The Report - North 24 Parganas

22. ANUKUL MONDOLEmployment on NREGA is preferred by villagers for other associatedadvantagesAnukul Mondol, 95 years old, is a very old native of Jogeshganj, Hingalganj livingthere for about the last 90 years. His family constitutes of his wife and two sonswho currently live with them – both of whom find jobs away from home inHooghly to run the expenses of the family. Anukul is father of eight children (foursons and four daughters) however who donot reside in the same house rightnow.“All my life I have been a landless labourer. I have worked very hard to bring upmy children. Now they are doing well and this is my only satisfaction. I can affordvisits to the doctor at times of need and this is also an improvement in thefamily.”Anukul has never taken a loan. He has however received a job card from thegovernment. Anukul says, “Because the job card doesnot provide employmentconstantly, my sons have to find work outside the village and go to Hooghly.”Thus far, Anukul has not received any other benefits from the government heclaims, not even the compensation for old age. The family also has a huge loanof Rs.24000 that was spent for the treatment of one of Anukul’s son and that hasnot yet been returned.Anukul originally owned about 3 bighas of land. His elder son found his ownplace of residence and claimed about 10 kathas of land from Anukul.As far as animal husbandry and rearing is concerned, Anukul says that rearinghens are safer than ducks. Ducks can eat away the vegetation on otherpeople’s fields. “All my cows and goats have died. Only about eight hens are leftand all of them lay eggs. The family has no savings. During emergency, wealways have to borrow money.”The pond was excavated for purposes of fish rearing and vegetation. “I couldnot have done this work myself. The panchayat helped me a lot in this regard.After the pond was excavated, we have been able to do little bit of ricecultivation and fish rearing. I have plans to plant more trees around the pond. Ithink we can use the water from government built tube-wells for drinking.”Anukul states, “My sons always prefer working on the job card because theremuneration from the work is really good. If they are not in the village and gone