Impact of MGNREGS on migration and emancipation of women in India

MGNREGS was a major flagship programmed of the UPA government passed in parliament in 2005. Initially it was implemented in 200 selected backward districts. But later by 2008, it was extended throughout the country. It is a historic legislation enacted since independence, guarantying rural employment and “right to work” as an enforceable legal entitlement in a rural milieu marked by stark inequalities, created opportunities for gainful social inclusion. According to Indian government's 2001 Census report rural India constitutes 72% of Indian population, of which around 33% population is under the poverty line. If India has to realize the promised growth and development, then it is imperative that this multitude of people be able to earn their livelihood in a sustainable way. This is the very objective with which NREGA was passed with a goal to provide 100 days of employment to unskilled rural laborer and with the help of that create sustainable community assets. But while providing employment priority shall be given to women in such a way that at least one-third beneficiaries shall be women and there is gender parity of wages. This is certainly revolutionary in this context in comparison with all the previous schemes and also with others sectors. By providing an employment opportunity for women at legally ensured minimum wage in the village MGNREGS can play an important role in socially and economically empowering women and laying the basis for greater independence and self- esteem. This is clearly demonstrated with the substantially increasing participation of women in MGNREGS over the years. Thus MGNREGS has certainly become an effective instrument in arresting the problem of out migration of women. The participation of backward caste population is also high in MGNREGS. Therefore MGNREGS is certainly a socially inclusive scheme in nature.