in Madurai District, Tamil Nadu. Particular reference is made to Usilampatti Taluk, where a published study surveyed 60 respondents using simple random sampling and personal interviews. The study used percentage analysis to examine the impact of MGNREGA on farming communities and rural labour markets. The findings reported that MGNREGA contributed to increases in agricultural labour wages, reduced seasonal migration, provided alternative employment during the agricultural lean season and contributed to rural asset creation. The study also found that the programme affected small and marginal farmers through changes in labour costs and availability. Broader research has identified associations between MGNREGA employment and women's economic empowerment and household decision-making. The study concludes that MGNREGA played an important role in rural employment and livelihood security in the Madurai region, although its effects on agriculture and labour markets were mixed.