Section Article

Income and Wages in Rural Areas of India
Author(s): Diksha Sharma

Abstract
Rural income and wages in India remain critical indicators of socio-economic development poverty alleviation and labor market dynamics. This study examines trends in rural income wage disparities and determinants of employment remuneration between 2018 and 2020 using secondary sources from peer-reviewed journals government reports and institutional studies. The research highlights factors influencing rural earnings including agricultural productivity non-farm employment government policies Minimum Support Prices (MSP) wage schemes like MGNREGA education and regional disparities. Findings indicate persistent income inequalities across states gender and occupational categories despite government interventions aimed at enhancing rural livelihoods. Wage growth is influenced by market demand labor mobility skill development and institutional support. Furthermore the study evaluates the impact of socio-economic and environmental factors on rural wages including seasonal variations migration and mechanization. By synthesizing research from 2018–2020 this study provides insights into policy measures labor dynamics and strategies for equitable income distribution and sustainable rural development in India.