For many women in southern Rajasthan, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) was not merely a source of income—it was a vital channel for community engagement, collective action, and local accountability. Now, as the scheme comes to an end, these women face the loss of far more than just work.
- MGNREGA was a platform for women’s collective voices in village governance.
- The program helped women hold local officials accountable against corruption.
- Worksites were also important social spaces for sharing and support.
What happened
In southern Rajasthan, many households depend heavily on women’s labor as male family members migrate in search of work. MGNREGA provided jobs to thousands of women through their local village panchayats, offering a secure source of income and daily work opportunities. However, the scheme’s recent closure threatens this vital support system for women and their families in the region.
Beyond employment, the process of applying for and receiving MGNREGA work empowered women to engage with local officials like the panchayat secretary and the sarpanch. Over time, women learned to collectively demand accountability, such as when they protested illegal application fees and secured refunds, demonstrating their growing influence and resilience.
Why it feels good
MGNREGA was more than a wage scheme—it was a gateway for women to step out of traditional boundaries and actively participate in their communities. The collective nature of their engagement allowed women to overcome hesitations about interacting with government officials and strengthened their confidence in asserting their rights.
The worksite under MGNREGA became a meaningful space for social connection and mutual support. Women shared stories, concerns, and encouragement amid their labor, turning daily work into a forum for companionship and solidarity. This blending of economic and social empowerment greatly enhanced their well-being and community bonds.
What to enjoy or watch next
Going forward, it will be important to monitor how the closure of MGNREGA affects women’s economic security and their role in local governance in Rajasthan. Alternative programs or initiatives might emerge to fill these gaps, keeping alive the spirit of collective empowerment and accountability established by MGNREGA.
Meanwhile, stories of women’s resilience, like those from the Ujala Sangathan collective, offer inspiring examples of grassroots activism that can inform other communities. Observing how these women adapt and organize will provide valuable insights into sustaining social and economic progress in rural India.