review of the evidence on impacts on food security, health and nu

trition of beneficiaries. Bothprograms operate on a large scale and have the capacity to impact the factors leading toundernutrition. It is evident that despite the deficiencies in implementation, both the MGNREGA andthe PDS are inclusive and reach the

poor and the marginalized who are likely to also experience

greater undernutrition and poor health. Data challenges have however prevented researchers from conducting studies that assess the ultimate impact of these two large – scale programs on health and nutrition. The evidence that exists suggests largely positive impacts indicating a clear potential tomake these programs more nutrition sensitive not just by incorporating elements that would

explicitly address nutritional concerns but also by directing sp

ecific attention to innovations thatstrengthen critical complementarities and synergies that exist between the two programs.