The big impact of NREGA
Experts have said for many years that subsidies do not reach the poor, the leakages are too many. The solution is direct transfer.
Seems they were right after all. NREGA has been a resounding success and the beneficiaries have been grateful. The first hint came with the election results when city journalists and politicians were completely taken aback by the results. In several opinion polls NREGA came out as the most singular achievement of the government.
If further reinforcement was required, last week provided the answer. YSR’s death saw widespread hysteria, almost rivalling MJ’s death. YSR was not supposed to be a charismatic politician. He was no MGR or NTR. So where was the hysteria coming from? The answer lies in the fact that AP has been in the forefront of NREGA implementation, in fact the leading state and YSR was the public face of the government that provided it.
The poor as always have been grateful.
Last 5 posts by Amit Sinha
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September 8th, 2009 at 9:31 pm
Mr. Sinha,
Could you please email me the issues “Experts have said for many years that subsidies do not reach the poor, the leakages are too many. The solution is direct transfer”
Thanks.
September 9th, 2009 at 1:11 pm
YSR and NREGS explanation breaks down when you move above or below the AP state income spectrum. I am awaiting confirmation or refutation of this YSR and NREGS expalantion at the October assembly elections in Maharashtra and Haryana.
However, the wide variations in NREGS attainment and performance is succintly explained by the public service delivery mechanism. YSR did ensure that public functionaries (1) knew what is expected of them, (2) had the requisite tools and if not then were required to ask for it, (3) did not depend on the usual standardized “outsource” mode to avert risk, and (4) ground level leadership and monotoring were charged to perform. In a nutshell, the arrogance of the public servants were suitable curbed by YSR.
How many CMs can claim to have done that is not a moot question. In this framework, two associated enabling legislation, namely, PRIs crucial stake and opportunities available for oversight correction under RTI cannot be ignored. In these the circular of instructions issued by the MoRD is highly flawed.
Under YSRs leadership perhaps AP babudom had some sort of assurance to innovate and raise the bar. But did YSR create a state level advisory council or merely worked in a default setting of the Union. Media and commentators are oblivious to this democratic and institutionally enriching experiences across the Indian states. Pluralism is the major gain and no single individual can appropriate it.
In my opinion Public service delivery mechanism needs more focussed discussion.
September 10th, 2009 at 10:01 am
Mr George,
I am not in disagreement with you. I am only saying that the hysteria was quite stunning and NREGS in my opinion was a key driver to that.
Whether YSR deserves it or not is a question for a different debate, in which I personally have no interest.
Mr Singhal,
I didn’t quite get your question.