Globalisation another form of capitalism

Q&A/ RUTH MANORAMA

Acknowledged as the "most effective organiser of and advocate for Dalit women" Ruth Manorama has been struggling for the past 30 years to highlight issues related to Dalits. The recipient of The Right to Livelihood Award, 2006, speaks to Aasha Khosa on livelihood solutions. Excerpts:

Poverty has haunted the country for long. Do you see hope?

The biggest affirmative action taken by the government so far has been the implementation of the National Rural Employment Guarantee (NREG) scheme. This is surely creating jobs in rural areas. But the number of districts covered is just 150. The answer would be universalisation of the scheme. The urban poor should also be covered.

Women have been the focus of your work. What about them?

We must recognise that 93 per cent of the workforce in the unorganised sector comprises women. A comprehensive legislation for them is needed urgently.

What are your views on NGOs?

They are doing a great work by reaching to the remotest corners of India. However, they should create leadership and hand over power to communities rather than perpetuate themselves.

Are the self-help groups of any help?

Self-help groups, which NGOs are trying to create, are okay, but what is needed is empowering women and other disadvantaged groups like Dalits with assets, primarily land. But the problem is that the pressure of globalisation is making government hand over the land for special economic zones (SEZ) rather than to the needy.

Globalisation is being touted as a cure for poverty. Do you agree?

Globalisation is another form of capitalism. It was not the choice of the poor nations but that of the rich nations. and it would profit only them. But at this stage, fighting against its advent is not going to help. What NGOs and social workers must ensure is that the state does not abdicate its responsibility of guarrenting jobs, food security and social security to the poor. We must oppose mechanisation as against manual work since it deprives people of livelihood.

What about the micro-finance Bill?

A The idea of micro-finance is fine but the way the Bill empowers private players to enter the field negates its basic purpose. I don't think it is going to work this way. I would prefer that the government empower the poor with resources rather than create a micro-finance industry.

Ruth Manorama is the president All India Federation of Dalit Women

http://www.nawoindia.org