Public Policy Analysis of MGNREGA Successes, Failures, and the Way Forward

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a landmark public policy initiative aimed at ensuring livelihood security in rural India by providing at least 100 days of wage employment to unskilled labourers. Over the years, MGNREGA has contributed significantly to poverty reduction, rural infrastructure development, and social inclusion. However, the policy has also faced challenges such as delayed wage payments, corruption, bureaucratic inefficiencies, and fund mismanagement. This study conducts a critical analysis of MGNREGA’s successes, failures, and future prospects, drawing insights from policy reports and academic research. While the program has been instrumental in enhancing rural employment and empowering marginalized communities, structural weaknesses in its governance and implementation hinder its full potential. By examining key policy evaluations, including those by Dreze and Khera (2009), this paper suggests strengthening digital governance, improving financial transparency, and fostering greater community participation as key measures to enhance MGNREGA’s effectiveness. The findings contribute to the broader discourse on public policy effectiveness, rural development, and social security in India. Keywords: MGNREGA, Public Policy, Rural Employment, Governance, Social Security