Ashok Gehlot seeks NGOs’ suggestions in pre-budget meet

JAIPUR: The civil society groups asked for implementation of accountability law in Rajasthan during a pre-budget consultation meeting with chief minister Ashok Gehlot at the secretariat on Sunday. The civil society groups, NGOs and societies submitted their suggestions on the budget to the CM. Shankar Singh of Mazdoor Kisan Shakti Sangathan (MKSS) underlined the importance of the accountability law by stating that it will bring transparency and accountability in the governance. Earlier, Gehlot had assured the advocacy groups of bringing the law. He had then said,“Either we will merge the Rajasthan Guaranteed Delivery of Public Services Act and Right to Hearing Act or bring the accountability law.”
“State government should increase MGNREGA days from 100 to 150 and increase the number of beneficiaries which will bring much-needed relief to poor families in rural areas,” said Singh. An urgent need for having silicosis policy in the state was also discussed in the meeting. The civil society members upraised the CM about the plight of labourers engaged in mining and those suffering from this disease. “The policy should also talk about the rehabilitation of these workers,” said a civil society member.
The NGOs also pressed for the need of increasing minimum income limit to at least Rs 375, allowing the labourers to live with dignity. They also said that the minimum wage has to be at least Rs 600 giving the present living conditions but to begin with Rs 375 is a must. The NGOs also opined that pension for elders and disabled should be increased by Rs 250. Gehlot assured the participants of bringing the policy and considering the suggestions. State gives pension of Rs 750 to elders in the state. Acknowledging the importance of the NGOs, Gehlot said, “The NGOs and civil society members should come forward and play an important role in taking the government welfare schemes and programmes to the grassroot.”