PROJECT UNNATI: SKILLING MGNREGA WORKERS FOR SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOODS

Abstract [English]

Project UNNATI, launched by the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, represents a strategic shift from the conventional welfare-oriented approach of MGNREGA towards an integrated livelihood generation model through targeted skill development. This article critically examines the design, implementation, and potential impact of Project UNNATI, which aims to upskill 200,000 MGNREGA workers by March 2025. Through a policy and implementation framework analysis, the study highlights the project's core components, including training pathways, financial support mechanisms, governance structure, and monitoring systems. While the project showcases innovation through its convergence with DDU-GKY, RSETIs, and KVKs, several implementation challenges such as scalability, market linkage, and inter-agency coordination are identified. The article concludes with recommendations for enhancing the project's sustainability and broader implications for rural development policies.