The promises of the right to work: achievements and challenges

Narayanan, Rajendran and Ram S, Vijay (2026) The promises of the right to work: achievements and challenges. In: Realising right: a handbook of welfare in India. Azim Premji University, Bengaluru, pp. 256-282.

Preview

Text - Published Version Download (2MB) | Preview

Abstract

On 5 September 2005, for the first time, the ‘right to work’ was constitutionally mandated in India through NREGA. The history that led to this, in terms of rights, economic and policy intentions, began before independence. It took decades of sustained efforts, despite a strong constitutional commitment, to realise NREGA. It empowered people to contest caste and gender rigidities, improved livelihoods, democratised planning and built crucial infrastructure in rural India. While the implementation of NREGA has not been without its challenges, these do not warrant its repeal. The new VB-GRAM G Act passed in December 2025, has abrogated crucial provisions guaranteed by NREGA and effectively rescinded the right to work. Excessive centralisation, shifting the fiscal burden to states, and exclusionary technology and selective application cast serious doubts about the scheme’s impact.

Item Type:	Book Section
Authors:	Narayanan, Rajendran and Ram S, Vijay
Document Language:	Language English
Subjects:	Social sciences > Political Science > Public policy Social sciences > Economics > Labor economics > Labor force and market Social sciences > Economics > Macroeconomics & related topics > Factors affecting income and wealth > Poverty
Divisions:	Azim Premji University - Bengaluru > University Publications > Centre for the Study of the Indian Economy (CSIE)
Full Text Status:	Public
URI:	http://publications.azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/id/eprint/7639
Publisher URL:	https://azimpremjiuniversity.edu.in/

Actions (login required)

View Item