Utilisation of Rural Manpower for the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS): A Study in Anantapur District, Andhra Pradesh

Abstract: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) stands as a cornerstone of India's social security architecture, aiming to enhance livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of wage employment per household. This paper examines the utilisation of rural manpower under MGNREGS in Anantapur district of Andhra Pradesh, a region characterised by its semi-arid climate, recurrent droughts, and a high dependence on rain-fed agriculture. Through a qualitative analysis of secondary data from government reports and a review of existing literature, this study assesses the performance of the scheme in terms of employment generation, wage distribution, and asset creation. It finds that MGNREGS has been a critical lifeline for rural labour in Anantapur, significantly absorbing surplus agricultural labour, particularly during lean seasons and drought years. However, the study also identifies persistent challenges, including delays in wage payments, uneven distribution of person-days, and questions regarding the durability of created assets. The paper concludes that while MGNREGS has been effectively utilised as a safety net, its potential as a transformative tool for sustainable rural development in drought-prone regions like Anantapur requires strengthened implementation, greater focus on water conservation works, and better convergence with other developmental programmes.