BReserved seats for Scheduled Castes aim to improve representation, but whether they translate into better service delivery remains unclear. This brief examines the impact of Dalit Ward Members on MGNREGA using causal econometric methods.
The findings show that adding one SC Ward Member increases MGNREGA employment by about 15% annually. Gains benefit both SC households (27%) and non-SC households (15%), indicating improved overall delivery rather than redistribution.
Effects are stronger where SC Ward Members have greater numbers, highlighting the importance of collective representation. Improvements are also larger when the Mukhiya is SC and increase over time, suggesting learning-by-doing.
The results point to strategic coalition-building within local governance. Notably, simply increasing the number of representatives has no effect—representation, not size, matters.
The implication is clear: reservations for Dalit Ward Members strengthen governance outcomes, especially when supported early and adequately.
Do reserved seats improve public service delivery or just representation? This brief brings causal evidence to show how Dalit Ward Members shape outcomes on the ground.
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