MGNREGA policy and application

Abstract

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to examine the success rate of MGNREGS as one of the major flagship programme aimed for employment generation for the rural unemployed through exploring the applicability of the schemes in the given sociogeographical diversities.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper attempts to reveal the relevance and outcome of MGNREGS in the context of rural labour market situation at different levels of the decentralised governance, using data published by the Ministry of Labour and employment at first stage, in addition to web-supported database of Ministry of Rural Development, and it also attempts, through case studies, to find out the root causes of anomalies at ground levels those intricate the performances at successive levels.

Findings

The paper shows how the structural deficiencies of the programme being added with procedural lapses affecting the realisation of the expected benefits.

Research limitations/implications

The research findings are relevant with the particular socio-geographical situation which may have less applicability in areas of much favourable agro-climatic conditions.

Practical implications

The directions the paper could established will help in policy reform at State and Central levels. Special emphasis given on in-built lapses has implications in re-framing the schemes considering the feasibility of the local situations.

Social implications

The work attempted at the present set-up where the institution's mainstream direction is focused towards technological inputs dissemination both at teaching and research levels, may draw attention equally for understanding the social relevance of technology and it's application in particular.

Originality/value

The paper attempts to examine the intricacies involved in application of broad-base public-work programme in reality and suggested necessary corrections through adopting area-specific policies.

Citation

Chakraborty, B. (2014), "MGNREGA policy and application", International Journal of Sociology and Social Policy, Vol. 34 No. 3/4, pp. 263-300. https://doi.org/10.1108/IJSSP-09-2013-0094