Role of MGNREGS in Dealing with Climate Change: A Case of Demand-Based Programmes- MGNREGS in Drought-Prone Areas of Madhya Pradesh

Abstract

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Scheme (MGNREGS) is the world’s largest social protection programme (World Bank, 2012). Enacted in India in 2005, it guarantees 100 days of employment, in a year, to poor families, keeping the local government at the centre of the implementation of the program. The 73rd Amendment recognizes the village as a unit of local government, envisaging the village assembly known as the Gram Sabha as the foundation of the local government. MGNREGS funds have been utilized by local governments to create different types of assets, such as climate-resilient and shock-responsive assets. In the last five years, the state and central government have expended 609.77 lakhs INR and 14999.35 lakhs INR respectively to create climate-resilient works (GGG, 2019). Secondary studies and primary data collected reveal that households’ vulnerability to climate change induced incidences, like frequent droughts and floods, were reduced post-MGNREGA works. The present paper highlights that the involvement of local governments has a significant impact in addressing climate change through MGNREGS.

In this context, this paper evaluates the effects of MGNREGA on enhancing resilience to climate change in drought-prone regions of Madhya Pradesh. Two blocks were examined, selecting one gram panchayat from each based on their highest and lowest expenditures under MGNREGA. The findings revealed that the implementation of MGNREGA has contributed to the enhancement of soil, water, irrigation, and cultivation areas in the region under study. Additionally, it has significantly decreased migration by fostering improvements in agriculture, livestock, and local job opportunities. The research demonstrated a notable difference in agricultural income growth between high-performing MGNREGA blocks and those with minimal expenditure. Overall, the findings suggest that MGNREGA has aided rural communities in the region in adapting to and mitigating the effects of climate change while building resilience through the enhancement of local natural resources and the stabilization of household income.

Introduction 

Climate change worldwide has accelerated vulnerabilities amongst marginalized communities and has become a crucial part of the developmental discourse around the world. There is increasing evidence that the rural poor will be the most affected by climate change in developing countries due to natural shocks like drought and flood (Sen, 1999; IPCC, 2014 and 2018). Intensity and frequency of extreme weather actions will exacerbate long-term changes in weather patterns, stressing poor households and reinforcing the underlying drivers of poverty (Mearns & Norton, 2010; IPCC, 2014; Hallegatte et al., 2016). Granoff et al. (2015) argue that climate change may push more than 720 million people across the globe into extreme poverty. However, in recent times less than 50% of the required amount has been spent on tackling poverty and climate impact. Soanes et al. (2017) argue that 10% of the total global fund on climate finance has been committed to local intervention, which can empower the local rural community to build climate-resilient assets and improve low carbon livelihoods. 

Its operational guidelines outline various goals pertaining to the empowerment of socially disadvantaged groups and creating climate-resilient assets (MoRD, 2018). In order to deal with future climate shock, a list of assets have been identified, like rejuvenation of natural resources for rural areas, creation of drought-proofing works, and other climate-resilient works, through the strengthening of local democratic governments or the Panchayati Raj Institutions. The Gram Sabha has been envisaged as the foundation of (PRI) through the 73rd Amendment Act 1992, as one of the local democratic institutions involved in planning MGNREGS budget and its implementation. In alliance, these statutory bodies plan assets that are able to help deal with future nature-induced shocks (including check dams, ponds, afforestation, micro-irrigation systems). Further, the Gram Sabha works as an implementing agency on building climate risk information services and skills to support anticipatory wage employment, create climate-resilient structures, and strengthen MGNREGS in a more significant way.

     Against this background, the paper attempts to understand the role of the scheme and communities in dealing with shock responsiveness (natural shock) in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh (MP). The Bundelkhand region in MP, comprising six districts, despite its rich resources such as forests and minerals, is a region in deep distress and crisis. The region, once known for its traditional water management systems, is now considered a water-deficit drought-prone area owing to neglect of traditional systems. The advent of cultivating water-intensive commercial crops coupled with the lack of water resources development and management has led to constant water-stressed conditions and recurrent drought occurrences. About 82% of the population is dependent on agriculture (Thomas et al., 2014). 

The analysis has been limited to the two districts of Bundelkhand region in MP. Earlier, Bundelkhand had been acknowledged for its different water supply points, such as ponds, lakes, and wells. These water supply points help increase soil wetness, allowing the growth of healthy vegetation. Building ponds, known as ‘Taalab’, in each and every village to provide irrigation to nearby farms as well as drinking water for cattle, etc. was a traditional practice. 

On similar lines, with a key focus on climate change under MGNREGS, local governance takes major decisions regarding the choice and nature of work, where each asset creation and work site selection is made in open assemblies of the Gram Sabha and ratified by the Gram Panchayat (village council). Most of the works undertaken relate to drought-proofing, water conservation, flood protection, and renovation of traditional water bodies that have a direct bearing on reducing vulnerability to climate change (MoRD, 2013). These works are complex and involve multi-stakeholder engagement, including subject-specialized persons and local community members. Institutionally, MGNREGS is a critical component of the Gram Panchayat Development Fund and plays a key role in planning and executing funds under the Gram Panchayat Development Plan (GPDP). The GPDP consolidates financial resources, including untied Basic Grants and Tied Grants from the 15th Finance Commission, to address location-specific needs and essential services such as sanitation, maintaining ODF (Open Defecation Free) status, and ensuring access to drinking water. Through a participatory approach involving rural residents, elected representatives, and administrative personnel like Gram Rojgar Sahayaks, MIS officers, Mates, and Assistant Program Officers, GPDP enables strategic planning and execution of projects that enhance climate resilience and sustainable development, ensuring effective utilization of MGNREGS resources. (Vijayanand, 2015). This establishes MGNREGS as a robust framework for climate finance, effectively addressing climate change vulnerabilities at the grassroots level. The following section explores how this framework mitigates vulnerabilities and fosters resilience.

MGNREGS: A Framework for Effective Climate Finance 

MGNREGS has become an important tool for mobilizing climate finance aimed at tackling rural vulnerabilities. By incorporating planning, implementation, and monitoring processes, MGNREGS effectively directs resources to impoverished rural families, with a particular emphasis on marginalized populations such as women, Scheduled Castes, and Scheduled Tribes. The framework of the scheme has been established to facilitate effective execution and allocation of resources through an organized structure. State governments are responsible for preparing yearly labor budgets that outline planned labor and rural infrastructure initiatives. These budgets receive funding from the central government via the National Employment Guarantee Fund, which is then assigned to the State Employment Guarantee Fund. The funds are subsequently allocated to local authorities to address material and administrative expenses, while wages are directly credited to the bank accounts of job cardholders. This efficient financial setup promotes transparency in the distribution of funds and reinforces institutional accountability  (MoRD, 2013).

To boost accountability and promote local governance, the scheme features a strong social audit system. Social audits are carried out by the households that the scheme aims to benefit, fostering a participatory and inclusive methodology. This strategy empowers communities to monitor the implementation actively, resolve issues, and assess the scheme’s effectiveness. By focusing on the needs of vulnerable populations, the social audit process enhances local governance, improves transparency, and ensures that initiatives meet the requirements of the community (MoRD, 2013).

By coordinating with budgets from various sources and promoting alignment with other governmental initiatives in India, MGNREGS aids in the attainment of common goals, while simultaneously improving the skills of those involved in its implementation. These initiatives under MGNREGS are vital in bolstering the ability of rural households to withstand low-magnitude and low-frequency climate disturbances (Agrawal et al., in press; Kaur et al., 2019). The interplay among its four main (Table 1) elements—wages, infrastructure, strengthening institutions, and skill enhancement—greatly boosts the livelihood resources of rural families. This, in effect, enhances their capacity to absorb, adapt to, and transform in response to both sudden and gradual climate-related risks like droughts and floods. Moreover,  other studies  emphasize the crucial importance of MGNREGS in mitigating climate-related risks. Findings indicate that it significantly aids in soil preservation, management of water resources, and afforestation efforts, all of which enhance the ability of rural communities and ecosystems to adapt. By aligning with strategies for managing climate risks, MGNREGS serves as both a social safety net for at-risk populations and a driver for resilience-building. This combined approach promotes sustainable development in rural areas in the face of increasing climate challenges. MGNREGS serves as a fundamental element of social protection, while simultaneously tackling climate resilience in rural communities. It offers proactive wage employment, providing families with financial resources to withstand climate shocks, and incorporates climate risk management into the planning and development of rural infrastructure, including farm ponds and check dams, which enhance agricultural productivity and resilience. Furthermore, the scheme encourages financial inclusion by ensuring prompt wage payments and advocates for low-carbon assets such as renewable energy systems to lower climate risk exposure. Additionally, it aids in establishing market connections and resilient businesses, empowering women’s self-help groups and cooperatives to drive poverty reduction and economic growth amid climate-related challenges. Research shows its crucial role in connecting social protection with sustainable rural development (Soanes et al., 2019). Table 1 details these effects.

For instance, research carried out by Kaur et al. (2019) highlighted the program’s impact in states including Andhra Pradesh, Jharkhand, Odisha, and Sikkim, where 64% of the 651 households surveyed reported an improvement in their livelihood resources, enabling them to more effectively absorb, adapt, or transform in relation to climate change effects. However, the study also identified limitations, noting that 19% of households surveyed experienced declines in well-being and resilience, despite the assistance provided by MGNREGS. While MGNREGS is naturally adaptable to climate conditions, offering an additional 50 days of wage employment during officially recognized natural disasters, it currently lacks specific tools for climate risk management or information systems to address the increasing frequency and intensity of climate challenges confronting rural households in India (Kaur et al., 2019).

MGNREGS: Delivering Climate Finance

Out of the 260 permissible works under MGNREGA, 181 focus on natural resource management, and 164 are linked to agriculture and allied activities, both critical for addressing climate vulnerabilities (NIRD, 2023). These interventions are vital for communities most dependent on natural systems, helping build long-term resilience through assets such as check dams, ponds, afforestation, micro-irrigation systems, and water storage structures. MGNREGS prioritizes climate-resilient works, including drought-proofing, flood control, and water conservation. Over the past five years, both state and national governments have emphasized budget allocations for these climate-resilient assets, as reflected in the accompanying tables. The table below  highlights the national expenditure for creating different types of climate-resilient assets under MGNREGS.

Table 2.

National Expenditure (In Lakhs)

Source: nrega.nic Data accessed on 09/01/2025

From the above table, it can be inferred that a large chunk of the budget has been utilized in creating climate-resilient assets in the last five years. We can observe that expenditure in these five categories fluctuates every year, as it is a matter of the local planning executed by the implementation agency. In the years 2018-19 and 2019-20 a minimal amount of expenditure has been incurred in creating drought-proofing assets. But substantially other water conservation and related assets have been largely focused upon. In the recent financial year 2023-24 coinciding with the pandemic, a large proportion of expenditure has been made on water conservation and harvesting related works to keep the focus on our primary sector due to convergence of “Jal Jeevan Mission” as a community approach to water management and water conservation (Ministry of Jal Shakti, 2021). 

Further, in 2021, researchers at the Indian Institute of Science (IISc), Bengaluru, estimated that the scheme captured 102 million tonnes of carbon dioxide (MtCO2) in 2017-18 through plantation activities and improvements in soil quality. Further, potential for carbon sequestration through MGNREGS is expected to grow considerably, with predictions indicating it may reach 249 MtCO2 by 2030. IISc researchers in Bengaluru analyzed biomass levels in plantations and the carbon stored in soils at various work sites across 158 villages spanning 18 agro-ecological zones in India to reach these findings. The study excluded areas such as the Western Himalayas, Ladakh Plateau, North Kashmir, Andaman and Nicobar Islands, and Lakshadweep. It was determined that the activities aimed at drought-proofing, like tree planting, forest restoration, and grassland enhancement, accounted for over 40% of the overall carbon sequestration achieved through the program. The amount of carbon sequestered from these efforts ranged from 0.29 to 4.50 tC/ha/yr, depending on the specific region. Other initiatives related to land development, such as earthen bunding, stone bunding, and land leveling, captured between 0.1 to 1.97 tC/ha/yr, while minor irrigation projects sequestered from 0.08 to 1.93 tC/ha/yr (Ravindranath & Murthy, 2021). 

One of the primary objectives of India’s Nationally Determined Contributions (NDC) is to “establish an additional carbon sink of 2.5 to 3.0 billion tonnes of CO2-equivalent through increased forest and tree cover by 2030” (GoI, 2015). This objective specifically targets lands suitable for enhanced forest and tree cover through initiatives like tree planting. As a result, only the drought-proofing efforts under MGNREGS, which encompass tree planting, are recognized as contributions toward achieving this NDC goal. Projections suggest that carbon sequestration from drought-proofing initiatives is anticipated to increase considerably—from 56 MtCO2 in 2020 to 281 MtCO2 in 2025, and further to 561 MtCO2 by 2030. These estimates are significant, particularly when contrasted with the total CO2 sequestration of 308 MtCO2 noted in 2016 for forests, agriculture, settlements, and other land categories as per India’s Third Biennial Update Report. These initiatives show the potential of MGNREGS in aiding India’s climate commitments (Ravindranath and Murthy, 2021).

Most of the panchayat’s planned work was climate-resilient, and an impact can be seen certainly in the agricultural sector, with more crop production being undertaken.  A study from 2018, sponsored by the Ministry of Rural Development, highlighted the role of natural resource management (NRM) under the scheme and found that NRM has increased irrigation potential and improved groundwater tables. Consequently, there was an increase in household incomes and an improvement in agricultural productivity. The government amended MGNREGA’s Schedule 1 in 2014, which mandates that at least 60% of the scheme’s expenditure should go to agriculture and allied activities. As per government claims, 75% of total permissible works are directed towards improving water security and water conservation efforts (MoRD, 2019).

The table below showcases available secondary data of MGNREGA expenditure of FY 2017-22 indicating that Madhya Pradesh continuously increased its expenditure every year on water conservation and water harvesting. 

State data reveals a steady increase in actual expenditure in the state every year with an increase in the year 2020-21 during the covid lockdown.

Table 3: State Expenditure – Madhya Pradesh (In Crores)

Source: nrega.nic Data accessed on December 2024

From the above table, it can be argued that the central and state government spent a significant proportion of the total MGNREGS budget to create climate-resilient assets. Creation of climate resilient assets not only helps in dealing with climate induced vulnerability, but also decreases vulnerability of the rural poor, especially women.

Impact of MGNREGS on Climate-Resilience: Grassroot Experience Methodology

To capture grassroots experiences, this research adopted a mixed-method approach, combining quantitative and qualitative methodologies to explore the implementation and impacts of MGNREGS spending at the community level, with a focus on the creation of climate-resilient assets. 

Primary data was collected through field visits, structured interviews, and participatory observations in two villages in the Bundelkhand region of Madhya Pradesh: Mudhra (Chattarpur district) and Shahgarh (Sagar district). These villages were selected based on their distinct socio-economic and environmental challenges, allowing for a comprehensive analysis of the scheme’s outcomes. A purposive sampling approach was employed to identify the study locations, emphasizing areas with significant climate vulnerabilities and a strong dependence on MGNREGS for employment and infrastructure development. This involved various stakeholders, including beneficiaries of the scheme, members of the gram panchayat, and local officials responsible for implementation. Data gathering utilized structured interviews, focus group discussions, and direct observations of MGNREGS assets, providing a thorough understanding of the scheme’s results. Quantitative data was gathered from 100 households in each village, supplemented by qualitative insights from key stakeholders to provide a holistic understanding of the program’s effects. 

For the study, a structured interview schedule was utilized as the main tool for gathering data. This schedule aimed to collect information on essential areas such as demographics, the effects of climate change, livelihoods and income, as well as the role of MGNREGA. Interviews were carried out with the heads of 200 selected households, consisting of 146 males and 54 females. Furthermore, the research incorporated Focused Group Discussions (FGDs) with similar groups of MGNREGA wage seekers and community leaders from local institutions and Panchayati Raj bodies. The FGD guide covered subjects like the use of MGNREGA for job creation, its significance in managing natural resources in the villages, and the influence of these initiatives on agriculture, livestock, and the community’s overall livelihoods.

The study aimed to evaluate how MGNREGS expenditures aligned with its goals of establishing lasting, climate-resilient assets and enhancing rural livelihoods. Additionally, the research assessed the program’s impact on boosting local resilience to climate change. The findings critically examine MGNREGS’s efficacy in tackling developmental and environmental challenges within the rural Indian context.  

This study’s findings are constrained by its geographic focus on two villages in Bundelkhand, limiting generalizability to other regions. The short data collection period may overlook long-term effects of MGNREGS implementation. A qualitative approach restricted the use of quantitative metrics, such as precise asset utilization or cost-effectiveness analyses. Additionally, insights derived from interviews and discussions may be influenced by respondent bias and subjective perspectives.

Through this case study, we analysed how MGNREGS has been used by the administrative structure of the national and state government to address water security in the Bundelkhand region. The aim is to dissect the role and responsibilities of local governance, including Gram panchayat at village level, involved in creating climate resilient assets under MGNREGS and understanding the organizational and structural complexities of local governance.

Climate Change Risks  

Climate change presents considerable difficulties for agriculture and livestock, which are the main sources of livelihood in the arid western region. According to Kazi et al. (2022) and data from household surveys, communities associate the risks of climate change closely with extreme weather occurrences, such as increasing temperatures, extended summer periods, and unpredictable monsoon patterns with irregular rainfall.  The survey findings indicated that 65% of participants observed notable increases in temperature, especially with longer summer seasons, raising alarms in this area. Groundwater depletion emerged as the most urgent concern, with 73% of respondents highlighting it as a significant issue. Furthermore, 48% of those surveyed identified the deterioration of local water sources, including ponds and check dams, as a critical challenge.  These climatic alterations are further exacerbated by decreased soil fertility (58%) and the decline of pasture lands (52%), which intensify agricultural vulnerabilities. The inconsistency in rainfall patterns, mentioned by 49% of respondents, adds further unpredictability to farming activities. Rising temperatures and challenges related to water resources have a direct effect on crop patterns and restrict water availability for cattle, which are vital for the livelihoods of local communities.Even with irregular rainfall, the farmers in the area cultivate wheat, cereals, and paddy crops. Thanks to varied water sources and improved irrigation facilities, the farmers in these regions have steadily increased their output over time.

Repercussions of Climate Change  

Climate change has greatly affected the livelihoods of rural communities, especially in the agriculture and livestock industries. Approximately 78% of households reported losses in crops and issues with livestock health due to pest invasions, diseases, and severe weather events such as extended droughts and increasing temperatures.  

Survey findings also revealed that 65% of participants experienced a decline in income directly linked to climatic disturbances. Furthermore, 40% of households reported disputes over dwindling water resources, while 35% mentioned soil erosion and 30% indicated waterlogging as significant consequences. Migration surfaced as a coping strategy for 38% of households, motivated by limited local employment opportunities. In this situation, the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is essential in alleviating these issues, particularly by reducing the need for migration through its provision of 100 days of guaranteed employment within village Panchayats

Effects of MGNREGA on Climate Change Adaptation

MGNREGA has shown a notable influence in tackling climate change challenges in other regions as well (Macwan, 2023), particularly through its role in decreasing migration , which was recognized by about 70% of those surveyed in Madhya Pradesh. The program proved to be especially effective in the Sagar district of Madhya Pradesh, where participants pointed out MGNREGA’s contribution to enhancing job opportunities and curbing migration. Furthermore, MGNREGA played a role in improving the availability of fodder and water resources, which especially benefited those who keep livestock. Significant positive results include better groundwater levels, greater irrigation, and reduced soil erosion, with a marked difference observed in Shahgarh block of Sagar  (23-32% impact). Nonetheless, despite improvements in water and soil conditions, the effect on agricultural yields and livestock production across various districts was not considerable, although increased income from agriculture and livestock was noted in Sagar. Additional studies are needed to gain a deeper understanding of the sustainability of these advancements and their wider socio-economic effects.

Interestingly, despite a noticeable increase in income for some households, approximately 53% of households reported no change in income from agriculture, and 42% saw no improvement from livestock. When comparing these two districts in Chattarpur, 50% of respondents indicate that livestock production has improved, while 45% report increased fodder availability. However, despite these advancements, outmigration remains high in comparison to Sagar. These findings, when viewed in the context of the region’s climate change challenges, indicate that MGNREGA has been instrumental in helping communities mitigate the adverse effects of climate change. By providing critical support, the program has significantly enhanced the resilience of rural households to climate-induced hardships.

Alteration in Access to Drinking Water

MGNREGA initiatives are carefully crafted to enhance water conservation and harvesting by constructing various structures such as check dams, anicuts, ponds, drains, and nadis. These initiatives are intended to increase water supply for agricultural, livestock, and drinking needs. Expenditure reports from MGNREGA indicate that the “water conservation and water harvesting” segment received the largest funding, underlining its essential importance in the area. Based on household survey findings, 38% of participants noted a rise in the availability of drinking water, with 71% of these households from Sagar district, highlighting the program’s effective impact in specific localities. Conversely, 53% of respondents indicated that they did not notice any significant change in water access, and the responses did not reveal considerable differences between Sagar and Chhatarpur District. This accentuates the necessity for additional efforts to guarantee systematic enhancements across all regions.

MGNREGA Expenditures in Creating Climate-Resilient Assets (2014–2024)  

To examine the patterns of MGNREGA expenditure concerning the utilization across different categories and their effects on observed outcomes, data from two selected Panchayats in the Sagar and Chhatarpur districts have been provided. This comparison reveals the distinctions in MGNREGA activities between a district that performs well (Sagar) and one that performs poorly (Chhatarpur). Data obtained from the MGNREGA Management Information System (MIS) dashboard offers insights into expenditure trends over the last ten years, illustrating how funds were distributed and spent on projects related to water conservation, land development, road construction, and various other important categories. This examination is essential for grasping how these expenditures impact the previously discussed outcomes, especially regarding water availability, soil quality, and rural livelihoods.

Table 4.

Source- MIS NREGS  Data accessed on 04/01/2025

Data on expenditures for climate-resilient assets shows that between the Sagar and Chhatarpur districts, Chhatarpur stands out with higher overall spending in most categories, particularly in Drought Proofing (₹3,494.76 lakh, 2.85%) and Water Conservation & Harvesting (₹27,903.09 lakh, 1.86%), highlighting its focus on tackling water-related issues. In Sagar, while there are significant investments in the Renovation of Traditional Bodies (₹2,084.92 lakh, 2.51%) and Micro Irrigation Work (₹241.32 lakh, 2.42%), it falls short in total spending compared to Chhatarpur. Interestingly, Chhatarpur’s minimal budget for Flood Control & Protection (₹9.42 lakh, 0.01%) points to a possible inadequacy in managing flood risks. These trends indicate that irrigation and traditional infrastructure is prioritized in Sagar, whereas Chhatarpur leans towards a comprehensive approach to water resource management, though both regions might gain from a more balanced strategy for flood risk management. Moreover, initial data suggests that Sagar has experienced enhancements in livelihood practices related to livestock production and the availability of fodder. However, in both the districts, with considerable investments in micro-irrigation efforts, crop yields have improved primarily due to governmental initiatives in irrigation projects. Recently, the Prime Minister launched the ambitious Ken-Betwa river linking project, which aims to transfer surplus water from the Ken river basin to the Betwa river basin in the Bundelkhand area, spanning parts of Madhya Pradesh and Uttar Pradesh. The Ken-Betwa Link Project is anticipated to offer irrigation services to ten districts in Madhya Pradesh, including Chhatarpur, Tikamgarh, Niwari, Panna, Damoh, and Sagar (PMindia.gov.in, 2024).

Women’s Role in MGNREGS Planning

In both the villages under study, women played a pivotal role in planning and implementing major project interventions Scheme (MGNREGS). Their involvement was particularly significant due to their understanding of the long-term benefits of climate-resilient assets, which directly impact their livelihoods and communities. In the Chhatarpur district, Gond tribal women emerged as vocal advocates for community ownership of assets created on common lands through MGNREGS. Their assertiveness and participation mark a notable shift towards gender-inclusive decision-making in rural governance. Qualitative data collected during the study reveals powerful anecdotes highlighting their transformative role.

A woman from Chhatarpur district states that: 

Earlier, we had to travel long distances to collect water since the wells had dried up. There was no arrangement for water anywhere. Then all the women in the Gram Sabha collectively demanded to rejuvenate traditional water bodies to reduce our suffering. We along with male members and “Panch” of the village, presented the proposal in the Gram Sabha and approved by the bureaucrats of MGNREGS on deepening the pond and other traditional water bodies. Now the pond contains water most of the year, and does not dry up quickly during summer. (Shyam rani, age 43)

Following a suggestion given by different officials and local governing bodies, a women’s SHG began fish farming in a check dam reservoir (asset created 3 years ago), initially with 22,000 seedlings. Many women have also taken to vegetable cultivation and have expressed keen interest in other income-generating activities. 

Conclusion

This research highlights the crucial importance of MGNREGS in tackling the complex issues brought on by climate change, particularly for rural and farming communities in areas like Madhya Pradesh. The findings indicate that MGNREGS functions not merely as a poverty alleviation initiative but also as a strategic means for enhancing climate adaptation and resilience among at-risk populations. With secondary data confirming that the rural poor are most vulnerable to climate change effects, the scheme emerges as a vital intervention by involving local communities in participatory planning and the development of sustainable assets. The primary data gathered from the Sagar and Chhatarpur districts demonstrates the essential role of MGNREGS in supporting livelihoods. Given that 82% of the residents in these districts rely on agriculture, MGNREGS serves as a protective measure against climate shocks, promoting income stability and offering alternative job opportunities during times of agricultural distress. The program empowers local gram panchayats to make important decisions regarding the type of work undertaken, ensuring that projects are customized to meet the community’s needs. These initiatives primarily target drought-proofing, water conservation, flood control, and the restoration of traditional water bodies—efforts that significantly enhance climate resilience.Nevertheless, the study indicates that only a small percentage of the budget allocated over the past decade has been directed toward the creation of climate-resilient assets. Persistent challenges such as dwindling groundwater supplies and migration highlight the necessity for a stronger emphasis on water infrastructure and more strategic distribution of resources. The ongoing issue of migration in rural Madhya Pradesh could be alleviated through a more concentrated effort to create assets that address water scarcity and agricultural volatility. 

The scheme’s initiatives have resulted in considerable environmental advantages, such as decreased soil erosion and increased irrigation access, especially in Sagar. These enhancements positively impact agricultural productivity and the well-being of the community. Furthermore, the growing participation of women in planning and decision-making processes showcases the scheme’s role in fostering gender equality and empowering women at the grassroots level. In the end, MGNREGS has become a vital tool for rural development, climate resilience, and socio-economic empowerment in Madhya Pradesh. While it has achieved notable progress in asset creation and livelihood assistance, the results indicate an urgent need to sharpen its focus on water-related infrastructure, ensure more effective resource allocation, and maintain the participatory approach that has proven successful. Strengthening these elements will help guarantee that MGNREGS continues to serve as a transformative force in reducing climate vulnerabilities and promoting sustainable development for rural communities.