APPRAISAL OF IMPACT ASSESSMENT OF NREGS

IN SELECTED DISTRICTS OF HIMACHAL PRADESH,

PUNJAB, HARYANA.

Districts: Hoshiarpur, Sirsa, Sirmaur

PERIOD JULY-AUGUST 2009

Sponsored By

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP)

India

(India Centre for Research in Rural and Industrial Development, (CRRID)

Sector 19-A, Madhya Marg, Chandigarh 160019)

TABLE OF CONTENTS Page No.

Executive Summary 3-22

Chapter I: Background & Context of NREGA in the State 23-33

Chapter II: District Selection Criteria & District Profile 34-45

Chapter III: Sample Size & Research Methodology 46-48

Chapter IV: Findings & Analysis 49-118

Chapter V: Remedial Action, Recommendations & 119-121

Future Interventions

Annexure

Worker Schedule 122-131

Gram Panchayat Schedule 132-145

Non-Worker / In-Direct Beneficiaries Schedule 146-150

Executive Summary

Under the professional Institutional networking (PIN) of Ministry of Rural Development,

United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) sanction Appraisal of impact

assessment study, in the three districts namely Sirsa in Haryana, Sirmaur in Himachal

Pradesh and Hoshiarpur in Punjab. NREGS was started in the first phase in these

selected districts. Study has done according to the guidelines of UNDP and ministry of

rural development. The summary of the findings are as under:

Profile of the Districts:

Sirmaur

District Sirmaur is the southern end district of Himachal Pradesh. The district shares its

boundary with district Shimla in the north; district Solan in the northwest, Panchkula and

Yamuna Nagar districts of Haryana in the southwest and, Dehradun district of

Uttaranchal and Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh in the east. Its longitudinal and

latitudinal extend is from 77° 01’ 12” to 77° 49’ 40” East and from 30° 22’ 30” to 31° 01’

20” North respectively. The district has an area of 2825 Sq. km. Which is only about 5

per cent of the area of the state? It ranks eighth in term of size in the 12 districts in the

state.

The altitude varies from about 450 meters to 3647 meters and the general slope of the

area is from northwest to southeast. River Giri, a tributary of rive Yamuna, drains most of

the water of district. River Tons, another tributary of river Yamuna, river Markanda and

some other seasonal streams also contribute in draining the rainwater form the district.

Whereas Churdhar range runs along its border with district Shimla in the north Shivalik

range in the south forms its boundary with Haryana. River Tons and river Yamuna

demarcate its eastern and southeastern boundary. River Giri divides the district into two

distinct physiographic regions. The region to its north is called as Trans- Giri region and

the one to its south of this river is as Cis- Giri region. The mountain ranges of Trans

region have comparatively higher elevation than those of Cis- Giri regions. The Cis- Giri

region also has an open valley or Kiar-Ka-doon between the Shivalik range and the

Dharthi Dhar. The Western part of this open valley is drained by river Markanda and the

eastern part, which is also called as by river Bata.

Sirsa

Sirsa is one of the largest district of Haryana in term of its population and net area.

District is agricultural developed and a food bowl of Haryana. Main crops grown in the

district are wheat, paddy and Cotton. The name of the district derived from its

headquarter Sirsa, it is said to be the oldest place of the North India. Presently district

comprises four tehsil namely Sirsa, Dabwali, Rania and Ellanabad. It has 7 development

blocks, 4 Towns, 325 Villages and 333 Gram Panchayats. Its total population according

to 2001 census is 11, 16,649 comprising of 5, 93,245 male and 5, 23,404 female. The

sex ratio of district is 882. About 26 percent population lives in the urban area.

Hoshiarpur

The district Hoshiarpur is located in the north-eastern part of the state. It is situated in

the Bist Doab (area between Beas and Satluj rivers) cultural geographic region of the

state. The district is bounded by districts Kangra and Una, of Himachal Pradesh, in the

northeast, district Gurdaspur in the northwest, districts Jalandhar and Kapurthala

(interspersed) in the southwest, and district Nawan shahar in the south. The district

extends from 30’-51’ north to 32’-05’ north latitude and 75’-32’ east to 76’-12’ east

latitude. The district has an elongated shape with a slightly more width in the northern

portion of the district, especially along an imaginary east-west line, slightly north of

Hoshiarpur town, through the trifurcation point between the boundaries of Hoshiarpur,

Gurdaspur and Kapurthala districts and Tanda town. From this line, the width of the

district tapers towards south-east as well as towards the north.

Objective of the study

Objectives

The objectives of this study are:

� To identify efficient management practices, procedures, processes, factors, for

better performance and generation of positive impact of the scheme ;

� To suggest interventions and strategies for dissemination of those practices and

factors that can help to check the shortcomings of this scheme;

� To help and lend support to the implementing agencies in evolving the design

addressing implementation challenges more effectively.

� To search strategically better approach for strengthening the capacity of selected

district in implementing process.

� To built social capital formation through awareness generation, social

mobilization and social audit.

� To study effectiveness of NREGS in employment generation.

� To study the effect of fiscal decentralization through NREGA.

� To study effectiveness of social auditing.

However, main focus of the study is to search better strategically approaches for

strengthening the capacity of each three district in implementation process and creation

of positive impact on the rural development programmes.

Methodology

The study adopts following criterion for sample design in selection of blocks, gram

Panchayats, works, workers and non workers.

� The sample consists of 6 blocks, in total, selecting two blocks from each of the

selected three districts.

� Blocks were selected on the basis of performance indicators like, Job cards,

persondays generation and utilization of funds .On the basis of these indicators

one block is selected from the better performing blocks and the other from the

poor performing blocks.

� 24 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in total 4GPs from each block 4 GPs were selected

based on the performance indicators, like job cards, funds utilization, manages

generated. Two Panchayats were selected from better performing Panchayats

and another two from the poor performing Panchayats. Out of selected four

Panchayats, three Panchayats were those where work was on going and one

Panchayat where work was completed.

� From each gram Panchayat (GP), one work has been selected for survey.

Therefore, 24 works, in total, has been studied. Out of these all 24 works, 18

were ongoing works and 6 were completed works.

� From each district 80 workers (10 per each Panchayat) and 40 non-

workers/gram sabha members (5 per each Panchayat) were interviewed.

Workers from the categories of women and SC were given due representation in

the entire sample.

� In total 240 workers, (minimum 10 workers in each village) and. in addition to that

120 non workers (5 per village) were also interviewed. Panchayat members,

community leaders, gram sabha members and government functionaries were

also contacted to study the impact of the programme, problems faced during the

implementation of the scheme and their suggestions, for improving the program

Summary on main findings of Panchayat perception, worksite verification,

workers and non workers assessment of NREGS is given as under:

1. Panchayats Perception

Role of Gram Panchayats is becoming extremely crucial in planning and implementation

of the rural development scheme. NREGA is a holistic scheme, which not only covers

the construction related activities but also cover the livelihood and sustainability of

natural resources at village level. In this context, Panchayats has to play a bigger role

encompassing the activities related to infrastructure, human development and livelihood

issues. Following is the findings on the Panchayats Perception.

i) Training

Panchayat members

It was asked from the Panchayat members whether they got any training on NREGA, all

of the elected Panchayats in districts of Sirsa and Sirmaur reported that they received

training, whereas only one fifth of the Panchayats in Hoshiarpur district received training

on NREGA.

Extension of capacity building activity to various stakeholders

In addition to elected members of Gram Panchayats and Gram sabha members, other

stakeholder in the NREGA are Social Audit Committee member, Grievance Committee

Members, Government Functionaries and Vigilance Committee Members, Training and

awareness for them is equally important as these bodies, especially social audit

committees are acting as a watchdog. Data collected show that all selected

Panchayats in district Sirmaur, formed the social audit committee and in their GP’s

where as in Sirsa only one selected GP has formed a social audit committee and in

Hoshiarpur only two selected Gram Panchayats has a functional social audit committee.

All the members of two SACs got training in District Hoshiarpur and in District Sirsa out

of 6 members 5 got training whereas in District Sirmaur 70% percent of formed

committee got training on NREGA.

Grievance Committee Members

In Hoshiarpur and Sirsa districts Grievance committee was not formed in any selected

Gram Panchayats. Whereas 3 Panchayat in Sirmaur district has a grievance committee

and only one Panchayat reported that training has been provided to grievance

committee members.

Government Functionaries

Training to the government functionaries regarding all aspect of NREGA is equally

important. Therefore it is enquired whether Panchayat secretaries and other village level

functionaries received training. It has been found that Training of these functionaries was

good in Himachal Pradesh and just average was in Punjab and Haryana .There is a

need to provide rigorous training to all functionaries working at the Panchayati level.

ii) Panchayati Awareness about Measurement Book (MB)

It has been mentioned that Panchayats awareness with regard to measurement Book

among Panchayat members is very good in Sirsa a compared to Hoshiarpur and

Sirmaur District GPs

iii) Mode of work Allocation

The Mode of allocation of work to workers different in all the Districts. Whereas in District

Sirsa of Haryana, all Panchayats gave consolidated work to worker, so that they can

work accordingly to their own time. In Sirmaur all Panchayats giving Work on daily basis.

In Hoshiarpur only one Panchayats gave consolidated work and remaining allocated

work on daily basis

iv) Impact of NREGA

To assess the impact of NREGA programmes on wage earners, agriculture, irrigation,

poverty, reduction, connectivity and also on the functioning of PRI’s, views of

Sarpanches and other members of Panchayats of the selected Gram Panchayats of all

the three Districts were sought. The main point which emerged from the input provided

by them is as under:

Wage Earner

One of the main objectives of NREGA is to provide 100 days wage employment to the

job card holders. Therefore it is important to know what impact this programme has

made on wage earner. All the Panchayats reported that economic condition of the wage

earners has improved and moreover the workers need not to go outside the village to

seek work.

Panchayati Raj Institution

With regard to NREGA’s impact on the functioning of PRI’ who is one of the major stake

holders in NREGA programmes. All the Panchayats in District Sirmaur, 62.5 percent of

in district Sirsa and almost same percentage in Hoshiarpur district reported that due to

NREGA their workload has been increased very significantly because they have to

maintain various records. Another positive finding is that Panchayats in district Sirmaur

reported that due to NREGA people’s faith in Panchayats has increased. Panchayats

from the entire three districts also reported that flow of funds to Panchayat has also

increased. One Panchayat each from Sirsa and Hoshiarpur reported that now

decentralization is becoming a reality due to NREGA.

Agriculture and Irrigation

More than 62 percent of the selected Panchayats in Sirsa district and nearly three-fourth

Panchayats in Sirmaur district reported that agricultural productivity has increased due to

NREGA activities. But more than 87 percent Panchayats of District in Hoshiarpur

reported that NREGA did not have any impact on agriculture and irrigation

Connectivity

Under NREGA many activities like construction of link roads, path ways etc. has been

undertaken to improve the connectivity for the overall development of the rural areas,

which also provide linkages with the markets. No doubt some Panchayats from district

Sirsa and Sirmaur did report that NREGA do not have any positive impact on the

connectivity, all selected Panchayats of district Hoshiarpur and more than 62% of Sirsa

and Sirmaur reported that due to NREGA there is over all development of the area due

to construction of link road, pulia and bridges etc.

Women

With regard to the impact of NREGA on women folk, all the Panchayats in district Sirsa,

more than 87% of Sirmaur and about three-fourths of district Hoshiarpur reported that

women belonging to poor strata of the villages are getting jobs and their wages are

same as of men, which otherwise are getting very less.

Impact of NREGA on workers migration

Migration has both negative and positive impact on migrant’s lives. On the one hand it

creates vast economic opportunities and there by help in removing the abject poverty,

improving socio- economic condition of the migrant’s family, on the other hand the

worker has to face many difficulties at the work place intern of denial of basic facilities

like sanitation, drinking water and proper housing. Therefore NREGA is a positive step to

curb distress migration. Data gathered during survey show that there in no change in in-

migration of the workers to their Panchayats area in district Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur

where as 37 percent Panchayats in district Sirsa reported that in migration has

decreased due to NREGA work at their native place. But on the other side there is a

decrease in out migration from the villagers. All the Panchayats in District Sirmaur,

three-fourth in Hoshiarpur and 50 percent in Sirsa reported that out migration from their

village has decreased.

v) Social audit committee

One of the tools of good governance is social audit .In Panchayat act of all states Gram

sabha been empowered to act as a watchdog. The main motto of social audit is to assist

disadvantaged groups and encourage community participation for collective decision

making. From the transparency and accountability point of view, social audit is more

important. It was found that 62.50 % gram Panchayats of district Sirsa, 87.50 % of

Sirmaur and only about 25 % gram Panchayats in Hoshiarpur district formed the social

audit committees.

vi) People‘s awareness about RTI act

It was enquired from Panchayats whether or not people in their Panchayat areas are

aware about the RTI act. About half of the selected gram Panchayats of district Sirsa

and Sirmaur and only 12.50 percent of district Hoshiarpur reported that people are

aware about RTI act. It shows that awareness about RTI act is good in Sirmaur and

Sirsa districts but poor in the district Hoshiarpur.

vii) Problem in implementation of NREGA

Main Problems stated by selected Panchayats in different Districts are as under:

Sirsa

� Delay in receiving of funds (62.5 percent gram Panchayats)

� 60:40 ratios is not suitable (62.5 percent gram Panchayats)

� Lack of staff (50% gram Panchayat)

� Banks are far away and bank staff is not cooperative (50%)

� Supervision of work and lack of awareness (37.50%)

� Corruption (12.50%)

� Assessment of work delayed because one J.E in whole block (50%)

Sirmaur

� Delay in receiving of funds (62.5%)

� 60:40 ratios is not suitable because of hilly terrain (62.50%)

� Lack of staff (50%)

� Banks are far away and staff is not cooperative (37.50%)

� Problems in material transportation (25%)

Hoshiarpur

� Delay in receiving of funds (75%)

� Lack of staff (50%)

� Assessment of work delayed because one J.E in whole block (62.50%)

� No funds to purchase working tool (37.50%)

� Lack of proper supervision (37.50%)

� Lack of awareness about guidelines of NREGA (50%)

From the above the common problem emerges are:

� Lack of Proper trained staff.

� Delay in receiving funds.

� Lack of awareness on different aspect of NREGA guidelines and convergence

with other department etc.

2. Worksite verification

Out of 24 selected GPs of three districts, 18 Gram Panchayats were selected where

works were on going stage. The Team visited all the worksites during working hours. At

most of the time visits to worksites were unannounced. The Team held informal

discussion with the labourers, mates and women in separate group or individual in order

to get the first hand information on the implementation of NREGA activities. Workers

were also educated by the team regarding the main features of NREGA, particularly

about their rights to get 100 days employment in a year about which majority of the

workers in all selected gram Panchayats were not aware about it. Besides inspecting the

work site facilities, the team also made field observation and discussed the economic

usefulness of the work created. After meeting the workers on worksites the team also

visited the Panchayat offices and verified the records and the muster roles which most of

the time were lying with the Panchayats or even not available for verification. The team

also discussed the problems of workers with the elected members of Panchayats and

requested them to rectify the problem faced by the workers on worksite. Selected

ensured the team regarding implementation scheme in a better way. The district-wise

findings of worksite verification is given as under.

i) Muster Role

Availability of Muster role at the time of visit

At the time of the visit by the team to various worksites in the three selected districts. It

was found. In District Sirsa MR was not available at any of the worksites. The main

reason for its absence from the worksites was that in District Sirsa MR is filled only after

the completion of work. In district Sirmaur MR was available only with half of the

Panchayats. The remaining half of the Panchayats reported that the MR is available in

Government offices or with some other person locally.

Updating of Muster role

MR was found updated at 60% of worksite in Hoshiarpur district and only at one worksite

in Sirmaur district, in Sirsa district since MR is Updated only after the completion of work,

therefore, it was found incomplete at all the worksites

ii) Actual Labour available at worksite at the time of visit

At the time of the visit of the team to the various worksites in the three districts, more

then 20 workers were found actually working at 4 worksites in district Sirsa and 1

worksite each in district Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur. Similarly between “15-20” labourers

were found at one location in Sirsa district and at 4 worksites in district Sirmaur and at

one worksite in Hoshiarpur Districts.

iii) Irregularities in MR

Irregularity was found at all the 6 Worksites of District Sirsa, as MR was not available at

any of the worksites. These Irregularities happened due to the fact that in district Sirsa

MR is updated only after the completion of work.

In District Sirmaur, irregularities in MR were found at 80 Percent of work sites verified. In

district Hoshiarpur, an irregularity in MR was found in half of the verified works

iv) Facilities available at work site

� Shades for period of rest were not available at any work site of selected GP’s of

all the three districts.

� Drinking water facility was available at all the work site of District Sirsa and

available at more than 83 % worksite of District Hoshiarpur and only at one

worksite of District Sirmaur.

� First aid kit was available at half worksites of district Sirsa, and only one site of

district Hoshiarpur and none of selected worksites of district Sirmaur has first aid

kit facility at the worksites.

� Child care facility was not available at any of the worksites of three Districts.

v) Vigilance committee formed

The vigilance committee was formed in district Sirmaur at half the GPs and only at one

GP in district Sirsa. In district Hoshiarpur not a single verified GP verified has a vigilance

committee, beside the vigilance committees formed were active only in district Sirmaur.

vi) Contractor‘s involvement

As per NAREGA guidelines involvement of contractors in the execution of work is not

permitted. In violation of these guidelines, involvements of contractors were noticed at

two worksites in District Sirsa and at one worksite in Hoshiarpur district.

vii) Use of Labour displacing machine

Like the involvement of contractors, use of labour displacing machines is also not

permitted in NREGA works. Despite that machines were used in the execution of works

at one worksite each in district Sirsa and district Hoshiarpur.

viii) Mate got training

Training to mate was not provided at any of the worksites in district of Sirsa and Sirmaur

but in district Hoshiarpur three days training was provided to one of the mates working at

one worksite.

ix) Mate having equipment

Out of six mate in district Sirsa 5 were having basic equipments, that is measuring tape

and measuring pole, needed for work measurement. Three of them were also having

electronic calculators to facilitate accurate calculation of works. One mate however has a

measurement sheet to record the measurement of works.

x) Economic useful of assets being created, maintained or repaired as per

investigator

The investigators who conducted the survey also assessed the usefulness of created

assets at various worksites in three districts. As per their assessment in Sirmaur and

Hoshiarpur district, assets created at 5 out of 6 worksites in each district were rated

either very useful or quite good. In district Sirsa assets created at 3 out of 6 worksites

were rated either very good or quite good. The assets created at the remaining worksites

in the three districts were rated either not particularly useful or useless

3. Detail of workers and their Perceptions about NREGA

One of the main objectives of NREGS is to provide 100 days wage employment to the

members of household who have got the job card. Therefore workers are the major

stakeholders in the process of implementation of NREGS. Keeping the fact in mind an

effort was made to know the socio economic background, age sex, educational level,

and occupation etc of the workers selected for the interview. Attempt was made to know

about the problem they faced in submitting their application for seeking work, getting job

card and opening of bank account, irregularities if any in getting wages or unemployment

allowance, and status of facilities provided at worksite etc. this information was collected

through a well structured questionnaire. For this purpose 240 workers, 80 from each

district were interviewed. These findings are as discussed below

i) Process of Getting Job Card: Getting job card is one of the main tasks in

NREGS because employment is to be provided on the basis of it. It was enquired from

the workers whether they had applied to the GP for registration in written or orally. More

than three-fourth respondents in all selected GPs applied for registration in writing. In

district Sirmaur more than 88 percent selected workers told that they had submitted

written application for issuing of job card

ii) Information Source: Source of information regarding NREGS was also

enquired, and it was found that more than 98 percent cases responded that one of main

source was their gram Panchayats. It was gram Panchayats particularly

Sarpanch/Pradhan, who told the wage earner to get, register for job cards

Media Radio: Though much information is provided through Radio, on NREGS but it

was only a source for few workers

Media TV: Though worker admitted that they have no time to watch the TV, still more

than 27 percent of total selected worker in all the three district and 45 percent of

Hoshiarpur district reported TV as a source of awareness on NREGS.

Media News Papers: Newspapers have minimum impact on the workers awareness,

because majority of the workers were illiterate and newspaper is also not available to

them.

Government Functionaries: Govt. functionaries were not playing very much role in

creating awareness among the working class.

iii) Expenses on Job Card: More than 38 percent of total worker selected in all

three districts reported that they did expenses on job card particularly on the photo to be

pasted on job card. In district Hoshiarpur more than 57 percent selected worker reported

some expenses incurred on job card.

iv) Photo of Beneficiary on Job Card: During the survey, efforts were also made

to check whether or not the job cards of the beneficiaries carried their photograph. It was

found that while job cards of 87 percent carried their photographs, about 5 percent of the

job cards were without any photograph. The status of the remaining job cards (more

then 8 percent) is not clear as they were not shown to the investigators, although most of

the owners of such cards clamed that their job cards do carry their photograph. Although

issue of job cards without photograph is a irregularities as such card can be misused.

But these are seldom misused because everybody in the village is personally known to

the members of Gram Panchayat.

v) Mode of Application submitted for employment: As per NREGA Guidelines

Gram Panchayats or Block programme office shall provide unskilled manual work to the

applicant within fifteen days of receipt of application preferably with in a radius of 5 kms

of the village where the applicant resides. The request for work may be oral or in written

form. More than 60 percent of the workers reported that they asked for work in writing,

while others just asked verbally. In Hoshiarpur more than half of the workers asked for

work only in verbal form while about 22 percent of the workers in Sirmaur district made

verbal request. This shows that employment providing agencies, whether it is Panchayat

or Block office, are not insisting for written application and thus following the NREGA

guidelines in this respect in letter and spirit.

vi) Panchayat Issued dated Receipt of Written Application: As per NREGA

guidelines, Panchayats are supposed to issue a dated receipt to the applicants on

receiving the written or verbal application for employment. But it has been reported that

in most cases no receipt is issued. Panchayats generally avoid giving receipt of

application work. Out of the total 145 selected workers written application received in the

three districts, receipt were issued to only 77 or about half of the applicants. The

compliance with the NREGA rules in this respect was comparatively more in Sirmaur

district where out of 62 applicants receipt was issued to 44 (70%). By contrast, in Sirsa

district out of 44 applicants, receipt was issued only to 14 (32%).

vii) Time Period taken for Wage Disbursement: Under this scheme it is ensured

that the workers get payment for the work done by them within a short span of time. Our

enquiry reveled that about 69 percent of total workers got their wages within a fortnight.

Infect 10 percent of the total workers got their wages within one week. The remaining

workers were paid within one month. Inter district variations especially in the time taken

for making payments to workers especially if it is divided into just two time periods that is

within fortnight and after fortnight, are not very significant. This shows that workers are

getting their wages without much delay.

viii) Expenses Incurred at the time of Opening of Bank Account: More than 65

percent of total workers reported that they spend some money at the time of opening of

bank account. District-wise analysis of data shows that 73 percent workers in Hoshiarpur

incurred expenses. Main item of expenses is on photographs which were pasted on job

card.

ix) Mode of Payment: More than 87 percent of the workers were getting wages

through Bank and about 8 percent through Post Office. Only about 5 percent of workers

got their wages through other mode. Payment through other modes is relatively more

popular in Hoshiarpur district.

x) Satisfaction from work Measurement: Nearly 77 percent of the total workers

were satisfied from the work measurement, which they were to do in a day. About 38

percent workers of district Sirmaur and more than 27 percent of Sirsa were not satisfied

with the work measurement.

xi) Regular Mate: Nearly 43 percent of the total workers reported that there is no

regular mate. This problem is more acute in district Sirmaur where more then 62 percent

of the workers reported the non availability of regular mate.

xii) Impact on Income of the Workers: In this survey impact of NREGA on the

income of workers was also assessed. About 59 percent of the total workers reported

considerable increase in their income due to NREGA. Infect more then 82 percent of the

workers from district Sirsa reported considerable increase in their income. Only about 16

percent of the workers reported no increase in their income. These workers were from

Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur district.

xiii) Children attending School: It has been reported that children of nearly 62

percent of the workers are attending school. In district Sirmaur children of more than 76

percent of workers were attending the school.

xiv) Impact on Expenditure on Food Item: More than 77 percent of workers

reported that their expenditure on food item has increased. In fact 97.50 percent of

workers of district Sirsa reported increased expenditure on food items. About one-third of

the selected workers of district Sirmaur reported that food expenditure remains the

same.

xv) Impact on Non-food Item: It has been reported by more then 65 percent of the

workers that their expenditure on Non-food item has also increased. Only about one-

third of the reported that expenditure remains the same and NREGA has no impact.

xvi) Persondays completed: Each worker was asked how many days; he worked on

NREGA project in a year. The average persondays was 46.36 in the district Hoshiarpur

in the year 2008-09. The average persondays in district Sirmaur and Sirsa was 30.40 in

the years 2008-09

xvii) Benefits according to workers: Workers were asked to state the benefits from

the NREGS. Following were the main benefits reported by the workers.

� Improvement in socio economic living condition of the workers.

� Land improvements and Soil conservation activities helping agricultural activities.

� Increase in irrigation facility & Agriculture Production.

� Employment generation with in the village.

� Sure Payment against workdays.

� Women are getting job at their door step.

xviii) Workers reported the following problems in relations to their work

experience:

� Guaranteed 100 days are less

� Delay in payments of wages.

� Wages are less & work is more.

� Work allotment is more.

� Lack of Basic Facilities at work site.

� Lack of awareness about of 100 days guarantee of wage employment.

� Wages are less as compared to market rate.

4. Non- Workers Assessment

One of the most important objectives of NREGA is to create durable assets for the

benefits of all residents living in the areas. The works on soil and water conservation

give fillip to not only conservation of water and soils but also to raise agricultural

productivity. The works on digging of ponds not only increase the water holding capacity

of ponds but also provide opportunity to start fishing activities in these ponds. Similarly

works on rural connectivity open many opportunities for the people to start livelihood

activities on a commercial basis. Due to all these reason, it becomes necessary to study

the overall impact of NREGA not only on workers but also on the community as a whole.

Attempts were therefore made to seek the views of workers as well as non-worker on

the success and problems of NREGA implementation. For this purpose, 120 non-worker

or residents of the village Panchayat were interviewed and their views about impact of

NREGA on the lives of people have been sought. The findings of the survey are

provided below.

i) Awareness about NREGA

More than 97 percent respondents of district Sirsa, 90 percent of district Sirmaur and 95

percent of district Hoshiarpur were aware about NREGA. The main sources of

awareness were: Panchayats, Radio, Television and Newspapers. The government

functionaries has little role in the districts of Sirsa and Sirmaur, where as more than 28

percent respondents of district Hoshiarpur reported that government functionaries

particularly Panchayat secretaries were also providing information regarding NREGA to

the people

ii) Impact of NREGA according to Non-Worker

Views of the respondent with regard to the impact of NREGA on wage earners, women,

poverty, Panchayats agriculture, irrigation and connectivity were sought.

Wage Earner

Non-worker feels that due to start of NREGA economic condition of the wage earners

has improved a lot and moreover they are getting job on their door step. All the

respondents of Hoshiarpur district and more than 97 percent of district Sirsa and 80

percent of Sirmaur reported that conditions of workers has improve as compared to their

position earlier.

Women: Eighty percent respondents of district Sirsa and more than 57 percent of

Hoshiarpur reported that economic conditions of women improved and women are

getting job at their door step. In district Sirmaur, not much impact on women was

reported by respondent, because only few women worked in NREGA.

Panchayats: More than half of the respondents in district Sirmaur, about 87 percent in

district Sirsa and 70 percent respondents of district Hoshiarpur reported that workload of

Panchayat has increased. About one-third respondent of district Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur

reported that due to NREGA, Panchayats participation in development activities has

increased a lot. In district Sirsa, 80 percent respondent viewed that people’s faith in

Panchayat has increased. Eighty percent respondents in district Sirsa, one-fourth in

Sirmaur, and 60 percent respondents in district Hoshiarpur reported that Fund flow to

Panchayat has been regular and increased. Few respondents also reported that

Panchayats are now generating the employment.

Poverty: Majority of the respondents in the three selected districts viewed that poverty

has declined among the workers. Few respondents however also reported that it has

little impact on poverty, because workers are not getting 100 days employment as

envisaged in the act.

Agriculture: NREGA impact on agriculture is of every one’s interest, therefore it is

asked from the respondents that whether NREGA has any impact on increase in

agriculture productivity and improvement in irrigation facilities. Data shows that more

than 62 percent respondents of district Hoshiarpur reported no impact, about one-fifth of

the respondents of district Sirsa and 55 percent of district Sirmaur reported increase in

agriculture production.

Connectivity: As many of the NREGA works were done for improving the connectivity

of the villages, therefore perception of the common people regard to the usefulness of

this works was worth. Sixty percent respondents in districts of Sirsa and Sirmaur and 80

percent in Hoshiarpur district viewed that there is an overall development of the area due

to construction of pulia, bridge and paths under NREGA.

Environment and Sanitation: More than 77 percent respondents of district Sirmaur, 80

percent of Sirsa and 60 percent of district Hoshiarpur reported no impact of NREGA on

Environment and Sanitation.

Horticulture

Some works for the development of horticulture was also undertaken by the NREGA

implementing agencies in the three districts under convergence with other departments.

Therefore reaction of respondents with regards to the impact of NREGA on promotion of

horticulture was also taken. Majority of the respondents reported no change or negligible

impact on horticulture. In actual practice, there is no convergence with horticulture and

other departments, which is expected from NREGA implementing agencies.

ii) Benefits to Marginal and Small Farmers: NREGA activities must benefit

marginal and small farmers, as they form the major chunk of population living in rural

areas and with no other alternative for their livelihood. Respondents were asked whether

or not land development activities benefited marginal and small farmers. There is a mix

response to this query, Fifty five percent respondents in district Sirsa, more than 42

percent in Sirmaur and 45 percent in district Hoshiarpur reported that marginal and small

forms are getting benefits from the NREGA activities.

iii) Involvement in Work Selection: As NREGA works are to be approved by gram

sabha with the involvement of common people, therefore respondents were asked

whether or not they were involved in the selection of works. Data shows that 70 percent

respondent in district Sirsa, 65 percent each in Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur district reported

their non-involvement in work selection. It shows that people’s involvement in plan

preparation and work selection is very limited. Thus there is a need to create awareness

among common people about their rights and responsibilities so that their involvement in

NREGA works can be enhanced

iv) Problems in implementation of NREGS: According to the Respondents

following are the main problems in the implementation of NREGS.

• Less awareness among people

• Proper work selection is not done with people’s participation and transparent manner

• Irregularity in the funds reaching to GP

• Number of job card issued is less then number of people, but more people are willing

to work (especially in Hoshiarpur district)

• No work assessment by third party and

• Lack of transparency and accountability

v) Awareness about RTI: RTI is one of the major tool for enhancing the

transparency and accountability. Awareness about it must reach to the common people

to achieve its objectives. Data shows that majority of the respondent in all the selected

GPs of three districts were not aware about it.

5. Remedial Action, Recommendations & Future Interventions

During the course of survey, various stakeholders were contacted and interviewed on

the implementation of the NREGS. Their views on the problems, confronted by the

Panchayats, workers, non-workers, and government functionaries were taken and

suggestions to improve the functioning of the programmes were also sought. This

chapter discusses the remedial action, recommendations and future interventions,

required for the better implementation of the programme. These are listed below

according to the stakeholders.

i) Gram Panchayats

Panchayats being the main implementing agency of NREGA programme their views

about NREGA are very important for the research team. The team therefore interacted

with twenty-four gram Panchayats in the three selected districts. They have suggested

the following remedial actions.

Training

Though training was provided to the elected Panchayat members and also to some

other Gram sabha members. Yet there are still some stakeholders like social audit

committee member, grievance committee members, vigilance monitoring committee

members, Gram sabha members, government functionaries like Panchayats secretaries,

Sahayaks and Gram rozgar sewak who need to be provided proper training about

NREGA scheme. Training programmes are to be organized at appropriate level i.e.

District, block and even at Panchayats level.

Training content

Selected Panchayats suggested following training content:

• Convergence of works

• NREGA Act, guidelines

• Technical support in plan preparation

• Social Auditing and RTI Act

Involvement of other departments

Panchayats suggested that other departments like agriculture, irrigation, horticulture,

forest, P.W.D education and health should also be involved in NREGA implementation

so that proper convergence with their schemes can be done.

Other suggestions are:

• Role of Panchayats smitis and Zila parishads in NREGA implementation can be

enhanced by delegation certain powers and responsibilities to them.

• There is a need for involvement of common people in the preparation of annual

plan so that real needs of the people are addressed.

• Panchayat need technical support from some agency for making projects, which

can be funded through NREGS.

• Need for making committees like SAC, vigilance and monitoring committees

more functional.

• Flow of Funds to GPs should be regular, and not at the fag end of the year for

the timely utilization of funds.

• Need for more trained staff, particularly technical staff.

• Involvement of Contractor and use of machinery should be completely stopped.

• Mate should be appointed from within the workers with rotation and he should be

provided all the requisite equipments like measuring tape, measuring poles,

measuring sheets, calculators etc.

• Assets created under NREGS should be maintained.

• Panchayats should be educated about various activities which can be covered

under NREGS.

ii) Suggestions by the workers:

� Workers should be made aware about the guarantee of wage employment and in

case of failure, the provision of unemployment allowances

� Facilities at worksite should be provided.

� Daily wages should be enhanced as per market rate.

� Provide regular and more than 100 days work

� Mate should be trained for measurement

� Wages should be given Daily or Weekly

� Work Measurement by J.E. should be on time.

� Regular staff for NREGA should be provided.

� Wages should be increased.

� Muster roll sheet should be at work site.

� Awareness camp should be organized at village level.

� Wages should be increased.

� Workers should be involved in work selection.

iii) Assessment by Non workers

� Continuous work should be provided to the workers

� Awareness camps on NREGA should be organized at GP level

� Work assessment and monitoring should be done by outside agency

� Strengthening of Social Audit System

� Wages should be paid in time to the workers

� Available funds should be displaced on board and

� Need more transparency and accountability.

Recommendations

In view of above suggestions put forward by various stake holders, following

recommendations are suggested:

• To ensure people participation in NREGA programmes, selection of works should

be done through Gram Sabha Meetings.

• Sufficient staff should be recruited and trained for NREGS.

• Flow of funds should be made regular i.e. Panchayats should get money in each

quarter.

• Monitoring and evaluation of the work particularity during the on-going stage.

• Each district should provide facilities at worksite as per norms of NREGA.

• For the proper convergence of NREGS with the scheme of other departments,

the involvement of concerned departments with the NREGA programmes must

be ensured.

Chapter- I

Background & Context of NREGA in the States

The Ministry of Rural Development, Government of India, initiated a holistic and

integrated development scheme, viz. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme,

which came into force during February 2005, in 200 backward districts of India. During

2007, the scheme was extended to another 130 districts and since April 2008, this

scheme covers all other districts of India. This is the largest employment programme

ever started in the country with a huge public investment. The focus of the scheme is to

provide 100 days wage employment to rural households who wish to work and ask for

work. Panchayats are involved in the planning and implementation of the scheme and

creation of durable assets for sustainable development of the rural areas. There is a

complete ban on the involvement of contractors and use of machinery is prohibited. The

guidelines on NREGA clearly reflect the importance of social audit and greater emphasis

has been placed on transparency and accountability. Use of information technology

through online information is encouraged for the stakeholders for proper monitoring and

evaluation of the programme.

The NREGS document envisaged that focus of the scheme shall be on the following

works in their order of priority: (i) water conservation and water harvesting; (ii) drought

proofing (including afforestation and tree plantation); (iii) irrigation canals including micro

and minor irrigation works; (iv) provision of irrigation facility to land owned by households

belonging to the scheduled castes and scheduled tribes or to land of beneficiaries of

land reforms or that of the beneficiaries under the Indira Awas Yojana; (v) renovation of

traditional water bodies, including desilting of tanks; (vi) land development; (vii) flood

control and protection works, including drainage in water logged areas; (viii) rural

connectivity to provide all-weather access; and (ix) any other work, which may be

notified by the central government in consultation with the state government.

The scheme has been universalized for all persons living in rural areas instead of being

available only for the families ‘below poverty line’. The central government provides 90

per cent share of funds for the scheme. It also compensates various states if fund

crunch affects employment generation. Various social security measures provided under

the scheme are : (i) If any injury occurs to any persons employed under the scheme, he

or she shall be entitled to free of charge medical treatment; (ii) If a person employed

under the scheme dies or become permanently disabled by accident arising out of and in

course of employment, he shall be paid by the implementing agency an ex gratis

payment at the rate of rupees twenty-five thousand; and (iii) facilities of safe drinking

water, shade for children and periods of rest, first-aid box with adequate material for

emergency treatment for minor injuries and other health hazards connected with the

work being performed shall be provided at the work site.

Salient Features of the Act♣♣♣♣

a) Adult members of a rural household, willing to do unskilled manual work, may

apply for registration in writing or orally to the local Gram Panchayat.

b) The Gram Panchayat after due verification will issue a Job Card will bear the

photograph of all adult members of the household willing to work under NREGA

and it is free of cost.

c) The Job Card should be issued within 15 days of application.

d) A Job Card holder may submit a written application for employment to Gram

Panchayat, stating the time and duration for which work is sought. The minimum

days of employment have to be at least fourteen.

e) The Gram Panchayat will issue a dated receipt of the written application for

employment, against which the guarantee of providing employment within 15

days operates.

f) Employment will be given within 15 days of application for work, if it is not then

daily unemployment allowance as per the Act, has to be paid. Liability of

payment of unemployment allowance is of the States.

g) Work should ordinarily be provided within 5 km radius of the village. In case work

is provided beyond 5 km, extra wages of 10% are payable to meet additional

transportation and living expenses.

♣

Taken from the National Rural employment guarantee act 2005, operational guideline 2008

h) Wages are to be paid according to the Minimum Wages Act 1948 for agricultural

Labourers in the State, unless the Centre notifies a wage rate which will not be

less than Rs. 60/ per day. Equal wages will be provided to both men and women.

i) Wages are to be paid according to piece rate or daily rate. Disbursement of

wages has to be done on weekly basis and not beyond a fortnight in any case.

j) At least one-third beneficiaries shall be women who have registered and

requested work under the scheme.

k) Work site facilities such as crèche, drinking water, shade have to be provided.

l) The shelf of projects for a village will be recommended by the gram sabha and

approved by the zilla Panchayat.

m) At least 50% of works will be allotted to Gram Panchayats for execution.

n) A 60:40 wage and material ratio has to be maintained/no contractors and

machinery is allowed.

o) The Central Government bears the 100 percent wage cost of unskilled manual

labour and 75 percent of the material cost including the wages of skilled and

semi skilled workers.

p) Social Audit has to be done by the Gram Sabha.

q) Grievance redressal mechanisms have to be put in place for ensuring a

responsive implementation process.

r) All accounts and records relating to the Scheme should be available for public

scrutiny.

Paradigm Shift from Wage Employment Programmes:

NREGA marks a paradigm shift all precedent wage employment programmes. The

significant aspects of this paradigm shift are captured below:

a) NREGA provides a statutory guarantee of wage employment.

b) It provided a rights-based framework for wage employment. Employment is

dependent upon the worker exercising the choice to apply for registration, obtain

a Job Card, and seek employment for the time and duration that the worker

wants.

c) There is a 15 days time limit for fulfilling the legal guarantee of providing

employment.

d) The legal mandate of providing employment in a time bound manner is

underpinned by the provision of Unemployment Allowance.

e) The Act is designed to offer an incentive structure to the State for providing

employment as ninety percent of the cost for employment provided is borne by

the Centre. There is a concomitant disincentive for not providing employment as

the States then bear the double indemnity of unemployment and the cost of

unemployment allowance.

f) Unlike the earlier wage employment programmes that were allocation based.

NREGA is demand driven. Resource transfer under NREGA is based on the

demand for employment and this provides another critical incentive to States to

leverage that Act to meet the employment needs of the poor.

g) NREGA has extensive inbuilt transparency safeguards.

(i) Documents: Job Cards recording entitlements (in the custody of workers)

written application for employment, Muster Rolls, Measurement Books

and Asset Registers.

(ii) Processes: Acceptance of employment application, issue of dated

receipts, time bound work allocation and wage payment, Citizen

Information Boards at worksites, Vigilance Monitoring Committees,

regular block, district and state level inspections and social audits.

h) The public delivery system has been made accountable, as it envisages an

Annual report on the outcomes of NREGA to be presented by the Central

Government to the Parliament and to the Legislature by the State Government.

Specifically personnel responsible for implementing the Act have been made

legally responsible for delivering the guarantee under the Act.

(i) There has been quite a sharp increase both in the number of total person-

days generated as well as per household, under this scheme. In many

states, a sharp improvement from the first year to the second year, in

terms of employment generated, can be quite observed.

In the light of above guidelines and salient features of NREGA, the scheme has been in

the state of Haryana, Punjab and Himachal Pradesh. The state wise brief profile is given

as under.

1. HARYANA♣♣♣♣

The population of Haryana, according to the 2001 is 21,144,000 with 11,364,000 males

and 9,781,000 females. The Density is 477 people km2. Haryana along with neighboring

Punjab, has a skewed sex ratio at 861 with many more men than women. Selective

abortion of female fetuses has a very high prevalence, reflecting a widespread

preference for the male child.

Economy

Economy of Haryana relies on manufacturing, retailing and information outsourcing In

2006-07 Haryana received a foreign direct investment projects of over Rs 11,000 crore

in the state and corporate sector and had a fiscal deficit of 0.6 per cent in financial year

2006-07 Haryana also toped the list in terms of per capita investment in the fiscal year

2007 with an investment of Rs 1, 86,045 crore. Haryana is also considered one of the

most industrialized states in India with many SEZs. New plans for SEZs are of Reliance

Industries which has plans to set up a multi-product special economic zone in Haryana

at an investment of Rs 40,000 crore, the project will be India's largest SEZ spread over

25,000 acres. The state has a developed banking system with over 4500 bank

branches. The two financial hubs of Haryana, Gurgaon and Faridabad lie on the south

west of the state. The contribution of primary, secondary and tertiary sectors for the

Gross State Domestic Product (GSDP) in 2007-08 was Rs. 21,265.92 crore, Rs.

30,919.95 crore and Rs.49,133.55 crore respectively.

Rural Development

The Directorate of Rural Development (DRD) plays a major role in the socio-economic

growth of the State by implementing various schemes for the upliftment of the rural

people. The Department has the responsibility to implement Special Centrally

Sponsored Rural Development Schemes. In order to effectively pursue the mandate, the

Department maintains regular coordination with the Government of India in the Ministry

of Rural Development, /Planning Commission, State Finance and Planning Departments

for release of funds under various schemes. At the district level, the schemes are

♣District profile has been taken from the official website

coordinated and implemented by the District Rural Development Agencies with the help

of Block agencies and other line departments. The Panchayati Raj Institutions are also

fully involved in planning, execution, monitoring of schemes at the field level. The

DRDAs are headed by the Additional Deputy Commissioners-cum-Chief Executive

Officers. The Engineering Wing of the Panchayati Raj Department is providing the

technical assistance and supervision.

Department of Rural Development implement following schemes

• Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)

• Indira Awaas Yojana (IAY).

• Desert Development Programme (DDP)

• Integrated Wasteland Development Programme (IWDP)

• Member of Parliament Local Area Development Scheme (MPLADS)

• National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS)

• Backward Regions Grant Fund (BRGF)

2. Himachal Pradesh♣♣♣♣

Himachal Pradesh is located in the northwestern part of the country. It is bounded by

Jammu and Kashmir in the North, Punjab and Haryana in the Southwest, Uttaranchal in

the Southeast and China (Tibet) in the East. The geographical area of the state is 55673

sq. kms.

Topography

The state has a mountainous topography with elevation ranging from about 450 meters

to over 6500 meters from the mean sea level. The state is traversed by the Himalayan

and trans-Himalayan ranges. These ranges generally have northwest-southwest

disposition. The Shivalik range runs along its south-western boundary. The lesser and

the Great Himalayan ranges are located to the north of Shivalik range. The Zanskar

range is located in the extreme northwest. The land elevation generally increases as one

move from south to north, as well as, from east to west.

Climate

♣District profile has been taken from the official website

Because of topographic variations, the state has a vast climatic diversity which ranges

form hot and sub-humid tropical in the southwestern part to cold, alpine and glacier in

the higher reaches of Himalayan and trans-Himalayan ranges.

Like the variations in temperature, there are also vast variations in rainfall. The state has

places like Dharamshala (Kangra District) which receive very heavy rainfall and on the

other hand Lahul and Spiti areas receive very scanty rainfall. The state broadly

experience three seasons that is summer season, rainy season and winter season.

Summer season lasts from mid April to June end. During this period mean maximum

temperature remains between 28°c to 32°c in most of the areas. In alpine zone summers

are comparatively milder. The rainy season extends from the beginning of July to the

end of September. Winter season lasts from mid-November to mid March. Snowfall is

common during winter, especially in areas having elevation more than 2200 meters.

Administrative Divisions

The state is divided into 12 districts and further into 75 tehsils and 34 sub-tehsils for

administrative purposes. Under Community Development Programme the district is

divided into 77 C.D. Blocks. For the governance at the grass root level the 20118

villages have been organized into 3243 Gram Panchayats under the Panchayati Raj

System.

Population

� As per the census of India 2001, Himachal has a population of 6,077,248

(includes estimated figures for district Kinnaur) out of which 3,085,256 are males

and 2,991,972 females. The main characteristics of this population are as

follows:

� Population Density (persons per sq. km) 109

� Sex ratio (Number of females per thousand males) 970

� Percentage of Rural Population 90.21

� Percentage of Urban Population 9.79

� Percentage of Population dependent on Agriculture 93

� 0-6 population as percentage of total population 12.84

� Sex Ratio of 0-6 population 897

� Literacy: (a) Total 77.13

(b) Male 86.02

(c) Female 68.08

� Number of Villages 20,118

� Number of Towns 57

These figures show that Himachal has a comparatively low density of population. This is

mainly due to hilly terrain. The low level of urbanization in the state can also be

attributed to a great degree to adverse terrain conditions and low level of

industrialization. About 93 percent of the population in the state is dependent on

agriculture which suggests that employment opportunities outside agriculture should be

created.

Agriculture

Agriculture is the main source of income as well as employment in Himachal. About 93%

of the states population is dependent on agriculture. It contributes nearly 45% to the net

state domestic product.

The Agriculture sector in Himachal faces many problems such as, low percentage of

area available for cultivation, very little scope for expansion of cultivated area, low fertility

of soils, acute problem of soil erosion, very high dependence on rainfall, low level of farm

mechanization, hilly terrain etc. Despite all these problems most farmers, especially

those who grow vegetables, seed potato, ginger, hops and other high value crops and

fruits get good returns from the land. Cultivation of food grains like wheat, paddy, and

maize is mostly confined to low altitude areas like Kangra Valley, Soan Doon (Una

District), Mandi and Kiar-da-doon (Sirmaur district). Barley is grown at higher altitudes.

Topographic and climatic diversity allows farmers to grow a large variety of fruits,

vegetables and other high value crops. More over Himachal produces vegetables in a

season when these are not available in the plains and thus farmers of Himachal earn

good profit by selling their produce in Punjab, Haryana, Delhi and many other areas.

3. Punjab♣♣♣♣

♣District profile has been taken from the official website

Punjab is located in the northwestern part of the country. The word Punjab consists of

the two words "Panj" and "Aab" where Panj means five and Aab means water. This

name was given to this region to symbolize its five rivers. The Northwest location of the

state and its fertile land created a strong attraction for foreign influence. Persians, Arabs,

the British, and Turko-Mongolians were a few of the groups which contributed to its

development. Punjab also was a nurturing ground to several religious movements such

as Buddism, Sikhism and several schools of Islam.

Area: 50,362 square kilometers (Punjab occupies 1.54 % of the country’s total geographical

area)

Location: Punjab is situated in the northwest of India, it is bordered by Pakistan on the west, the

Indian states of Jammu and Kashmir on the north, Himachal Pradesh on its northeast

and Haryana and Rajasthan to its south.

Population: 243.59 Lakh for the year 2001

Rural: 160.96 Lakh

Urban: 82.63 Lakh

Geography: Punjab lie on the globe at 29’30’’ N to 32’32’’ N latitude and 73’55 E to 76’50 E

longitude,

Climate: Climatically the state has three major seasons. Hot weather (April to June) when

temperature rises as high as 110F, Rainy season (July to September). Average rainfall

annual ranges between 96 cms sub-mountain region and 46 cms in the plains and Cold

weather (October to March). Temperature goes down as low as 40F.

Major Land Features

Most of Punjab is a fertile plain; toward the southeast one finds semi-arid and desert

landscape; a belt of undulating hills extends along the northeast at the foot of the

Himalayas. Four rivers, the Ravi, Beas, Satluj and Ghaggar flow across the state in a

southwesterly direction. They have numerous small and seasonal tributaries. In addition,

Punjab is watered by an extensive canal system. Agriculture is the mainstay of Punjab`s

economy and 97 per cent of the total cultivable area is under the plough. The main

crops grown are wheat, rice and cotton. Priority is being given to sugarcane, oil seeds,

horticulture and forestry. Percentage contribution of wheat and rice to the Central Pool is

64.1 and 42 respectively, whereas cotton production constitutes 20 per cent of the

national production. The state has recorded highest yield per hectare of wheat, rice,

cotton and bajra. Per capita milk and egg production is highest in the country. Large

quantities of the surplus of agriculture produce are available for agro-based industries.

The state has an enterprising peasantry activity supported by the government .With only

2.99% of area sown and 3.90% of total cropped area of the country, the state on an

average and account for 23% of Wheat, 14 % of cotton and 10% of rice production of

the whole country. Punjab is the largest single contributor to the central pool of rice and

wheat.

Administrative Structure

• Divisions 4

• Districts 20

• Sub-Divisions/Tehsils 76

• Sub-Tehsils 77

• Blocks 141

• No. of Towns (2001 Census) 143

• No. of Cities ( 2001 Census) 14

• No. of Inhabited Villages (2001 Census) 12278

Poverty alleviation is one of the important objectives of plan programmes. It is a multi

dimensional problem which needs innovative and coordinated action at macro, sectoral

and micro level. A large number of programmes and schemes are in operation both at

National and State level which aim to strengthen and improve the quality and standard

of living of weaker and deprived sections of the society. Different Govt.

departments/Corporations of Punjab Govt. are constantly making efforts to eradicate

poverty and to generate sources for raising further income and employment in the

State. The Planning Commission, Govt. of India at regular interval estimates the

number of people living below poverty line in each State as well as country as a whole.

These estimates reveal that Punjab State has been able to tackle the problem of poverty

with much greater efficiency as compared to the rest of the country. During the year

1973-74, more than 28 percent population of Punjab State was living below the poverty

line which came down to 6.16 percent in 1999-2000. At the National level, over half of

the population (54.93 percent) was living below the poverty line in 1973-74 which was

reduced to 26.10 percent during the year 1999-2000. Punjab, is thus, well on the way

to tackle the problem of the poverty. According to Planning Commission GOI during the

year 1999-2000, there were 10.20 lakh families in rural areas and 4.29 lakh families in

urban areas living below the poverty line in Punjab. To tackle the problem of poverty,

different schemes for rural as well as urban areas are in operation in the State. These

are:

� Swarnjayanti Gram Swarozgar Yojana (SGSY)

� Swarna Jayanti Shahari Rozgar Yojana (SJSRY)

� National Food for work programme (NFWP)

� NREGS

� BRGF

Status of NREGS in the States of Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh issuing

of job card

The latest data shows that in issuing of the job card, Himachal Pradesh issued 8,49,973

job cards whereas Haryana issued 3,77,518 and Punjab issued 5,24,928 job cards. Data

in table 1.1 shows that in the Punjab all the job card holder who demanded employment

has been provided employment where as this proportion was 98.23 and 94.84 percent in

HP and Haryana respectively.

Table 1.1 State wise selected indicators of NREGS

Sr. No

Variable

Haryana Himachal Pradesh

Punjab

1 Total Job Card Issued 377568 849993 524928

2 % of Job Card issued to Rural Household 101.65 147.76 64.17

3 Employment Demanded 171794 453724 147336

4 Employment provided 162932 445713 147336

5 Percent emp. Provided to employment demanded 94.84 98.23 100.00 Source: Official website NREGS

Person days Generated

Data in table 1.2 shows that persondays generated in selected three states namely,

Haryana, Himachal and Punjab. In Himachal Pradesh a total 85.93 lakh persondays

were generated and among it 34.43 percent were SCs, 8.23 percent STs and 38.19

percent was from women category. In Punjab more then 75 percent generated

persondays were from SCs and about one fourth was women beneficiaries. In Haryana

more then 58 percent generated persondays were for SCs and nearly one third

persondays were generated for women. It shows that almost one third of total

beneficiaries of NREGS were women and more then 55 percent belongs to SCs.

Table 1.2

NREGA Statistics (as on 22 September 2009) (in percentage) NREGA Statistics

Haryana Himachal Pradesh Punjab

Person days (Total in lacs) 22.47 85.93 17.61

SCs 13.18 (58.65)

29.59 (34.43)

13.28 (75.38)

STs 0 (0.001)

7.07 (8.23)

0 (0.00)

Women 7.52 (33.47)

32.82 (38.19)

4.54 (25.78)

Others 9.29 (41.35)

49.27 (57.34)

4.34 (24.62)

Source: Official website NREGS

Availability of Fund

Data in table 1.3 reveals that availability of funds and its utilization and also the status of

works completed and works in progress. In Himachal Pradesh 33525 total works were

under taken, among it 33 percent works were completed and remaining works are in

progress. As compared to Himachal Pradesh, a total of 5247 works in Punjab and 4401

in Haryana were undertaken. The proportion of works completed in Haryana was 16.95

percent and in Punjab it was 16.73 percent. It shows that progress of NREGS works is

good in Himachal Pradesh and average in Punjab and Haryana.

Table 1.3 Funds and works details

Haryana Himachal Pradesh Punjab

Total Funds (in crores) 81.26 292.74 81.12

Expenditure (in crores) 42.35 161.36 35.64

Total works taken up 4401 33525 5247

Works completed 746 (16.95)

11258 (33.58)

878 (16.73)

Works in progress 3655 22267 4369 Source: Official website NREGS

Chapter- II

District Selection Criteria & District Profile

Three districts namely Sirmaur in Himachal Pradesh, Sirsa from Haryana and

Hoshiarpur from Punjab were selected as these were the first phase districts. The Aim of

the study is to find out the impacts of NREGA and its implementation process. Therefore

it was necessary to select those districts where the programme has been implemented

from fairly long period.

Profile of the Districts♣♣♣♣

District Sirmaur

District Sirmaur is the southern end district of Himachal Pradesh. The district shares its

boundary with district Shimla in the north; district Solan in the northwest, Panchkula and

Yamuna Nagar districts of Haryana in the southwest and, Dehradun district of

Uttaranchal and Saharanpur district of Uttar Pradesh in the east. Its longitudinal and

latitudinal extend is from 77° 01’ 12” to 77° 49’ 40” East and from 30° 22’ 30” to 31° 01’

20” North respectively. The district has an area of 2825 Sq. km. Which is only about 5

per cent of the area of the state, it ranks eighth in term of size in the 12 districts in the

state.

The altitude varies from about 450 meters to 3647 meters and the general slope of the

area is from northwest to southeast. River Giri, a tributary of rive Yamuna. River Tons,

another tributary of river Yamuna, river Markanda and some other seasonal streams

also contribute in draining the rainwater form the district. Whereas Churdhar range runs

along its border with district Shimla in the north and Shivalik range in the south forms its

boundary with Haryana. River Tons and river Yamuna demarcate its eastern and

southeastern boundary. River Giri divides the district into two distinct physiographic

regions. The region to its north is called as Trans- Giri region and the one to its south of

this river is as Cis- Giri region. The Cis- Giri region also has an open valley or Kiar-Ka-

♣Districts profile has been taken from the official website

doon between the Shivalik range and the Dharthi. The Western part of this open valley is

drained by river Markanda and the eastern part, which is also called as by river Bata.

Climate

The district has a sub-tropical humid climate, except the higher reaches of Churdhar

range and low lying areas of Doon tract and certain area adjacent to Haryana plains

temperature in the district for most part of the year remain within reasonable limits-

neither too low during winter nor too high during summer. Thus crops can be grown in

the district during summer as well as winter. The district received 750 to 1500 mm of

annual rainfall. Most of this rainfall is received during July, August and September

months.

Soils

As per the soil survey conducted by the NBSS & LUP in 1997, more than 75% of the

geographical area of the district is suffering from one or the other soil problem. Soil

erosion, particularly loss of top soil, flooding and soil acidity are the main problems

responsible for soil degradation in the district. This calls for scientific land use planning

on watershed basis. The soils of the district are generally deficient in available P and K.

Most of the vegetable growing areas are also deficient in micro nutrients like zinc and

boron. Soils in rice growing areas are also deficient in zinc.

Forests

The district has 174822 hectares of area under forests which is about 62% of the total

area of the district. Whereas the Shivalik hills and other low hills are covered by mixed

deciduous forests, the higher mountain ranges, particularly Churdhar range are covered

by coniferous forests, especially deodars and chir pine oak, kail and sal are some of the

other valuable species of trees which are found in the district.

Agriculture

Out of 2825 Sq. km of total area of the district only about 408 Sq. km or only about

14.4% of the total area is cultivated which constitute about two thirds of the net sown

area is rainfed as only about one third of the net sown area is irrigated. But despite very

low percentage of irrigated area, more than 83% of the net cultivated area is sown more

than once, giving the district cropping intensity of more than 183%.

Whereas in the low altitude areas of the district like Paonta valley, Markanda valley and

valleys of certain other rivulets mainly food grains like wheat, paddy and maize are

grown, on the hill slopes at a comparatively higher altitude people mainly cultivate higher

value crops like ginger, off season vegetables and fruits. The middle and the lower

slopes of Churdhar range especially the tract along Solan-Rajgarh-Nauradhar-

Haripurdhar road, are famous for the cultivation of tomato, early varieties of peas, and

many other vegetables and fruits like apple, peach and plums. Some farmers have also

taken up the cultivation of flowers.

Administrative Setup

The administrative setup of the district is as follows:

� Number of Sub- Division: 3 (Nahan, Poanta Sahib, Rajgarh)

� Number of Tehsils: 6 (Nahan, Poanta Sahib, Pachhad,

Shillai, Sangrah, Rajgarh)

� Number of Sub- Tehsils: 4 (Dadahu, Nohra, Kaurau, Ronhat)

� Number of Development Block: 6 (Nahan, Poanta Sahib, Pachhad,

Shillai, Sangrah, Rajgarh)

� Number of Panchayat: 228

� Number of Villages: 968

Human Resource Base

• Population: Total- 4, 58,593

Male- 2, 41,299

Female- 2, 17,293

• Sex Ratio: 901

• Rural/Urban Ratio: 89.6:10.4

• Density of Population per sq. km: 162

• Literacy Rate: Total- 70.4%

Male Literacy- 79.4%

Female Literacy-

60.4%

• Major Religion groups Hindus and Muslim

• SC population as percent of Total population: 1.3

• Total workers as percent of Total population: 49.25

• Cultivators as percent of total workers: 71.5

• Cultivators as percent of rural worker: 76.4

• Agricultural labourers as percent of total workers: 2.5

• Agricultural labourers as percent of rural workers: 2.6

From the figures provided above it emerges that Sirmaur district which has about 5% of

the area of the state accounts for more than 7.5% of the population of Himachal

Pradesh. As a result the density of population in the district is almost one and a half

times more then that density in the state. Like the state as a whole the level of

urbanization in the district is also very low. The proportion of urban population to the total

population in the district is only marginally higher than the state average (10.4% against

9.8%). Compared to the state as a whole the sex ratio in the district is very low. This

indicates that unlike some other parts of the state this district is not experiencing male

selective out migration. There is a possibility that the district may be attracting some

male selective in migration in the form of industrial labour to industrial estates at Kala

Amb, Poanta Sahib and some other places, and as agricultural labour to vegetable and

fruit growing areas of the district. It is surprising that the literacy rates for the males and

females were significantly lower than the corresponding rates for the state as a whole.

The reasons for the comparatively low literacy rates in the district need to be

investigated. Is it due to immigration of illiterate industrial and agricultural labour or due

to some other reasons Compared to the proportion of SC and ST population in the state

the district has a higher proportion of SC population and lower proportion of ST

population. Workers, both main and marginal, constitute nearly half of the total

population and nearly three fourth of these workers are agricultural workers, that is,

cultivators and agricultural labourers. The proportion of agricultural workers among the

rural workers relatively more that is nearly four-fifths of the total rural workers.

Infrastructure

The position of infrastructure with regard to roads, communication, power, banking,

education, health and veterinary institutions and industries is as follows:

Roads

• Length of motorable double lane 216 km

• Length of motorable single lane 2043 km

• Length of jeepable road 2 km

• Less than jeepable road 252 km

• Mobile Veterinary Dispensaries 1

• Veterinary Poly Clinic 1

• Poultry farm/ Hatchary 1

• Cattle Breeding Farm 1

These figures show that the district has 0.8 km length of motorable road per sq. km of

area which, keeping in view the hilly terrain is a fairly good length. The district also has a

fairly large number of telephone exchanges to provide telephone facility in the district. In

addition to landline facility the entire district is well covered by mobile phone connectivity.

Every 6th village in the district has a post office. Despite very harsh terrain every village

in the district have been electrified. Almost every village in the district high primary

school, every 6th village a middle school and every ninth village a high/Sr. secondary

school.

The district has a fairly good network of health institutions. There is one regional and 5

block level allopathic hospitals in the district in addition to that there is one allopathic

PHC/Sub- Centre or dispensary after every 5th village and if Ayurvedic dispensaries are

also included than every 4th village has a PHC/Sub- centre or dispensary. Similarly

almost every 6th village in the district has a veterinary hospital/dispensary. The district

also has cattle breeding farm and a poultry farm/hatchery.

NREGA Implementation status in District Sirmaur and Himachal Pradesh

Job Card

Issue of job card is one of main task of NREGA Programme. A total of 8, 70,588 job

cards were issued in the state till July 2009. Out of which about 6.33% or to be more

precise 55,075 job cards were issued in district Sirmaur. This was more than 1

percentage point less than the share of population of this district in population of the

state which is about 7.5 percent.

Employment Status

In Himachal Pradesh a total of 453724 job card holders demanded employment, which

was 52.11 percent of the total job card holders and employment was provided to 445713

(98.23%). In district Sirmaur, 28796 job card holders demanded employment out of

which 27724 (96.3 %) were provided employment.

Families got 100 days Employment

Only 11.06 per cent o employment provided person in the state and 6.06 per cent in the

district completed one hundred days of employment. It indicates that despite of the fact

that the program in the district started during 2005-06, (first phase), very few persons are

getting one hundred-days work.

Table 2.1 NREGS- At a Glance in Himachal and District Sirmaur

Sr. No

Variable Himachal Pradesh

Sirmaur

1 Total Job Card Issued 870588 55075

2 Employment Demanded 453724 28796

3 Employment provided 445713 27724

Percentage of employment provided to employment demanded 98.23 96.3

4 Percentage to employment provided person who completed 100 days 11.06 6.06

5 Total person days (in Lakh) 205.28 14.28

6 SCs person days 68.08 (33.16)

5.23 (36.62)

8 ST person days 15.99 (7.78)

0.35 (2.10)

9 Women person days 80.09 (39.01)

0.58 (4.06)

Source: nrega.com

Employment Generation

A total of 205.28 lacs person days were generated in the state out of which, scheduled

castes, scheduled tribes and women accounted for 33.16 percent, 7.78 percent and

39.01 percent respectively. The corresponding share of these categories in Sirmaur

district was 36.62 percent, 2.10 percent and 4.06 percent respectively, it shows that in

district Sirmaur women participation in NREGA were very less i.e. 4.06 per cent as

compared to state figure of 39 per cent.

Profile of District Sirsa♣♣♣♣ Sirsa is one of the largest district of Haryana in term of its population and net area

.District is agriculturally developed and a food bowl of Haryana. Main crops grown in the

district are wheat, paddy and Cotton. The name of the district derived from its

headquarter Sirsa, it is said to be the oldest place of the North India .Presently districts

comprises four tehsil namely Sirsa, Dabwali, Rania and Ellanabad. It has 7 development

blocks, 4 Towns, 325 Villages and 333 Gram Panchayats. Its total population according

to 2001 census is 11, 16,649 comprising of 5, 93,245 male and 5, 23,404 female. The

sex-ratio of district is 882. About 26 percent population lives in the urban area.

Latitude and Longitude

♣ Source official website of district Sirsa

The district lies between 29 14 and 30 0 north latitude and 74 29 and 75 18 east

longitudes, forming the extreme west corner of Haryana. It is bounded by the districts of

Muktsar and Bathinda of Punjab in the north and north east, Ganganagar district of

Rajasthan in the west and south and Hisar district in the east. Thus it touches the

interstate boundaries on three sides and is connected with its own state only in the

eastern side.

Topography

The terrain of Sirsa district may be broadly classified from north to south into three major

types i.e. Haryana Plain, alluvial bed of Ghaggar or Nali and Sand dune tract.

Characteristics of the district are briefly described below.

Climate

The climate of this district is characterized by its dryness and extremes of temperature

and scanty rainfall. The year may be divided into four seasons. The cold season from

November to March is followed by the Summer season which lasts up to the end of

June. The period from July to about the middle of September and from the middle of

September to October constitute the south west monsoon and post-monsoon seasons

respectively.

Rainfall

The average annual rainfall in the district is 32-53 mm. The rainfall in the district

increases generally from west to east. About 72 percent of the annual normal rainfall in

the district is received during the short south east monsoon period, July to September,

July and August being the rainiest months.

BASIC STATISTICS OF DISTRICT SIRSA*

Administrative Setup

Total Area Sq. Km. 4277.00

Sub Divisions Number 3

Tehsils Number 4

Sub-Tehsils Number 2

Blocks Number 7

Cities Number 1

Towns Number 4

Villages Number 325

Village Panchayats Number 333

Population (As per 2001 Census)

Total Population 2001 Number 11,16,649

Total Male Population Number 5,93,245

Total Female Population Number 5,23,404

Total No. Of Households Number 1,94,809

Rural Population Number 8,23,184

Urban Population Number 2,93,465

Percentage of Urban Population Percentage 26.28 %

Density Number 261

Growth Rate (1991-2001) Percentage 23.59 %

SC Population Number 2,97,556

Sex Ratio F : M 882 : 1000

Workers

Cultivators Number 1,78,000

Agricultural Labourers Number 1,13,357

Household Inds. Workers Number 10,779

Other Workers Number 1,73,435

Total Workers Number 4,75,571

Working Force Percentage 42.8 %

Roads

Metalled (As on 2006-2007) Km 1689

Unmetalled Km 15

Villages Connected (2006-07) Number 321

Main concerns of the District emerge from the data are:

• Increasing the literacy rate particularly of the women.

• Majority of the work force depend upon agriculture which is a seasonal in nature

and workers are not getting regular employment. In such situation, NREGS is a

boom for the district.

• Need for diversification of agriculture using labour absorbing techniques.

• Irrigation sources are to be suitably channellized for increasing the area under

irrigation.

• Afforestation work needs more attention in the district. It can be converge with

NREGS according to the suitability of the areas.

• Possibilities of the Fishing activities in the ponds constructed/digging under

NREGS.

Table 2.2 NREGA at a glance in Haryana and Sirsa

Sr. No Variable

Haryana Sirsa

1 Total Job Card Issued 377568

65956

2 Employment Demanded 171794

38870

3 Employment provided 162932

38870

4 Percent employment provided to employment demanded 94.84

100%

5 Percentage to employment provided person whom completed 100 days 6.5

1.52

6 Total person days (in Lakh) 69.11

15.66

7 SCs person days 36.65

11.5

8 ST person days 0

0

NREGA Implementation status in District Sirsa and Haryana

Job Card

Issue of job card is one of main task of NREGA Programme. A total of 37, 75, 68 job

cards were issued in the state till July 2009. Out of which 17.46 percent job cards were

issued in district Sirsa.

Employment Status

In Haryana a total of 1, 71,794 job card holders demanded employment, which was

45.50 percent of the total job card holders and employment was provided to 162932

(94.84%). In district Sirsa, 38870 job card holders demanded employment and all were

provided employment.

Families got 100 days Employment

Only 6.5 percent person in the state and 1.52 per cent in the district completed one

hundred days of employment. It indicates that despite of the fact that the program in the

district started during 2006-07, (first phase), very few persons are getting one hundred-

days work.

Employment Generation

A total of 69.11 lacs person days were generated in the state out of which, scheduled

castes accounted for 36.65 percent, as compared to 11.5 percent in district Sirsa.

Profile of District Hoshiarpur

Introduction

The district Hoshiarpur is located in the north-eastern part of the state. it is situated in

the Bist Doab (area between Beas and Satluj rivers) cultural geographic region of the

state. The district is bounded by districts Kangra and Una, of Himachal Pradesh, in the

northeast, district Gurdaspur in the northwest, districts Jalandhar and Kapurthala

(interspersed) in the southwest, and district Nawan shahar in the south. The district

extends from 30’-51’ north to 32’-05’ north latitude and 75’-32’ east to 76’-12’ east

latitude The district has an elongated shape with a slightly more width in the northern

portion of the district, especially along an imaginary east-west line, slightly north of

Hoshiarpur town, through the trifurcation point between the boundaries of Hoshiarpur,

Gurdaspur and Kapurthala districts and Tanda town. From this line, the width of the

district tapers towards south-east as well as towards the north. The watershed line, viz.

water dividing line between Hoshiarpur district and Soan river valley (a tributary of Satluj

River) of Una district and Nala valley (a tributary of Beas River) of Kangra district forms

natural boundary between district Hoshiarpur and Himachal Pradesh in the northwest.

Similarly the Beas River demarcates the natural boundary between Hoshairpur and

Gurdaspur districts in the north and west respectively. Its southern western boundary

with Kapurthala and Jalandhar districts and southern boundary with Nawanshahr district,

however, is not demarcated by any natural feature. The district which extended up to

Satluj River, in the south, till 1975, experienced a minor change in its area when

southern most tehsil of Balachaur was transferred to newly created district of

Nawanshahr. At present, the area of district is 3365 sq. kms. which is about 6.7 per cent

of the entire area of Punjab, which is 50362 sq. kms.

Climate

The district has mild climate compared to other districts of the State. This is due to the

abundance of hilly terrain on the one hand and sizeable forest covers thereon, on the

other. Moreover, chain of check dams constructed recently on the choes under “Kandi

Watershed Development Project” has appreciably enhanced water surface area in the

district. This has made the summer heights quite pleasant.

Agriculture

Major fruits grown in the district are Kinnow, Mango, Peach, litchi, pear, Guava etc. and

among the vegetables Potato has the major share followed by Peas, cauliflower, tomato,

cabbage, brinjal etc. Under floriculture marigold annual chrysanthemum and goadieli are

grown.

Education

Hoshiarpur is one of the oldest districts of Punjab. It has a long tradition of educational

attainments. The D.A.V. & Singh Sabha movements result in establishments of many

educational institutions. On the eve of partition, the Punjab University, Lahore was

shifted to Govt. College, Hoshiarpur and remained there till the early sixties when it was

shifted to Chandigarh. As a result of this; the district has many luminaries in various

fields of society.

District at a glance

Item Area in (000) Hects.

1. Total geographical area 339

2. Forests 109

3. Barren land 1

4. Land use other than cultivation 24

5. Permanent pastures 1

6. Present waste land 1

7. Area under cultivation 203

8. Irrigation area 154

9. Unirrigated area 49

10. Area sown more than once 145

11. Gross cropped area 348

12.Cropping intensity 171%

Demographics

As of 2001 India census [2], Hoshiarpur had a population of 148,243. The 2007

Hoshiarpur population was 427,987. Hoshiarpur is also known as "City of Mangoes".

Males constitute 53% of the population and females 47%. Hoshiarpur has an average

literacy rate of 78%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 81%,

and female literacy is 76%. In Hoshiarpur, 11% of the population is under 6 years of age.

• Females per 1,000 males 935

• Density of population ( per km².) 439

• Percentage increase in population (1991-2001) 13.81

NREGA Implementation status in District Hoshiarpur and Punjab

Job Card

Issue of job card is one of main task of NREGA Programme. A total of 5,24,928 job

cards were issued in the state till July 2009. Out of which 8.59 percent job cards were

issued in district Hoshiarpur

Employment Status

In Punjab a total of 1, 47,336 job card holders demanded employment, which was 28.06

percent of the total job card holders and employment was provided to all. Similarly in

district Hoshiarpur, all job card holders who demanded employment were provided

employment.

Families got 100 days Employment

Only 2.70 percent person in the state and 9.95 per cent in the district completed one

hundred days of employment. It indicates that despite of the fact that the program in the

district started during 2006-07, (first phase), very few persons are got one hundred-days

work.

Table 2.3 NREGS- At a Glance in Punjab and Hoshiarpur

Sr. No Variable Punjab Hoshiarpur

1 Total Job Card Issued 524928 45135

2 Employment Demanded 147336 35512

3 Employment provided 147336 35512

4 Percent employment provided to employment demanded

100.00 100.00

5 Percentage to employment provided person whom completed 100 days

2.70 9.95

6 Total person days (in Lakh) 39.89 12.06

7 SCs person days 29.63 7.17 (59.45)

8 ST person days 0 0

9 Women person days 9.82 3.14 (26.4)

Chapter- III

Sample Size & Research Methodology

The present impact assessment study would focus on working of NREGA programme in

three states i.e. Punjab, Haryana and Himachal Pradesh. The districts have been

selected from three different states of northern India, where the programme was

launched during the first phase (2006). As per this criterion of selection, three districts

viz. Hoshiarpur (Punjab), Sirsa (Haryana) and Sirmaur (Himachal Pradesh) were

selected for impact assessment study.

Objectives

The objectives of this study are:

(i) To identify efficient management practices, procedures, processes, factors, for

better performance and generation of positive impact of the scheme ;

(ii) To suggest interventions and strategies for dissemination of those practices and

factors that can help to check the shortcomings of this scheme.

(iii) To help and lend support to the implementing agencies in evolving the design

addressing implementation challenges more effectively.

(iv) To search strategically better approach for strengthening the capacity of selected

district in implementing process.

(v) To built social capital formation through awareness generation, social

mobilization and social audit.

(vi) To study effectiveness of NREGS in employment generation.

(vii) To study the effect of fiscal decentralization through NREGA.

(viii) To study Effectiveness of social Auditing.

However, main focus of the study is to search better strategically approaches for

strengthening the capacity of each three district in implementation process and creation

of positive impact on the rural development programmes.

Main demographic and other relevant indicators of selected three districts are shown as

under:

The focus of the study is on strengthening capacity of three different districts of northern

India to implement the programme and create positive impact. The appraisal / study

mainly focus on two issues:

(i) Strengthening of Panchayati Raj institutions

(ii) Building social capital formation through awareness generation/social

mobilization, social audits.

Methodology

The study adopts following criterion for sample design in selection of blocks, gram

Panchayats, works, workers and non workers.

(i) The sample consists of 6 blocks, in total, selecting two blocks from each district

of the three districts.

(ii) Blocks were selected on the basis of performance indicators like, Job cards,

persondays generation and utilization of funds. On the basis of these indicators

one block is selected from the better performing blocks and the other from the

poor performing blocks.

(iii) 24 Gram Panchayats (GPs) in total, 4GPs from each block were selected based

on the performance indicators, like job cards, funds utilization, and persondays

generated. Two Panchayats were selected from better performing Panchayats

and another two from the poor performing Panchayats .Out of four Panchayats;

three Panchayats were those where work was on going and one Panchayat

where work was completed.

(iv) From each gram Panchayat (GP), one work has been surveyed. 24 works, in

total, has been studied. Out of these 24 works, 18 ongoing works and 6

completed works were surveyed.

(v) From each district 80 workers (10 per each Panchayat) and 40 non-workers/

gram sabha members (5 per each Panchayat) were interviewed. Worker from the

categories of women and SCs were given due representation in all the samples.

(vi) In total 240 workers, (minimum 10 workers in each village) and. in addition to

that, 120 non workers (5 per village) was interviewed. Panchayat members,

community leaders, gram sabha members and government functionaries were

also covered to study the impact of the programme, problems faced during the

implementation of the scheme and their suggestions, for improving the program.

Under it, the method of cross verification and in depth analysis has also been

adopted.

Research tools

To fulfill the objectives of the study, various research tools were developed and used to

conduct this study. The following research tools were used.

� Gram Panchayat Schedule

� Worksite verification Schedule.

� Muster roll verification sheet.

� Worker Schedule.

� Non worker Schedule.

Chapter - IV

Findings & Analysis

1. Panchayats perception on the working of NREGA

Role of Gram Panchayats is becoming extremely crucial in planning and implementation

of the rural development scheme. NREGA is a holistic scheme, which not only covers

the construction related activities but also cover the livelihood issues and sustainability

of natural resources at village level. In this context, Panchayats has to play a bigger role

encompassing the activities related to infrastructure, human development and livelihood

issues. Therefore, there is a need for very vibrant and fully aware Panchayats to deal

with all the issues related to development of their areas and people. For this, training of

Panchayats is one of the key inputs required for the better implementation of the scheme

like NREGA .Thus there is a need to provide well structured training programme to the

members of Panchayats to enhance their knowledge, skill and attitude to understand the

responsibilities to be performed in a transparent manner. NREGA guidelines gave much

more emphasis on training to all the stakeholders including Panchayats. Therefore in

this impact study, a structured schedule was canvassed from each Panchayat. It

contains the information on Panchayats involvement in NREGA works, perspective plan

preparation, role of gram sabha, and training to various stakeholders, formation of social

audit committee and also on various other aspects related to NREGS. These are

discussed in detail as under:

Table 4.1

NREGA Aspects based on Primary Date

NREGA Aspects Sirsa Hoshiarpur Sirmaur

Total Job Card Issued 5317 647 2117

Total Mandays 1,29,996 23,599 72165

SC Mandays 84,812 12,530 19730

Women Mandays 30,402 6,342 3370

Other Mandays 34,836 9,912 43239

Total available Fund 2,41,97,693 60,42,032 18439600

Expenditure 2,02,21,834 57,79,930 15539375

Total Works taken up 143 58 249

Works completed 125 53 223

Works ongoing 18 5 24

Availability of fund per Panchayats (Average) 30,24,211 7,55,254 23,04,950

Average of Job Card issued per Panchayat 664.6 80.8 264.6

Percent SCs Mandays generate 65.24 53.09 27.34

Percent Women Mandays generate 23.38 26.87 4.66

Percent Expenditure to total available fund 83.56 95.66 84.27

Average expenditure per work (Rs.) 1,41,411 99,653 62,407

Percent works Completed 87.41 91.37 89.55 Source: Field survey

Information provided in table 4.1 shows that average of job cards issued per Panchayat

is highest in Sirsa (665) and lowest in Hoshiarpur (81). It is because of small size of

panchayats in Hoshiarpur. Persondays generated for SCs was 65.24 percent in Sirsa,

53.09 percent in Hoshiarpur and 27.34 percent in the selected Panchayats of district

Sirmaur. Availability of funds for panchayat was Rs.30, 24,211 for Sirsa, Rs.755254 for

Hoshiarpur GPs and Rs.23, 04,950 for selected GPs of Sirmaur district.

Training

i) Panchayat members

It was asked from the panchayat members whether they got any training on NREGA. All

selected panchayats in districts of Sirsa and Sirmaur reported that they received training,

whereas one fifth of panchayats in Hoshiarpur district did not got any NREGA training.

ii) Extension of capacity building activity to various stakeholders

In addition to elected members of Gram Panchayats and Gram sabha members, other

stakeholders in the NREGA are Social Audit Committee member, Grievance Committee

Members and Government Functionaries. Training and awareness for them is equally

important as these bodies, especially social audit committees, are acting as a watchdog.

Data in table 4.6 show that all selected Panchayats in district Sirmaur, formed the social

audit committee in their GP’s where as in Sirsa only one selected GP has formed a

social audit committee in Hoshiarpur only two selected Gram Panchayats has a

functional social audit committee. All the members of two SACs got training in district

Hoshiarpur and in district Sirsa out of 6 members 5 got training whereas in district

Sirmaur 70 percent members of formed committee got training on NREGA.

iii) Vigilance committee members

In Hoshiarpur and Sirsa districts Grievance committee was not formed in any selected

Gram Panchayats. Whereas 3 Panchayat in Sirmaur district has a grievance committee

and only one Panchayat reported that training has been provided to grievance

committee members.

iv) Government Functionaries

The training to the government functionaries regarding all aspect of NREGA is equally

important. Therefore, it was also inquired whether panchayat secretaries and other

village level functionaries received training. It was found that Training of these

functionaries was good in Himachal Pradesh and just average was in Punjab and

Haryana .There is a need to provide rigorous training to all functionaries working at the

Panchayati level. (see table 4.2)

Table 4.2 Extension of capacity Building activities to various Stake holders

Sr. No Stake holder Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

A Panchayat

1 No of elected members 78 60 38

2 Members elected got training 33 30 13

3 Percentage of elected member got training 42.30 50 34.21 B Gram sabha

4 No of Panchayats where training has been provided to gram sabha members

0 8 2

5 Percentage 0 100.00 25.00 C Social audit committee

6 No of Panchayats where SAC has been formed 1 8 2

7 No of members of SAC Committee 6 40 10

8 No of Social Audit committee members attended training 5 28 10

9 Percentage of Social Audit Committee member who attended the training

83.37 70.00 100.00

D Grievance committee 10 No. of Panchayats whose grievance committee members

attended training 0 3 0

11 Total members of Grievance Committee 0 7 0

12 Attended training by Grievance Committee 0 7 0

13 Percentage of who Attended training by grievance committee

0 100.00 0.00

E Govt. Functionaries

14 Total Govt. Functionaries 0 1 1

15 Attended Training 0 1 1 F Vigilance Committee

16 No. of Panchayats in Vigilance monitoring committee formed

0 3 0

17 Total members of Vigilance Committee 0 10 0

18 Vigilance Committee members Attended training 0 9 0

19 Percentage Vigilance Committee members attended training

0.00 90.0 0

Source: Field survey

Aspects of training

Regarding the training aspect of NREGA, it has been found that all the Panchayats in

Sirsa and Sirmaur Districts received training on convergence of work, where as none

has reported in Hoshiarpur on training on this aspect. Other aspect of training was

NREGA Act, guidelines with rules, technical support in plan preparation, social auditing

and RTI. The over all NREGA training was very good in district Sirmaur, good in District

Sirsa and needs improvement in district Hoshiarpur. (see table 4.3)

Table 4.3 Aspect of Training Received by Panchayat Members in selected Panchayats of each District

Sr. No Aspect of training Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Convergence of works 8 (100.00)

8 (100.00)

0 (0.00)

2 NREGA Act, Guidelines with rules 8 (100.00)

6 (75.00)

6 (75.00)

3 Technical support in plan preparation

8 (100.00)

8 (100.00)

1 (12.05)

4 Social Auditing 4 (50.00)

6 (75.00)

5 (62.5)

5 RTI Act 6 (75.00)

6 (75.00)

4 (50.00)

Source: Field survey

Panchayati Awareness about Measurement Book (MB)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

%

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Awareness about measurement book

Yes

It has been mentioned that awareness with regard to measurement Book among

Panchayat members is very good in Sirsa a compared to Hoshiarpur and Sirmaur (See

table 4.4 and graph)

Table 4.4 Panchayats awareness about measurement books

No of Panchayat

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Yes 6 (75.00)

3 (37.5)

2 (25.00)

No 2 (25.00)

5 (62.5)

6 (75.00)

Source: Field survey

Mode of work Allocation

Mode of allocation of work to worker is different in all the Districts. Whereas in District

Sirsa of Haryana, all Panchayats gave consolidated work to workers, so that they can

work accordingly to their own time. In Sirmaur all Panchayats giving Work on daily basis.

In Hoshiarpur one Panchayats gave consolidated work and remaining allocation work on

daily. (See table 4.5)

Table 4.5 Panchayat gave consolidated work to the workers

Source: Field survey

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Yes 8 (100.00)

0 (0.00)

1 (12.05)

No 0 (0.00)

8 (100.00)

7 (87.05)

Impact of NREGA

To assess the impact of NREGA programmes on wage earners, agriculture, irrigation,

poverty reduction, connectivity and also on the functioning of PRI’s, views of Sarpanches

and other members of Panchayats of the selected Gram Panchayats of all the three

Districts were sought. The main points which emerged from the input provided by them

are as under:

Wage Earner

One of the main objectives of NREGA is to provide 100 days wage employment to the

job card holders. Therefore it is important to know what impact this programme has

made on wage earner. All the Panchayats reported that economic condition of the wage

earners has improved moreover the workers need not to go outside the village to seek

work. (See table 4.6 and graph)

Table 4.6 Impact of NREGA on Wage Earners

Impact on Districts

Wage Earners Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Economic condition improved 8 (100.00)

8 (100.00)

8 (100.00)

ii) Workers to seek work need not to go outside 7 8 8

Consolidated work

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

District

%

Sirsa

Hoshiarpur

Impact on wage earner

100 100 100

87.5

100 100

80

85

90

95

100

105

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

Economic condition

improved

Workers to seek work

need not to go outside

village for work

village for work (87.05) (100.00) (100.00) Source: Field survey

Panchayati Raj Institution

With regard to NREGA’s impact on the functioning of PRI’ who is one of the major stake

holders in NREGA programmes. All the Panchayats in District Sirmaur, 62.5 percent of

in district Sirsa and similar percentage in Hoshiarpur district reported that due to NREGA

their workload has been increased very significantly because they have to maintain

various records. Another finding is that 62 percent Panchayats in district Sirmaur

reported that due to NREGA people’s faith in Panchayats has increased. Some

Panchayats from the entire three districts also reported that flow of funds to Panchayat

has also increased. One Panchayat each from Sirsa and Hoshiarpur reported that now

decentralization is becoming a reality due to NREGA.

Table 4.7 Impact of NREGA on PRI’s

Sr. Impact on Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Impact on PRIs

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

Workload has increased

Participation in

development activity has

increased

Village faith in

Panchayat increased

Funds flow increased

Decentralization

becoming reality

No.

i) Workload has increased 5 (62.00)

8 (100.00)

5 (62.05)

ii) Participation in development activity has increased

6 (75.00)

8 (100.00)

8 (100.00)

iii) Village faith in Panchayat increased 1 (12.05)

5 (62.05)

0 (0.00)

iv) Funds flow increased 1 (12.05)

3 (37.05)

1 (12.05)

v) Decentralization becoming reality 1 (12.05)

0 (0.00)

1 (12.05)

Source: Field survey

Agriculture and Irrigation

More than 62 percent of the selected Panchayats in Sirsa district and nearly three-fourth

Panchayats in Sirmaur district reported that agricultural productivity has increased due to

NREGA activities. But more than 87 percent selected Panchayats of District Hoshiarpur

reported that NREGA did not have any impact on agriculture and irrigation.

Table 4.8

Impact of NREGA on Agriculture and irrigation according to Panchayats

Impact on Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i)

Agriculture productivity increased 5 (62.05)

6 (75.00)

0 (0.00)

ii) Irrigation facility improved 6 (62.05)

6 (75.00)

0 (0.01)

iii) No impact 1 1 7

A small pulia construction in progress at GP Behlakhanpur, Hoshiarpur

(12.05) (12.05) (87.05)

Source: Field survey

Connectivity

Under NREGA many activities like construction of link roads, path ways etc. has been

undertaken to improve the connectivity for the overall development of the rural areas,

which also provide

linkages with the

markets. No doubt some

Panchayats from district

Sirsa and Sirmaur did

report that NREGA do

not have any positive

impact on the

connectivity, all selected

Panchayats of district

Hoshiarpur and more

than 62% of Sirsa and Sirmaur reported that due to NREGA there is over all

development of the area due to construction of link road, pulia and bridges etc.

Table 4.9 Impact of NREGA on Connectivity according to Panchayats

Impact on Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) No impact 3 (37.05)

3 (37.05)

0 (0.00)

ii) Over all development of the area due to construction of link road, Pulia, Bridges etc.

5 (62.05)

5 (62.5)

8 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

0

10

20

30

4050

60

70

80

90

100

%

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Districts

Impact on connectivity

No impact

Over all development

of the area due to

construction of link

road,Pulia,Bridges etc.

Animal Husbandry

Dairying farming has a lot of scope in providing livelihood opportunities to the rural

people and it was expected that NREGA activities would be converged with dairying to

generate employment. But such convergence is lacking in all the selected Panchayats.

Almost all selected Panchayat members reported no impact of NREGA on animal

husbandry sector, similarly no such convergence was found with fishery sector.

Sanitation

Panchayats are playing a major role in providing sanitation to the villages and lot of

sanitation activities have been undertaken under NREGA. More than 62 percent of the

Panchayats in District Hoshiarpur reported that due to NREGA, sanitation condition in

villages has improved a lot, which has a positive impact on health of residents. But more

than 87 percent of the Panchayats in Sirmaur reported no change in sanitation condition

in the village due to NREGA.

Table 4.10 Impact of NREGA on Sanitation according to Panchayats

Impact on Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Sanitation condition of the village improved 1 (12.05)

3 (37.05)

5 (62.05)

ii) No change 7 (87.05)

5 (62.05)

2 (25.00)

Source: Field survey

Women

With regard to the impact of NREGA on women folk, all the Panchayats in district Sirsa,

more than 87 percent of Sirmaur and about three-fourths of district Hoshiarpur reported

that women belonging to poor strata of the villages are getting jobs and their wages

are same as of men, which otherwise are very less. (see table 4.11 and graph)

Renewal of water bodies at GP Ottu, Sirsa

Impact on women

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

No participation due to

Cultural factor

Women becoming Self

dependent

Women getting same

wages as men

Women workers at Sirsa

Table 4.11

Impact of NREGA on women according to Panchayats Impact on Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) No participation due to Cultural factor 0 (0.00)

1 (12.05)

1 (12.5)

ii) Women becoming Self dependent and getting jobs near their home

8 (100.00)

7 (87.05)

6 (75.00)

iii) Women getting same wages as men 3 (37.05)

7 (87.05)

1 (12.05)

Source: Field survey

Industry

There is no impact on industrial activities.

Impact of NREGA on workers migration

Migration has both negative and positive impact on migrant lives. On the one hand it

creates vast economic opportunities and there by help in removing the abject poverty,

improving socio- economic condition of the migrant’s family and on the other hand the

worker has to face many difficulties at the work place intern of denial of basic facilities

like sanitation, drinking water and proper housing. Therefore NREGA is a positive step to

curb distress migration. Data in the table 4.12 show that there in no change in migration

of the workers to their Panchayats area in district Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur where as 37

percent Panchayats in district Sirsa reported that in migration has decreased due to

Impact on out-migration

50

0

25

50

100

75

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Sirsa Siramur Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

No change

Decreased

Impact on in-migration

62.5

100 100

37.5

0 00

20

40

60

80

100

120

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

i) No change

ii) Decreased

NREGA work at their native place. But on the other side there is a decrease in out

migration from the village. All the Panchayats in District Sirmaur, three-fourth in

Hoshiarpur and 50 percent in Sirsa reported that out migration from their village has

decreased. (See table 4.12 and graph)

Table 4.12 Impact of NERGA on workers migration according to Panchayats

Districts Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

In migration

i) No change

5 (62.05)

8 (100.00)

8 (100.00)

ii) Decreased

Out migration 3

(37.05) 0

(0.0) 0

(0.0)

i) No change 0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

2 (25.00)

ii) Decreased 4(50%) 8(100%) 6(75%) Source: Field survey

Involvement of other department

In response to a query about the role of other departments in NREGA planning and

implementation, all the Panchayats in district Sirmaur, 50 percent in Hoshiarpur and

more than 37 percent in district Sirsa reported that other department like soil

conservation, forest horticulture etc. were also involved in NREGA activities, but

Panchayats has no role in the works undertaken by these departments. There is a need

of coordination between these departments and Panchayats.

Table 4.13

Involvement of other departments in NREGA according to Panchayats

Districts Sr. No Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 3 (37.5)

8 (100.0)

4 (50.0)

ii) No 5 (62.5)

0 (0.0)

4 (50.0)

Source: Field survey

Role of Panchayat samitis and Zila Parishad

The upper two tiers of PRI’s i.e. Panchayat samitis and zilla parishad play an important

role in the development activities in their respective areas. Effort was made to know the

role these institutions are playing in smooth implementation of NREGA. Data in table

4.14 show that, members of Zila parishad and Panchayat samitis are participating in

gram sabha meetings in district Sirmaur. They also involved in approving the shelves

and suggesting the work to be undertaken under NREGA and other schemes. About half

the Panchayats in district Hoshiarpur and more than 62 percent Panchayats in district

Sirsa reported that these institutions has no role in the implementation of NREGA. (See

table 4.14)

Table 4.14 Role of Panchayat Smiti and Zila Parishad in NREGA according to Panchayats

Districts Sr. No Role

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Participation in Gram sabha 1 (12.5)

8 (100.0)

1 (12.5)

ii) Approved Plan solves 0 (0.00)

7 (87.5)

1 (12.5)

iii) Suggestion for work selection and plan preparation

0 (0.00)

3 (37.5)

1 (12.5)

iv) Less participation 3 (37.5)

0 (0.0)

2 (25.0)

v) No role 5 (62.5)

0 (0.0)

4 (50.0)

Source: Field survey

Preparation of five year perspective plan:

Preparation of Perspective plan is a very important task as it provides the direction and

guidance to the Panchayats regarding the need and selection of works and its intended

benefits occurring to the people in general and society as a whole. Therefore it was

enquired from each Panchayat whether they were involved in preparing the perspective

plan of their Panchayats, it is reported that all the Panchayats have participated in the

preparation of their perspectives plan of their villages.

Activities mentioned in perspective plan

Following activities are to be undertaken in the next five year in selected gram

Panchayats of three districts:

Sirmaur:

• Rural connectivity in all selected Panchayats

• Land development activities, construction and renovation of irrigation in 75% of

selected Panchayats

• Water conservation work in the half of selected gram Panchayats

• Other activities are: Soil conservation (25% Panchayats) fresh water pond (25%

Panchayats) protection wall and sanitation (12.50 percent Panchayats)

Sirsa:

• Rural connectivity –(62.50%GP)

• Irrigation – (75.00% GP)

• Check, Dam (water conservation)- (50% GP)

• Land leveling – (25% GP)

• Water recharging – (50% GP)

• Plantation—(37%GP)

• Renovation of ponds-(37.50% Gram Panchayats )

Hoshiarpur:

• Water conservation (62% GP)

• Sanitation (37.50%)

• Rural connectivity (100%)

• Land development (37.50%)

• Renovation of ponds (50%)

(For district wise details see table 4.15)

Table 4.15

Activities Undertaken for Perspective Plan according to Panchayats Districts Sr. No Table

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Irrigation /Kuhl 6 (75.00)

6 (75.00)

0 (0.00)

ii) Rural Connectivity 5 (62.00)

8 (100.00)

8 (100.00)

iii) Soil Conservation 0 (0.00)

2 (25.00)

0 (0.00)

iv) Land development 2 (25.00)

6 (75.00)

3 (37.50)

v) Water Conservation 4 (50.00)

4 (50.00)

5 (62.00)

vi) Fresh Water Pond 3 (37.50)

2 (25.00)

4 (50.00)

viii) Sanitation 3 (37.50)

1 (12.5)

3 (37.50)

ix) Plantation 3 (37.50)

1 (12.5)

0 (0.00)

Source: Field survey

Social audit committee

One of the tools of good governance is social audit. In Panchayat act of all the states

gram Sabha has been empowered to act as a watchdog. The main motto of social audit

is to assist disadvantaged groups and encourage community participation for collective

decision making. From the transparency and accountability point of view, social audit is

more important. It was found that 62.50 % gram Panchayats of district Sirsa, 87.50 % of

Sirmaur and only about 25 % gram Panchayats in Hoshiarpur district formed the social

audit committees. (See table 4.16 and graph)

Table 4.16 Formation of Social audit Committee in the selected Panchayats

Source: Field survey

Districts Sr. No Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 5 (62.5)

7 (87.5)

2 (25.0)

ii) No 3 (37.5)

1 (12.5)

6 (75.0)

62.5

37.5

87.5

12.5

25

75

0102030405060708090

%

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Districts

Social audit committee

Yes

No

People‘s awareness about RTI act

It was enquired from Panchayats whether or not people in their Panchayat areas are

aware about the RTI act. About half of the selected gram Panchayats of district Sirsa

and Sirmaur and only 12.50 percent of district Hoshiarpur reported that people are

aware about RTI act. It shows that awareness about RTI act is good in Sirmaur and in

Sirsa districts but poor in the district Hoshiarpur.

Table 4.17

People are aware about RTI Act according to Panchayats

Source: Field survey

Districts S. No Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 4 (50.00)

4 (50.00)

1 (12.05)

ii) No 4 (50.00)

4 (50.00)

7 (87.05)

Awareness about RTI

0

20

40

60

80

100

Sirsa

Sirm

aur

Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

Yes

No

Problem in implementation of NREGA

Main Problem stated by selected Panchayats is given as under:

Sirsa

� Delay in receiving of funds (62.5 percent GP)

� 60:40 ratios is not suitable (62.5 percent GP)

� Lack of staff (50 percent GP)

� Banks are far away and bank staff is not cooperative (50 percent GP)

� Supervision of work and lack of awareness (37.50 percent GP)

� Corruption (12.50 percent GP)

� Assessment of work delayed because one J.E in whole block (50 percent GP)

Sirmaur

� Delay in receiving of funds (62.5 percent GP)

� 60:40 ratios is not suitable because of hilly terrain (62.50 percent GP)

� Lack of staff (50 percent GP)

� Banks are far away and staff is not cooperative (37.50 percent GP)

� Problems in material transportation (25 percent GP)

Hoshiarpur

� Delay in receiving of funds (75 percent GP)

� Lack of staff (50 percent )

� Assessment of work delayed because one J.E in whole block (62.50 percent )

� No funds to purchase working tool (37.50 percent GP)

� Lack of proper supervision (37.50 percent GP)

� Lack of awareness about no guidelines of NREGA (50 percent GP)

From the above the common problem emerges are:

� Lack of Proper trained staff.

� Delay in receiving funds.

� Lack of awareness on different aspect of NREGA guidelines and convergence

with other department etc. (For detail see table 4.18)

Table 4.18

Problems in Implementation of NREGA according to Panchayats

States Sr. No

Problems Haryana Himachal Pradesh Punjab

i)

Assessment of work delayed because of availability of JE

4 (50.0)

1 (12.5)

5 (62.5)

ii) Delay in receive of funds 3 (37.5)

5 (62.5)

6 (75.0)

iii) 60:40 ratio is not suitable 0 (0.0)

5 (62.5)

1 (12.5)

iv) Lack of staff 3 (37.5)

4 (50.0)

4 (50.0)

v) No funds to purchase 0 (0.0)

1 (12.5)

3 (37.5)

vi) Bank far-away and bank staff is not cooperative

4 (50.0)

3 (37.5)

2 (25.0)

vii) No supervision 3 (37.5)

1 (12.5)

3 (37.5)

viii) Lack of awareness 3 (37.5)

0 (0.1)

4 (50.0)

xvii) Less pay to Rozgar Sewak 3 (37.5)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

xviii) No convergence allowed 1 (12.5)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

xix) Corruption 1 (12.5)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

xx) Problem in material transportation 0 (0.0)

2 (25.0)

0 (0.0)

xxi) Sanitation problem 0 (0.0)

2 (25.0)

0 (0.0)

Source: Field Survey

Suggestions

Various suggestions to improve the implementation of NREGS were given by the

member of PRI’s. These are discussed as under.

Sirsa

• Training to gram Panchayats and gram sabha members at gram Panchayat level

on various aspect of NREGA

• Work assessment should be done at every 15 days interval at the time of on-

going work stage.

• Bank employee should be cooperative.

• Funds flow should be timely and regular.

• Extra staff to deal exclusively for NREGA should be provided to gram

Panchayats.

Sirmaur

• Extra staff to deal exclusively for NREGA should be provided at gram panchayat

level.

• Funds flow should be timely and regular.

• Provision for purchase of stationary.

• Skilled labour wages especially of mason should be increased as per market

rate.

• Different types of work which women can easily do be introduced e.g. cleaning

and sweeping of streets etc.

Hoshiarpur

• Work assessment should be done at the time of construction stage to check the

quality of material components

• Payments to the workers should be made in time

• Fund flow should be timely and regular

• Extra staff should be provided, especially of technical staff. (50%)

• Provision should be for the purchase of working tools.

The common suggestions made by all selected GPs are:

• Regular and timely release of funds

• Work assessment at a regular interval

• Provision for technical staff (For detail see table 4.19)

Table 4.19 Suggestion to mitigate problems according to Panchayats

Districts Sr. No

Suggestions

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Extra staff should be provided to G.P 5 (62.5)

4 (50.0)

4 (50.0)

ii) Funds flow should be regular 3 (37.5)

4 (50.0)

5 (62.5)

iii) Computer with internet facility should be provided 0 (0.0)

1 (12.5)

0 (0.0)

iv) Honorarium should be provided to the vigilance committee 0 (0.0)

2 (25.0)

0 (0.0)

v) Work assessment should be done at every 15 days at the time of on-going work stage

4 (50.0)

2 (25.0)

5 (62.5)

vi) Provision should be made for purchased working tools 0 (0.0)

1 (12.5)

4 (50.0)

vii) Change of 60:40 ratio in extra ordinary circumstances 0 (0.0)

2 (25.0)

0 (0.0)

viii) Provision for purchase of stationary 0 (0.0)

3 (37.5)

1 (12.5)

ix) Skilled labour wages should be increased as per market rate. 2 (25.0)

3 (37.5)

1 (12.5)

x) Rozgar Sewak should be trained - 1 (12.5)

0 (0.0)

xi) Provide technical support for making project/plans 0 (0.0)

2 (25.0)

0 (0.0)

xii) Different type of work for women worker 0 (0.0)

3 (37.5)

0 (0.0)

xiii) Transport facility should be provided in a remote areas 0 (0.0)

1 (12.5)

0 (0.0)

xiv) Payment to worker should be in time 0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

3 (37.5)

xv) Training to GP members and gram sabha members on NREGA at GP level

6 (75.0)

0 (0.0)

1 (12.5)

xvi) Bank employee should be cooperative to workers 4 (50.0)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

Source: Field survey

Gram Rozgar Sewak available for GP

There is a provision for appointing a Gram Rozgar Sewak under NREGA, it has been

reported that Gram Rozgar Sewak have been appointed in all the Gram Panchayats in

Sirmaur and 75% of the Panchayats in Sirsa. But none of the selected Gram Panchayats

in district Hoshiarpur has appointed gram rozgar sewak. (See table 4.20)

Table 4.20

Gram Rozgar Sewak available for GPs

Source: Field survey

Gram Rozgar Sewak Capable to do the job

In district Sirmaur only one Panchayat reported that gram Rozgar Sewak is not capable

to do the NREGA work, where as other all selected Panchayat reported that Gram

Rozgar Sewak doing work properly. In Sirsa all the gram Panchayat where gram Rozgar

are available reported that staff is capable to do the job. (See table 4.21 )

Table 4.21 Gram Rozgar Sewak capable to do the job according to Panchayats

Source: Field survey

Availability of technical staff

All gram Panchayats of district Sirmaur, 75% of district Sirsa and 87.5% of Hoshiarpur

reported that services of JE are available to them. They feel that the number of JE’s is

not adequate to handle the workload .Their services are generally not available to them

when needed the most. As a result many Panchayats face problem in getting work

measurement and thereafter its utilization certificate. (See table)

Table 4.22

Technical assistant (JE) for a group of gram Panchayat to supervise the work according to Panchayats

Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 6 (75.00)

8 (100.0)

7 (87.5)

ii) No 2 0 1

Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 6 (75.0)

8 (100.0)

0 (0.0)

ii) No 2 (25.0)

0 (0.0)

8 (100.0)

Districts Sr. No Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 8 (100.0)

7 (87.5)

0 (0,0)

ii) No 0 (0.0)

1 (12.5)

0 (0.0)

Transparency and accountability

0

20

40

60

80

100

Sirsa

Sirm

aur

Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

Wages are paid

regularly through

bank

Less corruption

as compared to

earlier schemes

No corruption at

all

(25.0) (0.0) (12.5) Source: Field survey

Transparency and accountability in NREGA work

Transparency and accountability is required not only in NREGA but also in the over all

system of governance and functioning of Panchayats. Therefore this aspect was also

looked into in the enquiry. The main aspect of this enquiry and the responses of

Panchayats to these aspects are as given below:

• Wages are paid regularly through bank: More than 87% of the selected gram

Panchayats of district Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur reported that wages are paid

regularly where as only 50% of the selected GPs of district Sirsa reported

payments of wages to workers on a regular basis, while another one-half

selected panchayats reported delay in payment to the workers.

• Less corruption as compared to earlier scheme: This is supported by majority

of selected GPs. According to them now there is little possibility of corruption in

the scheme because wages are paid through bank .There are lots of check and

balances in the NREGA implementation.

Table 4.23 Transparency and Accountability according to Panchayats

Districts Sr. No Aspect Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i)

Wages are paid regularly through bank

4 (50.0)

7 (87.5)

7 (87.5)

ii) Less corruption as compared to earlier schemes

6 (50.0)

7 (87.5)

7 (87.5)

iii) No corruption 1 (12.5)

4 (50.0)

0 (0.0)

Source: Field survey

Role of Panchayats in planning and implementations:

As Panchayats are the main implementing agency for NREGA, their main functions of

NREGA schemes are as under:

• Perspective plan preparation

• Fund management

• Keeping and maintaining of record

• Provides worksite facilitates

• Hold meeting with BDO’s, Zila parishad and other officers

• To makes technical estimation for works in consultation with JE./Technical

assistant

• District wise responses of Panchayat are given in table 4.24

Table 4.24 Role of Panchayat in planning and Implementation (according to Panchayats)

Table Districts Sr. No Functions Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Perspective plan preparation 8 (100.0)

8 (100.0)

6 (75.0)

ii) Funds Management 2 (25.0)

7 (87.5)

3 (37.5)

iii) Management of NREGA records and job card 5 (62.5)

6 (75.0)

1 (12.5)

iv) Provide work site facilities 0 (0.0)

3 (37.5)

1 (12.5)

v) Hold meeting with BDO’s & Zila Prishad members and Govt. officials

5 (62.5)

4 (50.0)

0 (0.0)

vi) GP make technical estimate with JE/ technical assistant for work

0 (0.0)

1 (12.5)

0 (0.0)

Source: Field survey

Work provided to disable persons

Under NREGA guidelines work has also been provided to disabled persons. Data in

table 4.25 show whereas none of the selected Panchayats in Sirsa district provided

employment to disabled persons, one Panchayat in the district Sirmaur and 2 Panchayat

in district Hoshiarpur reported that they provided employment to disabled persons.

Table 4.25 Work provided to Disabled person according to Panchayats

Source: Field survey

Peoples participation meetings of social Audit forum

As discussed earlier social audits are a must for successful implementation of the

scheme. It was enquired from the Panchayats whether people participate in the

meetings organized by social audit forum. Data in table 4.26 show that in district Sirsa

not a single Panchayat reported any meeting of social forum where as only one

Panchayat each from district Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur reported that people do participate

in social audits meetings.

Table 4.26

People participation in meeting of social Audit forum according to Panchayats

Source: Field survey

Minimum approved works for execution with Panchayat

According to NREGA guideline each Panchayats should have at least five works which

are to be approved technically, financially and administratively, so that whenever a job

card holder demands for work Panchayats should be able to provide that to him in a

short span of time. Data in table 4.27 show that all gram Panchayats in Sirsa district,

87.50 percent Sirmaur district and about 25% in Hoshiarpur district had at least five

approved works.

Table 4.27

Gram Panchayat has five technically approved works for execution according to Panchayats

Source: Field survey

Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 0 (0.0)

1 (12.5)

2 (25.0)

ii) No 8 (100.0)

7 (87.5)

6 (75.0)

Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 0 (0.0)

1 (12.5)

1 (12.5)

ii) No 8 (100.0)

7 (87.5)

7 (87.5)

Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 8 (100.0)

7 (87.5)

2 (25.00)

ii) No 0 (0.0)

1 (12.5)

6 (75.00)

Change of work at upper level

It is generally reported that Panchayats works are changed at block or district level. Data

in table 4.28, it show that more than 75 percent Panchayats reported that their

suggested works had been changed at upper level. But in other two districts however

situation is not that bad as compared to Hoshiarpur district.

Table 4.28 Work suggested by Panchayats got changed at senior level according to Panchayats

Source: Field survey

Funds flow to Gram Panchayats

The funds flow to gram Panchayats is not regular and smooth in half of the gram

Panchayats in district Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur and more than 62 percent GPs in district

Sirsa reported that fund flow is regular and smooth.

Table 4.29 Funds flow to GP is regular and smooth according to Panchayats

Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 5 (62.5)

4 (50.0)

4 (50.0)

ii) No 3 (37.5)

4 (50.0)

4 (50.0)

Source: Field survey

Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 1 (12.5)

1 (12.5)

6 (75.0)

ii) No 7 (87.5)

7 (87.5)

6 (25.0)

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

%

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Districts

Regular and smooth funding

Yes

No

Reasons for delay

The reasons for delay as reported by Gram Panchayats are:

• Funds delay because of official formalities.

• Account of Gram Panchayats is in cooperative bank, and the bank takes more

days for the transfer of funds. Most of the funds remains at block headquarters.

Table 4.30

Reasons for delay Districts Sr.

No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Funds delayed because of official formality 1 (12.5)

1 (12.5)

1 (12.5)

ii)

GP’s bank account are in cooperative bank which fund transfer cheque takes more time

1 (12.5)

1 (12.5)

1 (12.5)

ii)

Most of the time funds remain with Block Headquarter 1 (12.5)

2 (25.0)

2 (25.0)

Source: Field survey

2. Worksite Verification Status

Out of 24 selected GPs of three districts, 18 Gram Panchayats were selected where

works were on going stage. The Team visited all the worksites during working hours. At

most of the time visits to worksites were unannounced. The Team held informal

discussion with the labourers, mates and women in separate groups or individual in

order to get the first hand information on the implementation of NREGA activities.

Workers were also educated by the team regarding the main features of NREGA,

particularly about their rights to get 100 days employment in a year about which majority

of the workers in all selected gram Panchayats were not aware about it. Besides

inspecting the work site facilities, the team also made field observation and discussed

the economic usefulness of the work created. After meeting the workers on worksites the

team also visited the Panchayat offices and verified the records and the muster roll. The

team also discussed the problems of workers with the elected members of Panchayats

and requested them to rectify the problem faced by the workers on worksite. Selected

Panchayats ensured the team regarding implementation scheme in a better way. The

district-wise findings of worksite verification is given as under.

Muster Role

i) Availability of Muster role at the time of visit

At the time of visit by the team to various worksite in the three selected districts. It was

found that Muster role (MR) was not available at the worksite in any of the six Gram

Panchayats in Sirsa, MR was available only with one Panchayat in Sirmaur District.

However in Punjab, MR was available at 5 worksite out of 6 selected GPs. The main

reason for its absence from the worksites was that MR is filled only after the completion

of work. In district Sirmaur MR was available only with half of the Panchayats. The

remaining half of the Panchayats reported that the MR is available in Government offices

or with some other person locally. (see table 4.31 & 4.32)

Table 4.31

Availability of Muster Roll at the time of visit of the team

Districts Sr. No

Status Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Yes 0 (0.0)

1 (16.7)

5 (83.3)

2 No 6 (100.0)

5 (83.3)

1 (17.1)

Source: Field survey

Avaiabity of muster roll

0

16.7

83.3

100

83.3

16.7

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

Yes

No

Table- 4.32

Availability of Muster role at places other than worksite

Districts

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Sr. No Variable

No % No % No %

Muster role available with

i) Panchayat 0 0 3 50 0 0

ii) Locally 0 0 1 16.67 0 0

iii) Govt. Office 0 0 1 16.67 1 16.67

iv) Elsewhere 0 0 0 0 0 0

v) Not Available 6 100 0 0 0 0

vi) Not applicable 0 0 0 0 0 0

vii) (MR available at Work) 0 0 1 16.67 5 83.3 Source: Field survey

ii) Updating of Muster role

MR was updated at 60% of worksite in Hoshiarpur district and only at one worksite in

Sirmaur district, in Sirsa district since MR is Updated only after the completion of work,

naturally, it was found incomplete at all the worksites. (See table 4. 33 and graph)

Table 4.33 Updating of Muster role

Districts Sr. No

Status Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Yes 0 (0.0)

1 (16.67)

3 (50.0)

2 No 6 (100.0)

0 (0.0)

2 (33.3)

Source: Field survey

Updating the muster roll

0

16.67

50

100

0

33.3

0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

Yes No

Workers at a worksite in GP Kiyari Gundah, Sirmaur

Labour available at worksite (According to MR)

According to the

information

available from the

muster roles at 5

worksites in

Hoshiarpur district

there were

between 10-15

workers at 2

worksites,15-20

workers at another

2 worksites and

over 20 workers at one worksite. Information was available only for one worksite in

Sirmaur district where there were less then 10 workers. No information was available for

any worksites in district

Sirsa as MR was not available at any worksite. (See table 4.34)

Table 4.34

Labour available at work site on the day of visit Districts

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Sr. No

Variable

% % %

Labour available at work site (According to Master role)

i) Less then 10 0 0 1 16.67 0 0

ii) 10- 15 0 0 0 0 2 33.3

iii) 15- 20 0 0 0 0 2 33.3

iv) 20+ 0 0 0 0 1 16.67

v) MR not available 6 100 5 83.3 1 16.67 Source: Field survey

Actual Labour available at worksite at the time of visit

At the time of the visit of the team to the various worksites in the three districts, more

then 20 workers were found actually working at 4 worksites in district Sirsa and 1

worksite each in district Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur. Similarly, between 15-20 labourers

were found at one location in Sirsa district and between 10-15 labourers at 4 worksites in

district Sirmaur and 1worksites each in Sirsa and Hoshiarpur Districts. (See table 4.35)

Table 4.35 Actual Labour available at the time of visit

Districts

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Sr. No Variable

% % %

Labour available (Actual)

i) 0 0 0 0 50 0 0

ii) Less then 10 0 0 1 16.67 4 66.67

iii) 10- 15 1 16.67 4 66.67 1 16.7

iv) 15- 20 1 16.67 0 0 0 0

v) 20+ 4 66.67 1 16.67 1 16.67

vi) MR not available 0 0 0 0 0 0 Source: Field survey

Irregularities in MR

• Irregularity was found at all the 6 Worksites of District Sirsa, as MR was not

available at any of the worksites. These Irregularities happened due to the fact

that in district Sirsa MR is updated only after the completion of work.

• In District Sirmaur, irregularities in MR were found at 80 Percent of selected work

sites verified.

• In district Hoshiarpur irregularities in MR was found in half of the verified works.

(see table 4.36 & graph)

Table- 4.36 Irregularity in the muster roll

Districts Sr. No

Status Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Yes 6 (100.00)

4 (80.00)

3 (50.00)

Workers at GP Palli, Hoshiarpur

2 No 0 (0%)

1 (20.00)

1 (16.67)

3 Un 0 (0%)

1 (20.00)

1 (16.67)

Source: Field survey

Irregularity in muster roll

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

Yes

No

Un

Employment in response to Work application

Table 4.37 shows that

labourers got employment

in response to work

application at two third of

the worksites in districts

Sirsa, one third of the sites

in Sirmaur districts and

only at one site in

Hoshiarpur district. At rest

of the worksites in three district labourers got employment even without making any

written application for the work, however at 2 worksites in Sirmaur district and one

worksite in Sirsa district labourers completed the formality of filling the application form

after getting the employment. At many of the worksites mostly in Hoshiarpur district,

even this formality (filling of application after getting the employment) was not

completed. (See table 4.37)

Table- 4.37 Labourers got employment in response to application

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Sr. No

Variable

% % %

i.) Yes, Labourers got work in response to application

4 (66.67)

2 (33.3)

1 (16.7)

ii.) No, most labourers filled application after getting work

1 (16.7)

2 (33.3)

0 (0.00)

iii.) No, did not fill any application 1 (16.7)

1 (16.7)

4 (66.67)

iv.) Others 0 (0.0)

1 (16.7)

1 (16.7)

Source: Field survey

Work application: Individual or Team

It has already been discussed above that labourers got employment in response to their

application only at 7 worksites. At another 3 worksites labourers completed the

formalities of filing the application form after getting the employment. Further enquiry

revealed that all the application received for work, whether before the employment or

after, submitted their applications individually. Not a single application for work was

received from a group of labourers as a team. In district Hoshiarpur at 5 worksite

situation is unclear. (see table 4.38)

Table- 4.38 Work application: individual or team

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Sr. No Variable % % %

Application whether individual or team

i) Individual 4 66.67 3 50 1 16.7

ii) Team 0 0 0 0 0 0

iii) Both 0 0 0 0 0 0

iv) Unclear 2 33.3 3 50 5 83.3

v) NA 0 0 0 0 0 0 Source: Field survey

Wages paid at work site

As per NREGA guidelines, it is mandatory to make payments of wages to the labourers

through bank. This principle is also followed at all the worksites, except one, in the three

districts. The one exception is in Hoshiarpur where workers were paid their wages at the

worksite because they had not yet started operating their accounts in the bank. (see

table 4.39)

Table- 4.39

Wages paid at worksite Districts S. No

Status Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Yes 0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

1 (16.7)

2 No 6 (100.0)

6 (100.0)

5 (83.3)

3 Un 0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

Source: Field survey

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Shade for period of rest

Drinking w ater

First-aid-kit

Child Care Facility

Facilities at w orksite

Facilities available at work site

• Shades for period of rest were not available at any work site of selected GP’s of

all the three districts.

• Drinking water facility was available at all the work site of District Sirsa, and

available at more than 83 % worksite of District Hoshiarpur and only at one

worksite of District Sirmaur.

• First aid kit was available at half worksites of district Sirsa, and only one site of

district Hoshiarpur and none of selected worksites of district Sirmaur has first aid

kit facility at the worksites.

• Child care facility was not available at any of the worksites of three Districts. (see

table 4.40 & graph)

Table- 4.40

Facilities available at worksite Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Facilities

Yes No Yes No Yes No

Shade for period of rest 0 (0.0)

6 (100.00)

0 (0.00)

6 (100.0)

0 (0.0)

6 (100.0)

Drinking water 6 (100.0)

0 (0.00)

1 (16.7)

5 (83.3)

5 (83.3)

1 (16.7)

First-aid-kit 3 (50.0)

3 (50.00)

0 (0.00)

6 (100.0)

1 (16.7)

5 (83.3)

Child Care Facility 0 (0.0)

6 (100.0)

0 (0.00)

6 (100.0)

0 (0.0)

6 (100.0)

Source: Field survey

Board at work site

Board at work site was available only at one worksites each of district Sirmaur and

district Hoshiarpur and at none of the worksites verified in district Sirsa. Information on

total amount sanctioned, amount sanctioned for labour component, minimum wages and

tasks earn to minimum wages has been provided on the board where Board was

available.

Formation of Vigilance Committee

The vigilance committee was formed in district Sirmaur in half GPs and only at one GP

in district Sirsa. In district Hoshiarpur not a single verified worksite had a vigilance

committee. Beside the vigilance committees formed were active at 50 per cent worksite

in district Sirmaur. (see table 4.41)

Table- 4.41

Vigilance committee formed Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Yes 1 (16.7)

3 (50.0)

0 (0.0)

2 No 5 (83.3)

3 (50.0)

6 (100.0)

3 Un 0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

Source: Field survey

Table- 4.42 Active vigilance committee

Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur 1 Yes 0

(0.0) 3

(50.0) 1

(16.7) 2 No 0

(0.0) 3

(50.0) 0

(0.0) 3 Un 6

(100.0) 0

(0.0) 5

(83.3)

Source: Field survey

Evidence of irregularities

Contractor‘s involvement

As per NREGA guidelines, involvement of contractors in execution of work is not

permitted. However, in violation of these guidelines, involvement of contractors was

observed at two worksites in Sirsa district and at one worksite in Hoshiarpur district.

(See table 4.43)

Contractor involvement

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

Yes

No

Use of machinery

0

20

40

60

80

100

120

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

Districts

%

Yes

No

Table 4.43 Contractor’s involvement

Districts Sr. No

Status Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Yes 2 (33.0)

0 (0.0)

1

(16.7)

2 No 4

(66.7)

6

(100.0)

5

(83.3)

Source: Field survey

Use of labour displacing machine

As in the case of involvement of contractors, use of labour displacing machines is also

not permitted under NREGA works. Despite of it, machines were used in execution of

works at one worksite in each districts of Sirsa and Hoshiarpur. (see Table 4.44 & graph)

Table 4.44

Use of Labour displacing machine Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Yes (16.7) 0 (0.0)

1 (16.7)

2 No (83.3) 6 (100.0)

5 (83.3)

Source: Field survey

Corruption of any kind at work site

Out of six worksites in each district, prevalence of corruption was reported from five

worksites in district Sirsa and three worksites in district Hoshiarpur. However, none such

corruption was reported in district Sirmaur. (See Table 4.45)

Table- 4.45

Corruption of any kind at worksite Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Yes 5 (83.3)

0 (0.0)

3 (50.0)

2 No 1 (16.7)

6 (100.0)

3 (50.0)

Source: Field survey

Mate got training

Training to mate was not provided at any of the worksites in district of Sirsa and Sirmaur

but in district Hoshiarpur three days training was provided to one of the mate available at

one worksite. (see Table 4.46)

Table- 4.46 Mate employed at worksite got training

Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Yes 0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

1 (16.7)

2 No 6 (100.0)

6 (100.0)

5 (83.3)

3 Un 0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

0 (0.0)

Source: Field survey

Mate able to tell name of vigilance committee members

Only one mate at district Hoshiarpur gram Panchayats were able to tell the names of

vigilance committee members. (See table 4.47)

Table-4.47 Mate able to tell name of at least one vigilance committee member

Districts Sr. No Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Yes 0 (0.0)

1 (16.7)

1 (16.7)

2 No 6 (100.0)

2 (33.3)

4 (66.7)

3 Un 0 (0.0)

1 (16.7)

1 (16.7)

Source: Field survey

Mates do any work measurement

Out of the six verified worksites in each district, work measurement was done by mate at

5 worksites in district Sirsa, 3 worksites in district Hoshiarpur and only at 1 worksite in

Sirmaur district

Table- 4.48

Mate does any work measurement Districts Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Yes 5 (83.3)

1 (16.7)

1 (16.7)

2 No 1 (16.7)

2 (33.3)

0 (0.0)

3 Un 0 (0.0)

3 (50.0)

5 (83.37)

Source: Field survey

Mate having equipment

Out of six mate in district Sirsa 5 were having basic equipments, that is measuring tape

and measuring pole, needed for work measurement. Three of them were also having

electronic calculators to facilitate accurate calculation of works. However only one mate

was in possession of proper measurement sheet to record the measurement of works.

(see Table 4.49)

Table- 4.49

Mate having equipment

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Sr. No

Variable

Yes No Un Yes No Un Yes No Un

i) Measuring Pole

5 (83.3)

1 (16.7)

0 (0.0)

1 (16.7)

1 (16.7)

4 (66.7)

3 (50.0)

1 (16.7)

2 (33.3)

ii) Measuring Tape

5 (83.3)

1 (16.7)

0 (0.0)

2 (33.3)

4 (66.7)

0 (0.0)

3 (50.0)

1 (16.7)

2 (33.3)

iii) Calculator 3 (50.0)

1 (16.7)

2 (33.3)

3 (50.0)

1 (16.7)

2 (33.3)

3 (50.0)

1 (16.7)

2 (33.3)

iv) Measurement Sheet

1 (16.7)

4 (66.7)

1 (16.7)

2 (33.3)

4 (66.7)

0 (0.0)

4 (66.7)

2 (33.3)

0 (0.0)

Source: Field survey

Economic useful of assets being created maintained or repaired as per

investigator

The investigators who conducted the survey also assessed the usefulness of created

assets at various worksites in three districts. As per their assessment, in Sirmaur and

Hoshiarpur district more than 83 per cent worksite assets were rated either very useful

or quite good. The assets created at the remaining worksites in the three districts were

rated either not particularly useful or useless. (see table 4.50 & graph)

Hoshiarpur

33.3

50

16.7

16.7

Very useful

Quite useful

Useless

Unabless to assess

Sirmaur

50

33.3

16.700

Very useful

Quite useful

Not particular

useful

Sirsa

16.7

33.3

16.7

33.3

0

Useless

Quite useful

Not particular

usful

Very useful

Table- 4.50 Economic usefulness of the assets as per investigator

Sr. No

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Very useful 1 (16.7)

3 (50.00)

2 (33.3)

ii) Quite useful 2 (33.3)

2 (33.3)

3 (50.00)

iii) Not particular useful 1 (16.7)

1 (16.7)

0 (0.00)

iv) Useless 2 (33.3)

0 (0.00)

1 (16.7)

Source: Field survey

Economic usefulness of the assets

Soil conservation work in progress at GP Palli, Hoshiarpur

Economic usefulness of works being done at the work site

Like usefulness of created assets, the investigators also assessed the usefulness of

works being done at the worksites, in the three districts out of 6 worksites in each

district, works being done at 4 worksites each in Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur districts and 3

worksites in Sirmaur district were rated as very useful or quite useful, while the works at

the remaining site were rated either not particularly useful or useless. Works on one site

in district Sirmaur could not be assessed.

Table- 4.51 Economic usefulness of the work

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Sr. No

% % %

i) Very useful 1 (16.7)

1 (16.7)

2 (33.3)

ii) Quite useful 2 (33.3)

3 (50.0)

2 (33.3)

iii) Not particularly useful 2 (33.3)

0 (0.0)

1 (16.7)

iv) Useless 1 (16.7)

1 (16.7)

1 (16.7)

v) Unable to assess 0 (0.0)

1 (16.7)

0 (0.0)

Source: Field survey

Laborers employed at worksite live further than 5 kms

At one worksite in Sirsa and two at Sirmaur where few workers were coming from more

than 5 kms from worksite. Otherwise workers were from the same Panchayats/villages.

Panchayats wise status of muster roll

District: Sirsa Block: Rania i

Sr. No

Name of the Panchayat

Work status Muster Roll Status

1 Ottu On going The workers were given work on the basis of measurement by the gram Panchayat & the muster roll was filled after the completion of work.

2 Dhani Partap Singh On going The workers were given work on the basis of measurement by the gram Panchayat & the muster roll was filled after the completion of work.

3 Peer Khera

On going The workers were given work on the basis of measurement by the gram Panchayat & the muster roll was filled after the completion of work.

District: Sirsa Block: Ellanabad

1 Talwara Khurd On going The workers were given work on the basis of measurement by the gram Panchayat & the muster roll was filled after the completion of work.

2 Mirzapur On going The workers were given work on the basis of measurement by the gram Panchayat & the muster roll was filled after the completion of work.

3 Poharka On going The workers were given work on the basis of measurement by the gram Panchayat & the muster roll was filled after the completion of work.

District: Sirmaur Block :Shillai

Sr.

No

Name of the

Panchayat

Work Status Muster Roll Status

1 Shri Kiyari On going Muster Roll was not available at the time of survey.

2 Kiyari Gundah On going Some workers worked for few days but their attendance was

noted full days.

3 Bandli On going (1) There were some fake attendances of the workers.

(2) No sign of Pradhan on MR

District: Sirmaur Block: Sangrah

1 Bharari On going (1)There was no number of the issue authority.

(2)There were no sign of the issue authority on the MR.

2 Beyong Tatwa On going The Muster Roll status was good.

3 Chocker On going (1)There were two fake names enrolled in the Muster Roll.

(2)There was no unique number on the Muster Roll of the issuing

authority.

District: Hoshiarpur Block: Hoshiarpur-1

Sr.

No

Name of the

Panchayat

Work status Muster Roll Status

1 Sherpur Kham On going Some workers worked for few days but their attendance was

noted full days.

2 Hussainpur Guru On going Two persons were found fake in Muster Roll.

3 Adamwal On going Muster Roll status was good.

District: Hoshiarpur Block:Talwara

1 Chack Meerpur On going Muster Roll status was good.

2 Palli On going Muster Roll was satisfactory.

3

Beh Lakhan On going There were some fake names in MR dated-7-7-09 to 19-7-09

3. Detail of workers and their Perceptions about NREGA One of the main objectives of NREGS is to provide 100 days wage employment to the

members of household who have got the job card. Therefore workers are the major

stakeholders in the process of implementation of NREGS. Keeping the fact in mind an

effort was made to analysis the socio economic background, age sex, educational level,

and occupation etc of the workers selected for the interview. Attempt was also made to

know about the problem they faced in submitting their application for seeking work,

getting job card and opening of bank account, irregularities if any in getting wages or

unemployment allowance, and status of facilities provided at worksite etc. This

information was collected through a well structured questionnaire. For this purpose 240

workers, 80 from each district were interviewed. The focus of this chapter is on the

findings which emerged from the gathered date. These findings are as discussed below.

Age of the Respondents

Statistics about age of workers revealed that more than 52 percent of total workers in all

the selected GPs in three districts belonged to 35 year and above age group. 15 percent

respondents were in less than 25 years age group and nearly 32 percent were in the age

group of 25- 35 years. But there were variations in the proportion of workers in different

age groups at the district level. For example proportion of workers in age group 35+ was

67.5 percent, in Hoshiarpur, 51-25% in Sirmaur district and 40 percent in Sirsa. Similarly

in 25-35 years age group this proportion was about 44% in district Sirsa, over 30 percent

in Sirmaur and only 20% in Hoshiarpur. In less then 25 years age group this proportion

was 17.5, 16.2 and 12.5 percent in Sirmaur, Sirsa and Hoshiarpur districts respectively.

(see table 4.52)

Table-4.52

District-wise age of Workers Age Sr.

No District

> 25 25-35 35+ Total

1 Sirmaur 14 (17.05)

25 (20.00)

41 (51.25)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 10 (12.05)

16 (30.00)

54 (67.5)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 13 (16.02)

35 (44.00)

32 (40.00)

80 (100.00)

Total 37 (15.00)

76 (32.00)

127 (52.00)

240 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Years of Works

As NREGS was started in first phase in selected districts, therefore workers were asked

in which years they work. Most of workers were currently working viz. during 2009-10.

Some workers have been working in each year continuously.

Education

The data with respect to educational level of workers revealed that about 42 per cent of

the total workers were illiterate, and 25 per cent had education only up to primary level.

Only about 15 percent of workers had education up to middle level (8th level). This

shows that about 82 percent of the total workers were either illiterate or had very low

level of education. This is understandable because NREGA projects offers work which is

mainly manual in nature. This type of work is accepted mainly by the illiterate and less

educated persons. The proportion of workers belonging to different educational

categories is, however, different in each of three districts. For instance, 64 percent of

workers in district Sirsa were illiterate. This proportion in district Hoshiarpur was only

about 26 percent, while in district Sirmaur it was about 36 percent. (see table 4.53)

Table 4.53

District-wise Education Profile of Workers

Education Qualification Sr. No.

District Illiterate Upto

Primary Upto

Middle Matric &

10 + 2 Graduate Total

1 Sirmaur 29 (36.25)

20 (25.00)

14 (17.50)

16 (20.00)

1 (1.25)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 21 (26.25)

20 (25.00)

15 (18.75)

19 (23.75)

5 (6.25)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 51 (63.75)

18 (22.50)

6 (7.50)

5 (6.25)

0 (0.00)

80 (100.00)

Total 101 (42.08)

58 (24.17)

35 (14.58)

40 (16.67)

6 (2.50)

240 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Annual Income

The data revealed that annual income of more then 80 percent of the workers was Rs.

20000/- or less. In fact annual income of 40% of the workers was less then Rs.10000/-.

Only a very small proportion of workers (about 6 percent) had annual income more then

Rs.30000/- . (See table4.54)

Table 4.54

District-wise Annual-Income of Workers

Annual Income Sr. No.

District <10000 10001 to 20000 20000 to 30000 >30000 Total

1 Sirmaur 37 (46.25)

26 (32.50)

9 (11.25)

8 (10.00)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 29 (36.25)

38 (47.50)

12 (15.00)

1 (1.25

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 30 (37.50

37 (46.25)

7 (8.75)

6 (7.50)

80 (33.33)

Total 96 (40.00)

101 (42.08)

28 (11.67)

15 (6.25)

240 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Sex: About one-fifth of total workers were female. This proportion was higher in district

Hoshiarpur (37.50%) and very low in district Sirmaur (3.75%). The reason for less

number of female workers in Sirmaur is due to local traditions which do not allow women

to work in such labour intensive schemes.

Caste: Caste of the workers is an important variable. In the sample, more than 42

percent workers were from scheduled castes category, 21 percent from OBC and more

than 36 percent belonged to general category. More than half of the respondents of

district Sirsa were SCs. Similarly more than 46 percent respondents of Hoshiarpur

district belonged to scheduled caste category. The relatively high proportion of workers

from SC category is simply because incidence of poverty is much higher among them.

(See table 4.55)

caste of the workers

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Sirsa

%

General

SC

OBC

Table 4.55 District wise distribution of workers by caste

Caste Sr. No. District

General SC OBC Row Total

1 Sirmaur 46 (57.50)

24 (30.00)

10 (12.50)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 26 (32.50)

37 (46.25)

17 (21.25)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 15 (18.75)

41 (51.25)

24 (30.00)

80 (100.00)

Total 87 (36.25)

102 (42.50)

51 (21.25)

80 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Number of Family Members: No. of family member is important indicator for the study

of NREGA because most of the family members are dependent on worker and it is the

responsibility of the worker to look after the needs of the family. Data in table 4.56 show

that more than 58 percent of workers were having family members between 4-6. In

district Sirmaur 60 percent of workers were having family member 6 and more. It shows

that family size whether nuclear or joint in district Sirmaur particularly in the selected

blocks of Shillai and Sangrah is fairly large. This means that the number of dependents

on the workers in District Sirmaur is comparative more.

Table 4.56

District wise distribution of workers by number of family members

No of family members Sr. No.

District -4 4-6 6+ Row Total

1 Sirmaur 3 (3.75)

29 (36.25)

48 (60.00)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 16 (20.00)

37 (71.25)

7 (8.75)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 6 (7.50)

55 (68.75)

19 (23.75)

80 (100.00)

Total 25 (10.42)

141 (58.75)

74 (30.83)

80 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Worker Category: As NREGA cover the rural wage labourers, therefore more than 97

percent workers who worked in the scheme belong to unskilled category. The situation is

more or less same in all the three selected districts. (see table 4.57)

Table 4.57 District wise distribution of workers by worker categories

No of family members Sr. No. District

Unskilled Semi-skilled Skilled Total

1 Sirmaur 76 (95.00)

2 (2.50)

2 (2.50)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 78 (97.50)

2 (2.50)

0 (0.00)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 79 (98.75)

0 (0.00)

1 (1.25)

80 (100.00)

Total 233 (97.08)

4 (1.07)

3 (1.25)

240 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Process of Getting Job Card: - Getting job card is one of the main tasks in NREGS

because employment is to be provided on the basis of it. It was enquired from the

workers whether they had applied to the GP for registration in written or orally. Data in

table 4.58 shows that more than three-fourth respondents applied for registration in

writing. In district Sirmaur more than 88 percent selected workers told that they had

submitted written application for issuing of job card. (For detail see table 4.58)

Table 4.58

District wise distribution of workers applied for registration

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total 1 Sirmaur 71

(88.75) 9

(11.25) 80

(100.00) 2 Hoshiarpur 60

(75.00) 20

(25.00) 80

(100.00) 3 Sirsa 50

(62.50) 30

(37.50) 80

(100.00) Total 181

(75.42) 59

(24.58) 240

(100.00) Source: Field survey

Information Source: - Source of information regarding NREGS was also enquired, and

it was found that in more than 98 percent cases responded that one of main source was

their gram Panchayats. It was gram Panchayats particularly Sarpanch /Pradhan, who

told the wage earner to get register for job cards. (See table 4.59)

Table 4.59

District wise distribution of workers Panchayat as a awareness source

Panchayat Sr.No. District

Yes No Total

1 Sirmaur 79 (98.75)

1 (1.25)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 78 (97.50)

2 (2.50)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 79 (98.75)

1 (1.25)

80 (100.00)

Total 236 (98.33)

4 (1.67)

240 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Media Radio: -Though much information is provided through Radio, on NREGS but it

was only a source for few workers (8.44 %). (See table4.60)

Table 4.60 District wise distribution of workers (Media Radio as a awareness source)

Media Radio Sr.No. District

Yes No Total

1 Sirmaur 4 (5.00)

76 (95.00)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 5 (6.25)

75 (93.75)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 11 (14.29)

69 (85.71)

80 (100.00)

Total 20 (8.44)

217 (91.56)

240 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Media TV: -Though worker admitted that they have no time to watch the TV, still more

than 27 percent of total selected workers in all the three district and 45 percent of

Hoshiarpur district reported TV as a source of awareness on NREGS. (See table 4.61)

Table 4.61 District wise distribution of workers (Media T.V as a awareness source)

Media T.V Sr.No. District

Yes No Total

1 Sirmaur 7 (8.75)

73 (91.25)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 36 (45.00)

44 (55.00)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 24 (29.49)

56 (70.51)

80 (100.00)

Total 67 (27.73)

173 (72.27)

240 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Media News Papers: - Newspapers have minimum impact on the workers awareness,

because majority of the workers were illiterate and newspaper is also not available to

them. (See table 4.62)

Table 4.62

District wise distribution of workers (Media newspaper as awareness source)

Newspaper Sr.No. District

Yes No Total

1 Sirmaur 5 (6.25)

75 (93.75)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 18 (22.50)

62 (77.50)

80 100.00)

3 Sirsa 8 (8.97)

72 (91.03)

80 (100.00)

Total 31 (12.61)

209 (87.39)

240 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Government Functionaries: - Govt. functionaries were not playing very much role in

creating awareness among the working class. (See table 4.63)

Table 4.63

District wise distribution of workers (Government Functionaries: as an awareness source)

Government Functionaries: Sr.No. District

Yes No Total

1 Sirmaur 17 (21.25)

63 (78.75)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 12 (14.10)

68 (85.90)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 3 (3.75)

77 (96.25)

80 (100.00)

Total 32 (13.33)

208 (86.67)

240 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Expenses on Job Card: - More than 38 percent of total worker selected in all three

districts reported that they did expenses on job card particularly on the photo to be

pasted on job card. In district Hoshiarpur more than 57 percent selected worker reported

some expenses incurred on job card.

Table 4.64

District wise distribution of workers according to Expenses on Job Card

Expenses on Job Card Sr.No. District

Yes No Total

1 Sirmaur 9 (11.39)

71 (88.61)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 46 (57.50)

34 (42.50)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 36 (45.00)

44 (55.00)

80 (100.00)

Total 91 (38.08)

149 (61.92)

240 (100.00)

Photo of Beneficiary on Job Card

During the survey, efforts were also made to check whether or not the job card of the

beneficiaries carried their photograph. It was found that while job cards of 87 percent

carried their photographs, about 5 percent of the job cards were without any photograph.

The status of the remaining job cards (more then 8 percent) is not clear as they were not

shown to the investigators, although most of the owners of such cards clamed that their

job cards do carry their photograph. Although issue of job cards without photograph is a

irregularities as such card can be misused. But these are seldom misused because

everybody in the village is personally known to the members of gram Panchayat.

Table 4.65

Photo of Beneficiary exist on Job Card

Status of photograph on job card

Sr.No. District

Yes seen Not clear No Total 1 Sirmaur 68

(85.00) 5

(6.25) 7

(8.75) 80

(100.00) 2 Hoshiarpur 71

(88.75) 6

(7.50) 3

(3.75) 80

(100.00) 3 Sirsa 70

(87.50) 9

(11.25) 1

(1.25) 80

(100.00) Total 209

(87.08) 21

(8.34) 11

(4.58) 240

(100.00) Source: Field survey

Mode of Application submitted for employment

As per NREGA Guidelines Gram Panchayats or Block programme office shall provide

unskilled manual work to the applicant within fifteen days of receipt of application

preferably with in a radius of 5 kms of the village where the applicant resides. The

request for work may be oral or in written form. More than 60 percent of the workers

reported that they asked for work in writing, while others just asked verbally. In

Hoshiarpur more than half of the workers asked for work only in verbal form while about

22 percent of the workers in Sirmaur district made verbal request. This shows that

employment providing agencies, whether it is Panchayat or Block office, are not insisting

for written application. (See table 4.66)

Table 4.66

Mode of Application submitted for employment

Mode of Application submitted for employment Sr.No. District

Written Application

Verbal Application

Total

1 Sirmaur 62 (77.50)

18 (22.50)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 39 (48.75)

41 (81.25)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 44 (55.00)

36 (45.00)

80 (100.00)

Total 145 (60.42)

95 (39.58)

240 (100.00)

Source: Field Survey

Mode of application

0 50 100

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

Sirsa

%

Verbal

Application

Written

Application

Panchayats Issued dated Receipt of Application:

As per NREGA guidelines, Panchayats are supposed to issue a dated receipt to the

applicants on receiving the written or verbal application for employment. But it has been

reported that in most cases no receipt is issued. Panchayats generally avoid giving

receipt of application work. (See table4.67)

Table 4.67

Panchayat Issued dated Receipt of Written Application:

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total 1 Sirmaur 44

(55.00) 36

(45.00) 80

(100.00) 2 Hoshiarpur 19

(23.75) 61

(76.25) 80

(100.00) 3 Sirsa 14

(17.50) 66

(82.50) 80

(100.00) Total 77

(32.08) 163

(67.91) 240

(100.00) Source: Field survey

0

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

80

90

Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Sirsa

Yes

No

Issuing of receipt

Time period taken to get the job

Panchayats are supposed to provide employment to applicant within 15 days of

submission of oral or written application. But in case of selected districts, only about half

of the applicants got employment within the stipulated period. However, more then 90

percent of the workers were provided employment within 30 days of the submission of

their application. The inter district variations in the percentage of applicants who were

provided employment within 15 days of submission of application are not very much

significant. (See table 4.68)

Table 4.68

Time period taken to get the job

Days Sr.No. District

Less than15 15-30 30+ Total

1 Sirmaur 42 (52.50)

35 (43.75)

3 (3.75)

80 (100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 39 (48.75)

29 (36.25)

12 (15.00)

80 (100.00)

3 Sirsa 37 (46.25)

35 (43.75)

8 (10.00)

80 (100.00)

Total 118 (49.17)

99 (41.25)

23 (9.58)

240 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Unemployment Allowances: -

Under the scheme, unemployment allowance shall be payable if employment is not

provided within 15 days of the receipt of the application. Not a single worker got any

unemployment allowances for getting no work in a year. In actual practice, workers are

not aware about it.

Time Period taken for Wage Disbursement

Under this scheme it is ensured that the workers get payment for the work done by them

within a short span of time. Our enquiry reveled that about 69 percent of total workers

got their wages within a fortnight. Infact 10 percent of the total workers got their wages

within one week. The remaining workers were paid within one month. Inter district

variations especially in the time taken for making payments to workers especially if it is

divided into just two time periods that is within fortnight and after fortnight, are not very

significant. This shows that workers are getting their wages without much delay. (See

table 4.69)

Table 4.69

Time Period taken for Wage Disbursement

Days Sr.No. District

Less 8-14 days 15-30 Total

than week

days

1 Sirmaur 4(5.00) 54(67.50) 22(27.50) 80(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 8(10.00) 40(60.00) 24(30.00) 80(100.00)

3 Sirsa 12(15.00) 39(48.75) 29(36.25) 80(100.00) Total 24(10.00) 141(58.75) 75(31.25) 240(100.00)

Time taken for wage disbursement

0 20 40 60 80

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

Sirsa

15-30

days

8-14

days

Less

than

week

Source: Field survey

Expenses Incurred at the time of Opening of Bank Account: - More than 65 percent

of total workers reported that they spend some money at the time of opening of bank

account. District-wise analysis of data shows that 73 percent workers in Hoshiarpur

incurred expenses. Main item of expenses is on photographs which were pasted on job

card. (See table 4.70)

Table 4.70

Expenses Incurred at the time of Opening of Bank Account

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total

1 Sirmaur 39(48.75) 41(51.25) 80(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 58(72.50) 22(27.50) 80(100.00)

3 Sirsa 60(75.00) 20(25.00) 80(100.00) Total 157(65.42) 83(34.58) 240(100.00)

Source: Field survey

Distance of Bank from the workers Residence: - About 23 percent of total workers

reported that distance is up to 1 km i.e. nearby to their residence, where 40.83 percent

told, distance between 1-3 km and more than 36 percent reported distance 3 and more

than 3 km from their residence. In district Sirmaur more than one-half respondent told

that distance of bank is more than 3 km and they have to spend at least one- day to get

their daily wages. They suggested that payment should be done through post office.

Similarly problem was faced by the workers of selected GPs of district Sirsa. (See table

4.71)

Table 4.71

Distance from the bank

Distance Sr.No. District

Up to 1kms

2-3 Kms 4+ Kms Total

1 Sirmaur 11(13.75) 29(36.25) 40(50.00) 80(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 30(37.50) 38(47.50) 12(15.00) 80(100.00)

3 Sirsa 14(17.50) 31(38.75) 35(43.75) 80(100.00) Total 55(22.92) 98(40.83) 87(36.25) 240(100.00)

Source: Field survey

Mode of Payment: - More than 87 percent of the workers were getting wages through

Bank and about 8 percent through Post Office. Only about 5 percent of worker got their

wages through other mode. Payment through other modes is relatively more popular in

Hoshiarpur district. (See table 4.72)

Table 4.72

Mode of Payment

Mode Sr.No. District

Post office

Bank Any other Total

1 Sirmaur 4(5.00) 74(92.50) 2(2.50) 80(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 5(6.25) 65(81.25) 10(12.50) 80(100.00)

3 Sirsa 11(13.75) 69(86.25) 0(00.00) 80(100.00) Total 20(8.33) 208(86.67) 12(5.00) 240(100.00)

0

20

40

60

80

100

%

Sirmaur Sirsa

Mode of payment

Post office

Bank

Any other

Hoshiarpur

Source: Field survey

Awareness about Accidental Benefits: -

Efforts were also made to assess the level of awareness among workers about the

accidental benefits covered under NREGA. More than 93 percent of the total workers

were found to be unaware of this benefit. Awareness regarding this benefit was

marginally better among the workers in district Sirsa as compared to workers in other

two districts. (See table 4.73)

Table 4.73

Awareness about Accidental Benefits

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total 1 Sirmaur 4(5.00) 76(95.00) 80(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 3(3.75) 77(96.25) 80(100.00)

3 Sirsa 9(11.25) 71(88.75) 80(100.00) Total 16(6.67) 224(93.33) 240(100.00)

Source: Field survey

Getting Leave in a Week: - There is a provision in the scheme that the worker can get

leave in a week. It has been reported that more than 43 percent of the total workers

reported that they are availing this facility. In district Hoshiarpur more then 60 percent of

the workers are availing this facility. (See table4.74)

Table 4.74

Getting Leave in a Week

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total 1 Sirmaur 20(25.00) 60(75.00) 80(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 48(60.00) 32(40.00) 80(100.00)

3 Sirsa 36(45.00) 44(55.00) 80(100.00) Total 104(43.33) 136(56.67) 240(100.00)

Source: Field survey

Satisfaction from work Measurement: - Nearly 77 percent of the total workers were

satisfied from the work measurement, which they were to do in a day. About 38 percent

workers of district Sirmaur and more than 27 percent of Sirsa were not satisfied with the

work measurement. (See table 4.75)

Table 4.75

Satisfaction from work Measurement

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total 1 Sirmaur 49(61.25) 31(38.75) 80(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 78(97.50) 2(2.50) 80(100.00)

3 Sirsa 58(72.50) 22(27.50) 80(100.00) Total 185(77.08) 55(22.92) 240(100.00)

Source: Field survey

Regular Mate: -Nearly 43 percent of the total workers reported that there is no regular

mate. This problem is more acute in district Sirmaur where more then 62 percent of the

workers reported the non availability of regular mate. (See table 4.76)

Table 4.76

Regular Mate

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total 1 Sirmaur 30(37.50) 50(62.50) 80(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 44(55.00) 36(45.00) 80(100.00)

3 Sirsa 63(78.75) 17(21.25) 80(100.00) Total 137(57.08) 103(42.92) 240(100.00)

Source: Field survey

Regular mate

0

20

40

60

80

100

Sirm

aur

Hosh

iarpur

Sirs

a

Districts

%

Yes

No

Mate among the workers: -About half of the workers reported that the mate was from

among the workers where as the other half reported that the mate was not from among

workers but often from among the Panchayat members. (See table 4.77)

Table 4.77

Mate among the workers

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total

1 Sirmaur 55(68.75) 25(31.25) 80(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 38(47.50) 42(52.50) 80(100.00)

3 Sirsa 23(28.75) 57(71.25) 80(100.00) Total 116(48.33) 124(51.67) 240(100.00)

Source: Field survey

Rotation system

Those workers who reported that the mate is from among the workers, further reported

that in most of the cases no rotation system is followed. The same person has to report

for mates duty every day. (See table 4.78)

Table 4.78

Rotation System for the mate

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total 1 Sirmaur 9(16.36) 46(83.64) 55(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 4(10.53) 34(89.47) 38(100.00)

3 Sirsa 11(47.83) 12(52.17) 23(100.00) Total 24(20.69) 92(79.31) 116(100.00)

Source: Field survey

Worksite more than 5 km from Residence

Only about one-tenth of workers reported that working site was more than 5 km away

from their residence. (See table 4.79)

Table 4.79

Worked more than 5 km from Residence

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total

1 Sirmaur 5(6.25) 75(93.75) 80(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 6(7.50) 74(92.50) 80(100.00)

3 Sirsa 11(13.75) 69(86.25) 80(100.00) Total 22(9.17) 218(90.83) 240(100.00)

Source: Field survey

Got any extra wages if working more than 5 km

As per NREGA guidelines workers are to be paid 10 percent extra wages if the worksite

is located at a distance of more then 5 km from the residence of workers. Out of the total

240 workers who were interviewed, 22 reported that they were working men the 5 kms.

From their residence and 54.55 per cent among then got extra wages. (See table 4.80)

Table 4.80

Got any extra wages

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total 1 Sirmaur 3(60.00) 2(40.00) 5(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 3(50.00) 3(50.00) 6(100.00)

3 Sirsa 6(54.55) 5(45.55) 11(100.00) Total 12(54.55) 10(45.55) 22(100.00)

Source: Field survey

Worked in Line Department Work

Some works especially in district Hoshiarpur were allocated to line departments. Nearly

about one third of the workers in Hoshiarpur district reported that they had worked on

such projects. From district Sirsa also 2 workers reported that they had worked on such

works, but no worker from district Sirmaur reported that he had worked on such projects.

(See table 4.81)

Table 4.81

Worked in Line Department Work

Sr.No. District

Yes No Total 1 Sirmaur 0(0.00) 80(100.00) 80(100.00)

2 Hoshiarpur 26(32.50) 54(67.50) 80(100.00)

3 Sirsa 2(2.50) 78(97.50) 80(100.00) Total 28(11.67) 212(88.33) 240(100.00)

Source: Field survey

Persondays completed: Each worker was asked how many days; he worked on

NREGA project in a year. The average persondays was 46.36 in the district Hoshiarpur

in the year 2008-09. The average persondays in district Sirmaur and Sirsa was 30.40 in

the years 2008-09. (See the table 4.82 & graph)

Table 4.82

Person days completed by the selected workers

(Years)

2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Districts

No Avg .Persondays

No Avg.

Persondays

No Avg.

Persondays

1 Sirmaur 53 37.75 46 27.97

54 30.40

2 Hoshiarpur 52 48.55 56 54.66 60 46.36

3 Sirsa 26 33.61 43 34.88 61 30.34

Source: Field survey

Persondays completed by the selected workers

0102030405060

Avg.

Persondays

2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Districts

%Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

Sirsa

Impact on Income of the Workers

In this survey impact of NREGA on the income of workers was also assessed. About 59

percent of the total workers reported considerable increase in their income due to

NREGA. Infact more then 82 percent of the workers from district Sirsa reported

considerable increase in their income. Only about 16 percent of the total workers in the

selected districts reported no increase in their income. (See table 4.83)

Table 4.83

Impact on Income of the Workers

Sr. No

Impact of Income of

the Workers

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Total

1 Considerably Increased

66 (82.50%)

40 (50%) 35 (43.75%0 141 (58.75%)

2 Increased Somewhat 14 (17.50%)

22 (27.50%)

24 (30%) 60 (25%)

3 Not increased & remain same

0 18 (22.50%)

21 (26.25%0 39 (16.25%)

4 Decreased 0 0 0 0 Total 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 240 (100%) Source: Field survey

Other Household Members also got Employment

More than 47 percent workers reported that other members of their households also got

employment in NREGA projects. In district Sirsa more than 73 percent workers reported

that other members of their household also got employment. (See table 4.84)

Table 4.84

Other Household Members also got Employment

Sr. No

Variable

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Total

1 Yes 59 (73.75%) 25 (31.25%) 29 (36.25%) 113 (47.08%)

2 No 21 (26.25%) 55 (68.75%) 51 (63.75%) 127 (52.92%)

Total 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 240 (100%) Source: Field survey

Children attending School

It has been reported that children of nearly 62 percent of the workers are attending

school. In district Sirmaur children of more than 76 percent of workers were attending

the school. . (See table 4.85)

Table 4.85

Children attending School

Sr. No

Variable

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Total

1 Yes 48 (60%) 61 (76.25%) 39 (48.75%) 148 (62.67%)

2 No 32 (40%) 19 (23.75%) 41 (51.25%) 92 (38.33%) Total 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 240 (100%) Source: Field survey

Impact of NREGA on Children Education

Our assessment with regard to the impact of NREGA on the education of children of

workers revealed that the numbers of dropouts from the schools has decreased. Most

workers are now sending their children to schools, and even for higher studies. However

about 22 percent of the workers reported that NREGA has no impact on the education of

their children. (See table 4.86)

Table 4.86

Impact of NREGA on Children Education

Sr. Impact of NREGA on Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Total

No Children Education

1 No dropout of Children 26 (32.50%)

20 (25%) 28 (35%) 74 (30.83%)

2 Change in decision for higher Education option

52 (65%) 36 (45%) 24 (30%) 112 (46.67%)

3 No change 2 (2.50%) 24 (30%) 28 (35%) 54 (22.50%)

Total 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 240 (100%) Source: Field survey

Impact on Expenditure on Food Item

More than 77 percent of workers reported that their expenditure on food item has

increased. In fact 97.50 percent of workers of district Sirsa reported increased

expenditure on food items. About one-third of the selected workers of district Sirmaur

reported that food expenditure remains the same. (See table 4.87)

Table 4.87

Impact on Expenditure on Food Item

Sr. No

Variable

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Total

1 Increased 78 (97.50%)

54 (67.50%) 53 (66.25%) 185 (77.08%)

2 Decreased 0 0 2 (2.25%) 2 (0.83%) 3 Remained Same 2 (2.50%) 26 (32.50%) 25 (31.25%) 53

(22.08%) Total 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 240 (100%) Source: Field survey

Impact on Non-food Item

It has been reported by more then 65 percent of the total selected workers that their

expenditure on Non-food item has also increased. Only about one-third of the total

sample worker reported that expenditure remains the same and NREGA has no impact.

(See table 4.88)

Table 4.88

Impact on Non-food Item

Sr. No

Variable

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur Total

1 Increased 64 (80%) 50 (62.50%) 44 (55%) 158 (65.83%)

2 Decreased 0 0 0 0

3 Remained Same 16 (20%) 30 (37.50%) 36 (45.50%) 82 (34.17) Total 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 80 (100%) 240 (100%) Source: Field survey

Benefits according to workers

Workers were asked to state the benefits from the NREGS. Following were the main

benefits reported by the workers.

� Improvement in socio economic living condition of the workers.

� Land improvements and Soil conservation activities helping agricultural activities.

� Increase in irrigation facilities & Agriculture Production.

� Employment generation with in the village.

� Sure Payment against workdays.

� Women are getting job at their door step.(for district wise details see table 4.88)

Table 4.89

Benefits from NREGS according to the workers

Sr.No

Benefits

SIRSA

SIRMAUR

HOSHIARPUR

1 Improvement in socio economic

living condition of the workers

48

(60.00)

40

(50.00)

44

(55.00)

2 land improvements and Soil

conservation activities helping

agricultural activities

32

(40.00)

20

(25.00)

24

(30.00)

3 Increase in irrigation facilities &

Agriculture Production

20

(25.00)

32

(40.00)

20

(25.00)

4 Employment generation with in

the village.

56

(70.00)

48

(60.00)

32

(40.00)

5 Increased water Ability due to water

Harvesting

16 (20.00) 24 (30.00) 8

(10.0)

6 Work is near the home & with in village

60 (75.00) 48

(60.00)

44

(55.00)

7 Sure Payment against workdays

40 (50.00) 32

(40.00)

36

(45.00)

8 Renovation of Ponds

56 (70.00) 16

(20.00)

32

(40.00)

9 Women are getting job at their door step 48

60.00

8

10.00

16

20.00

Source: Field survey

Problems relating to NREGS

Workers reported the following problems in relations to their work

experience.

� Guaranteed 100 Mandays are less

� Delay in payments of wages.

� Wages are less &work is more.

� Work allotment is more

� Lack of Basic Facilities at work site.

� Lack of awareness about of 100 days guarantee of wage employment.

� Wages are less as compared to market rate.(For district wise detail see

table 4.90)

Table 4.90

Problems relating to NREGS according to Workers

Sr. No. Problems Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

1 Guaranteed 100 Mandays are

less.

40

(50.00)

40

(32.00)

45

(36.00)

2 Delay in payments of wages. 48

(60.00)

24

(30.00)

32

(40.00)

3 Wages are less & work is

more.

40

(50.00)

24

(30.00)

16

(20.00)

4 Work allotment is more 64

(80.00)

16

(20.00)

20

(25.00)

5 Irregular work (break in

work).

32

(40.00)

24

(30.00)

40

(50.00)

6 Lack of Basic Facilities at

work site.

40

(50.00)

24

(30.00)

20

(16.00)

7 Lack of awareness about of

100 days guarantee of wage

employment.

48

(60.00)

40

(50.00)

40

(50.00)

8 Wages are less as compared

to market rate.

8

(10.00)

4

(5.00)

48

(60.00)

9 Not aware about

unemployment allowance

56

(70.00)

48

(60.00)

40

(50.00) Source: Field survey

Suggestions by the workers

� Provide regular and more than 100 days work

� Mate should be trained for measurement

� Wages should be given Daily or Weekly basis

� Work Measurement by J.E. should be in time.

� Regular staff for NREGA should be provided.

� Wages should be increased.

� Muster roll sheet should be at work site.

� Awareness camp should be organized at village level.

� For detail see table 4.91

Table 4.91

Suggestions

Sr.No. Suggestions Sirsa Sirmour Hoshiarpur

1 Provide regular and more than

100 days work

48

60.00

40

50.00

48

60.00

2 Wages payment should be

through Post Office.

8

10.00

32

40.00

24

30.00

3 Mate should be trained for

measurement

24

30.00

16

20.00

20

25.00

4 Wages should be given Daily or

Weekly

28

35.00

16

20.00

20

25.00

5 Work Measurement by J.E.

should be on time.

40

50.00

24

30.00

48

60.00

6 Regular staff for NREGA should

be provided.

32

40.00

40

50.00

32

40.00

7 Muster roll sheet should be at

work site.

48

60.00

40

50.00

48

60.00

8 Wages should be increased. 32

40.00

24

30.00

40

50.00

9 Awareness camp should be

organized at village level.

48

60.00

40

50.00

48

60.00

10 Work site Facilities should be

provided by G.P. at the site.

40

50.00

32

40.00

48

60.00

Source: Field survey

4 Non- Workers Assessment on NREGS

One of the most important objectives of NREGA is to create durable assets for

the benefits of all residents living in the areas. The works on soil and water

conservation give rise to not only conservation of water and soils but also to raise

agricultural productivity. The works on digging of ponds not only increase the

water holding capacity of ponds but also provide opportunity to start fishing in

there ponds. Similarly works on rural connectivity open many opportunities for

the people to start livelihood activities on a commercial basis. Due to all these

reason, it becomes necessary to study the overall impact of NREGA not only on

workers but also on the community as a whole. Attempts therefore made to seek

the views of workers as well as non-worker on the success and failure of

NREGA. For this purpose, 120 non-worker or residents of the village Panchayat

were interviewed and their views about impact of NREGA on the lives of people

have been sought. The findings of the survey are provided below.

Socio- Economic Background of Respondents

A total of 120 non-workers, 40 from each district, and their views on various

aspect of NREGA were recorded on a well structured questionnaire. In addition

to that, their involvement in work selection, awareness about social audit

committee and RTI act, etc has also assessed. The suggestions for improvement

of the scheme were also sought from the respondent. To make the sample truly

representative of the population, respondents were drawn from all sections of

society. The brief outline of the socio economic background of these respondents

provided below.

Age: - More than three-fourth respondents in the districts of Sirsa and Sirmaur

and 50 percent in Hoshiarpur were in the age group of 25-50 years. It shows that

majority of non-worker respondents in all three districts were in the middle age

group, which is known to be most active group in village development activities.

Education: - About half of the respondents were educated from middle to 10

plus 2 levels. More than one-fifth respondents in districts of Sirsa and Hoshiarpur

were educated up to graduation and above. Therefore, we can say that

respondents are well educated.

Sex: - one-fourth of the respondent in district Sirmaur and one-fifth each in

districts of Sirsa and Hoshiarpur were women, thus the sample had a fair

representation of women

Caste: - More than 17 percent respondent in district Sirsa and Sirmaur and 15

percent of Hoshiarpur districts belonged to scheduled castes category.

Occupation: - More than 62 percent respondent of district Sirmaur, 55 percent of

Sirsa and more than 57 percent of district Hoshiarpur were engaged in

agriculture.

Table 4.92

Respondent Background States

Background

Respondent

Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

Age % % %

S.No

i) ≥25 4(10) 3 (7.5) 0(0.00)

ii) 25-50 31(77.5) 30 (75.00) 20(50.00)

iii) 50+ 5 (12.5) 7 (17.5) 20(50.00)

iv) Total 40 (100) 40(100.00) 40(100.00)

Education

v) Illiterate 4 (10.00) 5(12.5) 2(5.00)

vi) Up to middle 8 (10.00) 10 (25.00) 5(12.5)

vii) Middle to 10+2 24(60.00) 19-(47.5) 24(60.00)

viii) Graduation or any other 4(10.00) 6(15.00) 9(22.5)

ix) Total 40(100.00) 40(100.00) 40(100.00)

Sex

x) Male 40(100.00) 37(92.5) 38(95.00)

xi) Female 0(0.00) 3(7.5) 2(5.00)

xii) Total 40(0.00) 40(100.00) 40 (100.00)

caste

xiii) General 27-(67.5) 28-70 27-67.5

xiv) Sc 7(17.5) 7(17.5) 6(15.00)

xv) Bc 6(15.00) 5(12.5) 7(17.5)

xvi) Total 40(100.00) 40(100.00) 40(100.00)

Occupation

xvii) Agriculture 22(55.00) 25(62.5) 23(57.5)

xviii) Labour 8(20.00) 3(7.5) 3(7.5)

xvix) Any Other 10(25.00) 12(30.00) 14(35.00)

xx) Total 40(100.00) 40(100.00) 40(100.00)

Source: Field survey

The table 4.92 show that the sample had a fair representation of from all sections

of society and thus was a true representation of the population.

Awareness about NREGA

More than 97 percent respondents of district Sirsa, 90 percent of district Sirmaur

and 95 percent of district Hoshiarpur were aware about NREGA. The main

sources of awareness were: Panchayats, radio, television and newspapers. The

government functionaries has little role in the districts of Sirsa and Sirmaur,

where as in Hoshiarpur District more than 28 percent respondent reported that

government functionaries particularly Panchayat secretaries were also providing

information regarding NREGA to the people. (For detail see table 4.93 & 4.94)

Table 4.93

Awareness about NREGA

Source: Field survey

Table 4.94

Awareness sources (Multiple responses)

States S.No

Source

Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

i) Panchayat 39-(100.0) 34-(94.44) 37-(97.37)

ii)

Radio 34-(87.18) 21-(58.33) 36-(94.74)

States S.No

Awareness Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 39(97.5) 36(90.00) 38(95.00)

ii)

No 1(2.5) 4(10.00) 2(5.00)

Total 40(100.00) 40(100.00) 40(100.00)

iii) Television 29-(74.35) 21-(58.33) 35-(92.10)

iv) Newspaper 22-(56.41) 13-(36.11) 22-(57.89)

v) Govt

Function

1-(2.56) 0 11-(28.95)

vi) Total 39 (100.00) 36 (100.00) 38 (100.00)

Source: Field survey

Impact of NREGA according to Non-Worker

Views of the respondent with regard to the impact of NREGA on wage earners,

women, poverty, Panchayats agriculture, irrigation and connectivity were sought.

Their responses are given in the table 4.95 and discussed as under:-

Wage Earner

Non-worker feels that due to start of NREGA economic condition of the wage

earners has improved a lot and moreover they are getting job on their door step.

All the respondents of Hoshiarpur district and more than 97 percent of district

Sirsa and 80 percent of Sirmaur reported that conditions of workers have

improved as compared to their position earlier. A very few respondents in district

Sirmaur reported no-impact of NREGA on wage earners. (For detail see table

4.95)

Table 4.95

Impact of NREGA on Wage earner

States

S.No

Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

i) Economic condition improved 39 (97.5) 32(80.00) 40-100

ii) Getting job near home 40(100.00) 28(70.00) 30(75.00)

iii)

No impact 0(0.00) 0(0.00) 0(0.00)

Source: Field survey

Women: - Eighty percent respondents of district Sirsa and more than 57 percent

of Hoshiarpur reported that economic conditions of women improved and women

are getting job at their door step. In district Sirmaur, not much impact on women

was reported by respondent, because only few women worked in NREGA.

Impact of NREGA on Women

Table 4.96

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Economic condition improved 32(80.00) 7(17.5) 23(57.5)

ii) Women getting job near home 32(80.00) 10(25.00) 2(5.00)

iii) Same wages as men 34(85.00) 7(17.5) 8(20.00)

iv) No impact 0(0.00) 0(0.00) 0(0.00)

Source: Field survey

Panchayats: - More than half of the respondents in district Sirmaur, about 87

percent in district Sirsa and 70 percent respondents of district Hoshiarpur

reported that workload of Panchayats has increased. About one-third respondent

of district Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur reported that due to NREGA, Panchayats

participation in development activities has increased a lot. In district Sirsa, 80

percent respondent viewed that people’s faith in Panchayats has increased.

Eighty percent respondents in district Sirsa, one-fourth in Sirmaur, and 60

percent respondents in district Hoshiarpur reported that Fund flow to Panchayats

has been regular and increased. Few respondents also reported that Panchayats

are now generating the employment.

Impact of NREGA on Panchayats

Table 4.97

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i)

Work load increased 35(87.5) 21(52.5) 28(20.00)

ii)

Participation in development

activity improved

3(7.5) 13(37.5) 15(37.5)

iii) Villagers faith in Panchayats

increased

32(80.00) 7(17.5) 8(20.00)

iv)

v)

Increase in fund flow 34(85.00) 10(25.00) 24(60.00)

vi) Panchayats are in generation of

employment

6(15.00) 12(30.00) 0(0.00)

vii) No impact 0(0.00) 2(5.00) 0(0.00)

Source: Field survey

Poverty: - Majority of the respondents in the three selected districts viewed that

poverty has declined among the workers. Few respondents however also

reported that it has little impact on poverty, because workers are not getting 100

days employment as envisaged in the act.

Impact of NREGA on Poverty

Table 4.98

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Poverty declined 35(0.00) 22(0.00) 24(0.00)

ii) Little impact as people aren’t

getting 100 days employment

3(0.00) 8(0.00) 2(0.00)

Source: Field survey

Interactions with Gram Sabha members in GP-Kando Bhatnol, Sirmaur

Agriculture: - NREGA impact on agriculture is of every one’s interest, therefore

it was asked from the respondents that whether NREGA has any impact on

increase in agriculture productivity and improvement in irrigation facilities. More

than 62 percent respondents of district Hoshiarpur reported no impact, only one

respondent reported improvement in irrigation facilities. About one-fifth of the

respondents of district Sirsa reported increase in agriculture production and more

than 55 percent respondents of district Sirmaur reported increase in agriculture

production. One-fourth respondents of district Sirmaur reported no impact on

agriculture.

Impact of NREGA on Agriculture

Table 4.99 Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Agriculture productivity has

increased

8(87.5) 22(55.00) 14(60.00)

ii) Irrigation facilities has improved 5(12.5) 4(10.00) 1(2.5)

iii) No impact 1(2.5) 10(25.00) 25(62.5)

Source: Field survey

Connectivity: - As most of the NREGA works were done for improving the

connectivity of the villages, therefore perception of the common people regard to

the usefulness of this works was worth remaining. Sixty percent respondents in

districts of Sirsa and Sirmaur and 80 percent in Hoshiarpur district viewed that

there is an overall development of the area due to construction of pulia, bridge

and paths under NREGA.

Impact of NREGA on Connectivity

Table 4.100 Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) Over all development due to

construction of Puliya,roads,Path

etc.

24(60.00) 24(60.00) 32(80.00)

ii) No impact 16(40.00) 13(32.5) 5(12.5)

Source: Field survey

Environment and Sanitation: - More than 77 percent respondents of district

Sirmaur, 80 percent of Sirsa and 60 percent of district Hoshiarpur reported no

impact of NREGA on Environment and Sanitation.

Impact of NREGA on Environment & Sanitation

Table 4.101

Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

i) No impact 32(80.00) 31(77.5) 24(85.00)

ii) Water conservation and reservation

work increased water available in

surrounding areas

1(2.5) 0(0.00) 1(2.5)

Source: Field survey

Horticulture

Some works for the development of horticulture was also undertaken by the

NREGA implementing agencies in the three districts under convergence with

other departments. Therefore reaction of respondents with regards to the impact

of NREGA on promotion of horticulture was also taken. Majority of the

respondents reported no change or negligible impact on horticulture. In actual

practice, there is no convergence with horticulture and other departments, which

is expected from NREGA implementing agencies.

Impact of NREGA on Horticulture

Table 4.102

Sirsa Sirmaur Hoshiarpur

i) No change 40(100.00) 27(67.5) 28(70.00)

ii) Land development activities has

benefited to marginal and small

farmers

22(55.00) 17(42.5) 18(45.00)

Source: Field survey

Benefits to Marginal and Small Farmers

NREGA activities must benefit marginal and small farmers, as they form the

major chunk of population living in rural areas, with no other alternative for their

livelihood. Respondents were asked whether or not land development activities

benefited marginal and small farmers. There is a mix response to this query, Fifty

five percent respondents in district Sirsa, more than 42 percent in Sirmaur and 45

percent in district Hoshiarpur reported that marginal and small farmers are

getting benefits from the NREGA activities.

Information on Social Audit Committee: - Respondents were asked whether

social audit committee is formed in their villages or not. Awareness is very low in

district Sirsa and also in district Hoshiarpur whereas 40 percent respondents of

district Sirmaur reported that in their villages, Social Audit Committee has been

formed. (Table 4.103)

Table 4.103

Information of Social Audit committee

Source: Field survey

Awareness about Social Audit System

Majority of the respondents of all the selected GPs of three districts was not

aware about the role of Social Audit system in the NREGA activities. (Table

4.104)

Table 4.104

Awareness about Social Audit system

Source: Field survey

Involvement in Work Selection: - As NREGA works are to be approved by

gram sabha with the involvement of common people, therefore respondents were

asked whether or not they were involved in the selection of works. Data in table

4.96 shows that 70 percent respondent in district Sirsa, 65 percent each in

Sirmaur and Hoshiarpur district reported their non-involvement in work selection.

It shows that people’s involvement in plan preparation and work selection is very

limited. Thus there is a need to create awareness among common people about

their roles and responsibilities so that their involvement in NREGA works can be

enhanced. (Table 4.105)

States Sr.No

Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 5(12.5) 16(40.00) 7(17.5)

ii) No 35(87.5) 24(60.00) 33(82.5)

Total 40(100.00) 40(100.00) 40(100.00)

States S.No

Awareness Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 3(7.5) 12(30.00) 12(30.00)

ii) No 37(92.50) 28(70.00) 28(70.00)

Total 40(100.00) 40(100.00) 40(100.00)

Table 4.105

Involvement in work selection

Source: Field survey

Suggestions for Strengthening NREGS

Respondents were asked how NREGS are to be strengthened in their areas.

Their responses are provided in the table 4.99. Major suggestions are:-

• Continuous work should be provided to the workers

• Awareness camps on NREGA should be organized at GP level

• Work assessment and monitoring by outside agency

• Strengthening of Social Audit System

• Wages should be paid in time to the workers

• Available funds should be displayed on board and

• Need more transparency and accountability. (For district wise response, see

table 4.106)

Table 4.106

Suggestion for strengthening of NREGA

States S.No

Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 14(35.00) 14(35.00) 14(35.00)

ii) No 26(65.00) 26(65.00) 26(65.00)

Total 40(100.00) 40(100.00) 40(100.00)

States S.No

Suggestions Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

i)

Continuous work should be

improved

30(75.00) 15(37.5) 22(55.00)

ii) Awareness camps should be

organized at GP/ village level

18(45.00) 16(40.00) 14(35.00)

iii) Increase labour component 4(10.00) 4(10.00) 5(12.5)

iv) Work assessment and monitoring by 15(37.5) 11(27.5) 18(45.00)

Source: Field survey

Problems in implementation of NREGS: - According to the Respondents

following are the main problems in the implementation of NREGS.

• Less awareness among people

• Proper work selection is not done with people’s participation and in a

transparent manner

• Irregularity in the funds reaching to GP

• Number of job card issued is less then number of people, but more people

are willing to work (especially in Hoshiarpur district)

• No work assessment by third party and

• Lack of transparency and accountability. (see table 4.107)

Table: 4.107

Problem in implementation of NREGA as per Non Worker perception

outside agency

v) Regular staff to Panchayat for

NREGA

12(30.00) 09(22.5) 08(45.00)

vi) Strengthening of Social audit system 18(45.00) 8(20.00) 12(30.00)

vii) Wages should be paid in time to

worker

09(22.5) 5(12.5) 01(2.5)

viii) Involve Gram sabha in work

selection

25(62.5) 15(37.50) 14(35.00)

ix) Need more transparency and

accountability

22(55.00) 12(30.00) 13(32.5)

x) Available funds should be displayed

on board

22(55.00) 10(25.00) 17(42.5)

States S.No

Problems

Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

i)

Less awareness among people 28(70.00) 11(27.5) 15(37.5)

ii) Irregular flow of funds 14(35.00) 1.(2.5) 7(17.5)

iii) Work selection is not proper 05(7.5) 18(45.00) 08(20.00)

iv) Number of job cards is less and

more people interested to work

01(2.5) 05(12.5) 18(45.00)

v) Lack of transparency & 15(37.5) 12(30.00) 12(30.00)

Source: Field survey

Awareness about RTI

RTI is one of the major tool for enhancing the transparency and accountability.

Awareness about it must reach to the common people to achieve its objectives.

Data in table 4.101 shows that majority of the respondent in all the selected GPs

of three districts were not aware about it. (For detail see table 4. 108)

Table 4.108

Awareness about RTI

Source: Field survey

Works Undertaken under NREGA in their Villages

• Soil conservation

• Rural connectivity covering Katcha Path, Pucca Path, Puliya etc

accountability

vi) Problem with bank officials 05(12.5) 3(7.5) 0(0.00)

vii) corruption 0(2.5) 2(5.00) 2(5.00)

viii) No work assessment 05(12.5) 4(10.00) 12(30.00)

ix) No work site facility 05(12.5) 5(12.5) 08(20.00)

x) Use of machine 0 (0.00) 2(5.00) 1(2.5)

xi) Muster role not at work site 0(0.00) 2(5.00) 0(0.00)

xii)

Daily wages are less as compared

to market rate

12(30.00) 2(5.00) 0(0.00)

xiii) Less staff 09(22.5) 05(12.5) 12(30.00)

States Sr.No

Awareness Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

i) Yes 14(35.00) 11(27.5) 16(40.00)

ii) No 26(65.00) 29(72.5) 24(60.00)

iii) Total 40(100.00) 40(100.00) 40(100.00)

• Storage tank for drinking water

• Irrigation tank and Kuhl construction

• Protection wall at Schools

• Renovation of Pond. (For district wise response, see table 4.109)

Table 4.109

Works Undertaken under NREGA as per non-worker

Source: Field survey

Chapter V

Remedial Action, Recommendations & Future Interventions

During the course of survey, various stakeholders were contacted and

interviewed on the implementation of the NREGS. Their views on the problems,

confronted by the Panchayats, workers, non-workers, and government

functionaries were taken and suggestions to improve the functioning of the

programmes were also sought. This chapter discusses the remedial action,

States Sr.No

Work undertaken in the villages

of the respondents Sirsa

Sirmaur

Hoshiarpur

i)

Storage tank for drinking

water/Bawan construction

27(67.5) 0(0.00) 0(0.00)

ii) Irrigation tank 2(55.00) 0(0.00) 2-5.00)

iii) Kuhl construction 10(25.00) 0(0.00) 0(0.00)

iv) Foot bridges construction 7(17.5) 0(0.00) 0(0.00)

v) Protection wall at school 23(57.5) 0(0.00) 0(0.00)

vi) Soil conservation 7(17.5) 16(40.00) 18(45.00)

vii) Katcha ,Pucca, path under rural

connectivity

6(15.00) 10(25.00) 36(90.00)

viii) Conversion of shamlat land into green

belt and other land leveling work

22(55.00) 0(0.00) 10(25.00)

ix) Construction of playground 0(0.00) 3(7.5) 0(0.00)

x) Renovation of pond 0(0.00) 28(70.00) 12(30.00)

recommendations and future interventions, required for the better implementation

of the programme. These are listed below:

Gram Panchayats

Panchayats being the main implementing agency of NREGA programme their

views about NREGA were very important for the research team. The team

therefore interacted with twenty-four gram Panchayats in the three selected

districts. They have suggested the following remedial actions.

Suggestions by Gram Panchayats

Training

Though training was provided to the elected Panchayat members and also to

some other Gram sabha members, yet there are still some stakeholders like

social audit committee member, grievance committee members ,vigilance

monitoring committee members, government functionaries like Panchayats

secretaries, Sahayaks and Gram rozgar sewak who need to be provided proper

training about NREGA scheme. Training programmes are to be organized at

appropriate level i.e. District, block and even at Panchayats level.

Training content

Selected Panchayats suggested following training content

• Convergence of works

• NREGA Act, guidelines

• Technical support in plan preparation

• Social Auditing and RTI Act

Involvement of other departments

Panchayats suggested that other departments like agriculture, irrigation,

horticulture, forest, P.W.D education and health should also be involved in

NREGA implementation so that proper convergence with their schemes can be

done.

• Role of Panchayats smitis and Zila parishads in NREGA implementation

can be enhanced by delegation certain powers and responsibilities to them.

• There is a need for involvement of common people in the preparation of

annual plan so that real needs of the people are addressed.

• Panchayat need technical support from some agency for making projects,

which can be funded through NREGS.

• Need for making committees like SAC, vigilance and monitoring.

• Flow of Funds to GPs should be regular, and not at the fag end of the year

for the timely utilization of funds.

• Need for more trained staff, particularly technical staff.

• Involvement of Contractor and use of machinery should be stopped

completely.

• Mate should be appointed from within the workers with rotation and he

should be provided all the requisite equipments like measuring tape, measuring

poles, measuring sheets, calculators etc.

• Assets created under NREGS should be maintained.

• Panchayats should be educated about various activities which can be

covered under NREGS.

Suggestions by the workers:

In all the selected GPs, 240 works were interviewed who suggested the

followings.

� Workers should be made aware about the guarantee of wage employment

and the provision of unemployment allowances

� Facilities at worksite should be provided.

� Daily wages should be enhanced as per market rate.

� Provide regular and more than 100 days work

� Mate should be trained for measurement

� Wages should be given Daily or Weekly

� Work Measurement by J.E. should be on time.

� Regular staff for NREGA should be provided.

� Muster roll sheet should be at work site.

� Awareness camp should be organized at village level.

� Workers should be involved in work selection.

Assessment by Non workers

In all the selected GPs, 120 non workers were interviewed to seek their opinion

and suggestions for better implementation of the programme they suggested the

followings:

� Continuous work should be provided to the workers

� Awareness camps on NREGA should be organized at GP level

� Work assessment and monitoring should be done by outside agency

� Strengthening of Social Audit System

� Wages should be paid in time to the workers

� Available funds should be displaced on board and

� Need more transparency and accountability.

Recommendations

IN view of above suggestions put forward by various stake holders, following

recommendations are suggested

• To ensure people participation in NREGA programmes, selection of works

should be done through Gram Sabha Meetings..

• Sufficient staff should be recruited and trained for NREGS.

• Flow of funds should be made regular i.e.Panchayts should get money in

each quarter.

• Monitoring and evaluation of the work particularity during the on-going stage.

• Each district should provide facilities at worksite as per norms of NREGA.

For the proper convergence of NREGS with the scheme of other departments, the

involvement of concerned departments with the NREGA programmes must be

ensured.

Annexure- II

Schedule-II

Worker Schedule

Name of District_________________ Name of Block__________________

Name of GP____________________ Name of Village_______________________

1. Name of Worker (Respondent)_______________________________

2. Year in which person worked________________________________

3. Types of work________________________________________

4. Age_______________________________________________

5. Education Qualification: _____________________________________

6. Annual Income_________________________________

Land owned - 1

Landless - 2

If land owned, how much land you have under following:-

Agricultural Land_____________________

Non-agricultural Land_________________

7. Sex

Male-1, Female-2

8. Caste

General-1; SC-2; ST-3; OBC-4

9. No. of Family Members________________________

10. Worker category

• Unskilled-1

• Semi-skilled-2

• Skilled-3

Any comment

_________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________

Process of Getting Job Card.

1. Had you apply for registration to GP in written?

• Yes 1

• No 2

2. From where you got Information?

Yes-1 No- 2

• Panchayat

• Media-radio

• Media-TV

• Media-newspaper

• Govt. Functionaries

• Any other (specify)_____________

3. Any expenses on job card preparation.

• Yes 1

• No 2

If yes, whom you paid and for what?

1

2.

Amount paid______________

For what________________________________________________________________

4. Whether photo of beneficiary exist on job card?

• Yes, seen- 1

• Yes, not seen- 2

• No- 3

(Note: see the job card, if not with worker, where or with whom the card use comment)

______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________

5. Whether any written / verbal application submitted for employment to

Gram Panchayat?

Yes -1 No-2

• Written

• Verbal

6. Whether panchayat issued dated receipt of written application (for work).

• Yes 1

• No 2

7. After how many days of written/verbal application you got employment.

• Less than 15 days 1

• 15-30 days 2

• 30+ 3

8. For how many days you have worked under NREGA in the following year?

9. Whether got unemployment allowance, if demanded the work and it was not provided?

2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

• Yes 1

• No 2

• NA (if 10 days work provided) 3

10. After how many days wages has been disbursed.

• Less then week 1

• Within fortnight 2

• Within a month 3

11. Wages are disbursed through.

• Post office 1

• B 2

• Any other source 3

12. Have you spent any money while opening account?

• Yes 1

• No 2

If yes, how much and for what, specify:

__________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

13. How far away the bank from your residence?

______________________________________________________________________________

14. Describe the role of Panchayat in planning and implementation of NREGA works. (Information

from worker):

1.______________________________________________________________

2.______________________________________________________________

3.______________________________________________________________

4.______________________________________________________________

5.______________________________________________________________

15. Whether work site is having the following given facilities:

Yes-1 No-2

• Crèche

• Drinking water

• Shades

• Group Insurance

• Any other (specify)________________

16. Do you have awareness about the accidental benefits under NREGA?

• Yes 1

• No 2

17. Are you getting leave in a week?

• Yes 1

• No 2

18. Are you satisfy with the work measurement?

• Yes 1

• No 2

If no, why (specify)

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

19. Whether you have a regular mate?

• Yes 1

• No 2

20. Is the mate among from the workers?

• Yes 1

• No 2

• NA 3

If yes, is any rotation system is there?

• Yes 1

• No 2

• NA 3

21. Whether you have worked more than 5 Kms away from your residence?

• Yes 1

• No 2

If yes, have you got any extra wages?

• Yes 1

• No 2

22. Whether you have worked in line departments works?

• Yes 1

• No 2

Socio-Economic/Psychological Status of worker after getting work under NREGA.

Tentative amount got from NREGA earnings in the last year

____________________________

1. Income

• Considerably increased 1

• Increased somewhat 2

• Not increased & remains same 3

• Decreased 4

2. Other household members also get employment

• Yes 1

• No 2

3. Are Children attending school in your family?

• Yes 1

• No 2

If yes, what is the impact of NREGA on their education?

• No drop out of children- 1

• Change in decision for opting Higher Education- 2

• No change- 3

4. Impact on Expenditure on food items.

• Increase 1

• Decrease 2

• Remain same 3

5. Impact on Expenditure on non-food items such as clothing, housing etc.

• Increased 1

• Decreased 2

• Remain same 3

6. Distribution of Expenditure from NREGA earnings (last year)

Sr.No. Items Amount Spent (In %)

1 Food and other consumption items

2 Household Durables

3 Health

4 Education

5 Loan Repayment

6 Social Ceremony

7 Land / House

8 Animal

9 Productive Assets

10 Others

Total

7. How you think transparency and accountability are there in NREGA work? (Multiple response)

Yes-1 No-2 Don’t Know-3

• Wages are paid regularly and through Bank

• Less corruption as compare to earlier scheme

• No corruption at all

• Corruption is the same

8. What is your priority of work and why?

• NREGA Works

• Other Works

Why (specify) ___________________________________________________________________

9. Do you think due to NREGA, the condition of the poor in the village have improved.

• Yes 1

• No 2

10. Describe the main benefits occurring in your village due to NREGA activities.

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_________________________________________________________________________

11. What are the main problems regarding NREGA?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

12. How these problems can be solved?

_____________________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________________

13. Whether you are involved in the work selection under NREGA?

• Yes 1

• No 2

14. Have you ever attended Gram Sabha, in which agenda on NREGA has been discussed.

• Yes 1

• No 2

Annexure- I

Schedule- I

Gram Panchayat Schedule

1. State Name____________________ District

Name___________________

2. Block Name___________________ GP

Name_______________________

3. Number of the Village____________________ Distance of GP from Block

Hq._____

4. Name of Main Respondent__________________________

5. Designation of Respondent

Panch-1; Sarpanch-2; Any other-3

6. Sex of Respondent

Male- 1 Female-2

7. Education Qualification of Respondent____________________

8. Caste of Respondent

General-1; SC-2; ST-3; OBC-4

8. Occupation

• Farmer 1

• Businessman 2

• Govt. Employees 3

• Any Other (Specify) 4

9. Total Population of GP__________________

• BPL Households __________________

• SCs Households __________________

• General Households________________

• Backward Castes___________________

10. Fill up the Following information about NREGA

Sr.no Particulars 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

1 Total Job card Issued

2 Employment provided

to Households

A Total

B SCs

C STs

D Women

E Others

3 Persondays per

Household

4 Total availability of

Funds

5 Expenditure

6 Percentage of Exp. To

total available funds

7 Total works taken up

8 Works (Completed)

9 Works (on Going)

11. Works undertaken in NREGA (Mention Total Works under Assigned

Categories):-

Sr.No Particulars 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

1 Drought Proofing

Including afforestation

through plantation

2 Irrigation canal including

Micro & Minor Irrigation

Works

3 Land Development

4 Rural Connectivity

5 Water Bodies

(Construction/Renovation)

12. NREGA Works undertaken on the land of below given categories (Mention No. of

Households):-

Sr.No Particulars 2006-07 2007-08 2008-09

Drought Proofing

Including afforestation

through plantation

Irrigation canal including

Micro & Minor Irrigation

Works

Land Development

Rural Connectivity

Water Bodies

(Construction/Renovation)

1

SCs

Total

Drought Proofing

Including afforestation

through plantation

Irrigation canal including

Micro & Minor Irrigation

Works

Land Development

Rural Connectivity

Water Bodies

(Construction/Renovation)

2 STs

Total

Drought Proofing

Including afforestation

through plantation

Irrigation canal including

Micro & Minor Irrigation

Works

Land Development

Rural Connectivity

Water Bodies

(Construction/Renovation)

3 BPL

Total

13. Whether capacity Building activities on key provisions and procedures of the act are

provided to the followings:- Yes-1 Total no. of No. of Years*

Members Members

Attended

• Members of GPs

• Gram Sabha Members

• Social Audit Committee Members

• Grievance Committee Members

• Government functionaries works at GP

Level

• Vigilance monitoring committee members.

Code- *2005-06(1) 2006-07(2) 2007-08(3)

2008-09(4)

14. What were the main contents of training programme?

Yes-1 No-2

• NREGA guidelines

• NREGA Act

• Social Auditing

• RTI

• Plan Preparation

• Any

Other

15. Do you or other members of community need further training?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

16. On which aspects of NREGA, training should to be provided to the

members/stakeholders.

Yes-1 No-2

Specify:

• Convergence of the Works

• Technical Support in Plan Preparation

• NREGA Guidelines with Rules

• Any

Others

17. Whether Block Orientation Conventions were attended by Sarpanch / Ward members

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

• Not held- 3

18. Whether Gram Sabha held on NREGA activities?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

19. How many People/Households attended the meeting (see the

record?)

20. Whether Panchayat is aware about Measurement Book (MB)?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

Specify:

If yes, whether concerned JE maintained it?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

21. Whether your Panchayat give consolidated work to the worker/households, so that

they can work according to their own time?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

22. Description of the impact of NREGA in panchayat on the following aspects:

• Wage earners/workers

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

___________________________

• PRIs

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

___________________________

• Others village households (beneficiaries).

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

___________________________

• Agriculture productivity through provision of Irrigation

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________

• Market access provided through Connectivity.

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

___________________________

• Promotion of Animal Husbandry activities.

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

___________________________

• Sanitation and Environment through forestation

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

___________________________

• Promotion of fishery activities.

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________

• Empowerment of women.

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________

• Promotion of industrial activities (if any).

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________

23. What is the impact of NREGA on the worker migration?

• In migration of the workers

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________

___________________________

• Out migration of the workers

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

___________________________

24. What is the role of other departments in NREGA i.e. whether there is any

convergence with other departmental scheme?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

____________________________________

25. What is the role of panchayat samitis and Zila Parishad in implementation of NREGA

activities in their area?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

___________________________

26. Whether GP prepared five year perspective plan under NREGA?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

If yes; mention the main activities/works to be undertaken with financial estimates.

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________

27. Whether GP, formed social audit committee?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

If yes, what is the role of social audit committee in your GP?

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________

28. Whether people are aware about the RTI act?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

29. Describe the problems in implementation of NREGA

1._____________________________________________________________________

______

2._____________________________________________________________________

______

3._____________________________________________________________________

______

4._____________________________________________________________________

______

5._____________________________________________________________________

______

6._____________________________________________________________________

______

7._____________________________________________________________________

______

30. How these problems can be mitigated/ solved?

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_______________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________

31. Is Gram Rojgar Sewak available for each GP/Group of GP?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

Specify the number of GPs in the

group_____________________________________________

32. Whether Gram Rojgar Sewak is capable to do his job?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

If No why? (Unskilled, untrained, less qualified, more than one GP)

_______________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

________________________________________________________________________

____________________________________

33. Is there a technical assistant (J.E) for a group of Gram Panchayat to supervise or

measure the activities?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

34. How you think transparency and accountability are there in NREGA work? (Multiple

response):

Yes-1 No-2 Don’t

Know-3

• Wages are paid regularly and through

Bank

• Less corruption as compare to earlier

scheme

• No corruption at all

• Corruption is the same

• Any other

comment

35. Describe the role of Panchayat in Planning and implementation of NREGA.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

36. Describe the Impact of NREGA on your Panchayat as a whole.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________

37. Whether available and seen the following record register?

Sr.No. Particulars Available

Yes-1, No-2

Seen at time of

survey

Yes-1 , No-2

Record updated

Yes-1, No-2

1 Issuing the

Muster roll

Register

2 Muster roll

register go by

Panchayat

Specify:

3 Other executive

agencies Muster

roll Register

4 Register of job

card application

5 Job card

Registration

6 Employment

Register

7 Works Register

8 Property Register

9 Grievance

Register

10 Issue of monthly

grant and

Utilization

certificate

Evaluation

Register

38. Whether any work has been provided to handicapped person?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

If yes, what type of works?

_____________________________________________________________________

_________

39. Whether Social Audit Forum organize meeting in GP (through people

participation)?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

If yes, specify the issues?

____________________________________________________________________

____________________________________________________________________

__________________

40. Whether GP has five technically approved works for execution in advance?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

41. Whether works suggested by Panchayat has been changed at Senior Level?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

If yes, who change it?

__________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

__________________

42. Whether fund flow to GP is regular and smooth?

• Yes- 1

• No- 2

If no, what is the reason?

_____________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

__________________

Annexure- III

Schedule- III

Non-Worker / In-Direct Beneficiaries Schedule

1. State________________________ 2. District___________________

3. Block_________________________ 4.Gram Panchayat______________

5. Village.________________________

6. Name of Respondent_____________________________

7. Age__________

8. Education Qualification: ____________________________

9. Sex

Male-1, Female-2

10. Caste

General-1; SC-2; ST-3; OBC-4

11. Occupation___________________________

12. Do you know about NREGA Act?

• Yes-1

• No- 2

If yes, from where you got information?

Yes-1 No-2

• Panchayat

• Media-radio

• Media-TV

• Media-newspaper

• Govt. Functionaries

• Any Other(Specify)______________________

13. Kindly describe the impact of NREGA in your

village/panchayat on following (Respondent viewpoints):

• Wage Earners.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

• Women

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

• Panchayat

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

• Poverty.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

• Agriculture & Irrigation.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

• Connectivity.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

• Environment & Sanitation.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

• Promotion of Horticulture, Animal husbandry and Fisheries.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

• Land development.

___________________________________________________________________________

___________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

14. Is there any social audit committee in your village?

• Yes-1

• No- 2

15. Are you aware about Social Audit system?

• Yes-1

• No- 2

16. Do you have any involvement in the works selection?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________

17. How NREGA activities can be further strengthened?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

18. What are the main problems in its implementation and how these can be solved?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________

19. Are you aware about RTI act?

• Yes-1

• No- 2

20. Do you know how much funds, your panchayat gots in the following years under NREGA.

• Yes-1

• No-2

If yes, please specify the following:

• 2006-07_________________ (In Rs.)

• 2007-08_________________ (In Rs.)

• 2008-09_________________ (In Rs.)

21. What type of works has been undertaken under NREGA in your Village area/locality?

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________

22. How you think transparency and accountability are there in NREGA work? (Multiple

response)

Yes-1 No-2 Don’t Know-3

• Wages are paid regularly and through Bank

• Less corruption as compare to earlier scheme

• No corruption at all

• Corruption is the same