New Delhi, Aug. 20 -- As of 18 August, India's rainfall deficit in the ongoing monsoon season stood at 13%. The regional picture is more worrying, with many poorer regions of the country witnessing larger rainfall deficits-including Bihar (40%), Assam (36%), Eastern Uttar Pradesh (24%), Saurashtra (24%) and Vidarbha (21%).

The meteorological department has predicted an intensification of the El Niño phenomenon in the weeks ahead, so the precipitation deficit could worsen and thus deepen rural distress in some parts of the country.

With rural wage growth showing sluggishness, public jobs generated through a rural employment guarantee programme have served as a lifeline for India's rural economy. The aim of such schemes is not only t...