Status of MGNREGA Workers in Rural Areas: A Case Study of Bhaderwah Tehsil

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), enacted in 2005, is a flagship poverty alleviation program by the Government of India aimed at enhancing livelihood security in rural areas by guaranteeing 100 days of wage employment per year to every rural household. Initially implemented in 200 districts, MGNREGA expanded nationwide, excluding fully urban districts, by April 2008. The program focuses on works related to water conservation, afforestation, irrigation, land development, and rural connectivity. This study assesses the impact of MGNREGA in Jammu and Kashmir (J&K), focusing on awareness, job card issuance, and the program's role in rural upliftment. J&K, a state with a significant rural population, introduced MGNREGA in 2006 and now implements it across all districts. Primary data were collected through surveys of 60 MGNREGA job card holders in three villages, supplemented by secondary demographic data. The findings reveal age, gender, educational distribution, and religious affiliation among respondents, with a notable participation gap between male and female workers. The majority of respondents were aware of the program through Gram Panchayats. Issues such as delays in job card issuance and work allocation were highlighted. The study emphasizes the need for better communication, timely work provision, and skill development to enhance the program's effectiveness. The results contribute to understanding MGNREGA’s implementation challenges and its impact on rural development in J&K.