Assessing the Status and Environmental Implications of Works Under MGNREGA in Uttarakhand

Abstract

In Uttarakhand, Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Generation Act (MGNREGS or MNREGA) started functioning in the initial year 2006 with three districts and later in all districts in three phases. MNREGA is an act, passed in 2005, after the implementation of which employment has become the right of every citizen of the country. Having this right, now people can demand employment and the government is responsible for providing guaranteed employment to the people. Besides providing employment MNREGA has another key element of generating durable natural assets in deprived rural areas. The MNREGA is now considered as an ecological act because of the valuable asset created under this programme. In the light of the relevant literature survey, this study finds that MNREGA has generated employment opportunities in huge numbers along with improved natural resources causing environmental benefits which helped in reducing vulnerability to climate change. From the outcomes of different studies conducted in different parts of the country, this study interprets that there is a high probability that the works performed under MNREGA will be environmentally beneficial for Uttarakhand also. These works will help in enhancing the adaptability and resilience power of people against the natural and environmental disaster state has to face each year. But this study finds that the performance of MNREGA works is declining in all terms i.e. the number of works, asset creation or expenditures on works.