MGNREGA Bibliography

Abstract

This paper analyzes the impact of India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) on poor rural households. In particular, we study the impact of the program on food security, savings, and health outcomes. We have a panel data of 1,064 households from 198 villages of Andhra Pradesh, over two years. In the early stage of the program, several households that applied for work were denied employment due to shortage of work. We exploit this exogenous variation to calculate triple-difference estimates of the impact of the program. Our results indicate that the NREGS significantly increased the monthly per capita expenditure on food and non-food consumables. The program also improved food security by a significant reduction in the number of meals foregone by households per week. The program raised the probability of holding savings and reduced the incidence of depression among rural households.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0305750X14002940

Poverty Quantitative

Abstract

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005 (NREGA) guarantees 100 days of wage employment in a financial year to any rural household whose adult members are willing to participate in unskilled manual work The Act is an important step towards realization of the right to work and aims at arresting out-migration of rural households in search of employment simultaneously enhancing people’s livelihood on a sustained basis, by developing the economic and social infrastructure in rural areas. The present study on evaluation of the NREG Scheme is intended to assess the impact of this scheme on the overall quality of life of people by gauging different parameters associated with the improvement of overall quality of life of people such as impact on income – earning levels of each household, expenditure on food and non-food items, household and cultivable assets creation by the beneficiaries. This study also captured the impact of the scheme to arrest out-migration, views and feed-back of the beneficiaries on various faucets of implementation of the scheme at grass root level right from the stage of issue of job cards etc. With the above set of objectives, the study was carried out in 20 districts spread throughout India by targeting 300 beneficiaries from each district. These beneficiaries are hailing from the diverse geography and social background distributed evenly within the selected districts. The data pertains to the year 2006-07 during which period this scheme was launched in the first phase of 200 districts. By way of open-ended questionnaires, data on several variables were collected from these beneficiaries who are part of the NREGA Scheme. Overall impact of the scheme, views expressed by the beneficiaries etc. is elucidated in a nutshell in the following paras.

Implementation Quantitative Wages

Abstract

CSE

Abstract

The payment of wages into bank accounts for work carried out under the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has been suggested as a way to prevent embezzlement of funds. The practice has already begun in a few districts. Is this a foolproof system to control corruption? The early experience from a few blocks in Orissa suggests that this process is not free from its own problems.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/40277388

Challenges Corruption Wages

Abstract

The draft report of the Comptroller and Auditor General on the working of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act was used by many sections of the media to strongly criticise this employment programme. Much of the coverage sensationalised the findings of the report. What did the CAG actually say? Where did the CAG fall short in its investigations? And what can we learn from the CAG to improve the functioning of the NREGA?

https://www.jstor.org/stable/40277587

Implementation

Abstract

Theoretical work on disciplining corrupt agents has emphasized the role of expected future rents — for example, efficiency wages. Yet taken seriously this approach implies that illicit future rents should also deter corruption. We study this “golden goose” effect in the context of a statutory wage increase in India’s employment guarantee scheme, comparing official microrecords to original household survey data to measure corruption. We estimate large golden goose effects that reduced the total impact of the wage increase on theft by roughly 64 percent. In short, rent expectations matter.

https://www.aeaweb.org/articles?id=10.1257/pol.5.4.230

Wages

Abstract

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act 2005 is a law whereby any adult who is willing to do unskilled manual labour at the minimum wage is entitled to being employed on public works within fifteen days. This Primer is a simple introduction to the Act. Through a question- answer format, the Primer discusses the basic features of the Act, and suggests a few ideas about what concerned citizens can do to intensify the campaign for a full-fledged Employment Guarantee Act.

https://www.nbtindia.gov.in/books_detail__20__popular-social-science__...

Implementation Wages

Abstract

The document discusses how the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in India has positively impacted women’s empowerment and independence in rural areas. Some key points: 1) NREGA aims to provide at least one-third of its jobs to women and ensure equal wages for men and women. Government data shows women make up over 40% of NREGA workers nationally. 2) A survey of women NREGA workers found that while most got less than 25 days of work, wages under NREGA were significantly higher than other local work, though not all received the legal minimum. 3) The reliable income has increased women’s independence, as they can now contribute to household expenses

https://www.scribd.com/doc/241646730/Navjyoti08-Employment-Guarantee-a...

Gender Quantitative Wages

Abstract

A social audit in Tamil Nadu finds that the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has brought about major changes in the lives of women. However, the act overlooks the fact that childcare is a problem for many of the working women, especially for young mothers.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2008/09/commentary/employment-guarantee-wom...

Gender

Abstract

A social audit in Tamil Nadu finds that the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has brought about major changes in the lives of women. However, the act overlooks the fact that childcare is a problem for many of the working women, especially for young mothers.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/40277196

Gender Qualitative

Abstract

The experience of the Jagrut Adivasi Dalit Sangathan in Madhya Pradesh shows the power of grassroots organisational work in activating the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Levels of NREGA employment in the Sangathan areas are as high as 85 days per household per year, and nearly half of all working households have got 100 days of work. They also earn the minimum wage. The Act can also be an opportunity to promote overall rural development and alter the balance of power in village society.

https://www.jobguarantee.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/02/Khera-2008-Emp...

Implementation Quantitative

Abstract

The experience of the Jagrut Adivasi Dalit Sangathan in Madhya Pradesh shows the power of grassroots organisational work in activating the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. Levels of NREGA employment in the Sangathan areas are as high as 85 days per household per year, and nearly half of all working households have got 100 days of work. They also earn the minimum wage. The Act can also be an opportunity to promote overall rural development and alter the balance of power in village society.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/40278713

Caste Wages

Abstract

The intent of the Sixth Central Pay Commission is not quite problematic but implementation is the key.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2008/34/editorials/fair-paying-job.html

Challenges Implementation

Abstract

Abstract

Abstract

This case study identifies critical elements to the passage of the NREGA, an act guaranteeing employment to all Indian citizens. It highlights the role of institutions, events, and actors.

https://policy-practice.oxfam.org/resources/indias-national-rural-empl...

Qualitative

Abstract

The document discusses issues with corruption negatively impacting the effectiveness of NREGS, India’s flagship rural employment guarantee program. Rampant corruption has resulted in most of the program funds being siphoned off through fake muster rolls and inflated numbers of work days. This is largely done by panchayat leaders who pocket much of the workers’ wages, sometimes paying workers as little as Rs. 20 of the mandated Rs. 82 per day minimum. Stronger monitoring and enforcement of transparency measures are needed to curb corruption and better achieve the goals of the program at helping rural households.

https://www.scribd.com/document/50485233/Sebastian-2008-More-is-Not-En...

Challenges Corruption Wages

Abstract

Challenges

Abstract

Abstract

The brutal murder of young Jharkhand activist Lalit Mehta exposes the violent opposition of vested interests deeply threatened by the radical provisions of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA).

https://www.epw.in/journal/2008/23/letters/radicalism-nrega.html

Challenges Environmental Sustainability Poverty

Abstract

This article presents results on the participation of rural workers in the National Rural Employment Guarantee programme based on a pilot survey of three villages in Udaipur district in Rajasthan. Its focus is on participation in the NREG programme of different socio-economic groups and the determinants of the participation of these groups. It is found that the mean participation was 59 days and that targeting was satisfactory. The performance of the programme has been far from dismal.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/40277256

Quantitative

Abstract

Official hostility to social audits of the rural employment guarantee scheme takes an ugly turn in Jharkhand.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2008/31/editorials/struggle-right-employmen...

Challenges Corruption

Abstract

It is not possible to realise the massive potential of the National, Rural Employment Guarantee Act if we deploy the same ossified structure of implementation that has deeply institutionalised corruption, inefficiency and non-accountability into the very fabric of Indian democracy. On the other hand, if the reforms suggested in this paper are put into place, NREGA holds out the prospect of transforming the livelihoods of the poorest and heralding a revolution in rural governance in India.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/40277179

Implementation Poverty

Abstract

An independent report offers constructive criticism, but the findings are being sensationalised.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2008/04/editorials/wake-call-rural-employme...

Challenges Implementation

Abstract

This working paper provides a survey of the theoretical underpinnings for the various employment guarantee schemes, and discusses full employment policy experiences in the United States, Sweden, India, Argentina, and France. The theoretical and policy developments are delineated in a historical context. The paper concludes by identifying some questions that still need to be addressed in the context of the global political economy.

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=985162

Implementation Qualitative

Abstract

Even as we celebrate 60 years of Indian democracy, with millions of our people hungry, cynical and insecure, and living under the barrel of the gun (of the state or the extremists), we need to worry about the reach and quality of our political process. The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act has the potential to provide a “big push” in India’s regions of distress. For NREGA to be able to realise its potential, the role of civil society organisations is critical. But this calls for a new self-critical politics of fortitude, balance and restraint.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2007/45-46/perspectives/employment-guarante...

Politics Qualitative

Abstract

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act is into its second year of implementation. It is easy to criticise the Act and its execution. However, even as we recognise its shortcomings and the scope for correction, we must consider what it has achieved so far and the promise it continues to offer.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2007/52/commentary/employment-guarantee-pro...

Challenges Implementation

Abstract

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act as implemented by the Orissa government has resulted in grandiose claims of expenditure but very little to show in reality.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2007/32/commentary/illusions-change.html

Budget Implementation

Abstract

The Government of India passed the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in September 2005, with a broad ‘national consensus’. This was hailed as a ‘historic piece of households in the rural areas by providing at least one hundred days of guaranteed wage legislation’ and ‘People’s Act’. The Act provides for the enhancement of livelihood security of the employment in every financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual labour. It is noted that NREGA envisaged a paradigm shift ‘From Programme to Act’, compared to the different Wage Employment Programmes (WEP) operating in the country since 1980. The Act came into force initially in 200 districts, and later extended to another 130 districts. It is expected to cover the whole country within five years.

The evaluation study was carried out in Palakkad and Wayanad Districts of Kerala by the Centre for Rural Management (CRM), Kottayam. The report presents the findings of the study of NREGS for the year 2005-2007.

https://www.researchgate.net/publication/287336070_Impact_Assessment_o...

Quantitative

Abstract

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme has so far posed no problem for the budget. Its allocation is only marginally higher than what was spent in the past by the government on various rural employment programmes. It is a demand-driven scheme and it has fallen far short of meeting demand in some states. The fund utilisation ratio also varies widely across states.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2007/07/commentary/implementation-employmen...

Budget Implementation Politics

Abstract

Since its enactment in 2005, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) has been implemented in 200 districts in India. Based on state-by-state employment demand-supply data and the use of funds released under NREGA, it is found that, although it is a demand-driven scheme, there are significant interstate differences in the supply of employment. The supply falls far short of demand, particularly in low-income states, where the organizational capacity to implement the scheme is limited. It is also noted that the NREGA-induced fiscal expansion has not contributed to higher fiscal imbalances. The consolidation of other public employment programs into NREGA has actually kept the total allocation of funds by the central government at a level no higher than those reached in the fiscal years 2002-03 to 2005-06. The NREGA fund utilization ratio varies widely across states and is abysmally low in the poorer states. Since the flow of resources to individual states is based on approved plans outlining employment demand, it may turn out to be regressive for the poorer states with low organizational capacity in terms of planning and management of the schemes, especially labor demand forecasting.

https://papers.ssrn.com/sol3/papers.cfm?abstract_id=1000215

Budget Implementation

Abstract

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/globalization-and-development-...

Abstract

Based on an evaluation of Argentina’s programme, Jefes de Hogar, and India’s Maharashtra’s Employment Guarantee Scheme, explores the significance of the policies for promotion of employment and how developing countries could create jobs.

https://www.ilo.org/publications/employer-last-resort-programme-could-...

Abstract

The social audit of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Programme conducted in Dungarpur district of Rajasthan brought out the administrative preparedness for the scheme and the benefits for women workers. Some problems remain, most importantly the lack of childcare facilities.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2006/20/commentary/employment-guarantee-and...

Gender Implementation

Abstract

This article looks at the National Employment Guarantee Act and related programmes from the perspective of responding to sudden (and rapid) onset of events like economic crises and natural and man-made disasters. It advocates using the NREGA as part of the rapid response to crises and disasters. Particular attention is focused on the aggregate impact of localised disasters/crises, which may be large and need to be addressed in disaster management strategies in India.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2006/09/commentary/employment-guarantee-and...

Environmental Sustainability Qualitative

Abstract

A recent survey in two districts of Jharkhand found many serious flaws in the implementation of the new National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Some of them could be explained as teething problems. As the experience of Rajasthan shows, there is scope for better implementation. All said and done, NREGA has created a sense of hope amongst the rural poor. This sense of hope can be further strengthened if people understand that the act gives them employment as a matter of right, and that claiming this right is within the realm of possibility.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2006/29/insight/employment-guarantee-jharkh...

Challenges Implementation

Abstract

https://www.epw.in/journal/2006/45/letters/employment-guarantee-why-pr...

Challenges

Abstract

The studies presented in this collection analyse Maharashtra’s Employment Guarantee Scheme from a sociological and a political perspective. They investigate the variety of ways in which the political mobilisation of the oppressed takes place and simultaneously examine the manipulations by the ruling Maratha landed caste to disempower and eventually co-opt such struggles in order to perpetuate its own political dominance. This research analyses the contestations that have emerged in the context of this programme in the last three decades as groups and classes have confronted each other in using the EGS to further their own respective interests.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/4419026

Caste Qualitative

Abstract

Abstract

Gender analysis of Maharashtra’s Employment Guarantee Scheme has focused on the “women-friendly” nature of the scheme as it attracted a large number of women workers. This paper argues that it is not the presence of a large number of women as EGS workers that makes the scheme women-friendly, but that this presence makes possible their mobilisation by organisations that have leftist and feminist ideologies. Through this mobilisation, not only “women-friendly” provisions – such as equal wages, provision of crèches, shelter, maternity benefits and close proximity of EGS works – get implemented, but women raise new concerns, which critique gender discrimination.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/4419028

Gender Implementation Qualitative Wages

Abstract

This paper compares Maharashtra’s Employment Guarantee Scheme with the Sampoorna Gramin Rozgar Yojana to find whether the programme is better or worse than the SGRY. A study conducted in 2002-03 in Nasik district, Maharashtra, shows that notions of “participatory localism” largely undermine the apparent advantages of the alternative approach. It further suggests that simply reshaping the EGS to make it like the more democratic and decentralised SGRY will not solve any problems.

http://www.jstor.org/stable/4419027

Implementation Qualitative

Abstract

Gender

Abstract

A case study of how the government’s employment guarantee scheme is being implemented in one Kerala district reveals the vital role played by local bodies. While implementation has been largely fair and corruption-free, the scheme needs to be more efficiently and effectively used so as to meet the long-term requirements of the state and its people.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2006/48/commentary/nrega-implementation-i-r...

Corruption Implementation

Abstract

It was quite interesting to go through the field observations on the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) in Jharkhand (July 22, 2006), which suggest that the NREGA programme may well follow the same path as the earlier wage employment programmes. The involvement of students from Delhi University and Jawaharlal Nehru University in the field investigation should be appreciated. It may be a trendsetter for involving students in a similar exercise in other parts of the country.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2006/31/letters/nrega-absence-ownership.htm...

Implementation Qualitative

Abstract

Various non-political outfits were involved in the introduction of Maharashtra’s Employment Guarantee Scheme. Once introduced, these organisations understood the potentialities of EGS as a means to address various issues relating to the marginalised sections of society, including dalits, women, tribals and the landless, among others. This paper analyses how these groups engaged with the state in defining the scope and reach of EGS and how over time this definition of EGS was enlarged by these same groups to ensure the empowerment of the poor.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/4419029

Gender Implementation Poverty

Abstract

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of 2005 is a path-breaking legislation. It signals a paradigm shift to legal entitlements, public accountability coupled with community rights, and responsive and participative management. In the past, wage employment programmes, though well stretched, suffered for a variety of reasons. Programme coverage was low. More than fifty per cent of beneficiaries were not from the most needy group. Labour employed was not always from the local population. Payment made was lower than the prescribed wage. There was disparity between wages paid to women and men. On an average, 16 to 29 days of employment were provided to a worker per annum. Quality of assets created was not always of the requisite standard. There were reports of forged muster roll. On the whole, wage employment programmes did not eventually achieve what they set out to do.

The unhappy result was that even though a number of such schemes were taken up, the poor continued to remain poor, caught in social captivity and were not enabled to participate in the mainstream process. This was particularly true of areas plagued by extremism, and frontal and inaccessible areas where employment schemes were taken hostage by contractors and middlemen, locking people in a seemingly perpetual cycle of poverty. Empowering the poor is best done by breaking the barriers of unemployment, illiteracy, backwardness, ill- health and debilitating social inequality. It is sad but true that these barriers continue to restrain the participatory possibilities of the rural poor in the growth process. Inclusion and participation in the process of growth is extremely important for taking the poor out of the vicious cycle of poverty. We need to note that, while the nation is growing in a high-income trajectory, the bottom of the pyramid of the society is excluded from the benefits of growth. Unless we target the poor aggressively on the supply side and embark on initiatives which benefit them directly, growth and equality cannot be reinforced.

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) is one such revolutionary initiative targeted at the poor. In order to empower the poor, giving voice to them in the process of implementation of NREGA should be the main thrust of the Scheme. Community pressure on representatives of local authorities should demolish the traditional hierarchy of power that has disempowered the poor for so long. Such an accountability mechanism coupled with effective community participation should give democracy back to the people.

We also need to note that the deterioration in the country6s administration and public delivery system has affected the poor the most. It is because they are critically dependent on the availability of public services and essential infrastructure. Corruption is one of the primary reasons why the public delivery system has not touched the lives of the poor. We have to fight corruption aggressively if the benefits of NREGA are to reach the poor.

Extremism and Naxalism have spread to parts of more than 12 States and have taken a heavy toll. It is not a coincidence that most of these districts represent areas of high concentration of poverty, poor governance systems and practices, weak infrastructure and unequal power structure. These are also areas where Panchayats are simply non-existent and in many places, non-functional. The spread of democratic space through the effective implementation of NREGA is the only way to liberate these districts.

The Commission has undertaken a study of institutional, administrative and financial management systems of NREGA. The study is greatly benefited by the deliberations at the National Workshops organized by the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy, and the eGovernments Foundation. It is also benefited by inputs from government functionaries, experts with domain knowledge, NGOs and other important stakeholders. Based on these inputs, the Commission has recommended comprehensive reforms so that the Act can be implemented seamlessly to benefit the poor. I am confident that, if successfully implemented, the Act will be the harbinger of transformative changes and participative democracy in rural India.

https://darpg.gov.in/sites/default/files/human_capital2.pdf

Corruption Gender Implementation Poverty

Abstract

https://www.epw.in/journal/2005/12/editorials/backtracking-employment-...

Budget Politics

Abstract

Protagonists of the National Employment Guarantee Scheme do favour entrusting the programme to panchayats and incorporating provisions to this end in the national law. But this aspect is not articulated as strongly and emphatically in the public debate on the subject as on issues relating to scale and coverage. The campaign for a wider and better funded NEGS must be combined with a campaign to generate strong public opinion and mobilise elected panchayatdars all over the country to bring pressure on the central and state governments to strengthen democratic panchayats and empower them to plan and implement all local development programmes.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2005/16/commentary/employment-guarantee-and...

Politics Quantitative