INTRODUCTION:

The economic policies of the country continued to undergo changes in the form of shifting the focus from economic growth to employment and poverty reduction, or vice versa, in accordance with the changing of the society over a period of time, the mounting pressure of unemployment, particularly unskilled unemployment compelled the government to undertake special employment progrmmes under different heads.

It is perceived from the review of literature that most of the researchers have either examined the macro level aspects of MGNREGA or confined to the specific areas like implementation mechanism, with respect to the linkage of legal frame work, after Nine year of MGNREGA commencement, reveals that there is very few literature find on micro level studies on Marginalized section. Therefore, the current study examines the impact of the scheme on poverty reduction and employment generation as well as income generation of the marginalized sections of society like Scheduled Caste and Scheduled Tribes especially in new state of Telangana. The objective of the study is to examine the working of unskilled labourers in rural areas, mainly MGNREGA and assess its impact on creation of income, poverty reduction, employment generation, women empowerment and create sustainable assets of the beneficiaries in the selected districts in Telangana state.

METHOD:

The objective are analysed through simple average, percentage, Z-Test analysis (Test for Proportions), correlation, between factors identified and perceived level of MGNREGA development. The study was based on the primary data collected from the various parts of the two districts, namely, Mahaboobnagar and Khammam and supplemented with the secondary data. These two districts where selected from the new carved state of Telangana based on the previous records which indicate that Khammam is one of best district in terms of implementation and Mahaboobnagar was least scorer on different parameters. The hypotheses to analyse the socio-economic conditions on different dimensions are are as follows:

Hypotheses:

Economic Development:

Eo1: There is no significant difference between two districts in the proportion of respondents on family income level

Eo2: There is no significant difference between two districts in the proportion of respondents on food security

Eo3: There is no significant difference between two districts in the proportion of Respondents on drinking water facility.

Eo4: There is no significant difference between two districts in the proportion of respondents on electricity improvement

Eo5: There is no significant relationship between the perceived level of MGNERGA development and the economic development

Agriculture Development:

Ao1: There is no significant difference between two districts in the proportion of Respondents on agriculture development under scheme

Ao2: There is no significant relationship between the perceived level of MGNERGA development and the agriculture development.

Health Status and Issues:

Ho1: There is no significant difference between the two districts in the proportion Respondents on accessing the health facilities.

Ho2: There is no significant relationship between the perceived level of MGNERGA development and Health facilities.

Education Development:

Edo1: There is no significant relationship between the perceived level of MGNERGA development and Education Development.

Women Empowerment:

Wo1: There is no significant difference between the two districts in the proportion of Respondents on financial freedom.

Wo2: There is no significant difference between the two districts in the proportion of Respondents on women's role in family decision making.

Sampling Method:

To study the impact of the MGNREGA, structured schedules were separately prepared for beneficiaries. 600 beneficiaries were chosen from both the districts in the Telangana state, on the basis of convenience sampling method. Sample table depict in table 1.1

Table.1.1: Population and Sample frame of the study

(Out of the 9 Districts of Telangana State)

Selected Districts	Selected Mandals	Selected Villages	Sample Size
Mahabubnagar	Pebbair	Gummadam	300
		Pebbair
		Thomalapalle
	Waddepalle	Rajoli
		Koildinne
		Mudamasru
Khammam	Dhummugudam	Anjubaka	300
		Kotha palli
		Chinanallabelli
	Tekulapalle	Bethampudi
		Boddu thanda
		Koya gudam
2 Districts	4 Mandals	12 Villages	600 Sample

Source: Through Primary Data Collected;

REVIEW OF LITERATURE:

Discussed the different research studies expressed opinion that MGNREGA scheme has augmented the income level of the rural peoples and minimizing the migration at a significant level. Further, some of the researcher and reports have reported that MGNREGA scheme found to be more attractive for women beneficiaries and senior citizens as the scheme providing employment to those who demand work and also useful to improve natural resources like ground water, agriculture land, etc,. at the same time there is another school of thought that MGNREGA scheme has been increasing school children enrolling in schools, most of the government studies found that MGNREGA scheme increasing the livelihood standard of the people, at the same time institutional studies found that, MGNREGA scheme eradicating poverty level in rural areas, they further opined that the creation of the assets in rural areas through MGNREGA scheme, and also found on very least marginalized communities studies, opined MGNREGA scheme creating income to the upliftment of marginalized communities like SC and ST etc., Mohanlal, M. (1988) in his study presented the dimensions of poverty and unemployment alleviation concepts and strategies of Integrated Rural development Programme in a comprehensive manner. He stated that it is natural for a programme to have ups and downs in planning, administration and implementation process. He also pointed out that to avoid ups and downs there must be accountability, competence, higher productivity and managerial abilities have to be built in the programme. Personal and strict vigil and control will have to be exercised whenever, necessary.

Meera, Reddy. (1990) in her study examines and highlights the effect of tribal rural youth self employment (TRYSEM) on rural employment and development, the conclusions of the study are:

I. TRYSEM is able to make only a limited dent on the problems of rural unemployment and poverty.

II. The author suggests that the strategies of self employment and wage employment programmes are two components of the poverty alleviation strategy in rural areas.

Sathye, M. (2003) says that poverty is one of the perennial problems facing the country. Right from the attainment of independence in 1947, the Government of India began evincing keen interest in rural development. It had continuously modified, supplemented and complemented its policies and programs and several approaches were given a trial. Any programmes meant for enhancing the volume of employment and rising productivity availability of credit is of utmost importance. The banks as well as financial institutions have been accorded a very important role in the development process of the rural economy. Farrington, J. (2006) in a study observed that the members of Gram Panchayat, which is the implementing authority, are reluctant to carry out social audit. They perceive it as an apple cart to topple down their age old patriarchal and hegemonic power structure, because in rural areas the landlords and feudal barons through ages who have been in the dominant position to rule the roots in direct contravention of basic purpose of social audit rating on decentralization of authority holding functionary accountable to the ruled in open and transparent manner. Thus there is inconsistency between spirit of social audit and cultural ethos at the local level in rural areas. The experience reveals that there is a wide gap between the intended aims of the act and Cultural milieu of the villages in Harayana. The elected members of PRI’s perceive the social audit as a daunting challenge to their traditional power structure.

Dreze (2007) in his study looks at the corruption in rural employment programs in Orissa and how this has continued in the MGNREGA as well. However, he believes that there is tremendous potential of MGNREGA in the survey areas. Where work was available, it was generally found that workers earned close to (and sometimes more than) the statutory minimum wage of Rs 70 per day, and that wages were paid within 15 days or so. This is an unprecedented opportunity for the rural poor, and there was evident appreciation of it among casual labourers and other disadvantaged sections of the population. There is the hope among workers that MGNREGA would enable them to avoid long-distance seasonal migration. Further, there is plenty of scope for productive MGNREGA works in this area, whether it is in the field of water conservation, rural connectivity, regeneration of forest land, or improvement of private agricultural land.

Anand (2008) opined that the implementation of the act suffered from various shortcomings. Women of Madhya Pradesh, for example, complained that there were no crèche facilities and children were either left with the family member or were brought to the work site and remained unattended. If the child is sick, the women may not even come for work. Some children were sent to Anganwadi centers where the timing was different from the work schedule. Children were also left at home with a girl child. Sen. et al. (2009) study attempted to measure the outcome of good governance practiced by Gram Panchayats (GRAMAPANCHAYATs) of West Medinipur district of West Bengal through the employment generated under MGNREGA. Data regarding different parameters related to core characteristics of good governance such as participation, transparency, accountability, effectiveness and efficiency, equity was taken into consideration in this study. This study mainly gives importance on potential implementation of MNREGA needs adequate efficient governing body and motivation.

Anjani Kumar. et al. (2011) expressed that the rural sector in India is undergoing a transformation and the contribution of rural non-farm sector to the rural income and employment has been growing. several studies on rural employment diversification in India (Basant and Kumar, 1989; Chanda and Sahu, 2002; Visara, 2002; Mukhopadaya and Rajaram, 2007; Kumar and Anajani, 2009) have concluded that the share of non-farm sector in rural employment has significantly grown over time and the capacity of study also reveled acute labor - scarcity in the cuddalore district for the agricultural works, affecting consequently the productivity levels of almost all the crops grown in the district. If this trend continues, the cropping pattern of the district may less labour insensitive. The reasons identified for labour scarcity include higher wages in other locally available jobs, seasonal nature of agricultural job and presumption agricultural job as a low-esteem one. Zaman. H. (2013)’s study revealed that more than a billion of the poor people lack access to the basic financial services which are essential for them to manage their precarious lives. Good management of even the smallest assets can be crucial to very poor people who live in precarious conditions threatened by lack of income, shelter and food. To overcome poverty they need to be able to borrow, save and invest and to protect their families against risk.

Panchayath and Rural Development Dept. (2007)’s report suggests that the average number of person days created per household in West Bengal was 25; whereas in the study area it is 19 clearly shows under performance. The average participation rate of 19% with maximum of 40% and minimum of 5% shows a good performance compared to 13.1% state average rate (WB Human Development Report 2004). Average women participation rate (22%) is rightly better than the overall participation rate; showing good equality among genders. Equity which states the equality of men and women in decision making procedure found statistically significant. Accountability also found significant and shows positive relation with the NREGS performance. This represents efficiency and effectiveness of Govt. plays a positive role in successful implementation of NREGS. More transparency will tend to increase person days creation. Likewise more participation, i.e. the attendance in Gram Sansad meeting the more average person days will be created. Thus, to conclude it, this study says increasing the performance of governing body (here GPs) can improve the NREGS performance, hence helps to reduce the poverty level. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) ( 2008)’s report suggests that there have been a number of studies that look at the implementation of the act in terms of employment created as well as issues of wages, processes of implementation, feedback mechanisms, etc. However, few studies have actually focused on an assessment of the impact of the MGNREGA in terms of the realisation of its development potential. With the overwhelming considerations of ideology and corruption at the forefront, rarely have any of the studies attempted to look into the actual assets being created and their contribution towards long-term development and sustained employment generation in the villages. This study tries to bridge this lacuna by attempting to study the effectiveness of the assets created under the Act. Action for Food Production (AFPRO) (2009)’s report recognised the need to learn from work carried out in MGNREGA and its effectiveness for sustainable livelihood support at the community level. AFPRO carried out a study in Chainpur Block, District Gumla, and Jharkhand. An assessment was done of 37 works in 28 villages and 10 Gram Panchayats (GP) in Chainpur block. Works covered included ponds, wells, roads, check dams, earthen bunds, land levelling sites and guard walls. Works were selected on a random basis from different years of MGNREGA implementation since 2006. Areas for improvement at village-level were related to effective participation of villagers/ beneficiaries in the decision-making process, selection of need-based Schemes, and increasing the ownership of infrastructure created under the Scheme. The need to give priority to selection of smaller structures for soil and water conservation has also been highlighted in the recommendations. Giving better tools to workers, orientation of functionaries, coordination among line departments, etc. are some of the other measures suggested.

Hyderabad Karnataka Centre for Advanced Learning (HKCAL) (2010)’s study looks at the different aspects of the programme implementation in a scientific and systematic way. The study notes that through the implementation of the MGNREGA, the GP is able to position itself as the benefactor of the poor and the downtrodden. Works carried under the MGNREGA has resulted in the increase of the ground water (increase is reported to be as high as 30–40 per cent). It also states that MGNREGA works on private lands belonging to different communities including the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes have helped in consolidating their efforts towards undertaking various land developmental works. Best practices on MGNREGA have also been documented under the study. World Bank, (2011)’s report shows that India's surge in growth and rapid expansion in public spending in the past decade has created new possibilities for its social protection system. The growing importance of social protection (SP) is reflected in the Government of India’s (GoI) common minimum programme and eleventh Five-Year Plan which commit to institutionalisation of programmes as legal rights (as in the case of public works, through the MGNREGA), continued up-scaling of interventions (e.g., social pensions and midday meals), and proposals to expand new types of SP interventions to the large unorganised sector (e.g., social security). The report draws on existing and new data sources, including analysis of: (i) administrative data; (ii) several rounds of the National Sample Survey (NSS) data; (iii) a social protection survey (SPS) undertaken for this report in 2006 in the rural areas of Orissa, Madhya Pradesh and Karnataka; (iv) dedicated surveys on social pensions in Karnataka (KSPS) and Rajasthan (RSPS) in 2005 and 2006 respectively; and (v) a living standards survey conducted in Jharkhand in 2005 (JLSS). In addition, the report incorporates a rich body of secondary sources on SP programme performance and impact by national researchers and government agencies.

DATA ANALYSIS AND INTERPRETATION:

The study attempt to study analyse the socio-economic and demographic components like age distribution, caste (SC and ST) and religion details, education family size, occupation, income, and socio-economic benefits of the participants of the MGNREGA Scheme, attempted the performance of the MGNREGA Scheme in terms of perceptions of the beneficiaries of the scheme. This is done in terms of such variables as the beneficiaries, motivational factors, present implementation procedures and system, quality of initial screening of the application, proper identification of the beneficiaries, impact of the MGNREGA scheme, and suggestions for improving the scheme.

Gender:

The cases of women beneficiaries getting involved in MGNREGA activity are very much encouraging. Their involvement in MGNREGA would improve the household living standards/conditions. Women representation under the study is about 63.2 percent (382 out of 600) against men representation of 36.8 percent (218 out of 600) of total sample respondents.

Age:

The all age group people are enrolling as beneficiaries into MGNREGA Scheme. While this is a positive sign, the root causes for people’s approach needs to be evaluated. It may not be a good symptom to encourage young people in age group 18-34 as there is need for them to take up long term employment. Nearly 67.7 percent (406 out of 600) population are getting employed under MGNRGA Scheme, Also during focussed group interactions it was observed that old people contribute to lethargic work culture. Age group between 34- 50 accounts 31 % (186 out of 600) followed by above 50 years account only 1.3 percent. (8 out of 600) Which indicates MGNRGA Scheme is providing employment opportunities to youth in rural areas. The youth might be productive for the current scope of work but definitely may not be contributing to activities that might contribute to build future India.In Mahabubnagar District, out of the 300 sample beneficiaries 38 percent belonged to the age group of 18-26 years, followed by 28 percent of the beneficiaries at, the age group of 26-34 years. followed by, 21.6 percent of beneficiaries were at the age group of 34-42 years. Further, 12 percent of beneficiaries were at the group of 42 -50 years and only one beneficiaries above 50 years. In Khammam District, out of the 300 sample beneficiaries 40 percent belonged to the age group of 18-26 years, followed by 30 percent of the beneficiaries at, the age group of 26-34 years. Followed by, 18 percent of beneficiaries were at the age group of 34-42 years. Further, 12 percent of beneficiaries were at the age of 42-50, 2 percent of beneficiaries were at the age group of above 50 years. Similarly 69.3 percent of the beneficiaries employed at the age group of 18-34 years and other age group less than 30.7 percent

Marital Status:

The 68.8 percent (411 out of 600) of the respondents are married followed by 21 percent (126 out of 600) unmarried, divorced and widow representation is around 5 percent (30 out of 600) each. Who opted employment under MGNREGA scheme, 69.3 percent of married and the remaining 20.6 percent unmarried out of these married beneficiaries, 50.9 per cent form SC community, 49.9 percent of ST community, among the un -married beneficiaries, 41 percent of the beneficiaries from the SC community and 50 percent from ST community, followed by out of the 30 widow and Divorced beneficiaries, 17and 19 are Sc community Beneficiaries and 13 and 11 are ST Beneficiaries. An inter-District comparison reveals that in Mahabubanagar district, 72 percent of the beneficiaries are married, and it was 66 percent in Khammam district. Followed by 17.3 percent of Un-married beneficiaries in Mahabubanagar, 24 percent in Khammam District. The percentage of widow and divorce beneficiaries 5 percent in Mahabubanagar, 5 percent in Khammam district. Thus even in the case of in two districts under the study, majority of beneficiaries were married.

Educational Status:

The MGNREGA scheme activities would be illiterate people and unskilled labour. Considering people who have education level lesser than primary school may be permissible. That around 77.7 percent (466 out of 600) of the respondents are either illiterates or has education below primary school are Beneficiaries in MGNREGA scheme.

Occupation:

The people that work for MGNREGA Scheme are predominantly involved into agriculture as their primary activity. MGNREGA works substitute agriculture in these areas therefore ‘Agriculture’ is the most affected category through MGNREGA Scheme, it is indicates that above 75 percent of the agriculture labour are the beneficiaries of MGNREGA.The program should aim for the livelihood enhancement in the long run. MGNREGA Scheme beneficiaries would definitely earn daily bread from the worksite road contracts, digging etc but it during off season period would not justify as their primary occupation

Annual Income:

The people working for this program with annual income less than 40,000 are 75.3 percent of the sample population. This indicated that there is a need for creating more work opportunities under MGNREGA to sustain employability. Out of 600 sample beneficiaries, 35.5 percent of the beneficiaries, were less than < 20,000 as the annual income level, followed, 39.8 percent of the beneficiaries, 20,000 to 30,000 thousand rupees annual income, followed, 14.3 percent of the beneficiaries between 30,000 to 40,000 thousand rupees, annual income level, followed 9 percent of the beneficiaries between 40,000 to 50,000 thousand rupees, annual income level, hence very low number (2 percent) of beneficiaries have above 50,000 annual income, in selected districts. In inter district comparison, 70.6 percent of the beneficiaries in Mahabubnagar and 80.6 percent in Khammam district beneficiaries were, as their primary activity, agriculture labours, followed by 29.3 percent of beneficiaries in Mahabubnagar and 19.3 percent in khammam district were casual labours.

Caste and Education:

The distribution of the sample beneficiaries with different educational status in relation to caste and district. A glance at the figure reveals that the educational statuses of maximum number (279 out of 600) of beneficiaries were illiterate, followed, by below primary school (187 out of 600). However the variation between two districts is found in the following inter-districts analysis, as follow. Beneficiaries with illiterate accounted for 47.3 percent in Mahabubanagar District, followed by 46.6 percent in Khammam district, those studied up to primary school accounted for 32.3 percent in Mahabubanar, 29 percent in Khammam districts. There are very least number of beneficiaries' educational status, intermediate in both districts, and beneficiaries with graduates were very few numbers. The significant characteristic noted that 10 beneficiaries with graduates in Mahabubnagar district and 9 beneficiaries khammam had chosen. Obliviously, it could be stated that very less number of graduates beneficiaries were coming employment under MGNREGA scheme. Therefore, it can be suggested that maximum number of beneficiaries, assistance as illiterate and primary education people, these positive indication to rural areas people above inter and degree level, were assistance with other employment.

Useful of the MGNREGA scheme:

The beneficiaries in entire two districts, 85 percent felt that this scheme was helpful to get employment unskilled labours in lean season, for those who were worked in other sector MGNREGA scheme helpful to earn more money. Providing employment opportunities to female beneficiaries, only less no (15 percent) of beneficiaries expressed that they did not get the employment. Hence, this was only alternative employment source. An inter-district comparison reveals that, 86 percent of the Mahabubanagar district sample beneficiaries felt that, this scheme was useful for unskilled labours. Similarly, 85 percent opined the same in Khammam district, followed by 47 percent in Mahabubnagar district. 52 percent of the Khammam district opined that, this scheme was helpful to earn more money adding some amount to their income, followed by 9 percent of beneficiaries in Mahabubnagar district, 5 percent in Khammam district, felt that, this scheme helpful to women empowerment under MGNREGA scheme, followed by 4 percent of beneficiaries in Mahabubnagar district, 9 percent in Khammam district, felt that, this scheme helpful to agriculture land development programme under MGNREGA scheme. Followed by 4 percent of beneficiaries in Mahabubnagar district, 1 percent of beneficiaries in Khammam district opined that MGNREGA scheme mitigating Migration after implementation. Similarly opinion is expressed by 5 percent of Mahabubanagr beneficiaries and 2 percent in Khammam district, communication facilities improved after MGNREGA scheme

Validity:

Validity is one of the important characteristics for any measurement procedure. Validity means measuring what the researcher exactly wants to measure. The instrument designed should measure actual properties it is supposed to measure. The validity can be conducted through any of the following methods: face validity, predict validity, content validity and construct validity. In this study, we used face and content validity. Face validity is the method of validating of instrument by an experts and actual subjects of the study and by analyzing their responses qualitatively. And content validity is the extent to which a measurement reflects the specific intended domain of content. The subject experts from academic and industry including guides were consulted and the instrument reflects the domain content from various others studies which were reviewed for the study purpose.

Reliability Test:

Reliability is another important characteristic for measurement instrument. It is the confidence on measuring instrument to give same results repeatedly, when it is administered to same objects. The reliability of an instrument can be established by using any of the following tests: Cohen’s kappa coefficient for categorical data and Cronbach’s alpha for scale data. The study used Cronbach’s alpha to test the reliability of the instrument the details of which are in Data analysis chapter.

Table 5.1: Reliability Test

Sl.No	Variables	Cronbach’s Alpha Test
1	Perceived Level of MGNREGA	0.913
2	Economic Development	0.880
3	Agriculture Development	0.957
4	Health Status	0.876
5	Education Development	0.761
6	Women Empowerment	0.920

Source: Through Primary Data Collected

Analysis and Interpretation:

From the table 5.1, the Cronbach’s Alpha Value s of Perceived level of MGNREGA, Economic Development, Agricultural Development, Health Status, Educational Development, Women Empowerment values are greater than > 0.7. Thus all the variables are reliable to do further study. (Overall Cronbach’s Alpha test Value 0.875)

Test of Normality:

Test of normality is performed to check whether the data follows a normal distribution or not. The test results can be indicated in plots or by check the p value (<0.5) indicates normal distribution of the data. In SPSS generally K-S test is performed to check the normality distribution of data.

Table 5.2: Table Test of Normality

Sl. No	Variables	K-S Test	K-S Test.Sig
1	Perceived Level of MGNREGA	0.984	0.076
2	Economic Development	0.980	0.094
3	Agriculture Development	0.977	0.089
4	Health Status	0.980	0.096
5	Education Development	0.961	0.111
6	Women Empowerment	0.964	0.115

Source: Through Primary Data Collected

Interpretation:

From the table 5.2, the Significance values of Perceived level of MGNREGA, Economic Development, Agricultural Development, Health Status, Educational Development, Women Empowerment values are greater than >0.05 thus all the variables are normally Distributed.

Descriptive Statistics:

Descriptive statistics is a numerical and graphical method used to summarize data. The methods generally measure of Central tendency and measure of variability, which are provided below:

Table 5.3: Descriptive Statistics

	N	Mean	Std. Deviation	Variance
Perceived level of MGNREGA	600	2.7606	0.36179	0.131
Socio-Economic Conditions	600	3.1235	0.47512	0.226
Agriculture Development	600	3.1563	0.63595	0.404
Health Status	600	3.0560	0.62411	0.390
Women Empowerment	600	3.1860	0.57337	0.329
Education Development	600	2.4906	0.56902	0.324

Source: Through Primary Data Collected

Objective 1: To examine the impact of MGNREGA.

TEST FOR PROPORTIONS

Awareness of MGNREGA Work:

It is represents the district wise findings of workers’ response regarding their awareness of availability of MGNREGA work. On an average, 73 Percent of the workers in two selected districts reported that they are well aware of the availability of MGNREGA work. This indicates the transparency of the Government machinery of Telangana regarding implementation and execution of works under MGNREGA.

Providing 100 Days of Employment in a Financial Year:

The response of the workers to a question on an average, more than 59 % of the Beneficiaries have reported that they are able to get 100 days of annual employment in the MGNREGA. This figure is the highest in the Khammam district

Received job cards within 15 days from Gram Panchayath/MGNREGA officially:

It is observed that 60 Percent of the Beneficiaries in Mahabubnagar district have agreed that they received the job cards within 15 days of application followed by 62 Percent in Khammam District The Average response 61 percent in both districts because of the delay in administrative process of issuing job cards or irregular receipts of funds towards scheme works.

Demand for more Number of work days:

It is observed that 84 Percent of MGNREGA Beneficiaries in Mahabubnagar followed by 82 Percent in Khammam district, agreed that they indicated more Number of work days in Financial year which might imply that the people of Mahabubnagar and Khammam districts are in need of more employment as compared to the workers indicate their requirements.

Wage Payment by POs/banks:

It is represents the response of workers to a question Wage payment by POs/banks, A/C, 60 Percent in Mahabubnagar district and 63 Percent in the Khammam district, agreed that they are getting wages through Pos /Banks A/Cs

Work done within 5 kms radius of village:

It is observed that the distance of work-site from the residents of the workers has an effect on the productivity of the MGNREGA work. On an average 66.5 Percent of the respondents opined that they get work within 5 km range of their village.

Objective 2: To study the Economic Development between study districts.

TEST FOR PROPORTIONS

Primary Needs Improvement:

It is observed, 66 Percent of beneficiaries agree that MGNREGA scheme has given them additional income. As result of which, their primary and secondary activities has improved. Primary activities refer to the primary occupation of the workers like farming, agricultural worker, small business, etc. Secondary activities are those activities that add to the income of the people besides their primary activities. By working in MGNREGA, the workers have been able to improve their primary and secondary activities because of their extra income and savings from the Scheme.

Road Connectivity:

It is explored that, 65 Percent of beneficiaries express that MGNREGA has improved Road Connectivity from their village to mandal under PMGSY Scheme.

Drinking Water Facilities:

It is observed that, 58 Percent of beneficiaries who worked/working in MGNREGA opined that they are getting Drinking water facilities in their village providing by Village authorities.

Electricity Improvement:

77.5 Percent of beneficiaries who worked/working in the MGNREGA opined that they are able to access electricity facilities through GramPanchayath.

Sanitation Facilities:

It is observed that, 53.5 Percent of respondents who worked/working in MGNREGA, opined sanitation Facilities has improved in the village.

Accessing Health Facilities:

The MGNREGA provides a platform or forum for workers to gather at one place and helps in sharing various information regarding their village, district state, country, and surrounding environment, which helps in increasing general awareness of workers. From the, about 60 Percent of women workers surveyed are of the opinion that they have been able to gather information on health related problems through interaction with their co-workers while working in MGNREGA, they have been able to access health facilities better after working in the Scheme

Family Income Level:

Financial inclusion and social empowerment are closely related, an average 61 Percent of beneficiaries agreed MGNREGA adding financial income to their livelihoods.

Objective 3: To study the Women Empowerment between two districts.

Test for Proportions

Economic Development:

The district wise findings of women workers response regarding their Economic development. The results indicate that 68.15 Percent of the women workers in two selected districts report that their economic conditions have improved through MGNREGA.

Financial Freedom:

About 65.5 Percent of the women beneficiaries in two districts responded that, they are freely taking decisions on money related issues in their families.

Role in Family Decision Making:

Nearly 67.5 Percent of women beneficiaries responded that they are actively involved in household's decision making.

Health Conditions:

The Health Conditions of Women Beneficiaries is improving as more than 65 Percent of respondents feel that, they are getting sufficient income through MGNREGA to use for health expenditure.

Interpretation:

Economic Development:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between perceived level of MGNERGA and economic development

H₁: There is a significant relationship between perceived level of MGNERGA and economic development

It can observed from the table 5.6, the relation of perceived level of MGNREGA Activities and Economic development highly correlated (r=0.735, n=600, p<0.01).

Education enrolments:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between perceived level of MGNERGA and Education

H₁: There is a significant relationship between perceived level of MGNERGA and Education

It can observed from the table 5.6, the relation of Perceived level of MGNREGA Works and their Children Education positively influenced to enrolment of children in schools (r=0.641, n=600, p<0.01).

Agriculture Development:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between perceived level of MGNERGA and Agriculture development

H₁: There is a significant relationship between perceived level of MGNERGA and Agriculture Development

It can observe from the table 5.6, the relation of perceived level of MGNREGA works have positive impact on Agriculture Development (r=0.623, n=600, p<0.01).

Health Issues:

H₀: There is no significant relationship between perceived level of MGNERGA and Health

H₁: There is a significant relationship between perceived level of MGNERGA and Health

It can observed from the table 5.6, the relation of perceived level of MGNREGA beneficiaries wage amount, they were used to their health issues(r=0.542, n=600, p<0.01).

FINDINGS:

I. Implementation of MGNREGA in the two districts under the study namely (Mahabubnagar and Khammam) are similar in many aspects except in the level of awareness (p-value 2.2), demand of work days (p-value 1.98) and work done in 5 kms of radius (p-value 3.4).

II. The socio-economic conditions in terms of electricity and drinking water facilities about, health, education, sanitation and economic conditions are improving, but primary needs an infrastructure (p-Value 3.1), road connectivity facilities (p-value 2.6) show a different scenario in both the districts.

III. The involvement role of women in family decision making is better in both the districts, but their economic development, financial freedom (p- value 2.0) and health conditions (p- value 2.3) differ significantly.

IV. Factors leading to sustainable asset creation identified are: Economic development, Agriculture development, Educational development, and Health status.(referred to factor analysis chapter-5, page number 210)

V. There is a significant and strong relationship between perceived level MGNREGA and Economic development (r= 0.735), Agriculture development (r= 0.623), Educational development (r= 0.641), and Health status (r= 0.542).

SUGGESTIONS:

I. It is observed that, only 54 Percent of the beneficiaries are getting full (100 days), the remaining beneficiaries are getting less than 100 days, because of they are not aware of the conditions which indicate that their entitled minimum of 100 days during financial year

II. It is observed that, 61 Percent of the beneficiaries are getting Job cards within 15 days (as per the MGNREGA), the remaining beneficiaries are getting after 15 days, or more. The Average response in both districts is very low, because of the delay in administrative process of issuing job cards or irregular receipts of funds towards MGNREGA scheme works.

III. It is observed that, an average of 83 Percent of MGNREGA Beneficiaries in Mahabubnagar (84 percent), followed by Khammam district (82 Percent), have that indicated that they need more number of Job days in a Financial year, which might imply that the people of Mahabubnagar and Khammam districts are in need of more employment..

IV. It is observed that, 61.5 percent of the beneficiaries are getting there wage payment through post offices or banks. In case of remaining beneficiaries the payments are rooted through Grampanchayath authorities.

V. It is observed that, only 30 percent of the beneficiaries are ggetting minimum indicted average wage rates, the remaining beneficiaries are getting less than the minimum average wage rates (1948-Minimum wages act) as per the MGNREGA act. The Wage rate should be revised taking into the account of the wage rate paid in the local area and standards of living.

VI. The success of the programme depends upon its proper implementation. Much of the pitfalls of MGNREGA implementation can be overcome if proper processes and procedures are put in place. Thus, there should be continuous efforts towards creating adequate awareness on different provisions of MGNREGA amongst the people. Creating awareness is necessary not only to motivate the people to work under the scheme but also to encourage them to participate in its planning and implementation It is necessary that the government create the awareness about the MGNREGA scheme in remote areas by using local cultural activities like burra katha, vidi natakalu, and tribal cultural activities

VII. To create more number of job days in MGNREGA, The Government should be integrate with various governmental programmes works, to produce more number of job days in a financial year in Telangana state.

VIII. Efficient utilization of resources under the MGNREGA requires bringing in transparency and accountability. Provision for social audit at the Grampanchayat level on a regular basis can play a significant role in MGNREGA success

IX. To provide first aid kits and, effective childcare facilities arranged so that women are free to take up employment without making their children suffer.

X. There is also the important role of the State, Government of India. in implementation of MGNREGA. State and central governments must take keen interest in fixing loose ends in implementation of MGNREGA scheme.

CONCLUSIONS:

Since independence, the Government of India (GoI) initiated several five years plans, programmes, policies and laws and made efforts to eradicate rural poverty, inspite of the unending efforts, not much reduction in poverty is noticed .this can be due to problems in implementation .it can be concluded that there is greater need to increase number of job days to help to increase thus leading to development of SC and ST sections of people

LIMITATIONS OF THE STUDY:

While conducting the study, the researcher faced certain limitations which are enlisted below:

i. The study is limited to beneficiaries of MGNREGA in Telangana state Select Districts only

ii. The study is primarily focused on the SC and ST beneficiaries.

iii. The study was carried out to understand the beneficiaries opinions, views and experiences of MGNREGA at select Districts of Telangana State. The sample selected may not represent the whole population.

iv. Time constraint as the data is collected only for 2013-14.

REFERENCES:

Journals and Articles:

1. Abraham, Amrita. (1980). Maharashtra’s Employment Guarantee Scheme. Economic and Political Weekly, 15(32), 1339-1342.

2. Adhikari, Anindita., and Bhatia, Kartika. (2010, January). NREGA Wage Payment Can We Bank on the Banks. Economic and Political Weekly, 45(1), 30-37.

3. Aiyar, Y., and Samji, S. (2009). Guaranteeing Good Governance Understanding the Effectiveness of Accountability in NREGA, Design, Process and Impact, Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India.

4. Azam, M. (2011, October). The Impact of Indian Job Guarantee Scheme on Labour Market Outcomes Evidence from a Natural Experiment. Retrieved form: http://ssrn.com/abstract=1941959.

5. Babu, S., Rao, H. and Reddy, P. T. (2011). Impact of MGNREGS on Agriculture and Rural Labour Markets, A Study of Madhya Pradesh, Hyderabad, National Institute of Rural Development.

6. Bagchees, S. (1984, September). Employment Guarantee Scheme in Maharashtra, Economic and Political Weekly, 19 (37), 1633-1638.

7. Basu, A. k. (2011). Impact of Rural Employment Guarantee Schemes on Seasonal Labor Markets, Optimum Compensation and Workers Welfare, Journal of Economic Inequality, US. Springer.

8. Carswell, G., and De Neve, G. (2013). Women at the crossroads: a village study of MGNREGA implementation in Tamil Nadu, Economic and Political Weekly, (52): 82-93.

9. Chandrashekar, C., and Ghosh, J. (2011, January). Public Works and Wages in Rural India. Retrieved from Macros can: An Alternative Economic Web centre, http://www.macroscan.org/fet/jan11/fet110111Public_Works.htm,

10. Das, S.K. (2013). A Brief Scanning on Performance of MGNREGA in Assam, India. American Journal of Rural development.

11. Deogharia, P.C. (2009). The Indian Society of Labour Economics. Right to Work and the Indian Experience. Paper presented at the, The 51^st Annual Conference, 11-13, December (pp.148-149).

12. Dreze, J., and Dantewada. (2011). Guarantee Withdrawn in The Battle for Employment Guarantee. Oxford University Press, 220–33.

13. Engler, M., and S. Ravi. (2012, June,14^th). Workfare as an Effective Way to Fight Poverty: The Case of India’s NREGS. Retrieved from: Social Science Research Network: http://ssrn.com/paper=1336837.

14. Gaiha, Raghav. (2005, Nov-Dec). Does the Employment Guarantee Scheme Benefit the Rural Poor in India? Some Recent Evidence. Asian Survey, 45(6). 949-969.

15. Hirway, Indira. (2004, November, 27). Providing Employment Guarantee in India: Some Critical Issues. Economic and Political Weekly, 39 (48), 5117-5124.

16. Kamboj, Premchand., Siwach, Manoj., and Kaur, Navpreet.(2010,Febuary,15^th). Impact of NREG Scheme on Agriculture Sector. Southern Economist, 48(20), 45-48.

17. Kumar, A. A.(2010). Effectiveness and Ownership of Irrigation Assets Created under MGNREGA and Labour Market Dynamics in Bihar. MTS Report: Anand Institute of Rural Management.

18. Patel, Sujata. (2006, December, 16^th). Empowerment, Co-operation and Domination. Economic and Political Weekly, 41(50), 5126-5132.

19. Patra. S. (2013). Participation in MGNREGS: Do Demographic Characteristics Matter, Asian Journal of Research in Business Economics and Management,3(4), 2250-1673

20. Ravallion, Martin., Datt, Gaurav., and Chaudhuri, Shubham. (1993, January). Does Maharashtra’s Employment Guarantee Scheme Guarantee Employment? Effects of the 1988 Wage Increase. Economic Development and Cultural Change,41 (2),251-275.

21. Sellbervik, Hilde., and Wang, Vibeke. (2006). In pursuit of poverty reduction, what have parliaments got to do with it.CHR Michelsen Institute.13-28

22. Watkins, Kevin. (2006). Beyond scarcity: Power, poverty and the global water crisis. Team for the preparation of Human Development Report.etc.

Reports:

1. Administrative Staff College of India. (2009).Quick Appraisal of NREGA in Andhra Pradesh. (Rep.). Submitted to the Ministry of Rural Development/UNDP.

2. Centre for Budget and Governance Accountability. (2006).Report on Implementation of NREGA in Andhra Pradesh, Chattisgarh, Jharkhandand Madhya Pradesh. (Rep.) Submitted to the Ministry of Rural Development.

3. Centre for Good Governance. (2009). Social Audit of NREGS in Andhra Pradesh: Best Practice Notes on Social Accountability Initiatives in South Asia. (Rep.) Submitted to state government Hyderabad.

4. Dheeraja, C., and Rao, H. (2010). Changing Gender Relations: A Study of MGNREGS across Different States. (Rep.) National Institute of Rural Development, Hyderabad.

5. IIM- Ahmedabad. (2009). Quick Appraisal of NREGA Strategies for the Next Level. (Rep.) submitted to the, Ministry of Rural Development/UNDP, New Delhi

6. Indian Institute of Forest Management. (2010). Impact Assessment of MGNREGA’s Activities for Ecological and Economic Security. (Rep.) Submitted to the Ministry of Rural Development/UNDP, New Delhi.

7. Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Sameeksha. (2012). An Anthology of Research Studies on the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, from 2006–2012. (Rep.) Submitted to the, Ministry of Rural Development.

8. World Bank. (2011). Social Protection for a Changing India. (Rep.), 2(4), Washington DC. etc.

Books:

1. Datt, Sundharam. (2012). Indian Economy. S. Chand.

2. Dey, N., Drèze, J., and Khera, R. (2006). Employment Guarantee Act: A Primer. National Book Trust, New Delhi.

3. Dr. Satya Sundharam, I. (2013). Rural Development. Himalaya Publishing House

4. Kalpana, Rajaram. (2003). Indian Economy. Spectrum Books Pvt.ltd

5. Ministry of Rural Development. (2012). MGNREGA Operational Guidelines. MoRD, Government of India, New Delhi. etc.

Websites:

1. www. en.wikipedia.org

2. www. knowledge.nrega.net

3. www. labourbureau.nic.in

4. www. librarycess.wordpress.com

5. www. mnregaweb4.nic.in/netnrega

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7. www. nrega.telangana.gov.in/Nregs

8. www. papers.ssrn.com

9. www. planningcommissionindia.in

10. www. righttofoodindia.org

11. www. shodhganga.inflibnet.ac.in

12. www. telangana.gov.in/Khammam

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14. www. tradingeconomics.com/india/unemployment-rate .ectc

Received on 14.06.2018 Modified on 29.06.2018

Res. J. Humanities and Social Sciences. 2018; 9(3): 604-614.

DOI: 10.5958/2321-5828.2018.00102.X

Dimensions		F1	F2	F3	F4
Economic Development	Sufficient income level increasing under MGNREGA?	0.669	0.366	-0.212	0.108
	Food security as well as purchasing power of goods of the households. Increased?	0.783	0.203	-0.052	0.102
	Communication improved after MGNREGA in your village?	0.826	0.045	0.109	0.125
	Whether you are improving your primary needs after getting Employment under MGNREGA	0.752	-0.052	0.213	-0.048
	MGNREGA done flood control in your village?	0.766	-0.037	0.133	0.14
Education	Are you spending more on your children’s education after working in MGNREGA?	0.097	0.104	0.833	0.054
Education	How has the enrollment of children in primary schools changed after MGNREA?	0.091	0.328	0.810	-0.077
Agriculture	Waste Land development programmes done through MGNREGA?	0.077	0.627	0.556	-0.072
	Plantation of agroforestry on the land taken by MGNREGA?	0.041	0.779	0.382	-0.015
	Recharging ground water Does MGNREGA?	0.055	0.818	0.251	0.061
	Have you witnessed change in trend of attached labour in agriculture after MGNREGA?	0.145	0.801	-0.058	0.163
Health	Your gather more information regarding health care / facilities through MGNREGA?	0.162	-0.104	0.086	0.740
	Your meeting health related expenditure after getting MGNREGA employment?	0.052	0.181	-0.127	0.751
	In MGNREGA provides accident allowance immediately?	0.076	0.082	0.004	0.821

Economic Development	I. Sufficient income level increasing under MGNREGA?
	II. Food security as well as purchasing power of goods of the households. Increased?
	III. Communication improved after MGNREGA in your village
	IV. Whether you are improving your primary needs after getting Employment under MGNREGA?
	V. MGNREGA done flood control in your village
Education	VI. Are you spending more on your children’s education after working in MGNREGA?
Education	VII. How has the enrollment of children in primary schools changed after MGNREA?
Agriculture	VIII. Waste Land development programmes done through MGNREGA?
	IX. Plantation of agroforestry on the land taken by MGNREGA?
	X. Recharging ground water Does MGNREGA?
	XI. Have you witnessed change in trend of attached labour in agriculture after MGNREGA?
Health	XII. Your gather more information regarding health care / facilities through MGNREGA?
	XIII. Your meeting health related expenditure after getting MGNREGA scheme employment?
	XIV. In MGNREGA provides accident allowance immediately?

Factors	Significance Level	Perceived level of MGNREGA	Economic	Education	Agriculture	Health
Perceived level of MGNREGA	Pearson Correlation	1	.735	.641	.623	.542
Perceived level of MGNREGA	Sig. (2-tailed)	*	.000	.000	.000	.000
Economic	Pearson Correlation	*	1	.652	.601	.546
Economic	Sig. (2-tailed)	*	*	.000	.000	.000
Education	Pearson Correlation	*	*	1	.663	.562
Education	Sig. (2-tailed)	*	*	*	.000	.000
Agriculture	Pearson Correlation	*	*	*	1	.591
Agriculture	Sig. (2-tailed)	*	*	*	*	.000
Health	Pearson Correlation	*	*	*	*	1
Health	Sig. (2-tailed)	*	*	*	*	*