The agenda for inclusive growth was envisaged in the Eleventh Plan document which intended to achieve not only faster growth but a growth process which ensures broad-based improvement in the quality of life of the people, especially the poor, SCs/STs, other backward castes (OBCs), minorities and women and which seeks to provide equality of opportunity to all. Bringing these excluded sections of the society into the mainstream of the society so that they are able to reap the benefits of faster economic growth is the kind of ‘inclusion’ which is being envisioned in the concept of inclusive growth.

Inclusive growth means economic growth that creates employment opportunities and helps in reducing poverty. It means having access to essential services in health and education by the poor. It includes providing equality of opportunity, empowering people through education and skill development. It also encompasses a growth process that is environment friendly growth, aims for good governance and a helps in creation of a gender sensitive society. Special efforts to increase employment opportunities are essential as it is a necessary condition for bringing about an improvement in the standard of living of the people. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA), one of the largest social safety network in India, has