Impact of MGNREGA on Women’s Social Mobility : A Study of Rural Punjab

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act wasinitated by Government of India to provide employment opportunities at village level. This scheme specially focused on women employment opportunities and providing them employment within village periphery. The present study explores the impact of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on women’s social mobility in rural Punjab. For this, primary data from 320 respondents, equally divided between MGNREGA and non-MGNREGA participants were collected. In-depth interviews were conducted to analyze social mobility, employment security, and access to essential resources among women workers. The results revealed notable improvements in women’s autonomy and social participation due to MGNREGA. However, participation in activities as village gatherings and school meetings remained predominantly collective across both groups, highlighting persistent cultural norms. Employment opportunities and infrastructure under MGNREGA were significantly better. There is a need in promoting social and economic empowerment for women, though entrenched societal barriers and infrastructural limitations remained areas for further improvement.