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What Determines Labour Force Participation in MGNREGA? An Investigation in Odisha

Author

Listed:
  • Narayan Chandra Nayak

    (Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur)

  • Pulak Mishra

    (Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur)

  • Bhagirath Behera

    (Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur)

  • Runa Sen Chatterjee

    (Indian Institute of Technology Kharagpur)

Abstract

A decade has elapsed since the inception of the MGNREGA. While this scheme has been able to act as viable source of alternative rural employment, the major challenge pertains to job demand and employment creation by as much as stipulated. The present study aims to identify factors influencing the incidence and extent of household participation in MGNREGA in Mayurbhanj and Ganjam districts of Odisha. The findings suggest that ‘clientelism’ is an overriding force under MGNREGA, indicating thereby that this scheme is a potent means to create ‘political society’. It is the awareness of the prospective benefits of a job card that motivates people to exhibit their willingness to have it and to get access. This awareness leads to creation of employment for those seeking jobs. The results also signal the possibility of ‘elite capture’. Households possessing more land holdings may possess job cards, despite demanding fewer jobs, as they seem to be influential in rural social–political milieu. However, the programme appears to be pro-poor and gender-sensitive. In order to make it more effective, it may be necessary to overcome the possibilities of ‘clientelism’ and ‘elite capture’, and improve the awareness level.

Suggested Citation

  • Narayan Chandra Nayak & Pulak Mishra & Bhagirath Behera & Runa Sen Chatterjee, 2018. "What Determines Labour Force Participation in MGNREGA? An Investigation in Odisha," The Indian Journal of Labour Economics, Springer;The Indian Society of Labour Economics (ISLE), vol. 61(3), pages 493-514, September.
    • Handle: RePEc:spr:ijlaec:v:61:y:2018:i:3:d:10.1007_s41027-018-0141-4
    DOI: 10.1007/s41027-018-0141-4
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    References listed on IDEAS

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    1. World Bank & International Monetary Fund, 2016. "Global Monitoring Report 2015/2016," World Bank Publications - Books, The World Bank Group, number 22547, December.
    2. Dilip Mookherjee & Pranab K. Bardhan, 2012. "Political Clientelism and Capture: Theory and Evidence from West Bengal, India," WIDER Working Paper Series wp-2012-097, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    3. Mookherjee, Dilip & Bardhan, Pranab K., 2012. "Political Clientelism and Capture: Theory and Evidence from West Bengal, India," WIDER Working Paper Series 097, World Institute for Development Economic Research (UNU-WIDER).
    4. Khera, Reetika (ed.), 2011. "The Battle for Employment Guarantee," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198070627.
    5. Shankar, Shylashri & Gaiha, Raghav, 2013. "Battling Corruption: Has NREGA Reached India's Rural Poor?," OUP Catalogue, Oxford University Press, number 9780198085003.
    6. Pulak Mishra & Bhagirath Behera & Narayan Chandra Nayak, 2010. "A Development Delivery Institution for the Tribal Communities: Experience of the National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme in India," Development Policy Review, Overseas Development Institute, vol. 28(4), pages 457-479, July.
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