Abhishek Jain

Manager

Abhishek is a Manager in the Government and Social Impact domain of MSC India.

Abhishek is a development consultant with over three years of experience gained through projects with the central government, state governments, think tanks, and donors in the development sector of India. His work involves improving public policy choices through evidence-based research work and a human-centered approach. He is an International Development graduate and has prior one-year experience assisting Members of Parliament on legislative and policy research work. His areas of expertise include policy analysis, G2P programs, payment systems, rural development, economic and financial inclusion, conducting pilots to evaluate options, supporting implementation, monitoring, and evaluation.

Posts by Abhishek Jain

Portability transactions of the Public Distribution System under One Nation One Ration Card: Why is portability working so well for Delhi?

ONORC is an ambitious government program that strives to ensure food security for millions of migrants across India. However, Delhi accounts for approximately 70% of interstate portability transactions under ONORC. Other Indian states with larger migrant populations, such as Maharashtra and Gujarat, account for only 9% of interstate portability transactions. This blog examines the factors that have led to higher interstate portability transactions in Delhi and recommends a way forward for other states to adopt.

A review of the effectiveness of India’s Direct Benefit Transfer system during COVID-19: Lessons for India and the world

This paper examines the use of existing cash transfer programs and the payment infrastructure used for the timely delivery of PMGKY benefits during the COVID-19 pandemic in India. Additionally, the paper draws insights from PMGKY beneficiaries’ cash withdrawal/access preferences and experiences during the pandemic.

MGNREGA: The delay in wage payments – Part II

Delayed wage payments and rejected transactions continue to plague the system and compromise the goals of the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act. The second in a two-part series, this blog examines the causes of such delays and ways to alleviate process inefficiencies in the future.

MGNREGA: The delay in wage payments – Part I

The Government of India (GoI) had introduced the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act (MGNREGA) in 2005 to provide livelihood security to the rural poor. This blog examines the MGNREGA program and its accomplishments. It also provides an overview of the delay in wage payments to workers.

Addressing the weak link in COVID-19 relief: how improving strategic communications can boost the impact of social protection programs

Nations worldwide have responded to COVID-19 through 1,100 social protection programs to help 1.8 billion-plus people. Yet recipients are largely in the dark about the programs and do not know how to access funds. This blog examines the importance of better communication around social protection programs, particularly for the vulnerable population.

One Nation One Ration Card – The Road Ahead

The blog highlights the road ahead for the Indian government’s new program—One Nation One Ration Card (ONORC). The objective of the program is to build upon the digitization of the Public Distribution System (PDS) with a focus on beneficiary-centric reforms.

The Public Distribution System and Food Fortification: A missed opportunity?

The blog examines the role of food fortification as a measure against the prevalence of malnutrition in India. Further, it highlights the potential of providing fortified food grains through the Public Distribution System to provide micro nutrients to over 800 million beneficiaries.