Welfare and Poverty Impacts of India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme

Welfare and Poverty Impacts of India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme
Author: Klaus Deininger
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
Total Pages: 36
Release: 2013-09-13
Genre: Social Science
ISBN:

India’s National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) is one of the largest public works programs globally. Understanding the impacts of NREGS and the pathway through which its impacts are realized thus has important policy implications. We use a three-round 4,000-household panel from Andhra Pradesh together with administrative data to explore short- and medium-term poverty and welfare effects of NREGS. Triple difference estimates suggest that participants significantly increase consumption (protein and energy intake) in the short run and accumulate more nonfinancial assets in the medium term. Direct benefits exceed program-related transfers and are most pronounced for scheduled castes and tribes and households supplying casual labor. Asset creation via program-induced land improvements is consistent with a medium-term increase in assets by nonparticipants and increases in wage income in excess of program cost.

Mgnrega and Women Empowerment

Mgnrega and Women Empowerment
Author: Annita Ranjan
Publisher: Prabhat Prakashan
Total Pages: 152
Release: 2016-01-01
Genre: Reference
ISBN: 8184303785

Empower yourself with knowledge and inspiration with "MGNREGA and Women Empowerment" by Annita Ranjan, a groundbreaking exploration of the transformative impact of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) on women's empowerment in India. Join Annita Ranjan as she delves into the profound implications of MGNREGA, a landmark government initiative aimed at providing employment opportunities and social security to rural households. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, Ranjan sheds light on the ways in which MGNREGA has empowered women by enhancing their economic independence, social mobility, and political agency. Delve into the themes of gender equality, social justice, and grassroots democracy as Ranjan examines the role of MGNREGA in challenging traditional gender roles and empowering women to take control of their own destinies. From the empowerment of rural women as wage earners to their increased participation in decision-making processes at the local level, "MGNREGA and Women Empowerment" offers a comprehensive and nuanced exploration of the multifaceted dimensions of women's empowerment in rural India. Character analysis focuses on the countless women whose lives have been transformed by MGNREGA, from agricultural laborers and domestic workers to entrepreneurs and community leaders. Through their stories and experiences, readers gain insight into the challenges and triumphs of women's empowerment in India and the vital role that government policies can play in effecting positive change. The overall tone and mood of the book are one of hope, optimism, and empowerment, as Ranjan's insightful commentary and inspiring anecdotes illustrate the transformative power of grassroots activism and social welfare programs. From the bustling streets of rural villages to the corridors of power in New Delhi, "MGNREGA and Women Empowerment" offers a compelling and uplifting portrait of a nation on the path to gender equality and social justice. Critically acclaimed for its depth of research, clarity of analysis, and passionate advocacy for women's rights, "MGNREGA and Women Empowerment" has earned praise from scholars, policymakers, and activists alike for its ability to shed light on one of the most pressing issues of our time. Its enduring relevance as a seminal work on women's empowerment in India speaks to its universal appeal and timeless significance. Whether you're a student, scholar, policymaker, or activist, "MGNREGA and Women Empowerment" offers valuable insights and inspiration for anyone interested in promoting gender equality and social justice in India and beyond. Join Annita Ranjan on a journey of discovery and empowerment, and learn how grassroots initiatives like MGNREGA are transforming the lives of women in rural India. Don't miss your chance to be inspired by "MGNREGA and Women Empowerment" by Annita Ranjan. Order your copy today and join the movement for gender equality and social justice!

Women's Entrepreneurship and Microfinance

Women's Entrepreneurship and Microfinance
Author: Chiranjib Neogi
Publisher: Springer
Total Pages: 214
Release: 2018-03-06
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 9811042683

This book offers a critical perspective on the issues related to women’s empowerment, microfinance, and entrepreneurship in India. Written by distinguishing experts in this field, this book highlights women’s empowerment, which is a process of entrusting power to an individual on the control over resources and decisions. However, these two factors are less effective in a society where religion and cultural dominance is high. The book sheds light on the social security measures undertaken by the government aiming to the right to work helped women who are bounded by social restrictions. Over time there is a shift in rural occupational structure towards non-farm activities, which is largely distress driven self-employment. Access to credit is a great source to provide self-employment that develops self-esteem among women and uplift their position. The book highlights the discrimination against women entrepreneurs in access to credit led to gender biased entrepreneurial society. Association with self-help groups (SHGs) has made women more socially empowered. SHG members help them to change their life in a positive manner through micro-entrepreneurial activities. The book has emphasized on the role of microfinance, which has served the poor to become financially self-reliant. It is observed that for second generation borrowers, the impact of microfinance seems to fizzle out, where MFIs who are gaining efficiency are diverting their objective of servicing poor, signalling a sign of mission drift.

Social Sector Development and Inclusive Growth in India

Social Sector Development and Inclusive Growth in India
Author: Ishu Chadda
Publisher: Emerald Group Publishing
Total Pages: 245
Release: 2023-09-01
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1837531862

Social Sector Development and Inclusive Growth in India examines whether growth strategies based on the human development approach render growth inclusive. This comprehensive study considers all components of the social sector in aggregate and also covers both the financial and physical aspects.

Links between Tenure Security and Food Security

Links between Tenure Security and Food Security
Author: Hosaena Ghebru Hagos
Publisher: Intl Food Policy Res Inst
Total Pages: 36
Release: 2013-09-13
Genre: Social Science
ISBN:

While numerous studies exist that evaluate the impacts of land reform on household investment behavior, land productivity, and land rental market activities, the literature is thin in terms of showing the direct food securities impacts of land tenure reforms. This study, thus, uses five rounds of household panel data from Tigray, Ethiopia, collected in the period 1998–2010 to assess the impacts of a land registration and certification program that aimed to strengthen tenure security and how it has contributed to increased food availability and thus food security in this food-deficit region. Our first survey took place just a year before the intervention (the land certification program). Our panel data in combination with the “years of certificate ownership” variable allow us to assess the dynamic impacts on food (calorie) availability of strengthened tenure security. Anthropometric data also allow us to assess potential child nutrition impacts of the reform 8–12 years after its implementation. Results show that land certification appears to have contributed to enhanced calorie availability (calorie intake), and more so for female-headed households, either through enhanced land rental market participation or increased investment and productivity on owner-operated land. Results also show that members of households that accessed additional land through the land rental market had a significantly higher body mass index. Though results show that land rental market participation is enhancing production efficiency, high transaction costs in that market suggest there are still unrealized gains from trade. Thus, the recent restrictive regional land law that allows for only short-term rental contracts and does not allow more than 50 percent of land to be rented out may threaten future tenure security and may undermine the benefits from the existing tenure reform.

An Uncertain Glory

An Uncertain Glory
Author: Jean Drèze
Publisher: Princeton University Press
Total Pages: 453
Release: 2013-08-11
Genre: Business & Economics
ISBN: 1400848776

Why India's problems won't be solved by rapid economic growth alone When India became independent in 1947 after two centuries of colonial rule, it immediately adopted a firmly democratic political system, with multiple parties, freedom of speech, and extensive political rights. The famines of the British era disappeared, and steady economic growth replaced the economic stagnation of the Raj. The growth of the Indian economy quickened further over the last three decades and became the second fastest among large economies. Despite a recent dip, it is still one of the highest in the world. Maintaining rapid as well as environmentally sustainable growth remains an important and achievable goal for India. In An Uncertain Glory, two of India's leading economists argue that the country's main problems lie in the lack of attention paid to the essential needs of the people, especially of the poor, and often of women. There have been major failures both to foster participatory growth and to make good use of the public resources generated by economic growth to enhance people's living conditions. There is also a continued inadequacy of social services such as schooling and medical care as well as of physical services such as safe water, electricity, drainage, transportation, and sanitation. In the long run, even the feasibility of high economic growth is threatened by the underdevelopment of social and physical infrastructure and the neglect of human capabilities, in contrast with the Asian approach of simultaneous pursuit of economic growth and human development, as pioneered by Japan, South Korea, and China. In a democratic system, which India has great reason to value, addressing these failures requires not only significant policy rethinking by the government, but also a clearer public understanding of the abysmal extent of social and economic deprivations in the country. The deep inequalities in Indian society tend to constrict public discussion, confining it largely to the lives and concerns of the relatively affluent. Drèze and Sen present a powerful analysis of these deprivations and inequalities as well as the possibility of change through democratic practice.

Social Development and Social Work Perspectives on Social Protection

Social Development and Social Work Perspectives on Social Protection
Author: Julie L. Drolet
Publisher: Routledge
Total Pages: 311
Release: 2016-04-28
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 1317673468

Social protection is now considered a development milestone and an important tool in combating poverty. Interventions can include, for example, health insurance, public works programs, guaranteed employment schemes, or cash transfers targeting vulnerable populations groups. This innovative volume is designed to develop understanding about the role and contribution of social protection globally and to share innovative practice and policies from around the world. It explores how to cover an entire population effectively, especially those who are at risk or who are already in a situation of deprivation, and in a sustainable manner. Divided into two parts, the book begins by exploring the theoretical underpinnings of social protection, discussing the social work and social development perspectives and concepts that currently shape it. The second part is comprised of case studies from countries implementing successful social protection initiatives, including Brazil, India, South Africa, Ghana, Nigeria and Indonesia, and reveals how the impact of a successful social protection intervention on poverty, vulnerability and inequality can be dramatic. This volume is an important reference for advanced students and researchers from a range of disciplines including social policy, social work, development studies, geography, planning, economics, sociology, population health and political science.

Economics of Gender Inequality

Economics of Gender Inequality
Author: Stephan Klasen
Publisher: BoD – Books on Demand
Total Pages: 490
Release: 2020-06-09
Genre: Social Science
ISBN: 3728139971

Stephan Klasen is considered one of the most distinguished scholars on gender economics in the 21st century. Over the past 25 years, he has tirelessly worked to understand the complex phenomena of gender inequality: From counting the number of missing women in the world and shedding light on why women go missing, to showing that leaving girls out of school not only deprives them, but also robs society of the opportunity to thrive on the talents of its entire population. From understanding why equal rights and rising incomes everywhere have not resulted in women participating more at work, to measuring gender inequality in its various dimensions. This volume, a collection of some of Stephan Klasens most important writings on the topic of gender inequality, honours his academic life and gives the reader an in-depth insight into both what we know and do not yet know about the economics of gender inequality.