From Employment Guarantee to Empowerment: A Decadal Review of MGNREGS in Kerala

Authors: Joji Jacob

Country: India

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Abstract: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in Kerala, which has been in operation since 2006, is one of India’s most ambitious social protection and rural employment schemes. The paper analyses a decade of MGNREGS in Kerala, focusing on its role in generating employment, promoting gender inclusion, and supporting local government development. By examining secondary data collected from the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of Kerala’s evaluation reports, the paper finds that Kerala has been extraordinarily successful in social inclusion—especially women's participation—but has struggled to build durable assets and fully realise the 100-day employment guarantee. This experience illustrates the crucial significance of decentralised governance and social mobilisation for inclusive rural development.

Keywords: MGNREGS, Kerala economy, rural employment, decentralisation, women empowerment, inclusive growth.

Paper Id: 232797

Published On: 2017-09-08

Published In: Volume 5, Issue 5, September-October 2017

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