The Paper Trail
How social sector cuts are playing out in one of India’s poorest parts
- For the first time ever, in 2014, Rs 1,000 cr, of a sanctioned Rs 4,000 cr budget for NREGA, not given to MP
- In 2015, only a small part of the budget released for two months. NREGA top officials say funds always given for at least six months.
- Government records show an average of 68 days work per person per year; on the ground, many haven’t worked 50 days in five years
- In nearly empty villages, after majority migrate for work, all NREGA work performed by machines
- Wages found credited to accounts of government employees and even the dead. District officials refuse to part with data; say it’s been erased from their computers.
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