NITI Aayog to launch evaluation of MGNREGS in 8 Punjab districts amid protests against VB-G RAM G

Directions, restrictions

In the official communication, S Arputhaswamy, Economic Advisor, DMEO, has sought the cooperation of district administrations to ensure smooth conduct of the survey. “You are requested to issue appropriate directions to the concerned officers to facilitate the field survey by providing the field teams timely access to the institutions/offices, representatives of local bodies, scheme beneficiaries and field functionaries associated with the implementation of the scheme, and provide them with the requisite information related to the scheme implementation in the district,” the letter states.

It further lays down clear instructions on the role of local-level functionaries in the survey. “Local functionaries, such as Rozgar Sahayaks, etc, should restrict their role only to facilitating the surveyors in reaching out to the identified beneficiaries. They are neither supposed to answer questions on behalf of the beneficiary nor to be present in the beneficiary’s premises during the time of the interview,” it reads.

The DMEO has also shared the contact details of nine core team members from Deloitte, ORG India and NITI Aayog in an annexure to facilitate coordination and communication during the evaluation process.

The decision to undertake the evaluation has come at a politically sensitive time, with MGNREGS workers protesting in villages across Punjab against the proposed VB-G-RAM-G scheme, which they fear may dilute or replace the employment guarantee framework.

Opposition parties have also hardened their stance. The Congress has launched a statewide “MGNREGS Bachao Sangram”, while the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) has passed a resolution opposing the new VB-G RAM G Act.

Selective nature of evaluation

Though Punjab has 23 districts, for now, the study will be conducted only in eight districts. Similar selective district-wise evaluations are being carried out in other states as well. In Himachal Pradesh, the districts chosen for the study are Kangra, Kullu, Mandi and Sirmaur.

The selective nature of the evaluation and its timing amid protests have triggered discussions among worker unions and political observers.  The evaluation will also look into the complaints related to irregularities in MGNREGS, sources added.

Tarsem Peter, president of the Pendu Mazdoor Union, Punjab, said, “It is really strange that such an evaluation is to be conducted in the state which has passed a resolution against VB-G RAM G, thus raising questions over the political action by the AAP. We find it as a mere lip service. This evaluation can influence the future direction of VB-G RAM G in the country, particularly in Punjab, and workers should be told about it in a transparent manner.”