Food grain distribution and management in employment generating works

Abstract

This Dissertation assesses the role of food grain component in Employment generating works focusing on the Sampoorna Grameen Rojgar Yojna (SGRY) and the Special~ ~--.~~ > - --Component, known as Food for Work (FFW) in Madhya Pradesh. Food grain distribution in employment generating works was undertaken as a Policy by the Government of India (GOl) primarily to ensure reach of food grain to the labour and the poor as a component of wages. The Food COl:p()ration of India (FCI) is responsible to place stocks within the State and the State Civil Supplies Corporation (SCSC) ensures distribution of food stocks to the Gram Panchayats. The purpose of the Research is to understand the potential of food grain as a component of wage employment. With this as the central purpose, three Research objectives identified were:(a) To understand the current pattern of utilization! distribution and management of food grain component in the employment generating programmes.(b) To identify specific issues/ problems associated with food gram distribution and management in employment generating programmes.(c) To suggest correctives and recommend measures to improve distribution and management of food grain in Employment generating programmes. Drawing upon primary field research in Hoshangabad, Dhar and Shahdol Districts of Madhya Pradesh it documents the processes that involve distribution of food grain in employment generating works and Food for Work schemes. The Dissertation documents the following findings which emerge:1. The employment generated for an average labourer is low - just 15 to 20 days III a year.2. Poor utilization of food grain in the Programmes.3. Pattern of works undertaken by the Gram Panchayats show a trend for taking up road works predominantly.4. There is a demand for increase in food grain component and a need for a flexible policy.5. Inadequate storage facilities.6. Lack of co ordination on the part of the various Agencies in the distribution and management of food stocks.7. The employment generating programmes in Madhya Pradesh have been able to self target: that is, the benefits have gone to the poor. However difficult the task of distribution of food grain to the labourers the Research concludes stating that now that the nation has achieved self sufficiency in food grain production it is time to make the best optimal and economic use of this asset for the greater benefit of the poor.