Abstract

                                This study was conducted in the Pennagaram block of Dharmapuri districtwith 120 respondents for identifying the strengths, weakness, opportunitiesand challenges of MGNREGS. The major strengths are the availability ofwork with assured wages during the lean season, increase in the bargainingpower of agricultural labor in rural areas, increasing their purchasing powerof agricultural laborers and assist in proper repair and maintenance ofcommunity assets. The weakness identified are delay in payments anddefects in carrying out the schedule of rates, lack of planning and expertisein identifying development work and prioritizing them in village panchayats,lack of awareness about social audit and e- muster rolls. With regard toopportunities, it has ensured women’s participation in the labour forceleading to their empowerment, ensures food and nutrient security, createsjob opportunities for all stakeholders in their rural habitats and preventsand checks migration to nearby towns/cities in search of employment. Thechallenges are poor allocation of funds and its disbursal to the beneficiariesaffecting its functioning, Poor MGNREGS implementation and monitoringresulting in the creation of less public assets and infrastructure facilities,wide spread corruption and misuse of allocated funds and increased politicalinterference in the selection of beneficiaries and assigning of works.

Key words : MGNREGS; SWOC analysis; Panchayat Raj Institutions (PRIs)