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Written by Administrator
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 Two NREGA awareness-raising 'padyatras' were organized in the Jehanabad
and Arwal districts of Bihar, in January and February 2009. Local NREGA
implementation committees have been formed in the villages visited.
The Jehanabad Yatra saw regular participation of around 40 people and it passed through 15 villages of Saristabad and Gandhar Panchayats. Six public meetings were held in these villages and the response from the public was tremendous. Our interaction with several hundered people during the Yatra reinforced AMAN's observations made over last several years that the NREGA is a big failure the district of Jehanabad. On the demand-side there is lack of awarness amongst the intended target group about their rights under the NREGA. Those who are aware do not know important provisions such as how the minimum wages are to be calculated and rules related to measurement of work. On the supply-side the government officials in charge of implementing the Act are under-paid and under-staffed. Many beneficiaries accused the government officials and elected representatives of indulging in corrupt practices and lack of duty. The objective of these Yatras is twofold: First, to mobilise villagers and form village committees to monitor the design and implementation of future NREGA schemes, and thereby to ensure participative decision-making in the selection of sites and works. Second, to mobilise government officials and elected representatives to interact with the villagers, working towards setting up sustainable grievance redressal systems.
Read Full Report of the January Yatra
Read Full Report of the February Yatra
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