An Exploratory Study on Implementation of MGNREGA in Malwa Region of Punjab

The present study was conducted to assess implementation of MGNREGA consistent to its provisions in Malwa region of Punjab. Seven districts of the Malwa region were selected through probability proportionate to size procedure of sampling. A total of 252 respondents i.e. 36 beneficiaries from each district comprised the sample for study. The data was collected through interview schedule consists of 4 parts i.e. issuance of job cards, employment records, wage payments and social audit procedure. As far as issuance of job cards aspects were concerned, it was found that forty-five per cent of the respondents made oral request for membership followed by those who were nominated by gram sabha (36.90%) and very few made written request (17.86%). Ninety-four per cent beneficiaries reported that all the eligible members were included in the job cards. In employment aspect of MGNREGA as reportedly by respondents only 25.39 per cent of job card holders got 100 days of employment. Seventy five per cent were offered more than 35 days of employment much below the mark of 100 days per family. Thirty eight per cent of the respondents had access to drinking water facility followed by first aid facility (18.65%), Creche (17.85%) and shade for workers during rest hours (14.68%). Payments records revealed that all the payments are made through Bank in all the districts. Majority (93.25) of the respondents reported that they don't get wage payment at in time. At mean,they have to wait for six month or more. Social audit was mandatory once in a six month. Only 57.14 per cent of the respondents reported that social audit was conducted and remaining forty three per cent opined that it was never done. Therefore many irregularities were observed in the implementation of the scheme, which is a hindering factor for success of programme.