Published Paper Details:

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) has been a key initiative in improving the socio-economic well-being of rural households by providing guaranteed employment. Despite its widespread success, there is a need to assess its long-term impact on rural life, particularly in terms of health, self-respect, purchasing power for durable goods, expenditure on social ceremonies, and access to essential groceries. This study evaluates the impact of MGNREGS on these aspects over a decade of its implementation. Based on primary data collected from 660 MGNREGS beneficiaries across 12 villages in Mangalagiri Mandal, Guntur District, Andhra Pradesh, the study reveals that the scheme has significantly enhanced the sense of self-respect, access to food security, and improved health outcomes for rural households. However, its impact on purchasing durable goods and expenditures on social ceremonies was less pronounced. The study highlights the importance of refining MGNREGS to include skill-oriented employment opportunities, improve health infrastructure, and provide financial literacy programs to maximize its socio-economic impact. These findings suggest that a focused approach on sustainable livelihoods and equitable access can further strengthen the program's role in rural development.