Representatives of unorganised sectors are in a quandary

Though the unorganised sectors welcomed the state's decision to include ragpickers, porters and 12 traditional professions, including shoemaking, pottery and carpentry, in the Antyoday Anna Yojana (AAY), its representatives expressed apprehension on the actual execution of the decision once parameters were set for the beneficiaries under the Food Security Bill.

Fruits of labour: In the GR issued on November 14, all FDOs in the state have been directed to include cycle-rickshaw drivers, ragpickers, porters, fruit and flower vendors, and 12 traditional professions in the AAY. Representation pic

In a Government resolution (GR) issue by the state on November 14, all Food Distribution Officers (FDOs) in the state have been directed to include cycle-rickshaw drivers, ragpickers, porters, fruit and flower vendors, and 12 traditional professions in the AAY.

"I welcome the decision partially, as my organisation has been demanding inclusion of unorganised labour in the AAY. With the Food Security Bill introduced in the country, it is the responsibility of the state government to set up the parameters for its beneficiaries. But all we hope is the decision remains the same even after implementation of the parameters," said Bandhkaam Majdoor Sabha Secretary Nitin Pawar.

Poornima Chikarmane of Kagad Kach Patra Kashtakari Panchayat seconded Pawar's opinion. When contacted, District FDO Dnyaneshwar Jawanjal said that people falling in the above mentioned categories were already included in the Below Poverty Line (BPL) category and all he had to do was just transfer theirs names to the AAY beneficiaries' list.

Scheme decoded
The Antyoday Anna Yojana (AAY) is a government-sponsored scheme for 10 million poorest families in the nation. Beneficiaries of this scheme - poorest of the poor - are eligible for 35 kilograms of rice and wheat, priced at Rs 3 and Rs 2 per kg respectively. Currently, about 35,000 people in the district are benefiting from the scheme.

35 kg
Rice and wheat the beneficiaries will receive per month

Rs 3
Cost of rice per kilogram for beneficiaries covered under AAY

Rs 2
Cost of wheat per kilogram for beneficiaries covered under AAYu00a0