The Hindu : Other States / Rajasthan News : Experts hail job guarantee law; but doubts persist

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Thursday, Sep 30, 2004

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Experts hail job guarantee law; but doubts persist

By Our Special Correspondent

JAIPUR, SEPT. 29. The participants in a State-level convention on the right to work here today called for "political will'' to ensure effective implementation of the proposed Employment Guarantee Act, while terming the legislation a revolutionary tool to fight the scourge of poverty, affliction, hunger and starvation.

The day-long convention was organised by the Rajasthan Akaal Sangharsh Samiti ahead of an action day to be observed on October 16 demanding the availability of employment during the recurrent droughts and involve the rural poor while launching relief works. A large number of Dalits, tribals and women from various parts of the State attended the meet.

The National Advisory Council formed to monitor the implementation of the Central Government's common minimum programme has approved the draft National Employment Guarantee Act and it is likely to be finalised by the Union Ministry of Rural Development by October 5. The Union Cabinet is likely to discuss the proposed law on October 6.

The convention was informed of the Centre's promise to introduce the Bill in the winter session of Parliament and implement it, after its enactment, in at least 150 districts across the country from April 1, 2005. The participants hailed the Government's decision as the culmination of the right to food campaign that had started in Rajasthan three years ago.

The noted economist and member of NAC, Jean Dreze, pointed out that the cash component of the employment guarantee scheme would comprise about Rs. 25,000 crores, which would be one per cent of the country's gross domestic product. "Given the fact that it will help 75 to 80 per cent of people come above the poverty line, the scheme is worth taking up,'' he said.

Prof. Dreze said the legislation in the present form would provide employment to any person within 15 days of making the demand in a radius of 5 km for 100 days in a year. The scheme will be brought into effect all over the country in the next five years.

Social activist and Magsaysay Award winner, Aruna Roy, said the formulation of the Employment Guarantee Act was the first-ever instance of direct participation of people in the policy making at the national level.

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Experts hail job guarantee law; but doubts persist