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developmental momentum. While repeated food inputs may appear
inexpedient, the alternative of unemployment is unjust. Conditions of
unemployment neither satisfy the norms of planning for economic
development nor do they meet the ends of social justice.
5.3 FFW as an Investment
A view expressed by some consignees ind project holders is that
there is really no dependency relationship in FFW programs because it
is always "food for work" and not simply "feeding the poor". In the
case of beneficiaries, the assets that are created enhance their
creditworthiness making them eligible for further credit assistance
from banks and other lending institutions to improve their economic
status. 7n the case of works like land clearing, the quality of
assets held gets enhanced considerably leading to better returns from
suc. assecs.
5.4 Creation of Community Assets Distributes Benefits, and Minimizes
Dependency
ln the context of the 5 Year Plans with their objective of
creating community assets, there is more likelihood of minimization of
dependency, as community assets will distribute benefits more
equitably among all members of the community, enabling them to enhance
their incomes. For example, the construction of a percolation pond
will, by enhancing the availability of sub-soil water, re-charge
individual wells of the land-owners in the area. This will lead to
better yields, multiple crops and more employment.
5.5 Skill Development and Income Generation Projects for the Landless
There is a need, as noted previously, for refocussing some of
these plans on income generation projects which will benefit the
landless poor. While skill-development programs could be thought of
for both marginal farmers and the landless, the accent should be more
on the provision of income generation opportuni ties for the landless,
maki. ng them self-reliant and growth-oriented.
Through a proper system of multi-year planning, it should be
possible to bring about a balance in program implementation between
the creation of community assets and the provision of income
generation oppcrtuni ties and skill development for the landless poor.
This is an arewiwhere considerable technical assi stance (e.g. project
desigi.) is called for botlh at the CRS zonal level and at the consignee/
project holder level.
6. RESOURCE INTEGRATION
6.1 Government
From sample visits to selected consignees and project holders the
team found evidence of collaboration with Government departments.