This research examines women’s participation in NREGS in selected areas in three states: Kerala, Himachal and Rajasthan. The Indian government’s NREGS (National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme) has succeeded in bringing large numbers of women into paid work, many of them for the first time.
This report explores the complex reasons why women’s participation in the scheme varies significantly across and within states, and suggests improvements that could maximise impact. NREGS has achieved some success in empowering women, economically and socially. But the author suggests that minor changes to the scheme, to address local development challenges and priorities, could deliver better outcomes.
- Report summary: CSP Research Report Summary 06
- Related publication: Social Protection in Asia: Research findings and policy lessons
