NREGS has entered into 6th year. The scheme can only boast of partial success, as it is, like all government schemes, been marred with diversion of funds, false claims, and other malpractices.
Presently a debate is on, on how to make it more effective. While Prime Minister has talked of using technology (bio-metrics, UIDAI cards, etc.) to improve the delivery mechanisms, Sonia Gandhi has emphasized the importance of strengthening Social Audit mechanism.
In this regard Nitish Kumar, Bihar CM has come out strongly in favor of cash-transfers direct to the bank accounts of the beneficiaries. With success of his bicycle-scheme for the girls, his words carry some weight. Even Delhi CM, Shiela Dikshit has spoken in favor of cash-transfers.
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