Study for Quick Appraisal of NREGA In A.P. Study Sponsored by MORD, GOI and UNDP Administrative Staff College of India Bella Vista, Hyderabad

Study Objective To quickly appraise the progress and problems in the implementation of NREGA in A.P. The focus of the study has been on understanding the impact of NREGA on beneficiary families and communities at large. Further, the study has been oriented towards identifying opportunities for strengthening the programme management rather than pin- pointing weaknesses. ASCI

Approach & Methodology Three districts, Guntur (phase-II); Anantapur and Adilabad (both phase-I) were selected for their diversity and distinctiveness. Each of the districts is also representative of its geographical region within the state. The methodology was qualitative combining interviews with semi structured questionnaires, focus group discussions and development of case lets. 10 beneficiaries and 5 non-beneficiaries were sampled by judgment in each village. ASCI

Table 3.1 Sample Plan for NREGA Appraisal DistrictMandal/ BlockGram Panchayat- Village Adilabad (Phase-I)NarnoorBabjhari, H. Kothapalli, Gunjal and Mahagam BelaChaprala, Dhoptala, Telengaraoguda and Manyarpur Guntur (Phase-II)BellamkondaChandrajupalem,Venkatayapa- lem, Nandirajupalem and Papayapalem KrosurGadavaripalem,Gudipadu, Peesapadu and Garikapadu Anantapur (Phase-I)AtmakurP. Yaleru, Goridindla, P. Kothapalli And Pampanur SinganamallaPeravali, Lolur, Akuledu and Bandameedapalli Sample Plan for the Study ASCI

Study Team A team of ten Field Investigators and four Research Associates with post graduate academic background in social sciences participated. Their deployment in the field was preceded by self study as well as contact based orientation sessions to update their knowledge of NREGA, interviewing and group discussion techniques. Each field investigator was a non-participant observer of NREGA works in the selected village for a minimum of three days and nights. ASCI

Data Analysis and Findings Balanced participation of all social groups with members of SC and STs making up nearly 55% of the beneficiaries across the three districts. Most beneficiaries were illiterate Except Guntur district where the women wage seekers preferred farm work, in the other two districts, they accounted for more than 30% of the active wage seekers. The level of awareness about NREGA was high among 70% of the beneficiaries. ASCI

Data Analysis and Findings (contd.) ASCI

Data Analysis and Findings (contd.) More than 50% of the families had two members-wife and husband, opting for work. The average waiting time for employment was less than 15 days for 90% of the beneficiaries. 50% of the beneficiaries had to wait more than 15 days for receipt of wage payment. Nearly 90% of the beneficiaries expressed satisfaction with the NREGA work environment and two thirds were willing to be reemployed. ASCI

Data Analysis and Findings (contd.) Anantapur district reported improvement in ground water as the greatest community benefit. Guntur district valued assets that were created under NREGA – roads, field channels etc. In Adilabad district, NREGA has helped improve the functioning of Gram Panchayats. Across all the three districts, improved agricultural productivity was reported as the greatest community benefit besides economic and social empowerment of women. ASCI

Data Analysis and Findings (contd.) At the level of beneficiary families, access to more and better quality of food has been evident. Within and across the districts, migration has been contained with concomitant benefits like stronger family bonds and children’s education. SHGs have benefited with better recoveries. Most beneficiaries believe that the financial discipline, frequency and quality of meetings and vertical linkages within the PRIs have improved. ASCI

Programme Shortcomings A strong target orientation towards NREGA. The participation of Gram Panchayats and intermediate PRIs remains marginal. Within the official machinery, there is lack of ownership of the programme at district level. Unemployment allowance is out of reckoning. A sense of skepticism about the sustainability of the shelf of projects in the longer term. Field Assistant remains the weakest link. ASCI

Innovations Unprecedented financial inclusion of the rural poor as wage payments are routed through I.P. Schematic convergence with NHM, MIP, Housing, ITDAs and DRDAs. A state of the art MIS with a suite of options to access and obtain data from state to village level. Media publicity leading to more transparency. Development of assigned lands has contributed to increased cultivable farm land. ASCI

Recommendations – The 7 ‘S’ Way Strategy – Need to tone down the target orientation among project personnel. A PIN like mechanism at the state level needed urgently to enrich the role of PRIs in identifying projects. Structure – The dual roles for DPCO (DC-PD) and PO at block level be dispensed with. Terms of engagement of project personnel need review. Systems – The postal system at the branch level is not geared to deliver at present. While strengthening it, step up the smart card scheme. ASCI

Recommendations (contd.) Style – Need for a project focused leadership style that is more participatory. Skills – Capacity building of APOs, TAs and FAs with focus on HRM and people processes. Staff – The staffing pattern at the level of FAs and TAs leaves scope for rationalisation. Shared Values – A set of core values should guide a programme like NREGA which is viewed as the ‘Mother of all rural development projects’. ASCI