Rationing and its implication on targeting of benefits to the poorer population is among the major concern of policy makers. Taking 66th round data of National Sample Survey (2009-10), this paper examines the implications of type 1 and type 2 rationing of work under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural...

Taking 66th round data of National Sample Survey (2009-10), this paper examines the implications of type 1 and type 2 rationing of work under Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (MGNREGS) in West Bengal for poorer households. Using regression analysis and evidences from...

One of the most significant feature of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) has been the demand based principle, which allows for no rationing of the labourers, who seek work under the scheme. However, studies have found that rationing has been one of the significant problem of...

One major indicator of success of a social welfare programme is the accuracy of targeting of the benefits to the intended population or groups. Using nationally as well as state representative data for 2009-10 and 2011-12, this paper attempts to assess the Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment...

Decentralization at the local level in developing economies can be seen as a force of social change with the power at the hands of the citizens to influence policies according to their needs. However, the problem of political clientelism may be imminent where public resources are allocated to...

Given the well-recognised role of education in the process of social and economic development, this paper uses primary data collected from four villages of West Bengal to evaluate the impact of household participation in the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, a large scale...

While government spending on pro-poor community asset creation and income-transfers could have compounding positive effects on poverty reduction, it is important to first study trends in the allocation of funds, particularly as they relate to the susceptibility of the program to political...

Are ostensibly demand-driven public works programs with high levels of safeguards nonetheless susceptible to political influence? This conjecture is investigated using expenditure data at the local level from India's National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme. Focusing on one state where...