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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A group of them, about 20 old and young men, are engrossed in a game of cards under the banyan tree, shielded from the two o’ clock sun...