Evaluation of NREGA (National Rural and Employment guarantee Act) Wells in Jharkhand

Aims & Objectives: This study assessed the returns from investments on NREGA assets (specifically irrigation wells constructed under NREGA in Jharkhand) and identified obstacles and ways to improve the returns from such investments. It took place across 6 districts, 12 blocks and 24 panchayats in Jharkhand.

Findings: It observed that nearly 60% of the sanctioned NREGA wells are complete. On assessing the utility and impact of the wells upon the lives of beneficiaries, it was noted that:

• Roughly 95% of the completed NREGA wells were being utilised for irrigation. Few wells could not be utilised as they had dried up;
• Completed NREGA wells led to a 365% increase in annual net income from agriculture in the command area of the well;
• The cost of investment (both private and public) on wells would be recovered within 17 years of operation of the well. However, due to several reasons, this estimate is likely to be a severe under-estimation and
• Almost 87% of the respondents with completed wells had to incur significant personal expenses in constructing the well. Yet, nearly 96% of the owners of completed NREGA wells were ‘happy’ about constructing the well, 92% were satisfied with the quality of the well, 86% had a better quality of life due to the well and 85% felt that their incomes had gone up due to the well.