Field-level perspectives on Maharashtra's Employment Guarantee Scheme
Lieberman, S.S.
Public Administration and Development 5(2): 109-137
1985
ISSN/ISBN: 0271-2075 DOI: 10.1002/pad.4230050203Document Number: 407580
This paper examines the implementation of the Employment Guarantee Scheme (EGS), the large scale rural works programme in operation since 1974 in the Indian state of Maharashtra. The analysis of programme management and execution of individual EGS projects draws on the experiences and observations of the unique cadre of employment officers, from different departments, with field-level responsibilities. The first section of the paper describes the organization which administers EGS and reviews the body of directives which guides EGS field operations. Subsequent sections discuss the background characteristics of field functionaries and focus on various problems encountered and solutions adopted by these officers in implementing EGS projects. The discretionary powers enjoyed by field officers as a result of the absence or impracticality of government guidelines for many issues influence the implementation of the project and make officials vulnerable to political pressures. The implications of this discretion need to be recognized by the Government of Maharashtra. Knowledge gained from EGS operations needs to be used to prepare officials for project work.
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