Engendering Development through MGNREGS: A Study of Women Workers in the States of UP, AP, Karnataka and Maharashtra

Introduction

This study examines the impact of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on rural women in the states of Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. It adopts a broad perspective of development, encompassing not only economic benefits but also social transformation, gender development, and women’s empowerment. Building on a previous phase conducted in Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan, and Himachal Pradesh, this phase extends the analysis to understand wider social and community-level outcomes. The study recognizes that empowerment is a multi-dimensional process involving increased agency, participation, and access to resources. By focusing on both individual and collective impacts, the research seeks to evaluate how MGNREGA contributes to improving the status, decision-making power, and overall well-being of rural women.

Objectives

• To assess the impact of MGNREGA on rural women’s development and empowerment
• To analyze gender-related changes resulting from participation in MGNREGA
• To examine social and community-level effects of the programme
• To build upon findings from the first phase of the study
• To understand changes in women’s participation, agency, and access to resources

Methodology and Coverage

The study follows a comparative and analytical approach, covering four states—Uttar Pradesh, Maharashtra, Andhra Pradesh, and Karnataka. It builds upon insights from an earlier phase conducted in other states, enabling cross-regional comparisons. The methodology likely includes both quantitative and qualitative techniques to capture diverse dimensions of empowerment. Data collection may involve household surveys, interviews, and community-level discussions to understand women’s participation in MGNREGA and its outcomes. The study focuses on multiple aspects such as employment access, wage earnings, decision-making power, and social participation. It also explores community-level changes, including shifts in gender norms and collective action. This comprehensive coverage allows for an in-depth understanding of both individual and broader societal impacts of the programme.

Findings

• MGNREGA contributed to enhanced economic independence of rural women
• Increased participation of women in wage employment
• Improvement in women’s decision-making power within households
• Positive changes in gender relations and social status
• Strengthening of women’s role in community-level activities
• Greater awareness of rights and entitlements among women
• Variation in impact across states depending on implementation
• Programme fostered both individual empowerment and collective social change