1Assistant Professor, Centre for Economic and Social studies (CESS), Hyderabad, Telangana. E-mail: msrinivasareddy@cess.ac.in, ms.srinivasa@gmail.com
2Professor (Retired), National Institute of Rural Development (NIRD), Hyderabad. E-mail: raokh49@gmail.com
Online published on 24 February, 2020.
The study aims at examining the issues of selection of beneficiaries, transaction costs incurred, problems of managing the scheme, benefits realized and suggestions for better management of four selected schemes. The schemes with good sample sizes were discussed in detail and schemes with small sample sizes were presented as cases. Data were collected using a structured schedule and focused group discussions (FGDs). The coverage of beneficiaries was biased in favour of Mala and Madiga sub-castes and other sub-castes were hardly included. The costs for processing the application were about 10–20 per cent of the unit costs and this is an indication of rent-seeking behaviour of the delivery system and corruptive attitude of some of the local leaders. The schemes helped many in terms of improved social status and credit worthiness. Quite a significant proportion of households crossed the poverty line due to the schemes with a high unit cost. Resource use efficiency has been found to be good. Based on the study findings, a few measures were recommended for making the schemes vibrant.
Welfare of SC fishers, Transaction costs, Resource use efficiency, Improved social status
