India Human Development Survey shows results of new employment program
A recent article in India’s newspaper The Hindu uses data from the India Human Development Survey to examine the results of a massive public works program intended to provide a social safety net to workers in India. The Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) makes the government the employer of last resort for rural workers who would otherwise be left with insufficient employment. Though there are some problems with the program, it has been successful in providing employment to disadvantaged workers including women, indigenous people, and members of castes traditionally regarded as untouchable.
MPRC faculty associates Sonalde Desai and Reeve Vanneman published the article with co-author Omkar Joshi. Their conclusions are drawn from the results of the India Human Development Survey, a joint project of the University of Maryland and the National Council of Applied Economic Research.