Implementation issues and problems faced by MGNREGA beneficiaries in Punjab state

The study aimed at assessing the implantations issues and problems faced by MGNREGA beneficiaries belonging to all three socio-cultural regions i.e. Majha, Malwa and Doaba of Punjab state. A total of 11 districts were selected for the study through probability proportionate to size sampling procedure. Two blocks per district, two villages per block and nine beneficiaries per village were further selected to complete a sample of 396 beneficiaries for the study. Interview schedule in five parts was prepared to elicit information regarding issuance of job cards, employment aspect, wage payments and their records and social audit. The major findings revealed some irregularity in implementation of MGNREGA such as late payments to workers, lack of worksite facilities, non-maintenance of work and complaint registers and non-conductance of social audit.Workers got maximum 40-45 days of work which was much below the prescribed 100 days of employment. To make the scheme successful in improving quality of life of rural poor, it is very necessary that they should regularly participate in programme and share their difficulties and complaints regarding implementation of scheme. So, it can, therefore, be concluded that awareness needs to be generated amongst the beneficiaries through mass media and other campaigns for effective implementation and success of the scheme.