Impact on Enhancing Livelihoods Opportunities in (MGNREGS) in Annagramam Block, Cuddalore District, Tamil Nadu

The MGNREGS 2005 offered some basic employment for marginalized groups; it did not provide substantial help to the most vulnerable. However, there was some evidence of small but significant shifts in labour relations. Higher wages, more opportunities for work, better implementation and a greater recognition of the care giving responsibilities of women will be required for this policy to fully meet its goals. , irregularities are usually reported when money is involved and the transaction is between officials who have the power to control over the Scheme, and the poor unemployed labourer who would be willing to accept whatever is due to them. However, if the Scheme is implemented efficiently and effectively, it ensures the following outcomes namely: (i), that the employment guarantee would not merely provide relief at the times of distress, it would also be a move towards long-term drought and flood-proofing of Indian agriculture; (ii), this would be a more effective instrument for reducing poverty because the impact of growth on poverty is higher in areas where social infrastructure is more developed; (iv) the number of people depending on the Scheme would steadily decline over time. As the conditions of their farms improves, people will no longer to look for work under MGNREGS; (v) the expenditure incurred on the employment guarantee would be non-inflationary because it will spur agricultural growth upon whose foundation a whole range of sustainable livelihoods could be built; and (Vi) by fuelling successive rounds of private investment, it will also set up a multiplier of secondary employment Opportunities. Hence, the present study is geared towards an in-depth impact of Enhancing Livelihoods Opportunities in MGNREGS.