Published Paper Details:

This research examines the employment status of Scheduled Caste households within the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) from 2014-15 to 2022-23, focusing on key indicators such as job card issuance, employment, persondays generated, and completion of 100 days of employment. Analyzing secondary data from the MGNREGS website, the study reveals nuanced trends, including an increasing trend in absolute job card numbers but a declining percentage, signaling a potential demographic shift. While employment for Scheduled Caste households displayed consistent growth until 2020-21, subsequent years saw a significant decline, suggesting program volatility. Fluctuating patterns in persondays generated and completion of 100 days of employment highlight active participation but with variability. The findings underscore the need for ongoing monitoring, evaluation, and targeted interventions to ensure equitable and sustained benefits for Scheduled Caste communities within the MGNREGS framework.