Question : EMPLOYMENT OF WOMEN IN RURAL AREAS

(a) whether employment of women under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in rural areas has decreased over the years;

(b) if so, the details thereof and the reasons therefore including the number of women workersprovided employment under the Scheme during each of the last three years and the current year, State/UT-wise;

(c) whether the Government proposes to provide non-transient/stable jobs to women workersin view of the downward trend in women participation under MGNREGS;

(d) if so, the details thereof; and

(e) the remedial action taken by the Government in this regard?

MINISTER OF RURAL DEVELOPMENT (SHRI JAIRAM RAMESH)

(a) to (e): A statement is laid on the table of the house.

Statement as referred to in reply to parts (a) to (e) of Lok Sabha Starred Question No. 323due for answer on 13.02.2014.

(a):No, Madam. The wage employment of women under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has marked an increasing trend during the last three years and the current financial year.

(b):Does not arise. The number of women workers provided employment in the last three year is enclosed.

(c) & (d): As against the statutory requirement of one-third of the beneficiaries being women, about 48.4% of the workers under MGNREGA are women.

(e): Does not arise.