Mr. Dhavale Sidhant Madhavrao Prof.(Dr). S. K. Khillare Prof. (Dr.) D.M.Khandare
Abstract:
This study investigates the level of awareness and utilization of major rural development schemes among villagers in India, focusing on Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), Pradhan Mantri Awas Yojana – Gramin (PMAY-G), Swachh Bharat Mission (SBM), and Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY). Adopting a mixed-methods approach, the research combines structured household surveys with key informant interviews to provide a comprehensive understanding of how rural residents perceive, access, and benefit from these government initiatives. The study examines the extent of knowledge about these schemes, identifies barriers to participation, and analyzes demographic and socio-economic determinants influencing awareness and utilization. Results indicate considerable variation across schemes: MGNREGA emerges as the most widely recognized and effectively utilized program, owing to its long-standing presence, direct employment benefits, and strong community-level dissemination mechanisms. In contrast, PMAY-G and SBM face significant challenges related to information gaps, bureaucratic complexities, and limited local facilitation, which hinder optimal participation. PMGSY awareness is moderate, often linked to visible infrastructural improvements rather than formal outreach campaigns. The findings highlight the critical role of effective information dissemination, social mobilization, and administrative efficiency in enhancing scheme uptake. Based on these insights, the paper recommends targeted policy interventions such as strengthening local awareness campaigns, leveraging Panchayati Raj institutions for grassroots outreach, simplifying procedural requirements, and ensuring inclusive participation of marginalized groups. These measures promote equitable access to rural development programs and maximize their intended socio-economic impact on rural communities by addressing informational and institutional bottlenecks.
