The Report - North 24 Parganas

27. ANIL MONDOLNREGA has provided hope to workers looking for work in the village. But inthe rainy season, there are long periods of unemployment and workers failto take full advantage of the program.Anil Mondol lives in Bailani village along with wife and four children – threedaughters and one son. “My son is at home right now but he works for the ironindustry in Shalimar. He earns well – about Rs. 3500 to Rs. 4000 in 15 days.”Anil says he has not been able to educate his son due to financial constraints.But all his daughters are receiving education. Anil’s family members are allengaged with working on the fields. “I cannot work because of my hand. It isalmost of no use and so my children work instead along with my wife. They do allkinds of work –starting from plantation to harvesting of rice.” Anil himself tries tosupport the family by engaging himself in fishing. Often there are good harvestsof prawn from the river. The catch is then sold to buyers. “Usually we earn aboutRs. 50 per day from the catch and it is available round the year.”Anil works as a labourer on pond excavation work. “Previously I have worked atcoal fields almost everywhere. My parents passed away when I was very young.My father had two marriages. From his first marriage, I have five sisters and onebrother. From the latter marriage, I and my sister are the only two siblings.”Anil has about 5 bighas of land but most of the property is disputed. He hasaccess to only 10 kathas of land, he says. A pond has been excavated on hisresidential land. The land used for cultivation is right next to his residential land.Anil has very minimal expectations from life. “The storm has devastated ourvillage. Many of us donot have land anymore. There is no source of income.After the whole day’s work, if we can come home with some earnings and havea peaceful sleep, then to me it is a good life.” The storm has ripped throughhouses, trees and property of the villagers.Anil says, the pond has been useful for cleaning, washing and cooking purposes.“Rice cooks well in pond water. Water from the taps is not good for rice cookingbecause the rice becomes sticky.” Drinking water is obtained from tube wellshowever. “We donot screen the pond water although we know it might beuseful to do so.”The water from the pond is also useful for growing vegetation. “If our neighbourswant water for growing their vegetables or for other needs, we always let themdo so if the water is in good condition. We try to be very cooperative.” However,