This book attempts to examine the salient features of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) and its impact in India, with special reference to in Samastipur district of Bihar. It analyses the achievements of MGNREGA and its contribution to reduce economic equalities, women empowerment, employment securities and improving the standard of living.

It discusses at length the employment programmes initiated by the Indian Government and their contribution, the goals, features and objectives of MGNREGA, as well as problems faced by it in Bihar, registration and employment eligibility, worksite facilities, unemployment allowance system, PRI planning system, public vigilance and social audits, empowerment of Panchayati Raj Institutions and the physical and financial performance of MGNREGA in the state. The demographic profile and cultural status of Bihar and its economic condition also find place in the discussion.