Understanding and Exploration of Challenges Faced by MGNREGA Beneficiaries in Samastipur District of Bihar

Author: Shaloo Pal, Satya Prakash, Shipra Kumari and Sradha Kumari

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Abstract

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act stands as the most extensive initiative for rights-based social protection, ensuring fundamental income security for a significant number of recipients. In this capacity, the program holds a prominent position in the endeavours of the Indian government, as it legally guarantees employment opportunities for each rural household annually. The study aims to assess the challenges encountered by the MGNREGA beneficiaries, during the working period. The study was carried out over 120 respondents in Samastipur district of Bihar under the Pusa block to find out the constraints faced by MGNREGA beneficiaries and their suggestion. The constraints are categorised in four items. (i) Social constraints, (ii) Psychological constraints (iii) Institutional constraints and (iv) Cultural constraints. Finding of the major constraints under the following component is Gender disparity, social stigma, Lack of adequate facility at work site, Lack of decision -making power and its mean value is 67.75, 65.79, 67.75, 61.79, respectively. The MGNREGA Scheme (Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment) Guarantee Act Beneficiaries ‘often have a valuable suggestion to improve the program as increasing the number of employment days, ensure timely wage payments, Enhance the transparency in the allocation of work and fund utilization, Provide more employment opportunities, Focus on Women Participation and Conduct an awareness campaign. These are some general suggestions, and specific feedback may vary based on the need and priorities of individual beneficiaries. Examining the challenges associated with the impact of the MGNREGA Scheme on rural women revealed hurdles such as accessibility, gender-specific constraints, and implementation issues. However, it is crucial to acknowledge the scheme's significant contribution in enhancing livelihoods, empowering women, and fostering socio-economic development in rural areas.

Keywords

MGNREGA Scheme, Social constraints, Institutional constraints

Conclusion

On the basis of above finding the study revealed that there is a need to Propose policy recommendations to enhance the effectiveness of MGNREGA Scheme considering potential modifications to program design, implementation strategies, and coordination with other rural development initiatives. As an outcome, there is a need to focus the effectiveness of institutions interms of workplace atmosphere and to provide necessary amenities for women at work in order to promote a positive mindset towards the MGNREGA Scheme.

References

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How to cite this article

Shaloo Pal, Satya Prakash, Shipra Kumari and Sradha Kumari (2024). Understanding and Exploration of Challenges Faced by MGNREGA Beneficiaries in Samastipur District of Bihar. Biological Forum – An International Journal, 16(1): 68-71.