The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a landmark legislation in India that was enacted in 2005. It aims to provide at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a financial year to every rural household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. This initiative helps improve livelihood security in rural areas and empowers communities by providing them with a source of income. Under MGNREGA, local authorities are responsible for implementing the program, ensuring that work is available within a reasonable distance from people's homes. The act also promotes sustainable development by focusing on projects that enhance the environment, such as water conservation and land development.