Manager
Abhishek is a Manager in the Government and Social Impact domain of MSC India.
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.
Jun 6, 2023
Jun 6, 2023
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.
Oct 13, 2021
Abhishek Jain, Nikita Dhingra, Noel Johns and Ritesh Rautela
Oct 13, 2021
Abhishek Jain, Nikita Dhingra, Noel Johns and Ritesh Rautela
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.
Apr 15, 2021
Apr 15, 2021
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.
Apr 15, 2021
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.
Oct 20, 2020
Oct 20, 2020
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.
May 27, 2020
May 27, 2020
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.
Dec 4, 2019
Dec 4, 2019