International Journal of Social Science Research (IJSSR)

Rural Employment Dynamics under MGNREGA in Himalayan States: A Case Study of Himachal Pradesh

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has been impactful in employing rural people within India. The present study investigates the workforce employed under the MGNREGA, employment trends among various age groups, social classes and participation pattern of workers and geographical distribution of workers across various districts of Himachal Pradesh. A simple percentage method and regression analysis has been employed on secondary data for the year 2014-2015 and 2024-2025 utilised for this study. The findings reveal a notable increase in youth employment of MGNREGA workers, regional variations in labour participation, and significant increase in contributions of female employees. Results indicated that employment under MGNREGA increased from 16.83 percent in 2014–15 to 27.07 percent in 2024–25, with significant growth observed among middle-aged and young workers. Notably, 56.51 percent of the workforce comprises women, underscoring the program significance in promoting rural female employment. Regression analysis indicates a strong correlation between active job cards and the workforce size. The study provides insights into addressing regional disparities in various districts related to work participation under MGNREGA, encouraging women from marginalized districts to participate inclusively, and facilitating the transition from unskilled to skilled labour under this scheme in Himachal Pradesh. Keywords: MGNREGA workers, Rural Employment, Women Participation, Himachal Pradesh. Keywords: MGNREGA workers, Rural Employment, Women Participation, Himachal Pradesh.