Problems of Women Labour Under MGNREGS - A Comparative Study with Special Reference to Women Labour in Agriculture

The women's contribution to family and society is highly significant as they are regarded as the nation builders. The women labour especially under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) is in the lime light in the recent past especially in the globalized era. The rural women labour earlier used to depend heavily on agriculture for employment, and now they are shifting their trend towards MGNREG Scheme. The various provisions under MGNREG scheme has excelled their preference to work. The past 5 years have significantly witnessed the trend in employment especially in rural areas with reference to women labour. The changing gender composition of agricultural wage labour and in MGNREG Scheme has brought a clear picture that the proportion of women is increasing considerably. But, the women problems especially in both areas have not been recognized properly. The quantum of work, leisure hours and special provisions for women in extreme cases were not been fulfilled. Though there is a considerable change in the wage pattern, the basic amenities are still unsolved problems. In view of these issues, the present paper will provide complete field based observations on women labour both under MGNREG Scheme and as well as for the women agricultural labourers. The study will brought a clear picture on the various problems faced by the women labour especially in both areas with special consideration on the quantum of works and other amenities provided. The study is conducted in the select villages of Warangal and Karimnagar Districts of North Telangana Region in the state of Andhra Pradesh. The study mainly focuses on analyzing the various similarities and special observations on the problems faced by the women labour in MGNREG Scheme and as well as in agriculture field. Further, the study also provide a base for critically examine the gender equity issues in wage pattern, quantum of work and special benefits received by the women labour in both the cases.