Monday, Mar 28, 2005
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Advts: Classifieds | Employment | Tamil Nadu
By V. Jayanth
CHENNAI, MARCH 27. As a majority of the tsunami-affected farmers still have no means of livelihood without their fishing vessels and equipment, the focus remains on short and medium-term measures, which the State Government will have to support for providing income-generating employment. Though the Government has initiated a clutch of food-for-work and other programmes, which can provide daily wages to the affected families, the World Bank, the Asian Development Bank and the United Nations have called for a concerted drive to restore their livelihood. A Joint Assessment Mission (JAM) of the international institutions has suggested short, medium and long-term measures to achieve this objective. It has projected the requirement at $ 49 million for short-term measures, $ 83 million in the medium term, $268 million for replacement of assets and $ 44 million to generate employment for the next six months. According to its report, the focus should be on building and strengthening self-help groups and cooperatives, which have a presence in the affected areas. More SHGs, for both men and women, could be formed with the required seed capital. Simultaneously, building partnership with the private sector and the non-governmental organisations may enable diversification of livelihood, with sustainable options.
Participatory approach
As a short-term measure, the JAM has recommended the creation of a forum — perhaps an SHG — to decide on immediate priorities through a participatory, community-driven approach. Another avenue may be the on-going reconstruction works of the Central and State Governments, which can provide wage-earning opportunities. There must also be replacement of assets, keeping the supply capacity in view and precise identification of beneficiaries. High-value assets such as boats and nets should be provided. As a medium-term measure, the Government should promote diversified livelihood for youth and women, especially among the fisherfolk. The short-term activities can continue as long as there is a need for them. While rebuilding the community infrastructure, modern facilities such as storage, drying and chilling centres and sheds for livestock could be included. With a view to reducing vulnerability of the poor, insurance, targeted social transfer and development of social protection measures may be widely adopted. Long-term strategies should take into account the institutional and delivery options. This will necessitate a household-level assessment, which is better done by intermediaries for efficient delivery. The banking sector will have to play a major role, catering for the needs of both fishermen and farmers. Even for the SHGs, banks, cooperatives and the NGOs can provide immediate linkages to meet the incremental credit needs. Official sources explain that the Tamil Nadu Government has already drawn up detailed plans for the short, medium and long-term measures. Funds have been tied up for the short term wherever possible. For restoration of livelihood and reconstruction works, the State is looking to the Centre and the multilateral institutions for support.
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