DefinePK

Abstract

MGNREGA  enacted  in 2005 as  a  social  safety  net based on  right  based framework  to  provide  unskilled  wages  and  employment  to  the  needy households has gradually incorporated innovative schemes for creation of long-term  durable  assets  to  enhance  the  livelihoods  of  the  participating households and making them self-reliant. This paper attempts to explore the impact of Horticulture initiative on small holders, underprivileged women & tribal households, which was initiated by Government of Jharkhand in 2016.  The  secondary  data  was  accessed  from  the  official  website  of MGNREGA  for  further  analysis.  A  questionnaire-based  interview  of sampled beneficiaries of Horticulture Scheme from two Districts of South Chhotanagpur  division  of  Jharkhand   was  administered   for  primary information.  Case  studies  have  been  incorporated  for  creating  support evidence for the study. The study reveals that the Horticulture Scheme under MGNREGA,  “Birsa  Munda  Baagwani  Yojana”  (BMBY)  has  significant impact on the life of unskilled workers who became the beneficiaries of this scheme. Inclusion of  scheduled tribe and schedule caste to this scheme is significant. It has accommodated the marginal landholding households to be  the  beneficiaries.  Provision  of  associated  training  and  support  from NGOs, CBOs and administration have increased the coverage and inclusion of the marginal section and also ensured  the  technical  assistance  to  most of the beneficiaries.