“evaluation of m g n r e g act implementation in vidharbha ... · figure 3 planning,...

International Conference on Management and Information Systems September 21-22, 2018

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“Evaluation of M G N R E G Act Implementation in Vidharbha Region of

Maharashtra”

K.V. Somanadh

[email protected]

G.S. College of Commerce

1. Introduction 1.1 Need for the Study By keeping in view of the various rural development related aspects it has considered that the MGNREGA(The

Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act) is such a strategy which may act as a

powerful tool to alleviate the rural poverty to a larger extent by providing a guaranteed employment of 100 days

in a financial year. Further it has been also considered that in the State of Maharashtra the Vidharbha Region has

been considered since long back as a far distant place from development due to various reasons like

geographical diversity, environmental diversity, cultural diversity, and educational backwardness. So also the

political leadership could not concentrate on the overall development of the region and proper rural development

could not take place.

1.2 Background and Coverage of MGNREGA The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) is a flagship programme of

Government of India. The Act was notified initially in 200 most backward districts of the country w.e.f.

February 02, 2006 and subsequently extended all over India in two phases. The programme aims at enhancing

livelihood security of the rural poor by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed wage employment in a

financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual work. The Act seeks

to create durable assets and strengthen the livelihood resource base of the rural poor. The choice of works

suggested in the Act address causes of chronic poverty like drought, deforestation, soil erosion, so that the

process of employment generation is on a sustainable basis.

1.3 Salient Features of MGNREGA

• All adult members of a rural household willing to do unskilled manual work have the right to demand

employment

• Such a household will have to apply registration to the Gram Panchayat

• After verification, the Gram Panchayat will issue a Job Card with photograph of all adult members of the

household willing to work under the programme.

• The Job Card must remain in the custody of the household

• Job Cardholder can apply for work to the Gram Panchayat which will issue him/her a dated receipt of the

work application

• Employment will be provided by the Gram Panchayat (local self governing body) within 15 days of work

application, failing which unemployment allowance will be paid.

• Disbursement of wages has to be done weekly basis and not beyond a fortnight.

• Wages will be paid at the wage rate to the wage earners through their Bank/Post office accounts.

• An annual shelf of works to be prepared in advance for each year.

• A ratio of 60:40 for wage and material costs should be maintained at GP level.

• No contractors/and no labour-displacing machinery shall be used in execution of works.

• Panchayati Raj Institutions will have a principal role in planning, monitoring and implementation

• At least one-third of the workers should be women.

• Inbuilt incentive-disincentive structure to the State Government for guaranteeing employment.

1.4 Permissible Activities Over the last few years there has been an increased demand from States to include new works which would

create an even stronger positive synergy between MGNREGA and agriculture and allied rural livelihoods. In

response to the demand, the provision in Schedule I has been amended vide. Notification dated 4th May, 2012 to

include additional works that can be taken up under MGNREGA. The amended Schedule I provides that the

focus of the scheme shall be on the following works;

1. water conservation and water harvesting including contour trenches, contour bunds, boulder

2. checks, gabion structures, underground dykes, earthen dams, stop dams and spring shed development;

3. drought proofing including afforestation and tree plantation;


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4. irrigation canals including micro and minor irrigation works;

5. provision of irrigation facility, dug out farm pond, horticulture, plantation, farm bunding and land

development;

6. renovation of traditional water bodies including desalting of tanks;

7. land development;

8. flood control and protection works including drainage in water logged areas including deepening and

repairing of flood channels, chaur renovation, construction of storm water drains for coastal protection;

9. rural connectivity to provide all weather access, including culverts and roads within a village, wherever

necessary;

10. construction of Bharat Nirman Rajiv Gandhi Sewa Kendra as Knowledge Resource Centre at the Block

level and as Gram Panchayat Bhawan at the Gram Panchayat level;

11. agriculture related works, such as, NADEP composting, vermi-composting, liquid bio-manures;

12. livestock related works, such as, poultry shelter, goat shelter, construction of pucca floor, urine tank and

fodder trough for cattle, azolla as cattle-feed supplement;

13. fisheries related works, such as, fisheries in seasonal water bodies on public land;

14. works in coastal areas, such as, fish drying yards, belt vegetation;

15. rural drinking water related works, such as, soak pits, recharge pits;

16. rural sanitation related works, such as, individual household latrines, school toilet units, Anganwadi toilets,

solid and liquid waste management;

17. Construction of Anganwadi centers’

18. Construction of play fields.

19. Any other work which may be notified by the Central Government in consultation with the State

Government.

All activities mentioned in items (iv), (x), (xi) and items (xiii) to (xv) are allowed on land or homestead

owned by households belonging to the Scheduled Castes and the Scheduled Tribes or below poverty line

families or the beneficiaries of land reforms or the beneficiaries under the Indira Awas Yojana of the

Government of India or that of the small or marginal farmers as defined in the Agriculture Debt Waiver and

Debt Relief Scheme, 2008, or the beneficiaries under the Scheduled Tribes and Other Traditional Forest

Dwellers (Recognition of Forest Rights) Act, 2006 (2 of 2007).

1.5 Funding

The Central Government Bears the Costs on the following items

• The entire cost of wages of unskilled manual workers.

• 75% of the cost of material, wages of skilled and semi-skilled workers.

• Administrative expenses as may be determined by the Central Government, which will include,

• Inter alia, the salary and the allowances of the Programme Officer and his supporting staff and work

site facilities.

• Expenses of the Central Employment Guarantee Council.

The State Government bears the Costs on the following items

• 25% of the cost of material, wages of skilled and semi-skilled workers.

• Unemployment allowance payable in case the State Government cannot provide wage employment on time.

• Administrative expenses of the State Employment Guarantee Council.

Districts have dedicated accounts for Mahatma Gandhi NREGA funds. Proposals are submitted based on

clearly delineated guidelines so that funds may be distributed efficiently at each level, and adequate funds may

be available to respond to demand. Under Mahatma Gandhi NREGA, fund releases are based on an appraisal of

both financial and physical indicators of outcomes.

Labour Budget: The District Programme Coordinator prepares the Labour Budget in the month of December

every year for the next financial year containing the details of anticipated demand for unskilled manual work

under the scheme and submits it to the District Panchayat. The Ministry of Rural Development estimates the

requirement of funds on the basis of projections made in the Labour Budget. Central funds are sanctioned after

the examination of Labour Budgets and taking into account utilization of funds previously released.

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) 2005 is currently a major

part of this agenda. The Act was enacted at a point in time when more than a decade of sustained high growth in

GDP experienced in the 1980s and the 1990s was perceived not to have made a sufficient dent in poverty in the

rural India.

The Act was notified on 5 September 2005 and was implemented in rural districts in 3 phases. Each state is

required to design an employment guarantee scheme based on a set of national guidelines. Public work


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programmes or employment generation programmes like the Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Scheme

(MEGS), Food for Work Programme (FWP), Sampoorna Grameen Rozgar Yojana (SGRY) and National Food

for Work Programme (NFFWP) have been used to address the issue of unemployment and generate employment

through the creation of labour- intensive productive assets and have thus provided the foundation for the

MGNREGA.

Figure 1 Enabling Environment for the MGNREGA

Rationale A common feature of all the schemes mentioned above was that they were formulated and executed by

implementing agencies and their termination was at the will of the executive. The theoretical rationale behind

employing these programmes is fourfold: i) mitigation of unexpected and seasonal shocks ii) mitigation of

idiosyncratic shocks iii) anti- poverty measures; and iv) provision of public goods and services.

Mandate The Act mandates enhancing livelihood security in rural areas by providing at least 100 days of guaranteed

wage employment in a financial year to every household whose adult members volunteer to do unskilled manual

work.

Objective The primary objective of the Act is augmenting wage employment for the poorest of the poor while the

secondary objective is to strengthen natural resource management through works that address causes of chronic

poverty, like drought, and thus encourage sustainable development. (MoRD 2012).

Figure 2 Goals of MGNREGA

Rationale behind Employment Guarantee Programmes

The Act is an attempt to provide a legal guarantee of employment to anyone in rural areas willing to do casual

manual labour at a statutory minimum wage. What makes the MGNREGA distinct from any other public

employment programme is that it is a universal and enforceable legal right concurrent with some of the

provisions of Article 39 and Article 41 of the Directive Principles of State Policy in the Indian Constitution that

enshrine the ideals of the Right to Work.

Planning, Implementation and Funding The graphic below depicts the processes and agencies involved in planning, implementation and funding of

works under the MGNREGA.


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Figure 3 Planning, Implementation and Funding under MGNREGA

Design Features Key design features in the context of social security and unemployment support:

• Guaranteed Employment - Any adult member of a rural household applying for work under the Act is

entitled to employment. Every rural household is entitled to not more than 100 days of employment.

• Guaranteed Wages - Wages are to be paid on a weekly basis and not beyond a fortnight. Wages are to be

paid on the basis of:

1. Centre- notified, state- specific MGNREGA wage list

2. Time rates and Piece rates as per state- specific Schedule of Rates (SoRs)

3. In any case, the wage cannot be at a rate less than Rs. 100 per day.

• Unemployment Allowance – If work is not provided within 15 days of applying, the state is expected to pay

an unemployment allowance which is one- fourth of the wage rate.

• Provision of Work – Work is to be provided within a 5km radius of the applicant’s village, else

compensation of 10 per cent extra wage is to be provided to meet expenses of travel.

• Gender Equity – Men and women are entitled to equal payment of wages. One- third of the beneficiaries are

supposed to be women. Worksite facilities like creches are to be provided at all worksites.

• Financial Inclusion – Since 2008, all wage payments have had to be transferred to bank or post office

accounts of beneficiaries.

• Social Security Measures – In 2008, a provision was created which made it possible to cover beneficiaries

under either the Janashree Bima Yojana (JBY) or the Rashtriya Swasthya Bima Yojana (RSBY).

• Transparency and Accountability – All MGNREGA- related accounts and records documents have to be

available for public scrutiny. Contractors and use of machinery is prohibited.

• Rights- based, demand- driven approach – Estimation and planning of work is conducted on the basis of the

demand for work. Hence, beneficiaries of the scheme are enabled to decide the point in time at which they

want to work.

Source: GOI, Review meeting on 30/01/2014



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1.6 MGNREGA in Maharashtra Maharashtra has the unique distinction of implementing Employment Guarantee Scheme since early 70s as a

welfare measure in the wake of a severe drought. “EGS also stemmed the tide of migration of rural workers in

search of work. While it obviously supplemented the incomes of workers, it also acted as an “insurance

mechanism by stabilising employment” in the off-season”. The NREGS draws its broad lessons from EGS with

an inbuilt transparency and accountability measures in the form of Social Audit coupled with RTI and focused

approach to make both Gram Sabha and Gram Panchayat a unit of governance with meaningful delivery system.

The present study was carried out in six districts viz., Ahmednagar, Bhandara, Dhule, Gadchiroli, Nanded and

Yavatmal, and in two blocks and two Gram Panchayats in each district, during 2006-07.The study addressed

issues related to processes adopted for generating awareness among stakeholders and for registration, issue of

job cards and employment generation. The field report examined the efficacy of the Government / PRI delivery

systems in adhering to the guidelines and provisions of REGS. It also analyzed the extent and quality of

community participation and inter-institutional coordination in planning, implementation, monitoring and Social

Audit of the schemes and assessed the tangible and intangible benefits of REGS to the people and likely

convergence of NREGS with other development programmes.

The SEGC was constituted in Maharashtra on January 4, 2006. It has 10 members including four officials.

The field data do not highlight on functional aspects of the SEGC viz., agenda, number of meetings organized,

operational issues addressed and decisions taken on REGS etc., to draw inferences on decision making process

as the highest policy making body at the State level. Both the officials and elected members have clearly put

forth that watersheds programme may draw a blank in the State due to its wide and aggressive coverage made

during EGS. The allocation for 2006- 07 was Rs. 260.76 crore and an amount of Rs. 262.73 was utilized till

November, 2007. The method adopted to disseminate NREGS related 2 Planning and Implementation of

National Rural Employment.... information across the State was through posters, film shows, handouts, charts,

kalajathas, and handbooks etc. All these methods were reported to be effective. There is a dire need to create

awareness on Social Audit across all levels, to both the elected representatives and officials. Somehow the

concept of Social Audit needs to be demystified more as a process to improve implementation rather than a fault

finding process. The State has revised the District Schedule of Rates and also the minimum wages on 14 March,

2007. The minimum wage in NREGS is Rs. 68 per day to the wage seeker during 2006-07. The State has

adopted an MIS package to monitor and supervise REGS in Nanded.

The State took up massive capacity building measures for all implementing officials and elected

representatives on three aspects, viz., REGS provisions, Social Audit and RTI Act. The District Programme

Coordinator (Collector) DPC monitors all aspects of the implementation including registration, employment,

unemployment allowance, Social Audit, funds flow, progress and quality of works, qualitative aspects of

implementation and timely and correct payment of wages. Zilla Parishad (ZP) is also responsible for finalizing

the REGS district plan and for monitoring and supervising the REGS. The CEO of ZP has been designated as

joint DPC. The Panchayat Samithi and the Block Development Project Officer monitor registration,

employment provided to each household, unemployment allowance paid, Social Audit, flow of funds, timely

and correct payment of wages, progress and quality of works etc. The Gram Sabha (GS) is responsible for a


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number of functions relating to planning and monitoring of REGS at the village level. The Gram Panchayat

(GP) is the principal planning and implementing agency and is responsible for identification of works in the GP

areas as per the recommendations of the GS, and for executing the works. The Panchayat Secretary helps the GP

in discharging its duties and also receives applications, issues job cards, maintains records, etc. The GP also

engages services of a local graduate as ‘Rojgar Sahayak’ on contractual basis to assist in maintaining the

(REGS) records and other related works. The Non-Government Organizations (NGOs) also work at Panchayat

level in awareness building. The REGS – Maharashtra has visualized a role for CBOs, SHGs and Youth Clubs

in creation of awareness, mobilizing rural households for both registration and submission of application for

works and in identifying and prioritizing works in the GP areas. Thus, CBOs … act as facilitators between the

GP and the villagers. Regarding labour budget, all the DPCs expressed the view that it facilitates planning

process, with no problems. They also mentioned that training received has been useful in preparing District

Perspective Plan, Annual Action Plan including shelf of projects. They reported that there was some consistency

in the preparation of both Perspective and Annual Action Plan.

The Vidharbha Region is an area of 97,404 km2, making up 31.7% of the land area of the state

of Maharashtra, India. It is made up of two of the state's six administrative divisions: Amravati and Nagpur.

Within these divisions are 11 districts: Bhandara, Chandrapur, Gadchiroli, Gondia, Nagpur, and Wardha within

Nagpur and Amravati, Akola, Buldhana, Washim, and Yavatmal within Amravati division. The region holds

20.5% of the state's total population as of 2011. Literacy in Vidharbha is 84.3% among males, 77.8% among

females. (This compares to rates of 82.14% for males and 65.46% for females across India, and 89.82% for

males, 75.48% for females in the state of Maharashtra as a whole.). The population density of the region was

236 people per km2, ranging from 74 people per km2 in the district of Gadchiroli to 470 people per km2 in the

district of Nagpur.

1.7 Demographics

As of 2011, the population for each of the region's districts was as follows:

S.NO. DISTRICT NAME POPULATION

1 Amravati: 2,887,826

2 Akola 1,818,617

3 Bhandara 1,198,810

4 Buldhana 2,588,039

5 Chandrapur 2,194,262

6 Gadchiroli 1,071,795

7 Gondia: 1,322,331

8 Nagpur 4,653,171

9 Wardha 1,296,157

10 Washim: 1,196,714

11 Yavatmal 2,775,457

TOTAL 23,003,179

Vidharbha is located in eastern Maharashtra. It borders Madhya Pradesh in the north, Chhattisgarh in the east,

Andhra Pradesh in the south and the Marathwada region of Maharashtra in the west. Vidharbha is a cauldron of

culture. While Maharashtrian culture is predominant, there is a remarkable influence of other cultures, especially

north Indian, Gond / Chhattisgarhi and tribal. The major city, Nagpur, is the 'second capital' of Maharashtra and

hosts the winter session of the state assembly.

The region is known for Santra (oranges). It has earned the nickname 'the California of India'. The cotton is

also famous. In fact, the foundation of the mighty Tata Group was laid in Nagpur with the setting up of the

Empress Mill, now defunct. It has dense forest cover, varied flora and fauna, and hence a major tourist

destination, especially eco-tourism. Among the popular destinations are Chikhaldara, a hill station in Amravati

district, Lonar in Buldhana district, which boasts of the largest lake in the world created by the impact of a

meteor. Other favourites are Sindkhed-Raja (district Buldhana), which is the birthplace of Chhatrapati Shivaji

Maharaj's mother Jijamata, Sewagram (district Wardha), Mahatma Gandhi's base for several years, and Paunar

(district Wardha), where Acharya Vinoba Bhave lived and worked.


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1.8 Infrastructure

Some excellent roads but several parts still lack all-weather roads. Has several power plants but is deficient in

electricity because most of it is transmitted to the western parts of the state. Drinking water is a major problem.

So is health, with large sections of the population not having access to even the most basic medical facilities.

The education scenario is good. There are a large number of primary, middle and high schools, although a lot of

children cannot attend because of poverty and inaccessibility. It boasts of a network of polytechnics and ITIs

and there are several private institutions offering in higher education, particularly in engineering and medicine.

Notable among them are VNIT (Visweswarayya National Institute of Technology, formerly known as VRCE -

Visweswarayya Regional College of Engineering), LIT (Laxminarayan Institute of Technology), NEERI

(National Environmental Engineering Research Institute), NBSSLUP (National Bureau of Soil Survey and Land

Use Planning) and PKV (Punjabrao Krishi Vidyapeeth).

1.9 The Issues

Backwardness: Each party harps on what it did to speed up development and paints rosy pictures of the future.

Suicides by a large number of debt-ridden farmers get a passing mention, if at all. The statehood issue has failed

to find any takers and the two major political combines (Congress-Nationalist Congress Party and Bharatiya

Janata Party-Shiv Sena) have given it a very cold shoulder focusing instead on their performance while in

power.

The Caste Equations: The Kunbi community is an influential lot in Vidharbha. The other major groups are the

dalits, the Muslims and the Komtis. They do not vote for any party per se; they vote for themselves. The bottom

line is that they want their man in the legislature/Parliament. This is the psychology that has seen many a giant

bite the dust even when political calculations indicated otherwise. No party has escaped this phenomenon.

2. Sample Size and Research Methodology 2.1 Objectives of the Study The study has a set of theoretical –cum-- empirical objectives. At the theoretical level, the study examined the

conducive and obstructive components of implementation of the MGNREGA by the Government.

1. It has been proposed to examine how in a setting of overlapping structures of governance the State

maintains a coherent and consistent approach towards delivering goods to the people ultimately.

2. At the empirical level, the study has been proposed to investigate the process of institutionalization of

MGNREGA. More particularly it will endeavor to understand the linkage between institutionalization.

Governance and social security being perceived and delivered through MGNREGA in the State of

Maharashtra in general and the region Vidharbha in particular.

3. It has been very particularly examined the impact of MGNREGA on the rural livelihood in the

Vidharbha Region.

4. It has also been proposed to examine the role of social movement towards putting checks and balance

the activity in the domain of governance.

2.2 Hypotheses of the Study 1. MGNREGA is a very appropriate tool to leverage rural economic development through rural

employment generation.

2. MGNREGA is a very prominent strategy of Central Government for rural development.

3. Local self Government becomes more successful by implementing MGNREGA.

2.3 Limitations of the Study The various limitations and hurdles for executing the project will vary form administrative level to social level

at the bottom. They may include:

1. The availability of the secondary data regarding the statistical observations at the government

institutions who are concerned with the actual execution of the schemes.

2. The cooperation rendered by the local self government heads and officials at the ground level during

the verification of the facts and figures.

3. The time and the distance to be covered for the completion of the project may be considered also as one

of the limitations.

4. Finally, the respondents’ willingness to give proper response while the actual primary data collection

takes place.

2.4 Research Methodology The survey has been conducted in the eleven districts of the Vidharbha region to find out the implementation of

the MGNREGA.


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Eleven Districts of Vidharbha Region in Maharashtra State

Amravati Division Nagpur Division

1. Amravati 6. Nagpur

2. Akola 7. Wardha

3. Buldhana 8. Chandrapur

4. Washim 9. Gadchiroli

5. Yavatmal 10. Bhandara

11. Gondia

Out of the above 11 districts selected taluks and village Panchayats have been surveyed where the

implementation of the MGNREGA is taking place. For this multi-stage sampling has been followed by

clustering the Panchayats. Basing on the population the sample (expected 1,000) has been surveyed among the

people who are the actual beneficiaries of the MGNREGA. For the selection of the sample the village and

hamlet -wise beneficiaries will be considered and then the respondents will be selected randomly. Such selected

beneficiaries have been interacted through structured schedules about the various benefits which are aimed

through the MGNREGA. The multistage selection of the locations where the survey has been conducted is

based on the official list of the village Panchayats and from the local administrative agencies. After the

interaction with the beneficiaries the data has been processed systematically and then analyzed and the report is

submitted.

2.5 Sampling Process for Primary Data Collection Sample size: 1,000 Respondents.

Sample selection : Through Multi-stage Sampling Process.

Primary Data collection area/ Research Area: 11 Districts in Vidharbha Region.

District Wise Sample Size Determination

Total No. of beneficiaries in the District

------------------------------------------------------- X 1,000

Total District Population

2.6 Sampling Process

Step I District wise MGNREGA works implementation locations information collection.

Step II Taluq wise MGNREGA works implementation locations information collection

Step III Panchayat wise MGNREGA works implementation locations information collection.

Step IV Hamlet/Village wise MGNREGA works implementation locations information collection

Step V List of beneficiaries working under MGNREGA works information collection.

Step VI Random selection of beneficiaries who are selected on the basis of the percentage of the total number of

beneficiaries to the total population of the village/hamlet. Step VII 50% each of the respondents from both the genders that are selected for survey randomly.

Step VIII Data collection through Schedules/ Questionnaires by the way of personal interactions.

The primary data has been collected through using two structured Schedules. The first schedule is designed so

as to collect data about the workers at the gross root level who are working under the MGNREGA schemes of

different nature at the field level. The second schedule is designed to collect the data pertaining to the other set

of persons who are the part of the implementation mechanism viz. the village Sarpanch / the village coordinator.

Among these two schedules the first one in the form of Schedule meant to collect the data from the respondents

who are the workers working under MGNREGA schemes and the other one is a simple schedule related to the

implementation and administrative mechanism related at the gross root level. Both of these schedules are

annexed to this document for observation and evaluation.

As per the methodology designed the primary data has been collected from about 1,000 respondents by

selecting them by multi-stage sampling method. Apart from that nearly 100 respondents from the village level

Sarpanch and the village coordinators in the entire Vidharbha region of the Maharashtra State. The primary data

has been collected in both the cases in the similar manner. Nearly 492 respondents from the Nagpur Zone and

508 respondents from the Amravati Zone have been contacted for the primary data collection. The interaction

has been mostly made one to one and sometimes in groups. In the case of the data collection of the second

questionnaire about 53 respondents from Nagpur Zone and 47 respondents from the Amravati Zone in total 100

respondents.


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Sample size as per the research methodology from both the revenue divisions of the Vidharbha Region

Amravati Division Quantity of Sample Nagpur Division Quantity of Sample

1. Amravati

508

6. Nagpur

492

2. Akola 7. Wardha

3. Buldhana 8. Chandrapur

4. Washim 9. Gadchiroli

5. Yavatmal 10. Bhandara

11. Gondia

After collecting the primary data and with the help of the secondary sources of data the data have been

processed using the SPSS Package for tabulation. The tabulated data have been analyzed. The inferences have

been derived from which the findings and suggestions have been made. The different findings inferred from

the respondents who are working under the different schemes of the MGNREGA are as follows:

3. Inferences from Schedule for Beneficiaries Working under MGNREGA 1. Majority of respondents in the Zones I and II are in between 30-50 Years of age followed by next majority

are in age group of 50-70 years.

2. MGNREGA works in the zones I and II are male dominated.

3. Among the caste category namely open, OBC, Sc, ST, and others, OBC and Others category are major caste

categories are benefited, while the others categories are very few and benefited less.

4. Majority of respondents (beneficiaries) are illiterates and next majority are middle and primary educated.

5. That nearly 92% of the total respondents are residing in either Kutcha or semi-kutcha houses, which shows

that their economic profile of the houses is not better.

6. Majority of MGNREGA workers belong to labourer category, which indicates that their economic position

from occupation is very meager.

7. Majority of respondents stated that at least two person hail from a single house.

8. Nearly 92% of the total respondents in zone-I are having BPL card or with No card. If shows that almost all

the respondents are below the poverty line.

9. Majority of the respondents are hailing from nuclear category of family which shows that their economic

position is somewhat better.

10. Majority of the respondents do not have any membership in Go’s/ NGO’s

11. Almost all respondents are physically fit and earning income through MGNREGA works.

12. About 63% of the total respondents contain 2-3 No. of family members mostly in their families. It can be

understood this that economic position of their family is better if all of them are earning members.

13. Majority of the respondents contain 2-4 No. of members in their families, which shows that their income

earning capacity is better if majority of the family members may earn income.

14. The information of employment to work under MGNREGA has been officials as major source and very few

contributions from the media and neighbourers.

15. Majority of the respondents have obtained job cards below 60 days of their employment.

16. In most of the occasions the field assistants and Gram Panchayat allocate the works to MGNREGA

workers.

17. Majority of the MGNREGA workers started the work within 15 days after receiving the job cards.

18. Most of the MGNREGA workers are unable to specify the number of days elapsed to get the work ager the

receipt of the job card.

19. Most of the MGNREGA workers could not get unemployment allowance.

20. Most of the MGNREGA workers have received the employment letters.

21. Most of the MGNREGA workers have failed to attend 100 days of MGNREGA works due to their absence

as they were busy from personal work.

22. Most of MGNREGA workers were paid up to Rs.162/- per day mostly.

23. Most of the MGNREGA workers worked for 7-8 hours per day.

24. Most of the MGNREGA workers received their wages either monthly of weekly.

25. Most of the MGNREGA workers received their payment of wages through banks and post office.

26. Mostly both men and women labours are equally paid under the MGNREGA schemes.

27. Most of the MGNREGA workers are aware of equality in wage payment between the both the genders.

28. Most of the MGNREGA workers worked up to 2 K.M. distance from their native place.

29. Most of the MGNREGA workers have received extra wages if they worked beyond 5 K.M. from their

home.

30. Most of MGNREGA workers got allotted their works as per the Muster Roll daily.

31. Most of the MGNREGA workers are supervised by the technical assistants.


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32. Majority of the households are having either one or two job cards normally.

33. Most of the MGNREGA workers are aware of medical treatment provision in the case of injuries, accidents

etc. while they are in the work spot.

34. Most of the MGNREGA workers are aware of the 50% provision of the wage in the case of hospitalization.

35. MGNREGA workers are aware of the death exgratia payment of Rs.50, 000/- in the case of the death of

worker(s) during the work at the work spot.

36. Most of the MGNREGA workers stated that availability of the safe drinking water at work places.

37. The first aid boxes for treatment of emergency at the MGNREGA work sites are available.

38. Most of the MGNREGA workers stated that there is no women caretaker facility availability to look after

the children (who are below 6 years of the age) of the workers at the work spots.

39. Most of the MGNREGA workers were trained through the village programmes.

40. The different schemes of MGNREGA have been concentrated at agriculture and rural development

programmes.

41. The MGNREGA workers aware of the field assistants’ role in measuring and closing the muster roll.

42. The MGNREGA workers are having a practice of reading the entries in the MB and MR daily at the work

spot.

43. The practice of getting the signature of at least three workers on the MR is followed at the MGNREGA

work spots.

44. There is no contractors’ involvement in the MGNREGA works found.

45. No machinery dispensing labour has been found in usage at the MGNREGA work spots.

46. There is no wage cut while paying the remuneration to the MGNREGA workers.

47. The MGNREGA workers are aware of the social audit.

48. There was a normal check of performance in practice of the works performed by the MGNREGA officials.

49. The MGNREGA workers have no idea about the year of inspection.

50. There is a mixed impact on economic status of the MGNREGA workers due to the MGNREGA schemes.

51. The MGNREGA workers have been paid after attending their work. In rare cases they were paid even if

they are absent.

52. Majority of the MGNREGA workers denied the political influence on MGNREGA schemes.

53. MGNREGA workers have been motivated for their extra work with extra wage.

54. The Sarpanch and the Village Secretary mostly interfere in the MGNREGA schemes.

55. The general causes of dissatisfaction among the MGNREGA workers include official harassment, irregular

payments, strict supervision, and strenuous jobs to perform etc.

56. The SHGs influenced mostly the MGNREGA works.

57. The agriculture scenario has been affected by the MGNREGA activities and the availability of labour for

agriculture has become critical.

58. The MGNREGA activities could not stop labour migration.

59. Gender discrimination does not exist in the MGNREGA works.

60. There is no SC/ST discrimination found in the works of MGNREGA.

61. The different problems found out at the MGNREGA work spots include no timely payment, no regular

work allotment, work mismatch, low wages, delay in job cards issue, frequent change of work sites, etc.

62. The different suggestions received from the workers in the MGNREGA works include payment increase,

timely payment, regular work allotment, payment through banks, immediate payment after the work, better

facilities at work sites, etc.

4. Remedial Action, Recommendations and Future Interventions The following are the different suggestions in the shape of remedial action, recommendations and future

interventions for the effective implementation of the MGNREGA in particular to the Vidharbha Region of the

Maharashtra State.

1. More transparency of MGNREGA towards the rural masses for better implementation.

2. More training for better implementation is to be provided to all the stakeholders under MGNREGA.

3. Accuracy of the implementation mechanism under MGNREGA is required.

4. Bottom up planning is required for acquiring better output under MGNREGA.

5. More promotional activities like Drama, Films, TV shows, Print Media sources, Gram Sabha execution etc.

is required.

6. The age limit for the intake of workers should be appropriate.

7. More female inclusion is essential.

8. Apart from SC, ST, OBC, Other Categories of the castes the Economically Backwards Classes of the

society is also to be included for employment for MGNREGA.


ISBN 978-1-943295-12-8 173

9. The literacy standards of the rural masses are to be enhanced so as to make the people go through the Act

and understand and get benefit.

10. The economic position of the rural masses is very meager even today which is required to be enhanced

through supporting activities in addition to MGNREGA.

11. The distribution of the job cards is to be done at the earliest after the employment provision to the workers

under the MGNREGA.

12. The unemployment allowance is to be paid appropriately and without fail.

13. The remuneration of per worker under the MGNREGA schemes should be enhanced.

14. The working time is to be confined up to a maximum of 8 hours per day only.

15. As most of the workers are below the BPL and BPL, they are to be paid at the end of the fixed duration

without fail.

16. All the payments are to be made to the workers through the Banks nearest to their place of living.

17. The bureaucratic lapses are to be controlled through the e-payment facilities by the government basing upon

the MR information.

18. Both male and female workers are required to be equally paid without any discretion.

19. All the works carried out under the MGNREGA schemes are to be as much nearest as possible to the

habitats of the workers working under the schemes of the MGNREGA.

20. The additional incentives and fringe benefits are to be paid as it is mentioned under MGNREGA.

21. Each Gram Panchayat Office should supervise the total works allotted under the MGNREGA through a

specific person and made him/her responsible to the achievement of the desired objectives.

22. The preliminary infrastructure facilities as mentioned under the MGNREGA are to be made available at the

work spots where the schemes are in operation.

23. The involvement of contractors and labor dispensing machinery are to be completely avoided under the

MGNREGA schemes.

24. The political influence and bureaucratic influences are to be completely controlled.

25. The number of days allotted for the MGNREGA schemes to work and complete by the workers are to be

increased so that more employable duration and employability can be enhanced.

26. The social audit is to be conducted always under the supervision of experts in the Gram Sabha only.

27. The social audit is to be conducted with more transparency.

28. There is requirement of conglomeration among the different schemes offered by the Central and State

governments so that overlapping and confusion among the implementation should not arise.

29. The influence of the Self Help Groups (SHGs) should be minimized on the MGNREGA schemes.

30. The labour migration is to be eradicated and that labour is required to be directed towards the MGNREGA

activities.

31. Continuous investigation and research is to be carried out with specialized agencies to control

dissatisfaction among the workers working under the MGNREGA schemes.

32. The influence of the MGNREGA schemes on agriculture and SHGs should be minimized.

33. In every Gram Panchayat a separate mechanism with autonomy is to be established to implement the

MGNREGA schemes appropriately and timely.

34. The present work burden on the Gram Panchayat is to be minimized and to be allotted to the separate

mechanism established for this.

35. The village coordinators are to be made a part of the MGNREGA with permanent nature of duty, payment,

regulations and control.

36. The village coordinators are be of both the genders namely male and female which facilitates proper

understanding of the problems and can rightly motivate the workers.

37. The educational standards and competencies are to be fixed for the appointment of the village coordinators

just like the normal appointments made by the government.

38. While employing the village coordinators the government has to take initiatives that they may originate

from the social service arena either by way of their qualification or through the profession.

39. While performing the bottom up planning the village coordinators are made compulsory to participate and

present their views as per their local requirements.

40. All the activities and actions are to be made compulsory through e-system, up gradation and linking to the

main portal of the MGNREGA is necessary.

41. The funds utilization and the allocation are required to be much more accurate and direct.

42. The remuneration system at present in the implementation is creating de-motivation among the village

coordinators and leads to the wrong utilization of the budgeted funds sometimes.

43. The financial inclusion strategies also to be considered while implementing the MGNREGA.


ISBN 978-1-943295-12-8 174

5. Revenue Division wise Recommendations/Suggestions Amravati Revenue Division

1. Akola - Timely increase in remuneration, Timely payment of wages, Good workers to be paid

more, Proper co-ordination, More awareness of schemes etc

2. Amravati -Timely payment of wages, Good workers to be paid more, Timely completion of work, More

awareness of Schemes, Proper co-ordination etc.

3. Buldhana -Timely payment of wages, Proper co-ordination, Timely increase in remuneration etc.

4. Was him - Timely increase in remuneration, Timely completion of work, Timely payment of wages, More

work availability, More awareness of schemes etc.

5. Yeotmal - Timely payment of wages, Timely increase in remuneration, More work availability, More

awareness of Schemes, Timely completion of Works etc.

Hence, it can be concluded that among the major suggestions better implementation of MGNAREGA in

Amravati Zone timely payment of wages, timely increase in remuneration, proper co-ordination among the

officials, good workers to be paid more, more work availability, more awareness of Schemes are found out.

6. Nagpur Revenue Division 1. Bhandara - Timely payment of wages, Proper coordination among the officials, Timely completions of

work, Good works should be paid more etc

2. Chandrapur - Timely payment of wages, Timely increase in remuneration, more work availability, more

female inclusion, Good workers should be paid more, Proper co-ordination among the officials, Timely

provision of remuneration etc.

3. Gadchiroli - Timely payment of wages, more work availability, Timely increase in remuneration etc.

4. Gondia - More work availability, Timely payment of wages, and Timely increase in remuneration etc.

5. Nagpur- proper co-ordination among the officials, Timely payment of wages, Timely increase in

remuneration etc.

6. Wardha- Good workers should be paid more, Timely payment of wages, More work availability, Proper co-

ordination among the officials, More awareness of different schemes, Timely increase in remuneration etc.

Hence, it can be concluded that majority of the suggestions include timely payment of wages, increase in

remuneration, more work availability, and proper co-ordination.

Sample Illustrative photos of the works carried out under MGNREGA in the Vidharbha Region of

Maharashtra

Nursery in Chandrapur District Recreation Hall in Wardha District

Green House in Amravati District Well Construction in Akola

Toilet Sanctioned under MGNREGA Sanitation work at a village in Gondia District


ISBN 978-1-943295-12-8 175

Schedules used for Survey

1. SCHEDULE FOR BENEFICIARIES WORKING UNDER MGNREGA SCHEMES.

2. SCHEDULE TO THE SARPANCH /VILLAGE COORDINATOR FOR THE EVALUATION OF MGNREGA

IMPLEMENTATION STATUS.

7. Bibliography 1. Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) : Provisions, Implementation

and Performance By N.P. Abdul Azeez , S.M. Jawed Akhtar ,New Century publications, New Delhi, India.

2. Rural Planning and Development: Important aspect of Indian Rural Economy, by K.K.Tiwari, DND

Publications, Jaipur.

3. Introduction to National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA), by V.D. Rohtagi, Sumit Enterprises,

New Delhi.

4. Co-Operatives and Rural Development in India by Rais Ahmad, New Century publications, New Delhi,

India.

5. Entrepreneurship and Rural Women in India, by Jitendra Ahirrao, New Century publications, New Delhi,

India.

6. Aggarwal, Ankita, Aashish Gupta, Ankit Kumar. (2012) Verma, S., and Tushaar Shah. (2012)"Beyond

digging and filling holes: lessons from case studies of best-performing MGNREGA [Mahatma Gandhi

National Rural Employment Program] water assets." (2012).

7. Esteves, Tashina, K. V. Rao, Bhaskar Sinha, S. S. Roy, Bhaskar Rao, Shashidharkumar Jha, Ajay Bhan

Singh et al. (2013) "Agricultural and Livelihood Vulnerability Reduction through the MGNREGA."

Economic & Political Weekly 48, no. 52 (2013): 95.

8. Chakraborty, Banhi, and Sutapa Das (2014). "MGNREGA and Water Management: Sustainability Issues of

Built Forms of Rural India." http://web.usm.my/jcdc/vol19_2_2014/jcdc-oa- 07130047%20Preview.pdf

9. Bassi, Nitin and M Dinesh Kumar (2010): “NREGA and Rural Water Management in India: Improving the

Welfare Effects”, Institute for Resource Analysis and Policy, Occasional Paper No 3- 0910, Institute for

Resource Analysis and Policy, Hyderabad;

10. IIS (2013): Synthesis Report on “Environmental Benefits and Vulnerability Reduction through Mahatma

Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme”, Indian Institute of Science, Bangalore, available

at: http://nrega.nic.in/ Netnrega/WriteReaddata/Circulars/Report_

Env_Benefits_Vulnerability_Reduction.pdf

11. MoRD (2012): “MGNREGA Sameeksha: An Anthology of Research Studies on the Mahatma Gandhi

National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005, Government of India”, Ministry of Rural Development,

Government of India.

12. MGNREGA Briefing book at http://nrega.nic.in/Netnrega/WriteReaddata/Circulars/Briefing_

booklet13.pdf

13. Reaching the unreached IEC Plan for MGNREGA FY 14-15 Prepared by the MGNREGA

Division of Ministry of Rural Development http://nrega.nic.in/Netnrega/WriteReaddata/

Circulars/National_IEC_Plan_FY14_15.pdf.

14. National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) Issues and Challenges by S.R.Singh, APH

Publications.

15. Mahatma Gandhi NREGA Sameeksha, Orient Black swan publiscations, MoRD, New Delhi.

16. MGNREGA of India-World’s largest employment Guarantee Programme: An economic study conducted in

Mysore District of Karnataka State in South India by Vanitha S.M., P. S. Srikantha Murthy, and

M.G.Chandrakanth.

17. MGNREGA and Rural Development, by Ashok Purohit, Soujanya Publishers, Delhi.

18. Human Development Strategy of MGNREGA by John Joseph Puthenkalam and M.K. George, Rawat

Publications.

19. Different websites on MGNREGA, Rural Economy, Poverty Alleviation, Rural Development.

20. http://www.nrega.nic.in/netnrega/home.aspx

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