Objectives
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To study the role of panchayati raj institutions in implementation of National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (NREGA) as envisaged.
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To study the status of implementation of NREGA and identify opportunities/gaps for strengthening of panchayati raj institutions so that their roles in implementation of NREGA can be strengthened.
Geographical spread
The study was carried out in 4 phases in 16 states in India. The survey covered 24 districts, 74 blocks, 563 gram panchyats and 5630 households.
Key areas/components
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Data collection done at 5 levels: state, district, block, gram panchayat and household by administering structured interviews and well designed sample surveys.
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Periodic monitoring of implementation of NREGA in 16 states on the basis of 6-monthly data generated from statistically sampled 5630 households spread over 24 districts of 16 states.
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Statistically validated data and participatory inputs from primary and other stakeholders analysed to undertake evidence based policy advocacy with parliamentarians, union/state ministers, state bureaucracy and district administration.
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This was the largest survey undertaken on this issue outside the government.
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Awareness campaigns to educate panchayati raj institutions and gram sabha members about detail state specific guidelines of NREGA.
Key outputs
Findings from the sample surveys and data analysis included:
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Panchayat- or sarpanch-centric implementation of NREGA
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Registration and issuance of job cards
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Identification and planning for work
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Availability of exclusive officials for implementation of NREGA
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Capacity building of panchayats and gram sabha members
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Transparency and accountability in NREGA implementation
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Wage payment and work sites
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Emerging trends and best practices
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Handholding and innovations are regularly undertaken to build models of implementation by panchayats
Year/period
2006-2008
Client
SIDA; SDC; CORDAID; DVV International; Ministry of Panchayati Raj and Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India and state governments