On Friday, July 21, the Rajasthan Minimum Income Guarantee Bill, which was introduced in the state Budget by Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot in February, will be presented in the state legislative Assembly.
This urban development scheme aims to provide a minimum employment guarantee for each family annually, which has been increased to 125 days. Gehlot has added to the existing 100 days guarantee promised by the Mahatma Gandhi National Rural Employment Guarantee Act, 2005.
The Bill focuses on three main areas: the Right to Minimum Guaranteed Income, the Right to Guaranteed Employment, and the Right to Guaranteed Social Security Pension.
Under this scheme, all families in Rajasthan are assured a minimum of 125 days of employment each year. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot announced this initiative in the state budget in February.
The Bill also includes special provisions for tribal communities like the Kathodi and Sahariya tribes. They will have the opportunity to get at least 200 days of employment in rural areas.
For individuals who are differently-abled, widowed, or elderly job seekers, they will receive a minimum social security pension of Rs 1000 per month. The draft of the bill indicates that this pension will increase by 15% annually.
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Rajasthan, along with Chhattisgarh and Madhya Pradesh, is scheduled to have assembly polls later this year. Chief Minister Ashok Gehlot has requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to implement the Right to Social Security policy nationwide.
Social security rights activist Nikhil Dey has expressed support for this scheme, stating that it addresses the crucial need for minimum income guarantees for millions of vulnerable families in the country. The law combines employment guarantees for those capable of working, both in rural and urban areas, with minimum social security pensions for those who are unable to work. This ensures a legal minimum income guarantee for everyone.
Social security rights activist Nikhil Dey believes that the Rajasthan Minimum Income Guarantee Bill will be a significant breakthrough as there has been a long-standing demand for an urban employment guarantee, which has intensified during and after the Covid-19 pandemic. This bill also marks the first time that social security pensions will be legally guaranteed.
Economist Santosh Mehrotra has expressed his opinion on the government's economic policies. He argues that when financial aid is given to the poor, such as a minimum income guarantee, it is often criticized as being "free." However, when large sums are spent on corporate entities, there seems to be no objection. Mehrotra believes that providing financial support to the poor will generate demand across various sectors.
Akash Jindal, a market and economy expert, supports Mehrotra's perspective. He points out that Rajasthan, with a higher fiscal deficit than the prescribed numbers, may experience an increase in this deficit due to the scheme. Nevertheless, he acknowledges the state's effort to provide employment opportunities for its people.
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