Mahatma Gandhi countrywide Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MNREGA) passed in 2005 has been a large legislation in India, it goals to offer at the least a hundred days of unskilled wage-employment in a economic 12 months to each rural household. This scheme is distinctive in its scope, that is pretty one of a kind from previous schemes that typically centered on coins transfers or subsidies. The program under MNREGA focuses on generating long lasting basis infrastructures and improvise economic and social basis infrastructures in rural areas to generate sustainable development.

Another significant move as compared to the earlier policies is that MNREGA was based on participatory governance and emphasized transparency and accountability. It makes gram sabhas (village councils) responsible for planning and monitoring, ensuring the local community’s needs and priorities are addressed. The scheme also incorporates social audit and grievance redressal mechanisms, which were lacking in previous programs.

A look at MNREGA’s impact in the state of Uttarakhand is mixed. Though the scheme has helped rural households find a way out of never-ending unemployment, it has not been without its share of challenges. Stalled fund disbursement and wage delays have inhibited participation, which is one of the main difficulties. Additionally, due to poor quality assets created under the scheme, that have limited long term benefits. Facilitating such participatory and transparent mechanisms as contemplated in the act has also been a trouble area with gram sabhas not being effectively engaged in the planning process.

Despite these challenges, MNREGA has made significant strides in Uttarakhand by providing a safety net for vulnerable populations and improving rural infrastructure (to an extent). To fully realize its objectives, however, the state must address administrative inefficiencies and enhance community participation and the quality of work to be done under the scheme.