Livelihood Security, Poverty Alleviation, Women Empowerment under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in West Bengal
Abstract
Livelihood Security of people, in general, and socially and economically disadvantaged sections of the society, in particular, is the serious most challenging task before the developing countries from Asia, Africa and Latin America. The present study attempts to examine the livelihood security, poverty alleviation, women empowerment and socio-economic changes in the lives of the people in the households involved in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act sponsored activities. The study is based on a sample of randomly selected 300 respondents from the 3 blocks of the Bankura district which is declared as one of the best performing districts in the entire state of West Bengal. The findings of the study reveal that there is a positive change in respect to livelihood security, poverty alleviation, women empowerment and living conditions of people. The guaranteed 100 days employment in a financial year enabling households to have direct access to basic economic resource (employment) has not only resulted in people’s livelihood security, poverty alleviation, and women empowerment but has also improved their living conditions in general on account of their enhanced income and expenditure. However, the full benefits of the scheme are still elusive for corrupt practices, people’s ignorance, illiteracy, submissiveness and deeply grounded normative social structure of the society. These may be effectively addressed by ‘people-centric’ approach in place of government’s
‘politico-administrative’ approach, and by devolving power to prepare and implement projects in the hands of the people, and by offering technical support from outside. Further, in order to ensure success of the programme, an educative campaign, in general, and an awareness programme, in particular, ought to precede the launch of the project.
Key words: livelihood security, women empowerment, Panchayat functionaries, corrupt practices, people’s involvement.
