Implementation efficiency of MGNREGA: A study of Indian states using data envelopment analysis

The present study compares the efficiency level of different states of India in implementing MGNREGA during 2008–09 to 2013–14. The results indicate that during the period, less than ten states could achieve technical efficiency score of one and thus can be considered efficient. For India as a whole the efficiency scores were less than one in all the years. The efficiency score for Sikkim, Tripura and Goa has been one, consistently for each year under consideration, implying efficient implementation of the scheme in these states. The poor states and low literacy-rate states are inefficient to implement the programme properly. The inefficient states also deploy higher number workers for per asset. In states with lower efficiency scores, the states where poverty ratio is high and literacy low, there is scope for achieving higher output levels through better management of the programme.