MGNREGA_SAMEEKSHA

Governance and Process Challenges 69
Box 6.6 (contd.)
Social Audits in Andhra Pradesh
significant impact on generating awareness among beneficiaries as well as in improving quality of implementation
of the Scheme. The difference in awareness levels before and after is in Fig. 6.2. Social audits also improved record
maintenance and worksite implementation. The study found that entries in JCs increased from 39 per cent to 99 per
cent. The availability of drinking water at worksites also went up from 79 per cent to 95 per cent.
Figure 6.2
Improvements in Awareness Levels Before and After Social Audits
120
100
% who knew the right answer
80
60
40
20
0
100 Days Guarantee No Machines No Contractors Can demand work
Before Social Audit 1 month after Social Audit 6 months after Social Audit
Source: Y. Aiyar, and S. Samji, The National Rural Employment Guarantee Act: Design, Process and Impact, Delhi: Ministry of
Rural Development, 2009.
Learning from the experience of Andhra Pradesh,
the GoI notified Social Audit rules, outlining in
detail the processes and procedures for conducting
quality audits by State Governments (see Chapter
7). Regular monitoring is done through the MIS and
regular follow-up with states that are not conducting
social audits, is also undertaken.
Grievance Redressal
Ineffective grievance redressal remains a concern
in implementation of the Scheme. Studies point out
that it is necessary to strengthen grievance redressal
systems to address issues of corruption as well as
other process issues. While the Act provides that
each State formulate grievance redressal rules, few
State governments have done so. 65
In view of the need to strengthen grievance redressal,
the GoI amended the MGNREGA’s Schedule to
prescribe rules for speedy and effective disposal of
complaints. States have also been advised to set
up district level ombudsman to receive complaints
from MGNREGA workers and other stakeholders
and facilitate their redressal. Currently five states
have set up district level Ombudsman, viz. Punjab,
Sikkim, Manipur, Mizoram and Himachal Pradesh
65
J. Dreze, ‘The Accountability Gap’, in The Battle for Employment Guarantee, ed. R. Khera, New Delhi: Oxford University
Press, 2011, pp. 266–69.