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Journalism of Courage
“Even after independence, many citizens in our country still do not have access to the basic comforts and necessities required for a decent life. The social security benefits provided at the government level cannot be called ‘Rewadi’ (a free gift),” said Rabindra Nath Mahato, Speaker of the Jharkhand Legislative Assembly, during the Indian Student Parliament on Sunday.
“While corporate giants are given special privileges, when social security schemes are implemented for the poor and marginalized communities, there is opposition. This situation needs to change,” he further added.
The 14th Bharatiya Chhatra Sansad, organised by MIT World Peace University, Pune, and MIT School of Government, Pune, hosted a session on “Rewadi Culture: Economic Burden or Necessary Support” on the second day. During this session, Mahato delivered his keynote address.
Also present were Thomas Sangma, Speaker of the Meghalaya Legislative Assembly, Pawan Khera, president of Congress’ media and publicity department, Dr Rahul Karad, executive president, MITWPU, founder of the Bharatiya Chhatra Sanasd, Dr R M Chitnis, the vice-chancellor, and several student representatives.
Mahato continued, “The term ‘Rewadi’ is used for people who never actually have any in their plates. In reality, these people struggle for two square meals a day, and this struggle continues into old age, having forfeited their childhood. They lack access to clean drinking water, good health facilities, and employment opportunities. I represent Jharkhand, where the situation, especially for the youth, is heart-wrenching. If you visit Jharkhand, you will not forget what you see. Malnutrition is a severe issue.”
He emphasised that social security schemes are not ‘rewadi.’ Instead, they are funded from the nation’s joint resource pool or the state’s consolidated fund, and citizens have a rightful claim to them. “There is a section of people who hold negative views about social security. Corporate tycoons are offered privileges, yet no one raises the issue of ‘rewadi’ when it comes to them. It is often claimed that industries will create jobs, but nobody questions how many jobs are actually created. While corporate profits are growing at a rate of 22%, the job creation rate through these industries is just 1.5%. When the poor and middle class are provided some relief, a particular section expresses dissatisfaction. Social security schemes are not ‘Rewadi’ but smart economic policy,” he stated.
Pawan Khera added, “Social security schemes being implemented by the government across the country are not part of ‘Rewadi culture.’ We must consider why these schemes are necessary. The government has acquired land from many farmers for development purposes, leaving several people behind. For their welfare, the government introduced certain schemes, and there should be no opposition to them.”
