The objective of the workshop is to disseminate the findings of a research project undertaken by the Effective States and Inclusive Development (ESID) Research Centre based at the University of Manchester in collaboration with the Centre de Sciences Humaines (CSH), Delhi, on understanding the constraints to the implementation of the NREGS.

The project has examined the factors that determine successful implementation of the NREGS across 8 states in India. The workshop will involve presentations on both qualitative findings and statistics which present differences in state-wise implementation, and within state and outcomes of the MGNREGA, and provide explanations for the reasons behind these variations. The research has taken a political economy perspective to understanding policy implementation. The findings of the research have significant implications for the ability of the scheme to lead to sustained reductions in poverty in India going forward.

AGENDA
10:00-10:30 Registration and Tea

10:30-11:00 Opening Session
-Welcome to Participants – Dr Leïla Choukroune, Director, Centre de Sciences Humaines (CSH), New Delhi

-Opening Remarks – Dr N C Saxena, Member, National Advisory Council

-Objectives of the Workshop and Background to the Research Project – Professor Kunal Sen, IDPM, University of Manchester, and Joint Research Director of ESID

11:00-12:45 Explaining Success, Understanding Failure in MGNREGA Implementation: A Presentation of Research Findings
(Chair: Dr Kiran Bhatty, Centre for Policy Research, New Delhi)

-The Role of Capacity and Commitment in MGNREGA Implementation– Dr Deepta Chopra, Institute of Development Studies, UK

-Political Determinants of MGNREGA Implementation in Rajasthan – Dr Abhiroop Mukhopadhyay, Indian Statistical Institute, Delhi

-Local Power Relations and MGNREGA Implementation in Bihar and Gujarat – Dr Indrajit Roy, University of Oxford

-Political Feedback Effects and MGNREGA Implementation in West Bengal – Subhasish Dey, University of Manchester.

Tea Break of 20 Mins at 1140
Open Discussion from 1140 to 1245

12:45-14:15 Lunch

14:15-16:15 What do the Research Findings Imply for Policy?
(Chair: Dr Anuradha Joshi, Institute of Development Studies, UK)

-Summary of Research Findings – Prof Kunal Sen

-Policy Implications – Dr Deepta Chopra and Dr Himanshu (CSH, and Jawaharlal Nehru University)

-Comments by Dr Mihir Shah, Member, Planning Commission, Govt of India

-Comments from State Representatives

Open Discussion

16:15-17:15 Tea/Snacks