Socio economic condition of MGNREGA beneficiaries in Balangir District of Odisha: A study

Abstract

Background: Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, was notified by Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India in September, 2005. It is the first statute in the history of India empowering rural India with the power of work. The present study aims to analyse socio economic condition of the beneficiaries of MGNREGA in Balangir District of Western Odisha.

Methods: This study is done during 2024-25, Balangir district of Western Odisha is selected for the study. Balangir block is choosen for the study since it contains the greatest number of MGNREGA beneficiaries. Five villages in total were purposefully chosen for the study. A random sample of 130 respondents was obtained. Pre-structured interview schedules were used to collect the data and relevant statistical analysis was carried out to determine the significant findings.

Results: The findings of the study shows that the majority of respondents 41.54 percent belong to the middle age group; the majority of respondents 46.92 percent were illiterate; the majority 47.70 percent belonged to the schedule class caste; the majority 53.07 percent held land holdings of less than one acre; the majority 40 percent worked alone as their primary occupation ; 40.77 percent had low annual incomes; the majority 42.30 percent had a family of medium size; the majority 46.92 percent were involved in social activities; and most 46.15 percent of the respondents were having medium level of extension contacts.