Changing Nature of Rights-Based Welfare: Administrative Perspective on NREGS Reforms

Overview

One of the biggest efforts in rights-based social administration in India is MGNREGA. Significant concerns regarding accountability, decentralisation, and welfare governance are raised by recent reforms that indicate an administrative reorientation, such as permitting breaks during agricultural seasons and giving States more financial responsibility.

Administrative Reasoning for the Modifications

Demand-driven programs present administrative issues such as delayed payments, inefficient planning, and unpredictable finances. An effort to increase administrative effectiveness, cost control, and labour market balance is shown in the shift towards pre-planned projects and shared financial responsibility. These changes are consistent with fiscal rationalisation and outcome-oriented governance.

Issues with Decentralisation and Accountability

On the other hand, fiscal decentralisation with a shift in accountability is reflected when expenses are transferred to states without corresponding authority. States are more financially responsible, but policy control is still centralised, leading to an imbalance in power and accountability. Administrative responsiveness may suffer as a result, and accountability boundaries may become more hazy.

Effects on Administration Based on Rights

The strength of MGNREGA is its statutory guarantee, which provides unemployment benefits in the event that work is not provided. Welfare could become an administratively mediated benefit rather than a legal right if demand-based entitlement is diluted. This runs counter to the normative underpinnings of welfare administration, which are based on social fairness and equity.

In conclusion

The conflict between efficiency and entitlement is brought to light by NREGS reforms from the standpoint of public administration. Sustainable reform must maintain the rights-based nature of democratic welfare governance, enhance local institutions like Gramme Sabhas, and strike a balance between fiscal restraint and legal accountability.

UPSC General Studies Paper Preparation

Public Administration Optional Exam Preparation