Analysis of constraints among the beneficiaries in convergence mechanism of MGNREGA in North Karnataka

Abstract

Greater success of convergence initiatives in Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) requires active participation of the relevant line departments and other stakeholders in planning, work execution and monitoring and evaluation of the works. However, lack of clarity on nature of works and extent of participation by stakeholders can limit the success of convergence. In view of this the present study conducted in North Karnataka in the year 2022-23 tries to examine constraints in MGNREGA convergence works and suggestions to strengthen the convergence mechanism. For analysis of constraints “Henry Garett ranking technique” was used while suggestions were recorded by asking directly in open ended schedule. The Results revealed the major constraints of ‘unable to express opinion and queries in gram sabha’, ‘favouritism attributes of officials and members in selection of beneficiaries’ and ‘centralised planning’. Whereas, ‘the democratic platform in gram sabha for the villagers to express their opinion and queries in planning and implementing convergence works’ (70.00%), ‘selection and ratification of the beneficiaries in open assemblies of gram sabha’ (66.25%) and ‘planning and implementing the convergence works in an community participatory approach’ (63.75%) were the major suggestive strategies highlighted for strengthening convergence mechanism of MGNREGA.