Lyra Pinto MUMBAI, NOVEMBER 26, 2008: In another step towards understanding and adopting a rights-based approach to their community work, 20 representatives from the Development Offices of Goa, Hyderabad, Bangalore and Mumbai attended a two-day workshop on November 24-25, on the National Rural Employment Guara
ntee Act (NREGA) at Matunga, Mumbai. The objectives of the participants were to understand the provisions of the Act and prepare themselves for situations they might face during practice. Accordingly, on the first day of the workshop, the resource person—Mr. Rajesh Sinha from PRIA, Delhi—explained the entitlements guaranteed by the Act, the structure and processes for implementation and the role of Gram Sabhas in directing the NREGA. He also encouraged the participants to explore their own understanding of the Act through group discussions and presentations. On the second day, the participants moved from a theoretical study of the Act to an understanding of its practical implications for workers, government officials and NGOs. The resource person was Mr. K. S. Gopal, the Director of the Centre for Environmental Concerns, Hyde
rabad, and a recognized authority on the NREGA. He emphasized that unlike other government schemes, the NREGA is a law and that employment under the Act is not just a benefit but a right. He helped the participants to understand the origins and purpose of the NREGA, the issues that are yet unresolved and the role of development organizations in ensuring that people are able to secure their right to employment. The workshop concluded with the participants drawing up a plan for ensuring the implementation of the NREGA in each of their centres. After two days of intensive study and reflection, the participants came away with the knowledge and confidence they need to help their people fight for their rights under this Act.