Realising the importance of purposeful implementation of National Rural Guarantee Scheme (NREGS), and in view of several concerns being expressed in this behalf, Public Interest Foundation (PIF) had commissioned a Study on NREGA with National Council of Applied Economic Research. The Study has been completed and was released by Dr Bimal Jalan, Chairman, PIF, on May 13, 2009.  Sri Naresh Chandra, Ex-Ambassador of India to US, Sri Suresh Neotia, Chairman Ambuja Cement, Sri Arun Maira, Chairman Boston Consulting Group (BCG), Sri Anil Kumar, Director, PIF and Dr Anil Sharma of NCAER were also present at the occasion.

Speaking at the occasion Dr. Bimal Jalan, Chairman, PIF said that, “NREGA is a good scheme to benefit the poor and thus it is critical to improve the working of NREGA. We therefore, need a simple NREGA without complex administrative procedures.

On this occasion PIF also released a document titles ‘A Brief Note on Making NREGA Work Better’. This Note outlines specific suggestions including the important recommendations that Rural Guarantee Scheme should not be implemented as a Central Scheme but as a State Scheme mandated under a Central Act. PIF would endeavour to take this initiative forward with public discussion and debates on the recommendations to make NREGA simple, efficient and purposeful for the poor and the needy. ” A National Seminar for this purpose is proposed to be held in association with the Ministry of Rural Development and other stakeholders.

The Full report is here