MGNREGA Bibliography

Abstract

This paper focuses on women’s participation in the NREGP and analyses the potential impact of the programme in the medium term on women’s access to wage work and wages of women workers in rural India.

https://www.ilo.org/publications/issues-labour-market-inequality-and-w...

Gender Wages

Abstract

The activities undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in Chitradurga district, Karnataka, were assessed for their potential to enhance and provide environmental services. Key programmes implemented in 20 villages during 2009 were studied using rapid scientific assessment methods. An indicator approach was adopted to analyse environmental services such as water for irrigation and improvement in soil quality. The status of environmental services before and after implementation of the activities was examined and vulnerability indices were constructed and compared. The activities were found to have reduced the vulnerability of agricultural production, water resources and livelihoods to uncertain rainfall, water scarcity and poor soil fertility.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2011/20/special-articles/mgnrega-environmen...

Environmental Sustainability Quantitative

Abstract

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act of the Government of India provides a legal guarantee for 100 days of employment per year to adult members of any rural household willing to undertake public works at the prescribed minimum wages. In 2010-11, the program provided more than 2 billion person-days of employment to roughly 50 million rural households. With an annual outlay of close to USD 9 billion, MG-NREGA is arguably the world’s largest rural livelihoods security program. The Act provides for a bottom-up participatory approach to planning and implementation of public works. Studies by IWMI and others suggest that well over half of the assets created under Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MG-NREGS) are water-related and that while a significant proportion among these were possibly designed for single-use but de facto multiple use structures. Given its emphasis on decentralized, participatory planning processes, MG-NREGS may be viewed as the world’s largest laboratory for community-based MUS. This country-report focuses on exploring investment opportunities for the Rockefeller Foundation in the context of scaling up community-based MUS through MG-NREGS.
Data from a study of 140+ best-performing MG-NREGS water assets in 75 villages across 8 districts of Bihar, Gujarat, Kerala and Rajasthan shows that, on an average, these assets were able to recover their investments in a little over a year. We also found that MG-NREGS implementation deeply influences and is, in turn, influenced by the farm and non-farm labor markets. While the wage-benefits of MG-NREGS are clear from the data on number of person-days of employment generated, the quantification of non- wage benefits and their distribution requires deeper investigation. Wherever village communities have taken enthusiastically to the idea of MG-NREGS and where their enthusiasm has been supported by an able, well-staffed administration and capable local governance institutions and leadership, the results have been exemplary. IWMI studies indicate that five factors make or mar successful MUS implementation via MG-NREGS: (a) Contextual fit; (b) Village preparedness and attitude towards MG- NREGS; (c) Proactive and well-equipped MG-NREGS administration; (d) Empowered and enlightened village communities; and (e) Incentives and inventive flexibility.
Via this country report, we propose the creation of a MUS NREGA Network and, as a start, a three- district pilot project which will, through an action-research – capacity building – experience sharing protocol, aim to overcome the barriers to MUS and maximize the net positive outcomes from MG- NREGS. The Network will target three primary outputs: a) Science-based knowledge products – research papers and policy briefs – aimed at making practical policy recommendations; b) Improved capacities of local government Panchayati Raj Institutions (PRIs) and MG-NREGS administration; and c) wider dissemination and interaction to promote cross-learning, including with African partners. The 12-month pilot will be hosted and incubated within IWMI-India. At the end of the pilot, we expect that the initiative will spin-off into an independent entity for expanding its work and activities to other parts of the country in partnership with IWMI and IRC.

https://www.musgroup.net/sites/default/files/8ff0f028efa73c89449a1a0e6...

Implementation Quantitative Wages

Abstract

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/pdf/10.1080/08039410.2011.568185

Abstract

While for several decades now there has been an unresolved debate about the feasibility of having a national minimum wage, the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act with its provision for a country-wide wage rate has placed the possibility to do so squarely on the agenda. The NREGA wage rate must logically be a need-based national minimum wage under the Minimum Wages Act. Declaring a need-based minimum wage rate under NREGA which is linked to the schedule of rates allows for sufficient flexibility to account for regional/geographical variation.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2011/07/commentary/nrega-wages-ensuring-dec...

Wages

Abstract

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) is a unique initiative in the history of social security-it is not just an employment scheme but also a potential tool of economic and social change in rural areas. This volume presents the first comprehensive account of the ‘battle for employment guarantee’ in rural India. Staying clear of the propaganda and mud-slinging that has characterized much of the NREGA debate so far, the book presents an informed and authentic picture of the ground realities. The essays are based on field studies of NREGA by a team of researchers who have been actively involved in the campaign for the right to work. They examine a wide-range of issues such as entitlements, corruption, people’s perceptions of NREGA, women’s empowerment, mobilization of unorganized workers, and socio-economic impact of NREGA. They also provide a comparative analysis of the challenges and successes in the implementation of NREGA in different states including Orissa, Himachal Pradesh, and Rajasthan.

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-battle-for-employment-guar...

Challenges Gender Implementation Qualitative

Abstract

The Employment Guarantee Act of India came into existence in 2005, with an associated policy and programme that have attracted a large number of women as participants. Primarily, women’s participation in this programme has been as wage-seekers. This article argues that currently MNREGA, the well-known public works programme, has no impact on the social transformation (though legally claimed through provisions such as equal wages) that women involved in the programme need, but we can nevertheless see huge potential for women to do more than benefit in terms of day-to-day welfare: the programme has potential to support women’s empowerment in the sense that it affords them the opportunity to experience their collective strength, and potentially redefine relations with men through involvement in the programme.

https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/abs/10.1080/13552074.2011.592639

Gender

Abstract

Using a village in Tamil Nadu as a case study, this article examines the initial response to the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme on the ground, the reasons behind the low participation, and its subsequent reworking to make it not just viable but also “successful”. As conceived, the transformatory potential of nrega is limited. When operationalised in letter and spirit, such programmes may alleviate poverty, and to that extent empower women, but cannot transform our rural economies that are characterised by low growth, poor investments in infrastructure and limited generation of growth-led decent employment.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2011/43/review-womens-studies-review-issues...

Gender Poverty Qualitative

Abstract

This chapter consists of five essays on India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). Two essays make the case for NREGA as a step towards the right to work, and responds to the critics. The third essay discusses the ground realities of corruption in NREGA, and how it can be prevented. The fourth essay draws attention to problems related to the timely payment of NREGA wages. The concluding essay discusses the productive value of NREGA works and the learning value of the implementation process. The chapter draws on a series of field surveys of NREGA in different Indian states, conducted with student volunteers over the years.

https://global.oup.com/academic/product/the-oxford-companion-to-politi...

Politics

Abstract

Using a field survey, this paper examines the empowerment effects of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme on rural women in Bihar, Jharkhand, Rajasthan and Himachal Pradesh. It argues that women workers have gained from the scheme primarily because of the paid employment opportunity, and benefits have been realised through income—consumption effects, intra—household effects, and the enhancement of choice and capability. Women have also gained to some extent in terms of realisation of equal wages under the NREGS, with long—term implications for correcting gender skewness and gender discriminatory wages prevalent in the rural labour market of India. Despite the difficulties and hurdles for women, prospects lie, inter alia, in their collective mobilisation, more so in laggard states.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/20764337

Gender Quantitative Wages

Abstract

Caste Wages

Abstract

The activities undertaken under the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act in Chitradurga district, Karnataka, were assessed for their potential to enhance and provide environmental services. Key programmes implemented in 20 villages during 2009 were studied using rapid scientific assessment methods. An indicator approach was adopted to analyse environmental services such as water for irrigation and improvement in soil quality. The status of environmental services before and after implementation of the activities was examined and vulnerability indices were constructed and compared. The activities were found to have reduced the vulnerability of agricultural production, water resources and livelihoods to uncertain rainfall, water scarcity and poor soil fertility.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2011/20/special-articles/mgnrega-environmen...

Environmental Sustainability Implementation

Abstract

The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) has completed four years since its inception in India. The aim of this programme is to enhance livelihood security of households in rural areas of the country by providing at least one hundred days of manual wage employment to every household in a year. If this programme achieve it objectives of , first, providing work and thus income to the poor and marginal sections of the society and second, create productive assets that raise land productivity and thus, contribute in raising agricultural yields, then it would be able to transform the face of rural India. The ‘Right to Work’ establishes in this Act makes it a distinctive and special in terms of resource allocation and the number of households demand employment. Today, 45 million households have demanded jobs under this programme for year 2009-10. The participation of Schedule Castes and Schedule Tribes and Women in the large proportion is one of the main achievements of this programme. There are still large regional variations in the performance in the implementation of this scheme in various states. It is essential to reduce this gap among states in terms of its implementation. However, the average 42 days of the work at all India level have been provided under MGNREGA and this is significant to raise this average, specially when it is completing now two years of implantation in all rural districts of the country. Various independent studies have challenged the claims made by the government regarding the success of this programme. But important is that, such a huge employment guarantee programme in terms of size and resources is showing its positive results on the rural India. It is important to underline that vast mechanism for its monitoring and evaluation sometime works in making the implementation process slow. But the involvement of Gram Sabha, civil society members and government administration machinery has been bearing the good results in general. However, challenges are there but progress is quite encouraging. There are reports of delays in the release of funds, providing jobs, payments of work and issuance of job cards etc. Lack of trained and professional staff is another acute problem at the grass root implementation of the programme. But despite all these weaknesses this Act is a major step in the direction of addressing the problem of poverty in rural India. The change is slow but its impacts are visible in terms of income generation and creation of productive assets in villages. Off course, whether more optimistic possibilities work themselves out depends on a number of conditions. Most importantly it depends on the social mobilisation, and participation of beneficiaries in the planning, implementation and evaluation of the programmes

https://www.ace.lu.se/images/Syd_och_sydostasienstudier/working_papers...

Caste Challenges Gender Implementation

Abstract

The government of India has shifted from cash payment of wages under the renamed Mahatma Gandhi Employment Guarantee Scheme to settlement through bank accounts. This has been done in order to prevent defrauding of workers and to give them greater control over their wages. Has this been achieved after the switch? Based on a survey in December 2008 in one block each in Allahabad (Uttar Pradesh) and Ranchi (Jharkhand) districts, this article probes questions related to payment of wages through banks.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/25663966

Implementation Politics Wages

Abstract

The main objective of the study was to assess the Decent Work and environmental dimensions of the existing jobs created under NREGS in one particular district, with a view to promoting Green Jobs through the creation of new jobs and the enhancement of existing jobs. In this context, the specific objectives of the study were

− To develop a systematic approach for identifying and reviewing the Decent Work and environmental dimensions of existing jobs under NREGS

− To apply this methodology to existing jobs under NREGS in several areas in the State of Bihar, through field research and analysis;

− To make recommendations for the further enhancement of the Decent Work and environmental dimensions of existing and future jobs under NREGS, including skills development, − To review the usefulness of developing a systematic approach for monitoring the creation of green job under NREGS and other national programmes

https://www.ilo.org/sites/default/files/wcmsp5/groups/public/@asia/@ro...

Environmental Sustainability Gender Implementation Poverty Quantitative

Abstract

The document summarizes the key recommendations of a Working Group on wages for the National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA). It identifies issues like declining real wages for NREGA workers as prices rise without corresponding wage increases. The Working Group made three emergency recommendations: 1) Index NREGA wages to the Consumer Price Index for Agricultural Labourers to maintain a real wage of at least Rs. 100 per day. 2) Ensure compliance with state minimum wage laws. 3) Pay wages within 15 days as stipulated in the law and provide compensation for delays as per the Payment of Wages Act. The Working Group noted the crisis in wage policy and lack of clarity around wage determination, and called for resolving these issues through consultation.

https://www.scribd.com/document/190628042/Wages

Wages

Abstract

The United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) in India has keenly partnered with the Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, since the inception of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA to support implementation and monitoring. UNDP has facilitated awareness of the programme and demand for work amongst communities; provided technical expertise in key functional areas; facilitated civil-society engagement in assessment and learning; national and global knowledge sharing; and supported innovative approaches to strengthen transparency and accountability.

This discussion paper — Rights-based Legal Guarantee as Development Policy: The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act — is part of a series that UNDP has commissioned on a range of development issues in India.

As the programme continues to gain momentum across India, the paper examines the legal design and policy innovations and the extent to which they enable fulfillment of the objectives of the Act. I complement the author on this comprehensive analysis of Mahatma Gandhi NREGA design and paradoxes that face policy makers in efforts to implement an Act. The perspectives offered here will no doubt resonate with policy formulation efforts underway in other development contexts.

Through this discussion paper, the intention is to share information and experiences from within India and provide a platform for further dialogue on employment guarantee programmes globally as well. Going forward, UNDP will focus its efforts on establishing strategic partnerships to enable India to share its wealth of expertise on poverty reduction with other countries.

https://www.undp.org/india/publications/rights-based-legal-guarantee-d...

Implementation Poverty Qualitative

Abstract

This study of the functioning of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme between February 2006 and July 2009 in Birbhum district, West Bengal reveals that in order to serve as an effective “employer of last resort”, the programme should provide proportionately more job-days during the agricultural lean season and wages should be paid in a timely manner.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2010/41/commentary/national-rural-employmen...

Challenges Wages

Abstract

Recent, “rights-based approaches” offer a promising route for bringing about social change. However, we have little experience with state-provided legally enforceable socio-economic rights. This paper examines one of the few examples of a legally granted socio-economic right—a limited “right to work”—that has existed in one state of India for over 25 years in the form of the Employment Guarantee Scheme. The paper argues that legal underpinnings do not automatically enable the poor to obtain rights; however, legal rights have important indirect effects for pro-poor activist organizations including mobilizing membership, protecting activists from arbitrary action, and shifting public discourse.

https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/abs/pii/S0305750X0900203...

Poverty

Abstract

Gender Poverty

Abstract

The NREGS is an ambitious public works program intended to provide a basic safety net to the rural poor in India. Institutionalised in 2005, it is currently the largest public works program in the world. Despite its scale and the political importance attached to the program, its success in targeting and its impact on participating households has not been well studied. This paper attempts to study two aspects of the program’s functioning using data from the Young Lives longitudinal Study conducted in Andhra Pradesh. Firstly it looks at the targeting of the program and the characteristics of those who self select into it. We find that poorer and lower caste households are more likely to register as are those affected by drought. We also find that having more than 5 influential relatives increases the probability of registration by 10.3 percentage points. We next attempt to estimate the impact of program participation on the children in participating households, looking specifically at anthropometric scores as indicators of health outcomes, and the incidence of child labour. While there seems to be a positive correlation between program participation and health outcomes, this does not remain robust across specifications. On the other hand we find that program registration reduces the probability of a boy entering child labour by 13.4% points and program take up reduces it for girls by 8.19% points.

We find that the targeting efficiency of the program seems to be largely effective and it seems to offer a viable security net for households with variable employment opportunities. It also seems to have an important effect on children, further strengthening the program’s significance.

https://www.younglives.org.uk/sites/default/files/migrated/YL-SP-Uppal...

Caste Quantitative

Abstract

In a recent interview, Jean Dreze, one of the architects of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), noted that the “hoarding” of job cards by sarpanchs, panchayat secretaries or others is a common problem. Such practices are followed by the offenders to fudge records and siphon NREGS funds. Dreze argued that hoarding of job cards must be made a punishable offence under the much-awaited grievance redress rules of the NREGS.

https://www.epw.in/journal/2009/32/letters/politics-job-cards.html

Corruption Politics

Abstract

Implementation

Abstract

https://frontline.thehindu.com/cover-story/article30183321.ece

Challenges

Abstract

By the end of the next decade, NREGA, the mother of all employment programmes, can help rid the economy of its two biggest problems—unemployment and poverty. Here’s why it can achieve the impossible.

https://www.businesstoday.in/magazine/cover-story/story/village-of-202...

Poverty

Abstract

The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, which entitles rural households to 100 days of casual employment on public works at the statutory minimum wage, contains special provisions to ensure full participation of women. This paper, based on fieldwork in six states in 2008, examines the socio-economic consequences of the NREGA for women workers. In spite of the drawbacks in the implementation of the legislation, significant benefits have already started accruing to women through better access to local employment, at minimum wages, with relatively decent and safe work conditions. The paper also discusses barriers to women’s participation.

https://www.jstor.org/stable/25663707

Gender Implementation Wages

Abstract

https://frontline.thehindu.com/social-issues/article30183831.ece

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