Somasekhar

launching of the programme. Even after launching from the year 2006-07 to 2010-

11 also wages have increased with variations. In Punjab state rate was fixed at `

93 in 2006-07 in 2010-11 it was fixed at ` 153. Similarly, Himachal Pradesh and

Kerala states which fixed at ` 75 and ` 125 respectively in the initial year and

fixed ` 150 in the year 2010-11. Thus, all the states have increased wage rates

with variations. Increasing in wage rates leads to the livelihood security among

the families employed under this scheme.

Conclusion

MGNREGS as the largest and most ambitious social security programme made a

positive impact in generation of employment and reduction of poverty. Inspite of

several antipoverty programmes implemented right from First FiveYear Plan there

are much differences between MGNREGS and earlier employement programme.

It is only a programme under which employment is provided on demand (Right to

Employment) at the statutory minimum wage. It has achieved tremendous results

in providing stable income households apart from creation of assets in rural areas

and avoids migration of workers from rural areas to town areas. It also provided

livelihood security of the rural households as they are able to purchase food grains

other essential commodities and to access education and health care. However,

there have been issues with regard to its implementation. These issues has to

be identified by proper monitoring and evaluation. For which one independent

research wing has to be established for conducting concurrent evaluation and also

by promoting beneficiary participation and strengthening social audit and timely

effective implementation facilitates in reducing rural poverty.

References

Ambasta, pranathesh, (2008): Two years of NREGA: The Road Ahead, Economic and

Political Weekly , 43(8) February.

Government of India, (2011): Annual Report , Ministry of Rural Development, New Delhi.

Government of India. (2012). MGNREGS Sameeksha (2006-12), Ministry of Rural

Development, New Delhi.

Hazra,Anupam, (2009): NREGA , Transforming Rural India, Kurukshetra 58 (2), December.

Jha, Raghbendra et.al (2008): Reviewing National Rural Employment Guarantee

Programme, Economic and Political Weekly, 43 (11), September.

Maheswari. (1985). Rural Development of India, Sage Publications, New Delhi.

The Hindu, 20 November 2007

Singh, B.D.(1992). Planning for Rural Development and Poverty alleviation, Mittal

Publication, New Delhi.

www.mgnrega.nic.in

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