NATIONAL RURAL EMPLOYMENT GUARANTEE ACT
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Bijoyini Mohanty & Sabyasachi Nayak
16 July 2006
It is the report of the Workshop on National Rural Employment Guarantee Act organised by Indian Institute of Public Administration (RB) Odisha and Department of Panchayati Raj, Government of Odisha, Bhubaneswar Livelihood is the prime concern of the chunk of population residing in rural areas. And the only antidote of poverty and starvation death is the provision of employment at the community level. However, the term employment in no circumstances should be confused with underemployment even in the remotest possibility.
In the welfare state of ours, it is incumbent upon the state to ensure that the subjects lead a life without compromising on basic amenities. For realising such noble goals, numerous attempts have been initiated by the Government since independence for ameliorating the suffering of the marginalized and the downtrodden sections of the society. In sequel to provision of employment at the community level for strengthening their livelihood the NREGA came into effect on 2005. This is perhaps the only Act in the world that is fully funded for ensuring legal guarantee to employment. … There has been a deep sense of euphoria and expectation among all sections of society regarding the benefits accruing from this Act. It is, therefore, to take stock of the situation and make it a point to learn from mistakes, if any, committed during the course of implementation of the Act.
This report contains proceedings, list of works, Ground Realities affecting the Implementation of the Act, Confusions regarding the Act and Steps taken by the Government, NREGA in Odisha, Suggestions.