NEW DELHI-Token Start on Rural Banks

NEW DELHI Token Start on Rural Banks B M LAST WEEK a series of ordinances were promulgated. Of the three ordinances, one made a cut in the bonus entitlement of workers, one paid homage to the International Women's Year by laying down that women would enjoy equal pay with men in employment and the third sanctioned the setting up of five rural banks as part of the pro. gramme to relieve the burden of indebtedness on the rural poor. It was further announced that another ordinance was in the offing, which would ban unjustified closures and lay-offs. The impact of the ordinance on bonuses will be immediate and direct on the workers, and the trade unions are going to face a difficult and complex situation. The influence, of the other measures is bound to be comparatively slow and moderate; nevertheless the setting up of the new rural banks calls for fuller and more careful attention.