GRAAM to study the inclusion of vulnerable sections in the MGNREGA of Karnataka

GRAAM will assess the participation of Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribe communities in the country's largest employment scheme MGNREGA. The study is commissioned by MGNREGS, the Department of Rural Development, and Panchayat Raj. 

Based on the initial study, it is noted that SCSTs have participated in the MGNREGA scheme beyond their share of the population, although it is indicated that there is inequitable participation of Scheduled Castes and Schedules Tribes in the MGNREGA. So GRAAM believes there is a need to examine the true extent of SCST participation in this employment scheme. Especially among SCSTs, women and senior citizens are vulnerable so there is a need to examine their participation in MGNREGA and the barriers affecting the same.

The study is being carried out to assess the state of participation of Persons with Disability (PWDs) in the scheme, irrespective of social category, and understand the effect of the circular issued by the department for inclusion. The study will also give an understanding of the magnitude and duration of MGNREGA employment obtained by vulnerable sections such as SCSTs (including women and senior citizens) and PWDs compared to their expressed demand for employment and the reasons in any noticed gap between demand for and provision of employment. It will also examine the enablers and barriers that influence SCST (including SCST women and senior citizens), PWDs, and transgenders’ demand for and participation in MGNREGA, including the implementation processes which shape the extent to which these groups participate in and benefit from the scheme.

GRAAM will recommend policies and implementation for enhancing the participation of these vulnerable communities and analyze the benefits of MGNREGA to the SCSTs. Currently, researchers from GRAAM are carrying out the study in Mysuru and Chamarajanagar districts.