Factors affecting household participation in public employment scheme: Lessons from MGNREGS in Punjab for the VB-G RAM G

This paper aims to identify the factors determining household participation in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) among beneficiaries in Punjab, which has been repealed by the Government of India. No doubt, the number of participants in this rural employment scheme increased over the period of time but number of days per household employability remained unimpressive. The viability of some key determinants of low persondays was recorded on the basis of the primary survey of three districts from the state. The results indicate faulty implementation of the scheme by irresponsible Gram Sabha which led to a lower participation rate in the scheme. Awareness about various provisions in the scheme was also found to be a major determining factor among beneficiaries availing it. The replacement of MGNREGS with the Viksit Bharat-Guarantee for Rozgar and Ajeevika Mission (Gramin) Act, 2025 has challenged the development space for states by restricting democratic decentralisation. The proposed fund-sharing pattern between the centre and states in the new scheme has further raised the question of active participation of states in the scheme. Thus, the potential of MGNREGS should not be overlooked in the present scenario in the new scheme .