A Quick Evaluation Study of Food for Work Programme (August-October, 1979) An Interim Report

Abstract

The Interim Report on the Food for Work Programme (FWP) evaluation, conducted by the Programme Evaluation Organisation under India’s Planning Commission, assesses the effectiveness of the scheme launched in April 1977 to alleviate rural unemployment and poverty. The programme provides work in construction and community services in exchange for food grains, aiming to enhance income and nutrition for rural households. The study, conducted across 10 states, 20 districts, 40 blocks, and 80 villages, surveyed 793 beneficiaries to evaluate employment generation, income impact, community asset creation, agricultural wages, and social outcomes. Findings indicate that the FWP generated additional employment ranging from 3 to 167 mandays per household, with an average income increase of 17.7%. Community assets worth approximately ₹24 lakhs were created, though many were non-durable. Positive effects on agricultural wages and food price stabilization were observed in several districts. Challenges included administrative inefficiencies, delayed food grain distribution, and malpractices such as inflated muster rolls and improper supervision. The report recommends strengthening oversight, timely grain distribution, greater Panchayati Raj involvement, and beneficiary education to improve programme effectiveness. Overall, the evaluation underscores the FWP’s potential in promoting rural employment and poverty alleviation while highlighting areas for administrative and operational improvements.