Implementation of MGNREGA and Sustainable Livelihood Security in Maharashtra: A Region-wise Analysis

Although there has always been a debate about the effectiveness of MGNREGA in terms of coverage of the target group, and also it is criticized on two grounds that it is expensive and corruption will not allow it to succeed, the experience of Maharashtra shows that it is partly true. The scheme is successful in terms asset creation, watershed development, prevention of draught, large-scale administration of rural public works and reduction in large-scale migration. The scheme is also not that successful in terms of coverage of weaker sections of the society. However, the major problem relates to the employment generation as the man-days generated and the number households provided 100 days of employment are quite low in almost all the regions of Maharashtra. Even after eight years of implementation of MGNREGA, per household employment generation in Maharashtra is noticed to be less than 60 days in a year. The share of SC and ST in per household employment generation has drastically declined over time in Maharashtra. Another problem relates to the decline in work participation by women in Maharashtra. The wages offered under MGNREGA are low in the state. However, MGNREGA is much better scheme than any other employment related programmes. The linking of employment guarantee schemes with other schemes of public works is expected to improve skill levels among workers, though this will require improved levels of coordination in the public sector.