2017 ICT4D Conference

During 2013-2016, a pilot covering 2 blocks in rural Odisha was implement to evaluate the feasibility and effectiveness of using mobile retailer network to disburse wages using mobile payment to MGNREGS workers. The pilot led to successful and timely disbursal of wages to the workers, leading to beneficiary satisfaction on mobile payment. However, it also posed challenges for many workers due to their limited adaption of mobile user interfaces and limited individual ownership of mobile handsets. Despite these challenges, workers were keen to continuing using mobile payment method to get their wages in and around their villages. The pilot posed several organizational and environmental challenges. The presentation talks about those challenges and recommends solutions.