The Planning Commission's decision to set up a working group on MGNREGS to contribute to the formulation of the 12th five year plan is reflective of the critical contribution of MGNREGS to poverty reduction. The Working Group has the welcome opportunity to suggest steps to address the current challenges faced by MGNREGS and improve its effectiveness. The agenda set for the Working Group was broad enough to enable a set of recommendations that could contribute to the effectiveness of MGNREGS.