Women Empowerment Through MGNREGA: Evidence from Rajasthan

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) stands as one of India’s most ambitious social welfare programs, aimed at addressing rural unemployment and poverty. Beyond its economic objectives, MGNREGA has also emerged as a catalyst for women’s empowerment in rural areas. This paper reviews existing literature on the impact of MGNREGA on women’s empowerment in the context of Rajasthan, one of India’s largest and most populous states. It explores the multifaceted dimensions of empowerment, including economic, social, and political aspects. Furthermore, the paper highlights the challenges and limitations faced in the implementation of MGNREGA. In conclusion, this review underscores the transformative potential of MGNREGA in empowering women in Rajasthan, while emphasizing the importance of addressing the program’s shortcomings to ensure that its benefits are equitably distributed among all beneficiaries.