Ahmedabad- The Two Banks of the River

September 18, 1976 that the persons selected for GR were really in need of it. "It appeared that the selection of persons and distribution of gratuitous relief, either in cash or in kind, were generally left to the gaon panchayats." What about test relief works, and the employment of local labour for it? ''At tendance of labourers was recorded in most cases by labour leaders, presidents or secretaries of the anchalik and gaon panchayats. Lump-sum payments were made to these persons and receipts obtained. In no case was attendance of labourers checked by ally responsible government official." Was this the only practical way of channelling the sorely needed relief-funds to the affected villagers? The Report shows that this was not the case. Though only villagers actually affected by the floods were entitled to work on TRW schemes, most of the rk in these districts was actually ex- cuted by 'contract labour'. "Instances were noticed where works were executed through contractors or leaders of shramik bahinis on commission basis or by engagement of labour from outside." The Report actually cites instances where imported Bihari labour was employed in work intended as relief for flood-affected people.