Miracle of MNREGA in AP - Copy

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Miracle of MNREGA
A Study on the Best Practices of MNREGA in Andhra Pradesh
Written by
Parshuram Rai
Supported by
UUHHJIF
CENTRE FOR ENVIRONMENT AND FOOD SECURITY
NEW DELHI
2014

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CONTENTS
Topic Page
1 Contents 2
2 Acknowledgement 3
3 Executive Summary 5
4 Best Practices of MNREGS in Andhra Pradesh 15
5 Findings of MNREGS Survey in Andhra Pradesh 33
6 Case Studies and Success Stories from Field
7 Case Studies from Ananthpuram 43
8 Case Studies from Chittoor 58
9 Case Studies from Vizianagaram 91
10 Case Studies from Vishakhapatnam 112
11 Case Studies from Srikakulam 122
12 Case Studies from Adilabad 140

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ACKNOWLEDGEMENT
I would like to put on record my highest appreciation and sincere thanks to Prakash Rao and
Ravi Shankar for their research assistance in this study . A special thank is due to Prakash
Rao for his hard work , patience and perseverence through out the field study in AP.
This Study would not have been possible without the support and cooperation of large
number of govt. officials and Gram Panchayat functionaries of Andhra Pradesh (AP-
UNITED), starting from the Chief Secretary of the State to Field Assistants of the GPs . First
and foremost , we are grateful to thousands of MNREGA beneficiaries and labourers from
across AP(UNITED) who spared time to talk to us and share with us their side of the story .
We are grateful to many officials of the State Govt. who helped us during this study ; to
name a few , Shri P K Mohanty ( Chief Secretary ) , Shri Shashi Bhushan Kumar
(Commissioner – Rural Development) , Ms Karuna Akela ( Director –MNREGA ) . A special
thank is due to Ms Karuna Akela for her diligence , sincerety , cooperation and support for
this study . A lot of credit for the success of MNREGA in AP goes to her .
We are also grateful to DMs of Srikakulam and Adilabad who took personal interest in this
study and also accompanied us in some villages during the study . A special thank is due to
Shri Saurabh Gaur ( DM- Srikakulam ) for all his support extended to us during this study .
His personal interest and involvement in the effective implementation of MNREGA and his
knowledge about the same was impressive and encouraging .
The Project Directors (PDs) of all six districts where we conducted our survey , research and
documentation deserve our special gratitude for their help, support and cooperation during
this study .We owe a special thank to Shri Kalyan Chakravarti ( PD – Srikakulam) for his
extraordinary diligence , support and cooperation during the study . I have never seen so
hard working , so simple , thoroughly honest and completely committed govt official like
him . A lot of credit for successful implementation of MNREGA in AP goes to officials like
Shri Chakravari , in whom I found a true KARMAYOGI of Bhagavad Gita variety . We are
grateful to Shri Ganapati Rao ( APD-M&E, Srikakulam) and all other officials of Srikakulam
who helped us in the study .

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We are grateful to Shri Sriram Naidu ( PD-Vishakhapatnam) and his colleagues, Shri Appala
Naidu (APD- Vizianagaram) and his colleagues , Shri Vinay Reddy ( PD-Adilabad) and his
colleagues, Shri C. Chandramauli ( PD- Chittoor) , Shri Gopi Chand ( APD- Chittoor) and their
other colleagues , Shri Sanjay Prabhakar ( PD-Anantpuram), Shri Vijay Kumar ( APD-
Anantpuram) and their other colleagues for their sincere support and help during the field
study . I am especially grateful to Shri Vijay Kumar and his colleagues for their kindness and
help when I fell sick in Ananthapuram . He and his colleagues took care of me so much that I
recovered back soon .
Last but not the least , We are grateful to Ms.Sowmya Kidambi (Director- Social Audit) ,
Andra Pradesh and her colleague Shri Chaitanya for their help and cooperation during the
study .
-Parshuram Rai ( Swami Vedanta )

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EXECUTIVE SUMMARY
Centre for Environment and Food Security (CEFS) has been working on MNREGS (Mahatma
Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme ) since its inception in 2006 .During
last seven years , CEFS has conducted performance audit of MNREGS in the states of
Odisha , Madhya Pradesh , Uttar Pradesh and Bihar . We found massive corruption and
serious irregularities in the implementation of MNREGS in all these states . As a result , CEFS
filed a Writ Petition in the Supreme Court of India , seeking Orders for ensuring effective
and corruption-free implementation of MNREGS in all states .
During the course of 23 hearings in the Supreme Court (SC) , CEFS submitted repeatedly
that except the State of Andhra Pradesh (AP) , no state was implementing MNREGS in letter
and spirit . During the course of some hearings , the SC wondered if other states should
be asked to follow the Best Practices in the implementation of MNREGA adopted by AP .
Therefore , CEFS decided to undertake a systematic and detailed study on the Best Practices
of MNREGA adopted by AP ; so that we could file a detailed response in the Supreme Court
regarding the replicability of AP’s Best Practices in other states, especially Social Audit .
This study is not an academic exercise but an instrument of advocacy for improving
implementation of MNREGS in other states through the intervention of the Supreme Court
directing all the states to ensure independent , effective,credible and detailed social audit
of MNREGS , as done by Andhra Pradesh (AP-UNITED) .
AP has unleashed full potential of MNREGA by ensuring effective and corruption-free
implementation of the ACT, as revealed by CEFS Study .The secret of effective and
successful implementation of MNREGS in AP lies in independent , effective , detailed and
credible Social Audit. If other states also adopt these Best Practices and implement the ACT
in its letter and spirit , the MNREGA would definitely unleash its full potential and bring a
complete turnaround in the socio-economic-ecological profile of rural India .
This study has three components : (1) Introductory note on the Best Practices of MNREGS
adopted by AP , (2) Findings of CEFS Survey in two districts of AP , and (3) 40 case studies
and success stories from 6 districts of AP .

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Introductory Note of Best Practices of AP
The introductory note on the Best Practices of MNREGS in Andhra Pradesh is largely based
on the information provided by AP Govt.This note gives basic information on the various
Processes in the implementation of MNREGS in AP . These processes include :
Planning Process / Development Plan
Rural Standard Schedule of Rates
Use of ICT as a key tool in the implementation
RAGAS: (Rashtriya Grameena Abhivruddhi Samacharam)
MIS Reports
Electronic Fund Transfer System (eFMS)
Electronic Muster and Measurement System (eMMS)
Biometric Muster and Measurement System (B-EMMS)
Payment of wages through Smart Cards
Distribution of wage slips
Ensuring wage payments within fortnight
Delayed wage compensation
Shrama Shakthi Sanghas
Formation of Shrama Shakti Sanghalu Federations
Social Audit
Vigilance Cell
Mobile Court
Chenchu Primitive Tribal Groups
Empowering Rural Women

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Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
Grievance Redressal
Quality Control Cell
Towards Securing Livelihoods of the rural poor
Findings of CEFS Survey
CEFS conducted sample survey in 40 sample villages from two districts to ascertain the
veracity of various claims regarding MNREGS made by AP . So, this section contains CEFS
survey findings . The survey was conducted in two sample districts- Srikakulam and
Adilabad during December 2013 and January 2014 .
Wage Employment
CEFS survey has revealed that about 90 per cent of the sample households had received
over 100 days of wage employment during previous 12 months ( from January 2013 –
December 2013) . About 10 percent of the sample households had worked for less than 100
days during the same period . But ,it was not because of unavailability of the wage
employment that these households worked for less than 100 days , it was on account of
their personal problems (busy in some other work) .
Wage Payment
About 95 per cent of respondents said that they had received their full wages . About 90
per cent of respondent households had received their wage payments within 15 days but
about 10 per cent of samples had received their wages within 30 days .
Transparency and Accountability
When asked if they had seen all the Muster Rolls , almost 100 per cent of respondents said
that they had seen all their muster rolls . In reply to the question if they had ever
participated in the Social Audit Forum , over 95 per cent of sample households said that
they had participated in every Social Audit Forum held in their GP.

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When asked if MNREGS was corruption-free in their village , all 1000 sample households
from Srikakulam and Adilabad districts emphatically said that there was no corruption or
leakage in the implementation of MNREGS in their villages . Villagers told us that since
there was proper and detailed social audit of every single rupee of expenditure under
MNREGS in all GPs , there was no question of misappropriation or leakage of MNREGS
funds .
When asked if they were satisfied with the Grievance Redressal System in MNREGS, 100 per
cent of sample households said that they were fully satisfied with the grievance redressal
system in their GP.
Food Security
Majority of sample households from both the sample districts were extremely deprived
dalits and adivasis , whose life was usually characterised by chronic hunger and food
insecurity , before the launch of MNREGS . However , the implementation of MNREGS in its
letter and spirit has resulted into significant improvement in the Food Security Index of all
sample households .
Every single respondent household said that the MNREGS had very substantially enhanced
their food security . 100 per cent of respondents from both the sample districts said that
MNREGS had succeeded in reducing hunger by 75-100 per cent . Almost all sample
households said that “the hunger is now a thing of the past, thanks to MNREGS”.
Distress Migration
The findings of CEFS survey in 40 sample villages of Srikakulam and Adilabad districts
suggest that the effective and corruption-free implementation MNREGS in AP has led to
drastic reduction in distress migration . Before the launch of MNREGS , there used to be
massive distress migration in all these villages . In most of the sample villages , before
MNREGS , about 50-75 per cent of working population used to migrate out to cities and
towns in search of wage employment . However , after the launch of MNREGS , in the case
of about 75 per cent of sample villages , distress migration is now a thing of the past ; and

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in the case of about 25 per cent of sample villages , some people still migrate but only for a
few months .
Indebtedness
In rural Andhra Pradesh , poverty and indebtedness are two sides of the same coin . From
time immemorial , indebtedness has been a constant companion of the poor . Before the
arrival of MNREGA in 2006 , it was almost impossible to find a single poor household free
from debt . However , the effective implementation of MNREGA has significantly reduced
indebtedness among poor households . 100 per cent of the sample households said that
MNREGS had significantly reduced indebtedness in their villages .
Case Studies and Success Stories from 6 districts
We have documented 40 case studies and success stories from the field . These case studies
are based on our first hand field visit and interview with beneficiaries from six districts
(Srikakulam , Vizianagaram , Vishakhapatnam , Adilabad , Anantpur and Chittoor) .
AP (UNITED) had identified 60 Lakh acres of land belonging to SC and ST as well as small and
marginal farmers for saturated development . Besides land development, the govt. also gives
handholding support to ensure these families grow the crops on the treated land. This
approach helps in bringing fallow and degraded cultivable lands into cultivation which
enhances the income levels of the rural poor.
Fallow Land Development: Works in 5.7 lakh acres are in progress and in 13.4 lakh acres
completed.
Degraded Cultivable Land: Works in 3.4 lakh acres is in progress and 11.2 lakh acres have
been completed.
Horticulture Programme under MNREGA:
The scheme envisages development of horticulture plantation, providing micro irrigation
like drip. List of works included are Mango, Cashew, Sweet orange, Sapota, Custard apple,

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Guava, Acid lime, Coconut, Oil Palm, Eucalyptus, Subabul, Casuarina, Rubber, Coffee. During
2013-14, horticulture was taken up in 1.2 lakh acres. Mostly mango, sweet lime, cashew and
coffee are taken up under horticulture plantations. Cumulatively, 6.8 lakh acres were taken
up benefitting SC/ST/Small & Marginal farmers.
Comprehensive restoration of M.I. Tanks under MNREGS:
In convergence with Irrigation Department, comprehensive restoration of M.I. tanks and the
command area under the tanks were taken up. List of works taken up for restoration of
tanks include- Bush clearance, Breech Closing, Repair of weir, Repair of sluice, Repair of
Channel, Repair of cross drainage & cross masonry works, Bund strengthening, Desilting and
silt application to lands of SC/ST/BPL families, Peripheral trench. 18,131 Minor Irrigation
tanks were restored including de-silting by incurring an expenditure of Rs. Rs. 3430 Cr. The
work resulted in stabilization of 8.5 lakh acres ayacut.
Our Case studies and success stories from 6 districts of AP are telling examples of
remarkable turnaround in the lives , livelihoods and lifestyles of rural poor of AP , as a
direct result of effective and successful implementation of MNREGA during last 7 years .
Following is one of the 40 case studies :
Village : Mandlipalli (Harijanawada)
Grampanchayat : Tanakal
Mandal : Tanakal
District : Ananthapuram
Total Households : 120 (Entirely Scheduled Caste)
MNREGA BECOMES DIVINE BOON FOR POOR DALITS OF MANDLIPALLI

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About 300 acres of land (Barren/ Unproductive) was assigned to dalits of this village
long ago, but entire land was lying barren. In 2010 -11, one Dry Land Horticulture
(Mango) Project under MNREGA began in this village under which about 177 acres of
the barren land has been developed ( Bush clearance, Boulder removal, Stone picking ,
Trenches construction , earthen bunds and mango plantation). During this 2-3 years of
gestation period most of the farmers have done inter-cropping. In this entire block of
mango plantation 1390 mango plants have been planted. Their intercrops have already
provided good income to many dalit farmers. Moreover, they receive Rs.1200 per
month per acre of mango plantation as maintenance cost under MNREGA for 3 years of
gestation period . This has brought very good and regular income to all mango
plantation beneficiaries .
Beneficiary: #1
Jelipigari Narayanappa has 7.5 acres of land , out of which about half is already under
mango plantation. From the intercrop in the 1st year, he earned Rs.36,000/- from
Tomato, from the second crop of Tomato he earned Rs.46,000/- and he is expecting
about Rs.60,000/- worth of tomato this year(2014). He purchased gold worth Rupees
One Lakh last year. He also purchased about Rs.15000 worth of furniture. He is building
a new Pucca house and in that he has invested about Rupees One Lakh from his
personal income. Two of his children are studying in Government School. He used to
work in the house of a landlord and used to get Rs.1000 - 1500/- per year. His wife also
used to work on daily wage of Rs.15 – 20 before MGNREGA.
However, his life took a turn with the arrival of MGNREGA. He is now very happy farmer
and lives a life of self confidence, self respect and self reliance. His livelihood is secured
through MGNREGA and horticulture plantation. When asked if he works anywhere
other than MGNREGA, this dalit farmer proudly quipped “Now, I myself can engage and
employ 1 – 2 labourers”.
Beneficiary #2

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Jelipigari Venkataramana has 4 acres of land , in which 2 acres is under mango
plantation. In 1st year of intercrop (Tomato), he earned Rs.50,000/- and this year too he
has grown Tomato and likely to get at least Rs.50,000/- income. With the income earned
from intercrops, he was able to repay Rs.35000/- of debt and invested some income in
agriculture. He has 10 shirts.
Beneficiary #3
J Tirupal has 4 acres of land with mango plantation in the entire plot. He has earned
Rs.60,000 from groundnut cultivation. He has purchased Rs.1.5 lakh worth of gold only
last year. He says that this entire gold purchase was done with direct and indirect
income from MGNREGA . He receives Rs.1200 per month per acre of mango plantation
as maintenance cost under MNREGA . In other words , he earns Rs.48,000 towards
watering charges/wages per year. So, during 3 years of gestation period of mango
plantation project, he received about Rs.1.44 lakh as maintenance cost from MNREGA .
Beneficiary #4
J Uthanna has 5 acres of land and in 3 acres he has taken up mango plantation.
From Intercrop (Tomato) he earned Rs.70,000/-
Beneficiary #5
J Venkataramana has 3.5 acres of land and in 3 acres he has taken up mango plantation.
From intercrop (Groundnut) he earned Rs.45,000/-.
During last 2 years, he has purchased Rs.15,000 worth of gold and a Mobile phone and
has deposited Rs.30,000 as savings in the State Bank of India. He has 10 sets of clothes
(he was wearing starched and ironed clothes and had very costly towel on his
shoulders). Before 2006, he was working with a landlord and leading miserable life.
Beneficiary # 6
J Ramachandra has 4 acres of land and has taken up mango plantation in the entire plot.
He earned Rs.50,000 from the intercrop of Tomato. He has 3 children. Eldest son has

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completed BA and is waiting for a Job. His other two children who are daughters are
both pursuing Nursing Courses.
Beneficiary #7
K Genganna has 3 acres of land and has mango plantation in all 3 acres of his land.
During last 3 years of intercrop, he has earned Rs.45,000/-. He has invested some of the
income he earned on the construction of the house and also purchased some cattle.
Beneficiary #8
V Narasimhulu has 7.5 acres of land. He has mango plantation in 5 acres of land. During
last 3 years, he has earned Rs.1.5 lakh from groundnut cultivation. He also purchased 3
acres of land worth Rs.2.1 lakh and says that this is all thanks to MGNREGA.
Beneficiary #9
M Gopal has 3.5 acres of land and in 2.5 acres he has taken up mango plantation . From
intercrops (Tomato, Chilly and Groundnut) he earned Rs.50,000/-
Beneficiary #10
J Adilaxmi has 4 acres of land and in 2.8 acres she has taken up mango plantation. She
has earned Rs.28,000/- from the groundnut intercrop alone. She purchased gold worth
Rs.52,000 . She says “Earlier I had only one pair of sarees and that too very cheap. But
now, I have 5 pairs of costly sarees”.
Beneficiary #11
J Venkataramana has 3.5 acres of land and has mango plantation in this entire plot. He
has earned Rs.60,000 from groundnut intercrop. He got his son educated till M.A, B.Ed
and other son till Graduation.
Before MGNREGA, these dalit farmers and labourers used to work as farm labourers at
daily wage of Rs.30-40 in the neighbouring villages. But now they don’t need to go out
for work in other villages . If at all they do go , they demand and get Rs.150-200/- as
daily wage. Villagers say that MGNREGA has become a “divine boon” and they are living

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a very happy, comfortable and dignified life. All of them are sending their children to
schools and most of them have invested incomes either in purchasing durables like gold
or some savings in the bank or invested towards agriculture. Seeing and realizing the
contribution and role of MGNREGA in their life, these farmers are strongly demanding
that there should be no limit on the number of days under MGNERGA.
J Gangadhar, who used to work in a Hotel in Puttaparthy and used to earn Rs.2000/-
(Husband and wife both put together) for working round the clock. It was a bone
breaking job and life was miserable. “I am so happy now with my MGNREGA job and I
am leading a happy, comfortable and dignified life in my own village. I am no more
dependent on anyone for my food security and I am also a proud citizen of India. For
poor people like me MGNREGA is not a scheme but a god sent boon. This divine blessing
(MGNREGA) is much more meaningful and important for poor people like me than the
Prasadam (Blessing) I used to enjoy in Puttaparthy (in Satya Sai Ashram)”.
Jelipigari Gangadhar is a SC beneficiary (Mate also) with 3 acres of mango cultivation .
He says, “MGNREGA is not just another project or welfare scheme but a divine blessing
for poor people like me”.
These dalits say that now they are going twice or thrice to Balaji temple(Tirupati). But
before 2006, they never went there. It is because of the income from MGNREGA.
Earlier they used to eat non-vegetarian food once in a while, but now they are eating
non-vegetarian food twice to thrice in a month.

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BEST PRACTICES OF MNREGA IN ANDHRA PRADESH
Government of Andhra Pradesh (GoAP- UNITED) launched MGNREGS ( Mahatma Gandhi
National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme ) on February 2, 2006 in 13 districts of the
state. The scheme was subsequently expanded to all the districts . For effective
implementation , greater transparency and complete accountability in the scheme, GoAP
has made necessary changes and introduced initiatives, based on its experiences, within the
purview of the MGNREGA .
Performance of MGNREGS (since inception) as on 23rd
Oct 2013
 1.9 Crore beneficiaries belonging to 93.7 lakh rural households have accessed the
scheme.
 Rs. 27,988 Crore expenditure incurred. Out of total expenditure incurred, Rs.
20,114 Crore was paid as wages to the wage seekers.
 209.7 Crore persondays were provided to rural households with an average wage
rate of Rs. 95.9.
 Women participation has been 58%
 SC participation – 25% & ST participation – 15% of persondays generated
 1.4 lakh Persons with Disability have accessed the scheme.
Processes in the implementation of MGNREGS:
Planning Process – Development Plan:
The objective of the planning process is to ensure that the district is prepared well in
advance to offer productive employment on demand. The need to coordinate different

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levels in planning and to prepare a ‘shelf of projects’ to provide wage employment requires
preparation of an Annual Plan for the District. This is done before the commencement of the
financial year so that the shelf of works in each Gram Panchayat (GP) is sufficient to meet
the demand of wage seekers in the next financial year.
Labour Budget for the next financial year for each GP is prepared after discussion
with the Srama Shakti Sanghas (SSS) ie., fixed labour groups and after approval in the Gram
Sabha (GS). After the approval of labour budget by the GS, the Programme Officer and the
mandal technical team identifies works in each GP to meet the labour budget proposed
persondays. The Programme Officer, prepares a Mandal plan by consolidating proposals of
all the GPs in the mandal. Subsequently, the Mandal Plans prepared by the Programme
Officers of the Mandals get approval of the District Programme Coordinator by the December
end and thus labour budget for the district gets prepared.
The identification of works is being taken up with the involvement of the village
communities in the planning process for creation of productive and durable assets. After the
identification of works with the involvement of village communities in the Gram Sabha, the
input data sheets for various works are filled-in by the technical team and the GPS
coordinates and the photographs are captured for each and every work that is identified in the
planning process. The estimate gets generated through the online software, RAGAS, based on
the filled-in input data sheets and the GPS coordinates and photographs uploaded.
Rural Standard Schedule of Rates:
As per the provision under Schedule 1 Para 7 and 8 “When wages are directly linked with
the quantity of work, the wages shall be paid according to the schedule of rates fixed by the
State Government for different types of work every year, in consultation with the State
Council.
Based on the provisions of the Act, Govt. of Andhra Pradesh assigned ESCI Engineering Staff
College of India to conduct Work Time and Motion Studies so as to fix up the rates for
various types of works in such a way that labourers get notified minimum wages based on

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work output for 8 working hours. Based on the outcome of ESCI study, Department of Rural
Development,AP, brought out a Rural Standard Schedule of Rates for works taken up under
MGNREGS.
Preparation of Rural Schedule of Rates is a step taken by GoAP which paved the way for
earning wages by the labour based on the piece rate system rather than attendance. The
RSSR rates are revised based on the wage rate notified by the Govt. of India every year. The
notified wage rate during 2013-14 was Rs. 149.
Use of ICT as a key tool in the implementation:
The state of Andhra Pradesh has been the front runner in the use of technology in the
implementation of MGNREGS. Keeping in mind the degree of error that might occur in
various stages of the implementation and to ensure transparency in the execution of
MGNREGS , use of ICT becomes necessary especially in the registration of wage seekers,
estimation of works, disbursement of wages and maintenance of accounts. IT applications
also help in the social audit process, disclosure of information as per the Right to
Information Act as well as the generation of various reports, estimates and proceedings.
RAGAS: (Rashtriya Grameena Abhivruddhi Samacharam):
A highly comprehensive and end-to-end transaction based application that provides
convenience for the field staff and makes the work of the administrative officials easier at
the same time has been developed. RAGAS is capable of handling all key steps in the
implementation of MGNREGS , namely, registration of wage seekers, issue of job cards,

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preparation of work estimates, generation of pay order etc. As a result of this automation, a
lot of manual work and drudgery is reduced at the mandal level and handling of tasks has
become fast and efficient.
MIS Reports:
MGNREGS-IT initiative has developed a web based MIS portal to help in monitoring and for
reviewing the implementation of the Scheme. The MGNREGS portal www.nrega.ap.gov.in
provides detailed information of each and every transaction relating to every wage seeker
and work taken up under MGNREGS. The reports on the web have been organized in such a
way that, reports are easily accessible for monitoring the implementation of the scheme.
The reports are categorized as –
 General Reports - Physical and Financial Performance Report.
 Beneficiary details
 Expenditure Reports
 Works related reports – Status of works, expenditure on works etc.,
 Biometric payments status reports
 Status of demand for work, allocation of work, musters generated
 Horticulture & related reports
 Details of Srama Shakti Sanghas and registrations
 Reports of convergence with various departments.
 Reports of performance of PWDs, Chenchu etc.
 Performance Exception reports
 Consolidated muster rolls
 Social Audit Reports
 Reports of initiatives like electronic muster & measurements; electronic fund
management system, biometric payments, ITDAs, AP NGO Network, Grievance
Redressal etc.,
 Analysis reports – Analysis of households reported; wages earned;
expenditure incurred; community wise; gender wise etc.,

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Electronic Fund Transfer System (eFMS):
Electronic Fund Transfer system (eFMS) has been established with the objective of putting
in place an efficient mechanism to generate transmission of funds through online money
transfers. This system helps in avoiding the parking of funds in some places and empowers
all blocks and Panchayats to access funds uninterrupted. By means of a central server, eFMS
enables all the Mandal Computer Centres (MCCs) and the District Computer Centres (DCCs)
to be networked to a Central fund in which all the MGNREGA funds are lodged.
The primary use of this system is to transfer funds to the disbursing accounts (Post Office,
Smart Card, Supplier’s Account or the Individual’s wage account) for timely and accurate
payment of wages. The work flow involves exchange of information between the Block
offices (MPDO), MGNREGS Server, Bank server and the Reserve Bank of India (RBI) server.

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Electronic Muster and Measurement System (eMMS)
eMMS has been introduced across the State in MGNREGS with a view to improve the
transparency and efficiency in implementation of the programme. Muster and
Measurements are recorded electronically using mobile phones networked to the central
server. Check measurement of works is also done by using mobile phones. The eMMS
enables to capture the GPS coordinates and hence the field staff are forced to go to the
work site for recording and check measurement of works.
eMMS helps in arresting various distortions in the programme like Muster Fudging; Delays
in Payments; Benami Wage Seekers; Fake Measurements and Work Duplication. This has
ensured transparency in the system. In addition, it has brought synergy to the system
making information management efficient and dynamic reducing errors and human effort in
recording information.

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Biometric Muster and Measurement System (B-EMMS)
B-eMMS enables attendance of wage seekers through bio-metric authentication along with
GPS coordinates using Point-of-Sale (POS) devices. B-eMMS is used to achieve complete
transparency in implementation of MGNREGS by obtaining LIVE data from the Worksite to
the Website on day to day basis using biometric authentication. This helps in arresting
distortions in the programme like Muster Fudging; Delays in Payments; Benami
Wageseekers; Fake Measurements and Work Duplication. B-eMMS enables effective
program monitoring and improves efficiency in the implementation of MGNREGS.
Payment of wages through Smart Cards
Ensuring that the intended wage seekers receive the payments is a significant step towards
the success of Employment Guarantee Scheme. Payments through smartcards was initiated
to ensure that the intended wage seeker receives timely payments and also to ensure that
the right beneficiary receives the wage payments. The process of payments through smart
cards makes use of finger print technology to issue biometric smart cards to each
beneficiary at the village level. Fingerprint technology uses a person’s fingerprints to identify
him / her through fingerprint scanning. Since every individual has a unique set of
fingerprints, this technology is both foolproof as well as reliable.
Disbursement of wages is done at the pre-designated Government premises (usually the
Gram Panchayat building) by a Customer Service Provider (CSP). The enrolment is in
progress to cover all the gram panchayats in the State.

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Distribution of wage slips:
Wage slips are provided to the wage seekers for the work done and based on the payment
generated. Wage slips carry details like no. of days worked, wage amount, details of work
etc. Generation of Wage slips brought transparency in the payments of wages. Since
wage seekers know how much is credited to their account and for how many days, etc.
leakages in the payment system were minimized.
Ensuring wage payments within fortnight:
To ensure payment of wages within fortnight to all labourers, a fixed payment cycle is
adopted as shown below:

23
The fixed payment cycle begins with the opening of muster on Day-1, which is on a Monday
and Thursday to denote the starting of the week. Attendance of the wage seekers and the
work done by them is collected by the Field Assistants (FAs) and are reported to the
administrative authorities throughout the week. At the end of every week, the muster rolls
are closed.
The next phase in the payment cycle involves the measurements of the works with respect
to the muster rolls which is done by the Technical Assistants (TAs).
After the measurements are done, the Technical Assistants pass on the muster rolls to the
Engineering Consultants (ECs) who check the measurements to eliminate discrepancies, if
any.
Once the measurements are validated completely, the muster rolls are sent to the
Additional Project Officer (APO) for his/her perusal. The data is then entered into the system
at the Mandal Computer Centre (MCC) by the Computer Operator (CO) and the pay orders
and related Fund Transfer Orders (FTOs) are generated. All the FTOs and in turn the funds
are then transferred electronically to the paying agencies / banks in the following 3-4 days.
The wage seekers present their Smart Cards to the Customer Service Provider (CSP) to
establish their identity and the disbursement of wages is done.

24
Delay wage compensation.
Compensation for delay payments is introduced with an objective to ensure that
wage payments are done within a week and in any case not later than fortnight from the
day the work was done (closure of muster) as mandated in the Act. Guidelines were issued
for payment of compensation to the wage seekers for the delay in wage payments, duly
recovering the amount from the functionaries / paying agency found responsible for the
delay.
The compensation is paid @ 0.1% per day of delay based on the approval and
recovery from the functionaries’ salary / paying agency’s commission. PD/DWMA is
authorized for approval or rejection of the recoveries duly mentioning the reasons for the
disapproval if any in an online mode. If Project Director has not disapproved the
compensation within 15 days, it will be presumed that the compensation has been
authorized for recovery and deduction shall be effected as per the guidelines issued. Based
on the approvals, the compensation is paid to the wage seekers with the next wage
payment to the wage seekers.
Srama Sakthi Sanghas
To ensure that all the demanding poor rural households are provided with
continuous assured employment of 100 days, labour groups were formed which helps in
providing work to the groups easily and also helps in effective monitoring. The labour
groups are formed with 20 labourers, who worked for more than 10 days in a financial year.
The mate, who is the literate person among the group takes the attendance every day using
manual muster-rolls and also updates the mate-book every day. The formation of labour
into a fixed group helps in worksite management and also for provision of worksite facilities
to the labourers.

25
All serious labourers are grouped into Srama Sakthi Sanghas (SSS). Each SSS group is
assured 100 days of continuous work. 8.2 lakh SSSs are registered consisting of 1.3 crore
labourers so far.
Formation of Shrama Shakti Sanghalu Federations
The formation of Srama Shakti Sanghas federations in gram panchayats has been initiated to
strengthen the SSS groups and for ensuring that the wage-seekers access their rights and
entitlements which were laid down in the MGNREG Act, 2005. The SSS federations will help
in the effective implementation of the scheme at village level with higher level of labour
participation. The SSS federations formed at the village level will ensure higher level of
labour participation, build confidence among the wage seekers and also empower the SSS
groups.
Objectives:
 Safeguarding the rights and entitlements as laid down in the MGNREG Act.
 Strengthening of SSS groups with higher level of participation.
 Build confidence among the wage seekers and also empower the SSS groups in
accessing the rights and entitlements.
 Ensuring 100 days of guaranteed wage employment to all the registered rural
households in the Gram Panchayat.
 Ensuring all the SSS groups submit the application for work and receipt of
acknowledgment from the FA / PO by the group.
 Timely wage payments and ensuring that the wage seekers get the minimum
notified wage rate.
 Monitor the payments by paying agency, coordinate with CSP/BPM in disbursing the
wage payments to the wage seekers.
 Participate in the social audit process.
 Identification of fallow , degraded ,cultivable lands belonging to the SSS wage
seekers and conversion to cultivable land by taking up land development works in
those identified lands.

26
 Ensuring the quality output for the work done based on the mark outs given to the
groups.
 Active participation in the conduct of Gram Sabha , in the identification of works and
building shelf of works and also during labour budget approval.
 Resolving conflicts if any, among the wage seekers / SSS groups.
Status:
The process of SSS federations has been initiated with the support of APNA NGOs,
SERP CRPs and through resource pool.
2229 SSS federations have been formed with the support of APNA NGOs and Master
Trainers. 32,831 SSS groups were formed into federations.
Social Audit
Social audit is a process by which an attempt is made to find out whether the benefits of the
project/activities reach the people for whom it is meant. It is a democratic process in which
all stakeholders involved in a particular project take part. Social audit is not only an audit of
expenses or decisions but also covers the issues of equity and quality in programme
implementation. It is a verification of Government records with people and the
works/projects executed at the field level in great detail. Social Audits of the MGNREGS-AP
was taken up by the Department of Rural Development, since the inception of the Scheme to
ensure accountability in the implementation process.
The Society for Social Audit, Accountability and Transparency (SSAAT) was formally
registered as an independent Society on the 15th
of May, 2009.
Social Audits involve both the people as well as the administrative officers who come
together to verify the processes under the scheme right from planning to implementation .
It brings on board the perceptions and knowledge of the people, involves people in the task
of verification and also brings about much greater acceptability of the government. Any
programme under the scheme can be taken up for audit by the wage seekers and the
related expenses and details can be examined. The performance of the village can be
analyzed and the concerned authorities and Gram Panchayats can be made accountable.

27
Public Hearing: All the issues and shortcomings found during the audit are brought under
scanner during the Public Hearing. This gathering acts as a platform for the wage seekers to
voice their opinion and air their grievances. In order to ensure active participation from the
community, facilitators explain the need and importance of social audits. Audit teams from
various villages in the mandal read out the SA report & disclose the findings. All the details
from a village are read out without any partiality. After all teams have finished reading their
reports, the labourers express their views on the performance of the administrative officials.
Facilitators and the Presiding Officer have an important role to play in ensuring that the
discussions do not turn violent and all the questions are properly answered by the
concerned authorities. All the discussions and the corresponding decisions made during the
meeting are recorded and immediate recovery actions are taken, wherever possible. A
report is prepared with the follow up actions and is distributed to the concerned officials.
Follow up of Social Audit: - Status:
Amount covered by financial deviations (Rs Cr) 165.1
Amount dropped as the financial deviation not held proved (Rs Cr) 18.52
Amount determined as misappropriated (Rs Cr) 75.59
Amount recovered (Rs Cr) 23.85
Balance to be recovered (Rs Cr) 51.73
Balance to be finalised (Rs Cr) 70.98
FTEs suspended (including FAs) 1383
FTEs removed (including FAs) 4578
FIRs booked 163
Other removals (BPMs, VOs, CSPs etc) 1044
No. of Cases filed in Mobile Courts 76

28
Vigilance Cell
A vigilance cell has been established with an aim to take follow up action on complaints
having a vigilance angle and to ensure transparency and accountability under the
programme. A retired senior IAS officer has been appointed as Chief Vigilance Officer with
supporting staff.
Mobile Court
For trial of offences brought out in the Social Audits and speedy adjudication of justice, the
Government sanctioned (8) special Mobile Courts covering (15) districts initially and
established a special Mobile Court in Sanga Reddy, Medak district for Medak and
Karimnagar districts on 26-02-2012.
Chenchu Primitive Tribal Groups
A special strategy has been formulated exclusively for the ultra-poor Chenchu Primitive
Tribal Group living in Nallamala forest region. Under this strategy, every chenchu labourer is
provided with continuous wage employment throughout the year. Every chenchu labour is
paid advance and the work equivalent is get done by him during that month. At chenchu
gudem level convergence with village organizations has been taken up.
Empowering Rural Women
As per Act , priority shall be given in such a way that at least One-Third of the beneficiaries
shall be women who have registered and requested for work under this Act. Since inception
of NREGS, women participation in AP is more than 55%. Specific measures that enabled such
empowerment are
 Payment of equal wages to Men and Women
 Depositing the wage of Women in their individual postal savings accounts directly.
 Provision of worksite facilities like Crèche, Shade for their children and enabling
them to perform their work properly.

29
Inclusion of Persons with Disabilities
In MGNREGS-AP, a work-time-motion study was conducted with disabled persons to design
separate Rural SSR for persons with Disabilities. Based on the study, 30% additional rate is
provided for all the MGNREGS works in which persons with disabilities are working as a
group.
Since inception, Rs. 227 Cr has been paid as wages for 2.24 Crore persondays with an
average wage rate of Rs. 101.5 per day. 2 lakh PWDs( people with disability) have accessed the
scheme and 20776 Vikalangula SSS formed till date.
Grievance Redressal:
A 24x7 Call Centre with a toll free number 155321 and 1800 200 4455 has been established
to register and monitor complaints under the programme. The moment a complaint is
registered in the call centre, SMS is sent to the officer responsible to rectify and report. The
system automatically escalates the complaints to the higher levels if appropriate action
within the stipulated time is not taken at lower level.
Quality Control Cell
A Quality Control Cell has been established with a view to improve quality of works, to
review the plans monthly, computerization of field level observations, capacity building of the
field level functionaries and creation of durable assets under the programme. .
Towards Securing Livelihoods of the rural poor
Expenditure on Assets Created:
In Andhra Pradesh , NREGS funds have been consciously invested in augmenting land and
water resources in the rural areas to secure livelihoods of the poor. Several projects are
taken up to strengthen and stabilize minor irrigation sources, productivity of lands etc.,
some of the major initiatives in this direction are mentioned below:
Land Development: Land development in fallow lands and cultivable degraded lands in
rain-fed areas:

30
Agriculture is an important source of livelihood for a majority of the rural households. Due
to the lack of investment by SC/ST poor for developing land assigned to them to make it
productive, most of the SC/ST lands are fallow. To bring these fallow lands into productive
use, GoAP under MGNREGS has given highest priority for the development of SC/ST lands.
The state has identified 60 Lakh acres
of land belonging to SC and ST as well
as small and marginal farmers for
saturated development in the
subsequent years. Besides land
development, the govt. also gives
handholding support to ensure these
families grow the crops on the treated
land. This approach helps in bringing
fallow and degraded cultivable lands
into cultivation which enhances the income levels of the rural poor.
Fallow Land Development: Works in 5.7 lakh acres are in progress and in 13.4 lakh acres
completed. Total expenditure incurred is Rs. 2757.5 Cr.
Degraded Cultivable Land: Works in 3.4 lakh acres is in progress and 11.2 lakh acres have
been completed. Rs. 1498 Cr has been incurred as expenditure.
Horticulture Programme:
The scheme envisages development
of horticulture plantation, providing
micro irrigation like drip. List of
works included are Mango, Cashew,
Sweet orange, Sapota, Custard
apple, Guava, Acid lime, Coconut, Oil
Palm, Eucalyptus, Subabul,
Casuarina, Rubber, Coffee. During
2013-14, horticulture taken up in 1.2

31
lakh acres. Mostly mango, sweet lime, cashew, coffee are taken up under horticulture
plantations. Cumulatively, 6.8 lakh acres taken up benefitting SC/ST/Small & Marginal
farmers.
Bund Plantation:
2.2 crore saplings planted on the
bunds during the year belonging to
2.5 lakh beneficiaries – mostly
SC/ST/small and marginal farmers.
Main plants are teak, neredu, chinta
etc. Cumulatively, 13.5 Crore
seedlings were planted in 10 lakh
acres belonging to 9.6 lakh
beneficiaries.
Convergence with other depts.
Inter-sectoral convergence of MGNREGS, makes the assets created under MGNREGS
productive and durable which in turn will lead to sustainable rural livelihood, if wage
employment opportunities are available for needy household in the villages through out the
year. Consequently, unskilled labour becomes skilled and opportunities for skilled labour
are created.
In order to create productive assets in rural areas, a strategy is developed to implement part
of MGNREGS programme through certain Departments like Panchayat Raj, Horticulture,
Tribal Welfare, Forest, Irrigation etc. Such an initiative is contemplated to bring synergy
between the technical strengths of the Departments and MGNREGA. The following are the
projects handled in convergence with the other line Departments
Irrigation Dept.:
Comprehensive restoration of M.I. Tanks:

32
In convergence with Irrigation Department, comprehensive restoration of M.I. tanks and the
command area under the tanks were taken up. List of works taken up for restoration of
tanks including Bush
clearance, Breech Closing,
Repair of weir, Repair of
sluice, Repair of Channel,
Repair of cross drainage &
cross masonry works, Bund
strengthening, Desilting
and silt application to lands
of SC/ST/BPL families,
Peripheral trench. 18,131
Minor Irrigation tanks
were restored including de-silting by incurring an expenditure of Rs. Rs. 3430 Cr. The work
resulted in stabilization of 8.5 lakh acres ayacut.
Convergence with Panchayat Raj & Tribal Welfare:
Rural Connectivity: 28881 kms of roads laid improving connectivity to 20,413 habitations
since inception of the scheme. Cumulatively, Rs. 2465 Cr incurred as expenditure.
BNRGSK - Mandal Buildings: 456 Mandal level buildings completed &573 buildings are in
progress by incurring an expenditure of Rs. 156 Cr.
GP Buildings: 2831 GP buildings completed &1811 buildings are in progress by incurring an
expenditure of Rs. 311.15 Cr.
Rural Water Sanitation:
Individual Household Latrines: 16 lakh proposed to be taken up. 2.3 lakh works are in
progress &1.77 lakh completed. Expenditure incurred Rs. 130 Cr.

33
Findings of MNREGS Survey in Andhra Pradesh
Delhi based Centre for Environment and Food Security (CEFS) has conducted a sample
survey on the performance of MNREGS ( Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment
Guarantee Scheme ) in the state of Andhra Pradesh (AP- United). The survey was conducted
in two sample districts- Srikakulam and Adilabad ,during December 2013 and January 2014 .
From each sample district , we selected 20 best performing sample villages and from each
sample village we randomly selected 25 MNREGS beneficiary households to conduct
schedule-based survey to ascertain process performance on following counts :
# Transparency and pro-active disclosure of Information
# Social Audit
# Accountability

34
# Grievance Redressal
# Durable Assets Creation
# Economic empowerment/ positive Impact on livelihood security/living standard
# Ecological regeneration
#Timely Wage Paytment
# Impact on Distress Migration
# Man-days of employment provided
# Best practices in the field of convergence
The total sample size of this survey was 1 state ( AP ),2 districts ( Srikakulam and Adilabad),
40 villages and 1,000 households .
Almost all sample villages selected for the survey were extremely deprived and majority of
1000 sample households were very poor dalits and adivasis , leading life of chronic hunger
,unemployment,distress migration and indebtedness , before the arrival of MNREGS .
Srikakulam and Adilabad are among the poorest and most backward districts of India .
Wage Employment
Findings of CEFS survey suggest that about 90 per cent of sample households in Andhra
Pradesh (AP-United) had received over 100 days of wage employment during previous 12
months ( from January 2013 – December 2013) . About 10 percent of the sample
households had worked for less than 100 days during the same period . But, it was not
because of unavailability of the wage employment that these households worked for less
than 100 days ,it was on account of their personal problems (busy in some other work) .
The disaggregated figures of wage employment suggest that almost 100 percent of sample
households from Srikakulam district had received over 100 days of MNREGS job during the
previous 12 months and only about 80 per cent of the sample households from Adilabad
district had received over 100 days of MNREGS job during previous 12 months . In fact ,
some labourers from 2 sample villages of Adilabad district complained about not being
provided full 100 days of job entitlement despite being in need of the same .

35
Wage Payment
During CEFS survey in AP , about 95 per cent of respondents said that they had received
their full wages . The disaggregated data about the wage payment suggests that 100 per
cent of sample households from Srikakulam district had received their full wages . Over 90
per cent of respondents from Adilabad too had received their full wages , but about 10 per
cent ( some labourers in a few villages ) respondents complained about not receiving their
wages even after 3 months of the work . We were informed by Commissioner , Rural
Development, Govt of AP (United) that the inordinate delay in payment of wages to some
labourers in some villages of Adilabad was because of the change in the payment agency .
About 90 per cent of respondent households had received their wage payments within 15
days but about 10 per cent of samples had received their wages within 30 days ( some
labourers in a couple of sample villages had not received even after 3 months) . While 100
per cent of the sample households from Srikakulam had received their payments within 15
days , only 80 per cent of the sample households from Adilabad had received their wages
within 15 days , about 10 per cent had received within one month and the remaining 10
per cent were still waiting for their wages even after 3 months of the work .
Transparency and Accountability
When asked if they had seen all the Muster Rolls , almost 100 per cent of respondents said
that they had seen all their muster rolls .
In reply to the question if they had ever participated in the Social Audit Forum , over 95 per
cent of sample households said that they had participated in every Social Audit Forum
held in their GP.
When asked as to how many Social Audits were conducted in the GP during previous 12
months , they replied that one social audit was conducted during the previous 12 months .
When asked if MNREGS was corruption-free in their village , all 1000 sample households
from Srikakulam and Adilabad districts emphatically said that there was no corruption or
leakage in the implementation of MNREGS in their villages . Villagers told us that since
there was proper and detailed social audit of every single rupee of expenditure under

36
MNREGS in all GPs , there was no question of misappropriation or leakage of MNREGS
funds .
When asked if they were satisfied with the Grievance Redressal System in MNREGS, 100 per
cent of sample households said that they were fully satisfied with the grievance redressal
system in their GP.
“We do not spare anyone who is found guilty of irregularity in the implementation of
MNREGA . Monitoring is done by officials from GP to district level , so , it is very difficult to
indulge in irregularities here,” said MNREGA beneficiaries ( belonging to SAVARA PGT-
primitive tribal group) of Manda colony , Manda GP , located in Seethampeta Mandal of
Srikakulam district .
Economic Impact of MNREGS
Food Security
Majority of sample households from both the sample districts were extremely deprived
dalits and adivasis , whose life was usually characterised by chronic hunger and food
insecurity , before the launch of MNREGS . However , the implementation of MNREGS in its
letter and spirit has resulted into significant improvement in the Food Security Index of all
sample households .
Every single respondent said that the MNREGS had very substantially enhanced their food
security . 100 per cent of respondents from both the sample districts said that MNREGS had
succeeded in reducing hunger by 75-100 per cent . Almost all sample households said that
“the hunger is now a thing of the past, thanks to MNREGS”.
Peda Bapadu, a SAVARA PGT labourer from Manda GP of Srikakulam district said , “ Before
the launch of MNREGA , most SAVARA tribals of this area used to take head loads of fire
wood in the market located 20 kms away and buy food items with the money earned by

37
selling fire woods . But after the launch of MNREGA , we have stopped doing so , because
our food security has now been ensured through MNREGS .”
Distress Migration
CEFS survey in 40 sample villages of Srikakulam and Adilabad districts suggest that the
effective and corruption-free implementation MNREGS in AP has led to drastic reduction in
distress migration . Before the launch of MNREGS , there used to be massive distress
migration in all these villages . In most of the sample villages , before MNREGS , about 50-
75 per cent of working population used to migrate out to cities and towns in search of wage
employment . However , after the launch of MNREGS , in the case of about 75 per cent of
sample villages , distress migration is now a thing of the past ; and in the case of about 25
per cent of sample villages , some people still migrate but only for a few months .
Indebtedness
In rural Andhra Pradesh , poverty and indebtedness are two sides of the same coin . From
time immemorial , indebtedness has been a constant companion of the poor . Before the
arrival of MNREGA in 2006 , it was almost impossible to find a single poor household free
from debt . However , the effective implementation of MNREGA has significantly reduced
indebtedness among poor households . 100 per cent of the sample households said that
MNREGS had significantly reduced indebtedness in their villages .
One of the sample respondents from Linguguda village of Pippaldari GP in Adilabad district
said, “ May God forbid even to our enemies the economic deprivation we used to suffer
before the launch of MNREGS in 2006 . Even if we were in need of 100 rupees for attending
the wedding of some relative in some village , we had no option but to borrow it from some
body .However , after the arrival of MNREGS , things have changed for the better .While the
credit worthiness of MNREGA workers has increased , the need for credit has decreased .”
Impact on Agricultural wage

38
It is not only MNREGA wages earned by labourers that has brought economic
empowerment and food security in the poor villages of AP . As a result of MNREGA , there
has been a corresponding increase in the private agricultural wage rates that has indirectly
enhanced food security and brought economic prosperity in the households who had been
subsisting on the margins of rural economy from the time immemorial .
CEFS survey in Srikakulam and Adilabad districts of AP revealed that there has been about
three fold rise in the current agricultural wage rates compared to the prevailing agricultural
wage rates before the launch of MNREGA . Before the launch of MNREGA in 2006 , the
agricultural wage rates were Rs.35 for female and Rs.50 for male labourers. The current
agricultural wage rate for female labourers is over Rs.100 and that for male labourers is
over Rs 150 . The increased agricultural wages have also played a significant role in
providing livelihood security and improving economic condition of labourers .
Expenditure pattern of MNREGS Income
CEFS survey in AP suggests that the income from MNREGS is mostly spent on two items , (1)
Food (2) Education of children . There is nothing new in the fact that labourers are spending
most of their income on food , but what was very interesting to find is that MNREGS
workers in AP are spending a very significant share of MNREGS earnings on education of
their children. Large number of MNREGS labourers are now sending their children to
private schools , paying Rs.5000-10,000/ as annual fee . Moreover , the assured MNREGS
earnings have also encouraged many households to send their children for higher
education ( B.Tech.- M.Tech.) . Andhra Pradesh is now producing over 60,000 dalit
Engineers every year , a significant proportion of them come of the families of MNREGA
workers .
Before the launch of MNREGS in 2006 , most of the sample households in Srikakulam and
Adilabad districts had only kucha house , but in last 3-4 years , large number of MNREGS
workers have gone for pucca house , thanks to MNREGS and housing subsidy under IAY (

39
Indira Awaas Yojana) . MNREGA workers in the sample villages categorically said that if
MNREGS was not there , it would not have been possible for them to build pucca house .
Pubbada is a SAVARA PGT village of Pubbada GP , located in Seethampeta Mandal (ITDA
area) of Srikakulam district . Before arrival of MNREGA , this used to be a hunger-prone area
. SAVARA (PGT) adivasis used to survive by eating mango-kernel , wild roots,wild leaves and
other forest produce . But thanks to MNREGS , these are now things of the past . Before
MNREGA , the daily wage in this area was as low as Rs.30 for male and Rs.20 for female
labourers . Villagers said, “ There was too much of indebtedness in SAVARA villages before
MNREGA . We used to borrow from the local money lender at the interest rate of 100 per
cent . But now , there is hardly any indebtedness as such . That exploitative borrowing has
come to an end and now we borrow money from SHGs.”
All households in Pubbada GP have been getting over 100 days of MNREGA job regularly .
Before the launch of MNREGA in 2006 , there was not a single Graduate in Pubbada .
Motaka Surja Rao ( savara PGT) , a MNREGA beneficiary , is the first Graduate of this PGT
village . Motaka Surja Rao is helping his younger brother to pursue B.Tech., that is another
first in this village . There are now seven Graduate boys in this village . There are now four
Graduate girls also and all of them have been working as MNREGA labourers during
Summer Vacation for last three years . “ It is only because of MNREGS that we have been
able to complete Graduation,” said SAVARA PGT boys and girls of Pubbada village .
Ponnada GP , located in Etcherla Mandal of Srikakulam district , is the Gram Panchayat
with distinction of being highest MNREGA spending GP in Andhra Pradesh .During 2013-14 ,
Ponnada GP spent over Rs.1.3 crore under MNREGA . All needy households of the GP have
been given over 100 days of job regularly . As a result , there is significant improvement in
the economic condition of poor people of Ponnada . “ Before MNREGA , we had no option
but to borrow money from exploitative money lenders at very high interest rates . But now
, there is no need at all for any kind of borrowing , thanks to effective implementation of
MNREGS in our GP”.
Female labourers of Guruvupeta Village in Ponnada GP said , “ Besides ensuring our food
security , MNREGA is very helpful in education too . Before the launch of MNREGS in 2006,

40
our economic condition did not allow us to send our children to schools . But now ,we are
sending our sons and daughters to schools and colleges , thanks to MNREGA wages .”
Garkampet village , located in Seethagundi GP of Gudihatnur Mandal in Adilabad district ,
is a classic example of the complete socio-economic transformation being unleashed by
MNREGS . T Laxmi Bali , a poor adivasi woman of Garkampet village said , “ Before the
launch of MNREGS in 2006 , we used to live a life of chronic hunger and extreme deprivation
. Every morning, we used to go to nearby forest and collect firewood , flowers, gums etc.
and used to go to Adilabad to sell the same . After selling the forest produce , we used to
buy cheapest available broken rice and somehow survive by eating that broken rice with
leafy vegetable collected from the forest . We never ate two full meals . But now , we are
able to eat three full meals with vegetables bought from the market . Before MNREGS, we
could hardly eat non-veg food , but now we are eating non-veg food every week . There
used to be massive distress migration , but now we do not need to go anywhere in search of
wage employment . Earlier , it was not possible for us to send our children to school , but
now we are sending them to schools and colleges . Income from MNREGS is also helping
construction of new pucca houses in our village”.
Geedipally is an extremely deprived and entirely GOND adivasi village , located in
Kamalapur GP of Gudihatnur Mandal in Adilabad district . MNREGA has brought complete
turn around in the lives, livelihoods and lifestyles of Gond adivasis of this village . They said,
“ Before MNREGS , we used to have very hard times and seer survival was a big problem
.But now , our life has improved a lot , thanks to MNREGS . Now we do not need to go any
where looking for wage employment , because we are getting employment right in the
village . Before MNREGS, we used to wear a single cloth for the whole week , but now we
change our clothes every day . Earlier , men used to wear a single worn out kurta for the
entire week , but now they change it daily . Earlier , adivasi women used to have just one
saree and they would cut the same into two pieces and wear it alternatively . But now ,
most women have 5-10 sarees each and change them daily .”
Kamalapur , located in Kamalapur GP of Gudihatnur Mandal in Adilabad district , is a
deprived and dalit dominant village . MNREGS has brought a new hope in the lives of dalits
of Kamalapur . They said that before MNREGA they used to survive just eating boiled

41
watery rice with chilly paste twice . But now , they are eating 3 square meals with
vegetables and eat non-veg food at least once a week . When asked as to how many times
they eat now , one dalit woman quipped , “As and when we feel hungry”.
It was a pleasant surprise to know that about 20 dalit MNREGA workers of Kamalapur are
sending their children to private and English medium schools . Navaneetha , aged 11 years ,
is studying in 4th
class in an English medium school located in Adilabad district town . Her
father , Chityala Narasimhulu, is a dalit and works under MNREGS . Like Navanettha, there
are many children of MNREGA labourers who are studying in private English medium
schools . Villagers categorically said , “ It would not have been possible , if MNREGS was not
there .” Before MNREGS , there were only 10 Graduates in this village , but now there are
40 boys and girls who have either completed or pursuing Degree courses , and it is largely
because of their economic empowerment through MNREGA .
Dalit women of Kamalapur who work as MNREGA labourers said , “ Before MNREGA , we
had hardly 2 sarees and that too very cheap and ordinary , but now all of us have more than
6-7 good quality sarees , thanks to MNREGS wages .” Similarly , men are also having 5-6
sets of good quality clothes , whereas earlier they used to have hardly 2 sets of clothes .
List of Sample Villages from Srikakulam District
NAME OF VILLAGE NAME OF GP NAME OF MANDAL
1 KUPPILI KUPPILI ETCHERLA
2 TALLAVALASA TALLAVALASA ETCHERLA
3 SUBHADRAPURAM TALLAVALASA LAVERU
4 MURAPAAKA MURAPAAKA LAVERU
5 GUNTUKUPETA MURAPAAKA LAVERU
6 SIGIRIKOTHAPALLY SIGIRIKATHAPALLY LAVERU
7 VENKATA RAO PETA SIGIRIKOTHAPALLY LAVERU
8 LACHARAYAPURAM LACHARAYAPURAM REGIDI
9 AMUDALAVALASA AMUDALAVALASA REGIDI

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10 ATTALI PALAKONDA PALAKONDA
11 APPAPURAM HABITATION APPAPURAM LAVERU
12 APPAPURAM APPAPURAM LAVERU
13 GURUGUBILLI HABITATION GURUGUBILLI LAVERU
14 GURUGUBILLI GURUGUBILLI LAVERU
15 MANDA COLONY MANDA SEETHAMPETA
16 PUBBADA PUBBADA SEETHAMPETA
17 PUBBADAGUDA PUBBADA SEETHAMPETA
18 MANDA MANDA SEETHAMPETA
19 GURUVUPETA PONNADA ETCHERLA
20 PONNADA SC COLONY PONNADA ETCHERLA
List of Sample Villages from Adilabad District
NAME OF VILLAGE NAME OF GP NAME OF MANDAL
1 ANKOLI ANKOLI ADILABAD
2 SIRIKONDA ANKOLI ADILABAD
3 CHINCHU GHAT CHINCHU GHAT ADILABAD
4 TEKDIGUDA CHINCHU GHAT ADILABAD
5 VAANMAT VAANMAT ADILABAD
6 MAMIDIGUDA VAANVAT ADILABAD
7 LINGUGUDA PIPPALDARI ADILABAD

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8 LOKARI LOKARI ADILABAD
9 CHITTELBORI KUCHKATI ADILABAD
10 SEETHAGONDI SEETHAGONDI GUDIHATNUR
11 GARKAMPET SEETHAMGONDI GUDIHATNUR
12 GEEDIPALLY KAMALAPUR GUDIHATNUR
13 KAMALAPUR KAMALAPUR GUDIHATNUR
14 MANNUR MANNUR GUDIHATNUR
15 SAMBUGUDA MANNUR GUDIHATNUR
16 NAGAPUR NAGAPUR UTNUR
17 TAKKUGUDA NAGAPUR UTNUR
18 GANGAPUR UTNUR UTNUR
19 UTNUR UTNUR UTNUR
20 PIPPALDHARI PIPPALDHARI ADILABAD
CASE STUDIES AND SUCCESS STORIES
ANANTPURAM DISTRICT
CASE STUDY -1
Village: Bandlapalli
Grampanchayat: Bandlapalli

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Mandal: Narpala
District: Ananthapuram
MNREGA BRINGS ECOLOGICAL REVIVAL , LIVELIHOOD SECURITY & ECONOMIC
PROSPERITY
Before the launch of MGNREGA, there was massive distress migration from this village.
About 300 labourers from this village used to migrate out to cities like Bengaluru,
Hyderabad, Tirupathi etc. The children used to normally dropout from school and
people used to find it very difficult to get two meals a day. The daily wage was for
females - Rs.30/- and for males - Rs.50/-. There used to be water crisis in this village
and farmers used to get hardly any yield from their fields due to depletion in ground
water table and water scarcity. There used to be very severe livelihood crisis in this
village before 2006.
However, there has been a total transformation in the economic condition of this village
after the arrival of MGNREGA. All needy households have got 100 days of employment
and their due wages every year since 2006. As a result, the distress migration has
stopped. Moreover, as a result of various water harvesting projects implemented under
MGNREGA, most of the water bodies in the village have got recharged and farmers are
getting 2 – 3 times more crop yields compared to 3 – 4 years ago. In this village, there is
no irregularity in the implementation of MGNREGA ; most of the villagers attend social
audit forum and there has been no case of misappropriation of MGNREGA funds.
About 80 percent children of the village are going to private schools, spending at least
Rs. 10 -15 thousand per annum. Four school buses of different private schools located in
Ananathapuram come every day in this village to pick up students. Before 2006, no one
in this village went to any private school. In last 2 -3 years, about 50 boys and girls have
completed Graduation and about 15 have completed Post Graduation. Villagers say that
all this has become possible only because of effective implementation of MGNREGA in
this village. When asked as to what would have been their condition without MGNREGA,
villagers unanimously said “We would be back to distress migration, chronic hunger,
livelihood crisis , no education for children, miserable life and extreme deprivation.”

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Before MGNREGA, there used to be very severe fights among these villagers. There were
20 murders within this village before 2006. Villagers (labourers) say that prior to
MGNREGA, they were solely dependent for their food security on two big landlords of
the village. These two landlords used to fight between themselves to get control over
larger number of labourers of the village. That used to lead to fight between them. The
poor labourers had no option but to work with one or the other landlord because
otherwise they would starve. These labourers used to suffer the worst consequences of
the fights between 2 big landlords. Some family members of the fighting landlords as
well as some labourers lost their lives in the fights.
However, with the arrival of MGNREGA, the labourers slowly and slowly became less
dependent on the landlords for their livelihood and this led to gradual decline and end
to the factional fights, because the labourers are no more dependent on the landlords
for their livelihood.
In last 2 – 3 years , about 400 – 500 new pucca houses have been constructed in
Bandlapalli village. Most households have Colour Televisions and all households have
cell phones. In last 2 – 3 years , more than 200 Colour Televisions were purchased.
BENEFICIARIES OF WATER HARVESTING & GROUND WATER RECHARGE
Beneficiary #1
Babu Reddy belongs to OC(other caste) and has 5 acres of land. 10 years ago he had
drilled a bore well, but after giving some water for one year, it failed to give any water.
He drilled another bore well 3 years ago. In the beginning, the bore well was giving
about 1 inch of water discharge but now the volume of water has increased to 2 inches
as a result of water harvesting structures, check dams, desiltation etc. recharging the
ground water level. As a result, this farmer got about Rupees One lakh worth of chilly,
Rs.40,000/- worth of groundnut and Rs.15,000/- worth of paddy from his field.
Before the second bore well was dug , he used to get hardly Rs.30,000 – 40,000 worth
of crop yield from his land.

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Beneficiary #2
Laxminarayana is a dalit farmer with 5 acres of land. He used to get hardly Rs.50,000
worth of crop yield (Groundnut) before 4 years, but now he has got about Rs. Two lakh
worth of chilly and tomato. It has happened because of the various water harvesting
projects implemented under MGNREGA. These projects have led to appreciable rise in
the ground water levels of the village. 4- 5 years ago , the ground water was available
below 450 feet which led to failure of many bore wells in the village. But now, due to
rise in the ground water table even at the depth of 250 – 300 feet, bore wells are
yielding sufficient water. In other words, due to various water harvesting structures
dug/built under MGNREGA in this Gram Panchayat , there is about 150 feet of rise in
the ground water table. This amazing ecological revival has remarkable economic
and livelihood implications for the farmers of this poor village. As a result of these
projects the farmers’crop yield and income has increased 2 – 3 times during the
last 3 years. If calculated in terms of income , this would throw up a very high
amount of annual income coming to this village as a result of the increase in crop
yield and income of the poor farmers directly as a result of ecological revivial and
restoration brought about by water harvesting projects implemented under
MGNREGA.
Laxminarayana is a living example of the ecological and economic turnaround brought
about by MGNREGA. He is now sending 2 of his children to school and college. His eldest
son Anil Kumar is studying in Nalanda Degree College, pursuing CEC(Commerce,
Economics and Civics) in Ananthapuram. And his younger son is studying in 5th class in
Little Flower High School in Ananthapuram and paying about Rs.10,000/- as school fees
and about Rs.5000/- towards transportation per annum. Moreover, with additional
income, he invested about Rs.30,000/- towards construction of a pucca house(partial)
in 2012 and he has purchased a Colour TV worth Rs.8000/- and a Mobile phone worth
Rs.3000/ during 2013. Before 2006 , he used to go to Bengaluru and work as daily wage
labour. But now, he does not need to go anywhere, thanks to MGNREGA.
Beneficiary #3

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Akkamma belongs to OC(other caste) and has 4 acres of land. She got about Rs.1 lakh
worth of crop yield during 2013. Before 2009 , she hardly used to get 20 – 30 thousand
rupees of income from her land. Her younger son is now pursuing B. Pharmacy in
Ananthapuram. She has just begun to construct a new house and has 20 sarees. Before
2006, her family used to go to other cities and towns in search of wage employment. But
now they don’t go out anywhere.
Beneficiary #4
Yugandhar Reddy belongs to OC and has 5 acres of land. Though he had drilled one bore
well 15 years ago and another about 8 years ago, both these bore wells had been giving
very little water and 2 – 3 years ago he was able to get hardly Rs.1 lakh worth of crop
yield from the land. However, last year he harvested Rs.3 lakh worth of Chilly , thanks to
the sufficient water availability from the bore wells as a result of groundwater recharge
through MGNREGA projects. With additional income, this farmer has been able to drill
another bore well costing Rs.1.5 lakh . Moreover , he has purchased 2 buffaloes worth
Rs.50,000/- which are giving milk worth Rs.500/- per day. Realizing the importance of
MGNREGA in his livelihood security, this farmer says “If MGNREGA was not there , it
would be impossible for us to get income like this. It is simply because of the rise in
groundwater table due to implementation of MGNREGA projects that we are getting
this much of income. Our livelihood is now secure and we don’t need to go anywhere
to get our livelihood”.
Beneficiary #5
Parmeshwar Reddy belongs to OC and has 15 acres of land. Last year, he got income of
Rs.6 lakh whereas earlier he used to get only around Rs.1.5 lakh of income from his
land . He has one bore well. This increased income is solely on account of rise in the
groundwater level thanks to MNREGA projects.
Beneficiary #6
Ramchandra Reddy belongs to OC and has 10 acres of land. Pre- MGNREGA , he got
hardly Rs.1 lakh as income from his land ,but he is getting Rs.3 lakh post –MGNREGA,
due to sufficient availability of groundwater for irrigating his crops.

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CASE STUDY -2
Village: Cherlopalli
Grampanchayat: Balampalli
Mandal: Hindupuram
Total Households: 150 (SCs 70, BCs 60 and OCs 20)
BONDED LABOURERS LIBERATED BY MNREGA
Most dalit families of this extremely deprived village in Ananthapuram district were
leading life of bonded labour, distress migration, chronic hunger, servitude and
humiliation. These people used to work in the homes and farms of big Zamindars and
they used to get hardly anything as wages.
Anjinappa , aged 72 years , is a dalit labourer who worked as bonded labour for 15
years. His father had put him and seven of his brothers in the homes of various
Zamindars, because he could not take care of all his children. There were many other
dalits in the village who also worked as bonded labourers. They used to get only Rs12/-
per year as wage from Zamindars 30 years ago. But even before MGNREGA, they were
living life of semi-starvation and extreme deprivation. Their children never went to
schools because they used to tend cattle of land lords. All these dalits have got some
assigned lands but that is as good as barren because of drought and water scarcity. They
used to get very little produce from their assigned lands.
However, with the arrival of MGNREGA in 2006, a new ray of hope has dawned in the
lives of these poor dalits of Ananthapuram village. In about 115 acres of assigned land
belonging to 38 dalits, a Comprehensive Land Development Project has been
implemented in this village (Muddalapuram Anjaneyaswamy Block). During 2010 – 11,
bush clearance was done and thereafter some farm ponds and mini percolation tanks
have been dug.

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Under the Land Development , activities undertaken were Bush Clearance and Land
levelling, Boulder removal, Deep ploughing, Drilling bore wells, Energization and Motor
fixing. In the entire block, mango plantation has been done and some of the farmers are
likely to get their 1st yield of mango this year(2014). Most of the farmers are getting
increased yield from the intercrops like Groundnuts, Horsegrams etc, compared to the
pre-development stage.
Most Households of this village, before MGNREGA , used to migrate out to big towns in
search of wage employment and they were unable to get 2 square meals, but after
MNREGA all of them are able to eat 3 square meals . They have now also been taking
regular Non-Vegetarian meals. Their children are going to schools, distress migration
has been drastically reduced and these dalits who used to live life of bonded labour are
now living life of dignity, self reliance and livelihood security.
Anjinappa, who once was a bonded labour, recalling his traumatic days says, “When I
was working as a bonded labour , my landlord would not allow me to go home or take
rest even if I was sick. But now, nobody can dictate me what to do and what not to do. I
am free now , as and when required I take rest and do work as per my wish. I am living
a liberated and dignified life”.
MANGO PLANTATION
M Ashwathappa is a dalit farmer who has 4 acres of assigned land with mango
plantation done under MNREGA. He hopes to get at least Rs.20,000/- of annual income
from his mango plantation after 2 years. Similarly , most of the mango farmers expect
after 2 -3 years Rs.5 – 6 thousand of annual income per acre of mango plantation. After
5 -6 years the annual per acre income is likely to be not less than Rs.10,000/- . In
monetary terms, after 5 – 6 years, this 115 acres of mango plantation block developed
under MNREGA is going to give an annual income of atleast Rs.10 lakh (all 38
beneficiaries put together) to these extremely deprived dalits.

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In this Gram Panchayat, there are various water harvesting projects implemented under
MNREGA , which has resulted into increase in the ground water table and now many
farmers are getting increased yields from their fields.
CASE STUDY -3
Village: K K Thanda
Grampanchayat: Kamalapuram
Mandal: Garladinne
ORANGE PLANTATION UNDER MNREGA MAKES ADIVASI FARMERS PROSPEROUS
Beneficiary #1
Prasad Nayak belongs to Scheduled Tribe(ST) and has 5 acres of land which was
virtually unproductive and a loss making exercise. He used to sow groundnut. Many a
time, he used to incur losses upto Rs. 20 – 30 thousand because the land was not
levelled. But in 2006, a Land Development Project (pebble bunding, boulder removal)
was implemented under MGNREGA. Thereafter, in 2007 sweet orange plantation was
done in 5 acres of his land. The costs and investments for orange plantation came from
MGNREGA as in the case of mango plantations. During 2007 -2010, this ST Farmer got
about Rs.3 lakh from the intercrop of groundnut in the sweet orange plantation. In
2010, he got the 1st orange fruit yield worth Rs.70,000/-, in 2011 Rs.1.2 lakh and in
2012 he got Rs.1.5 lakh from the sweet orange fruits.
This adivasi farmer has purchased about 100 grams of gold from the income of sweet
orange plantation. He is now able to eat three wholesome meals with vegetables and
has bought costly clothes for his family, whereas in 2006, he used to eat food with
pickles and used to be always indebted. Now, he has also cleared Rs.2 lakh of debt taken
before 2006. Two of his daughters are studying in Residential School in Ananthapuram.
Beneficiary # 2

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Laxmi Nayak belongs to Scheduled Tribe and has 5 acres of land under orange
plantation . During 3 years of intercrop, he earned Rs.50,000/- from them. The 1st
orange fruit gave him Rs.2 lakh, 2nd year – Rs.3 lakh and in 3rd year he got Rs.2.5 lakh
(due to fall in market prices).
With the income from his orange plants he purchased 3 acres of wet land for cultivating
paddy, spending Rs.4 lakh on that . This year in April (2013), he married his daughter
and spent Rs. 7 lakh in the marriage of his daughter. He had purchased about 120
grams of gold. In fact, he borrowed Rs.3 lakh for the marriage of his daughter thinking
that he would be able to repay back that loan from the income of orange, next season.
The same farmer before 2006 had spent less than Rs.1 lakh on the marriage of his sister
due to poor financial condition.
Beneficiary # 3
Anjaneyulu Nayak belongs to Scheduled Caste and has 5 acres of land under orange
plantation . From the intercrops during 3 years, he got about Rs.1.5 lakh of income. 1st
crop of orange gave him Rs.1.3 lakh, 2nd year he got Rs.1.8 lakh and in the 3rd year Rs.
2.4 lakh.
With the additional income of orange, he has cleared Rs.2 lakh of debts. The first child of
this adivasi farmer is daughter and doing M.Tech in Osmania University at Hyderabad.
The second child is pursuing B.Com in Government Arts College at Ananthapuram and
staying there in private hostel. The third child is pursuing 1st year B.Tech in Chaitanya
Bharathi Institute of Technology at Hyderabad.
He is spending over Rs.1.5 lakh per annum on the education on his 3 children. This
adivasi farmer proudly and emphatically says that “It would be impossible for us to
even dream of this kind of education without the incomes coming from MGNREGA
projects.”
Beneficiary # 4
Shivaiah Nayak is a ST farmer and has 5 acres of land under orange plantation done
through MNREGA. He earned about Rs.1.5 lakh from intercrops and 1st year sweet
orange fruit gave him Rs.80,000/-, 2nd year – Rs.2.5 lakh and in 3rd year also Rs.2.5 lakh.

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He has got 3 children and on their education he is spending Rs.2 lakh per year . His 1st
son is doing Diploma in Mechanical and his second son is pursuing B.Tech in
Electronics. Third is a daughter studying in Intermediate (History,Economics and
Civics) .
Beneficiary of Land Development
Ruplu Bai ( a beneficiary of land development project under MNREGA) is a ST farmer
who says “We used to live a miserable life before 2006 and led a life of distress
migration, hunger and abject poverty. The children were unable to go to schools. We
used to have hardly one pair of sarees but thanks to MGNREGA we are now able to eat 3
wholesome meals with purchased vegetables. Our children are able to study in
government schools and most of the women have over 15 sarees”. About half of the
households have colour TVs and every house has a cell phone.
The MGNREGA has brought all round prosperity and revival in the village economy. All
labourers/farmers of the village are having a new confidence about their future life.
Most of the labourers/farmers are investing a lot of their MGNREGA income towards
giving good education/high education to their children. Many have bought cultivable
lands also. The new found confidence in the incomes from MGNREGA has led many
farmers/labourers to borrow money also. The credit worthiness of the villagers has
increased. A lot of their barren land has been made cultivable, thanks to Comprehensive
Land Development Projects taken under MGNREGA.
Villagers say that there is no complaint in this village regarding implementation of
MGNREGA. There is effective and corruption free implementation of MGNREGA in this
village. All labourers and MGNREGA beneficiaries participate in Social Audit Forum.
CASE STUDY -4
Village : Mandlipalli (Harijanawada)
Grampanchayat : Tanakal
Mandal : Tanakal

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District : Ananthapuram
Total Households : 120 (Entirely Scheduled Caste)
MNREGA BECOMES DIVINE BOON FOR POOR DALITS OF MANDLIPALLI
About 300 acres of land (Barren/ Unproductive) was assigned to dalits of this village
long ago, but entire land was lying barren. In 2010 -11, one Dry Land Horticulture
(Mango) Project under MNREGA began in this village under which about 177 acres of
the barren land has been developed ( Bush clearance, Boulder removal, Stone picking ,
Trenches construction , earthen bunds and mango plantation). During this 2-3 years of
gestation period most of the farmers have done inter-cropping. In this entire block of
mango plantation 1390 mango plants have been planted. Their intercrops have already
provided good income to many dalit farmers. Moreover, they receive Rs.1200 per
month per acre of mango plantation as maintenance cost under MNREGA for 3 years of
gestation period . This has brought very good and regular income to all mango
plantation beneficiaries .
Beneficiary: #1
Jelipigari Narayanappa has 7.5 acres of land , out of which about half is already under
mango plantation. From the intercrop in the 1st year, he earned Rs.36,000/- from
Tomato, from the second crop of Tomato he earned Rs.46,000/- and he is expecting
about Rs.60,000/- worth of tomato this year(2014). He purchased gold worth Rupees
One Lakh last year. He also purchased about Rs.15000 worth of furniture. He is building
a new Pucca house and in that he has invested about Rupees One Lakh from his
personal income. Two of his children are studying in Government School. He used to
work in the house of a landlord and used to get Rs.1000 - 1500/- per year. His wife also
used to work on daily wage of Rs.15 – 20 before MGNREGA.
However, his life took a turn with the arrival of MGNREGA. He is now very happy farmer
and lives a life of self confidence, self respect and self reliance. His livelihood is secured

54
through MGNREGA and horticulture plantation. When asked if he works anywhere
other than MGNREGA, this dalit farmer proudly quipped “Now, I myself can engage and
employ 1 – 2 labourers”.
Beneficiary #2
Jelipigari Venkataramana has 4 acres of land , in which 2 acres is under mango
plantation. In 1st year of intercrop (Tomato), he earned Rs.50,000/- and this year too he
has grown Tomato and likely to get at least Rs.50,000/- income. With the income earned
from intercrops, he was able to repay Rs.35000/- of debt and invested some income in
agriculture. He has 10 shirts.
Beneficiary #3
J Tirupal has 4 acres of land with mango plantation in the entire plot. He has earned
Rs.60,000 from groundnut cultivation. He has purchased Rs.1.5 lakh worth of gold only
last year. He says that this entire gold purchase was done with direct and indirect
income from MGNREGA . He receives Rs.1200 per month per acre of mango plantation
as maintenance cost under MNREGA . In other words , he earns Rs.48,000 towards
watering charges/wages per year. So, during 3 years of gestation period of mango
plantation project, he received about Rs.1.44 lakh as maintenance cost from MNREGA .
Beneficiary #4
J Uthanna has 5 acres of land and in 3 acres he has taken up mango plantation.
From Intercrop (Tomato) he earned Rs.70,000/-
Beneficiary #5
J Venkataramana has 3.5 acres of land and in 3 acres he has taken up mango plantation.
From intercrop (Groundnut) he earned Rs.45,000/-.
During last 2 years, he has purchased Rs.15,000 worth of gold and a Mobile phone and
has deposited Rs.30,000 as savings in the State Bank of India. He has 10 sets of clothes
(he was wearing starched and ironed clothes and had very costly towel on his
shoulders). Before 2006, he was working with a landlord and leading miserable life.

55
Beneficiary # 6
J Ramachandra has 4 acres of land and has taken up mango plantation in the entire plot.
He earned Rs.50,000 from the intercrop of Tomato. He has 3 children. Eldest son has
completed BA and is waiting for a Job. His other two children who are daughters are
both pursuing Nursing Courses.
Beneficiary #7
K Genganna has 3 acres of land and has mango plantation in all 3 acres of his land.
During last 3 years of intercrop, he has earned Rs.45,000/-. He has invested some of the
income he earned on the construction of the house and also purchased some cattle.
Beneficiary #8
V Narasimhulu has 7.5 acres of land. He has mango plantation in 5 acres of land. During
last 3 years, he has earned Rs.1.5 lakh from groundnut cultivation. He also purchased 3
acres of land worth Rs.2.1 lakh and says that this is all thanks to MGNREGA.
Beneficiary #9
M Gopal has 3.5 acres of land and in 2.5 acres he has taken up mango plantation . From
intercrops (Tomato, Chilly and Groundnut) he earned Rs.50,000/-
Beneficiary #10
J Adilaxmi has 4 acres of land and in 2.8 acres she has taken up mango plantation. She
has earned Rs.28,000/- from the groundnut intercrop alone. She purchased gold worth
Rs.52,000 . She says “Earlier I had only one pair of sarees and that too very cheap. But
now, I have 5 pairs of costly sarees”.
Beneficiary #11

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J Venkataramana has 3.5 acres of land and has mango plantation in this entire plot. He
has earned Rs.60,000 from groundnut intercrop. He got his son educated till M.A, B.Ed
and other son till Graduation.
Before MGNREGA, these dalit farmers and labourers used to work as farm labourers at
daily wage of Rs.30-40 in the neighbouring villages. But now they don’t need to go out
for work in other villages . If at all they do go , they demand and get Rs.150-200/- as
daily wage. Villagers say that MGNREGA has become a “divine boon” and they are living
a very happy, comfortable and dignified life. All of them are sending their children to
schools and most of them have invested incomes either in purchasing durables like gold
or some savings in the bank or invested towards agriculture. Seeing and realizing the
contribution and role of MGNREGA in their life, these farmers are strongly demanding
that there should be no limit on the number of days under MGNERGA.
J Gangadhar, who used to work in a Hotel in Puttaparthy and used to earn Rs.2000/-
(Husband and wife both put together) for working round the clock. It was a bone
breaking job and life was miserable. “I am so happy now with my MGNREGA job and I
am leading a happy, comfortable and dignified life in my own village. I am no more
dependent on anyone for my food security and I am also a proud citizen of India. For
poor people like me MGNREGA is not a scheme but a god sent boon. This divine blessing
(MGNREGA) is much more meaningful and important for poor people like me than the
Prasadam (Blessing) I used to enjoy in Puttaparthy (in Satya Sai Ashram)”.
Jelipigari Gangadhar is a SC beneficiary (Mate also) with 3 acres of mango cultivation .
He says, “MGNREGA is not just another project or welfare scheme but a divine blessing
for poor people like me”.
These dalits say that now they are going twice or thrice to Balaji temple(Tirupati). But
before 2006, they never went there. It is because of the income from MGNREGA.
Earlier they used to eat non-vegetarian food once in a while, but now they are eating
non-vegetarian food twice to thrice in a month.

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CASE STUDY -5
Village: Venkatagari palli
Grampanchayat: Venkatagari palli
Mandal: Puttaparthy
Total Households: 222 (120- SCs, 150- BCs)
MNREGA RECHARGES GROUND WATER TABLE IN WATER-SCARCE VILLAGE
This village used to have distress migration up to 2/3rd and these poor people were
living life of extreme deprivation, chronic hunger and distress migration. Many days
they used to get no meals at all and their children would also go without food. Many a
time, they used to survive by eating just wild products like leaves of drumsticks etc.
None of these villagers had ever gone to Tirupathi before 2006. Women had hardly one
pair of sarees. Most of these people used to live in thatched houses.
However, with the arrival of MGNREGA there has been some remarkable change in the
lives and livelihoods of the poor people living in this village. Distress migration is now a
thing of the past. Every household is able to eat 3 full meals with vegetables bought
from the market. They are also eating Non-Vegetarian food once or twice in a month,
while earlier it was rare. Most women have 10 – 14 sarees against earlier having 1 -2
pairs. Most of them have now constructed pucca house and some expenses of the house
have also been met from MGNREGA income.
Ananthapuram is by-word for drought and crop failure. In this village too, farmers who
had land used to face and bear the brunt of water scarcity. The bore wells and open
wells of this village had become defunct/dried-up or giving very little water.But after
the arrival of MGNREGA, the implementing agencies realized the importance of water
harvesting structures and went for building the same in large numbers. As a result,
there has been appreciable increase in the ground water table of this village and now

58
about 25 open wells and 35 bore wells have got recharged. Consequently, many of the
farmers whose lands are irrigated by these bore wells and open wells are getting
increased crop yields and more income .
CHITTOOR DISTRICT
CASE STUDY-1

59
Village: PILLARI KONA
Grampanchayat: PULLAMANAIDU KANDRIGA
Mandal: RAMACHANDRAPURAM
District: CHITTOOR
No. of HHs: 47 (Entirely Adivasi village)
MNREGA UNLEASHES SOCIO-ECONOMIC REVOLUTION IN ADIVASI VILLAGE
Pillari Kona is an entirely adivasi village of Chittoor district . A Comprehensive Land
Development Project (CLDP) was implemented under MNREGA during 2007-10 in this
extremely deprived village. An area of 40.66 acres has been developed under this scheme
belonging to 34 adivasi beneficiaries of this village. Most of the area developed under
MGNREGA was essentially land assigned to STs & SCs of the Grampanchayat 20 years ago.
These adivasis (Yanadi) were leading very miserable life before MGNREGA and this was a
text book case of deprived adivasi village living always on the edge. They were surviving
primarily by collection of NTFP(non-timber forest produce) like firewood, honey , rat
trapping etc. Since the food was scarce and many times they didn’t get any food for 3 to 4
days , they used to survive only by eating rats. This in itself explains the kind of
dehumanising poverty and livelihood crisis these Yanadi adivasis had been facing from time
immemorial.
Some of the adivasis used to go to Tirupathi for wage employment. But most of them didn’t
, because it was 40 kilometers away and there was no link road. So, most of them used to
remain trapped in their village nestled in the foot hills. There were very little sources of food
and livelihood , therefore , these adivasis had no option but to lead a life of extreme
deprivation, chronic hunger, semi-starvation and perpetual misery.
Even the assigned land of these adivasis was substantially barren and unproductive ;
because very little area of that could give some dry land crops like millets which was

60
absolutely insignificant for meeting their food requirements. This kind of miserable life
continued till 2006, when MGNREGA came in their life as a new ray of hope.
When MGNREGA came in 2006, officials of the implementing agencies (Mandal &
Grampanchayat functionaries) came to this adivasi village and explained to these poor
people about the role and relevance of MGNREGA and also succeeded in convincing these
adivasis to allow and undertake land development activities in their assigned lands. The
adivasis took it as a divine boon and they went for bush clearance in their lands as part of
land development activity in 2007. This was the beginning of a new chapter in the lives,
livelihood and lifestyle of these poor adivasis. Under MGNREGA, most of the adivasis have
got over 100 days of job since the beginning of the project and they have got their due
wages too.
It is heartenning to note that all 47 households of this adivasi village have already completed
100 days of job this year(2013 -14). Within one week of completion of the job, these
adivasis have been receiving their wage payment from post office through bio-metric
authentication without any hitch.
What is more interesting is the indirect benefits that have started coming to these adivasis
as a result of comprehensive land development undertaken in their assigned lands under
MGNREGA.
These poor adivasis who never had in their life seen or known any productive assets
belonging to them are now proud owners and beneficiaries of mango plantation done
under MGNREGA.
GUNDRAJU KUPPAM MAHALAXMI is a poor Yanadi adivasi woman and her family had been
living a life of extreme poverty and semi starvation till 2006. But with the arrival of
MGNREGA in her village , her family’s life and economic condition has taken new
turnaround. Not only that her household has completed 100 days of job every year but she
also got land development and mango plantation done in 2 acres of her assigned land. She
has 140 mango plants and these plants have already given one yield which gave about
Rs.18,000 of income to her. This year and for next three years she has given that mango
plantation on lease and the contractor will give her about Rs.20,000 per year .

61
More importantly, the intercrops like groundnut, sunflower, vegetables (ladies finger,
beans, green chilies, coriander, bitter gourd and green leafy vegetables) have given her
Rs.30,000/- of income just in one year(2013).
In other words , this poor tribal family has earned about Rs.50,000/- of annual income from
the yields/crops of 2 acres of land developed under MGNREGA. This is over and above the
wage money earned from 100 days of job done under MGNREGA. In other words, this poor
adivasi household has earned about Rs.60,000/- to 65,000/- of direct and indirect income
from MGNREGA. That is inconceavable for anyone who doesn’t understand the far reaching
implications and impacts of a project like MGNREGA.
GUNDRAJU KUPPAM MAHALAXMI’s life has now become meaningful, dignified and
livelihoods secure . The future looks very bright. She has two daughters. Eldest daughter
Hima Priya is studying in 3rd
year in Govt. Polytechnic in Palmaneru. Her second daughter G
Hema is studying in 10th
class in Zilla Parishad High School, Nettukuppam. She emphatically
says , “It would have been impossible for her to educate her children if MGNREGA was not
there. She has tasted the fruits of MGNREGA and hence requesting forcefully that given the
importance and contribution of MGNREGA in livelihood security of STs and SCs, the
limitation of 100 days should be lifted and at least ST and SC households should be allowed
unlimited days of employment.”
She further says, “Before MGNREGA, I used to buy second hand clothes which were stiched
and worn out. But now thanks to MNGREGA, I have 35 sarees and most of them I bought
from branded saree stores located in Tirupati, like Chandana Brothers and Bommana
Brothers”.
This adivasi woman became emotional while narrating her story of hardships and misery
before arrival of MGNREGA and said in a chocking voice , “We used to live without food for
days together and there would be hardly any clothes on our bodies. Only mercy of God
saved our lives. I pray to god that long live MGNREGA and god bless the people who made
MGNREGA”.
While narrating her story in front of the Mandal Additional Program Officer, Smt. O Jyothi
Sree and other government officials, she couldn’t control her emotions and tears started

Miracle of MNREGA in AP - Copy

Miracle of MNREGA in AP - Copy

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