An ‘Employment Fund’ created by the Ministry of Finance is what will be used to pay those employed via the current National Recruitment Drive.
The clarification came from Finance Minister Davendranath Tancoo as Day One of the Standing Finance Committee began on Tuesday.
The National Recruitment Drive was launched on Sunday October 19th, with more than 20,000 positions available.
During the Standing Finance Committee on Tuesday, Minister Tancoo was questioned by the Opposition as to why the funds were not allocated under a specific line item. However, Minister Tancoo offered some clarity on the issue.
“If I may provide some clarity that the Honourable Member is seeking, a fund called the Employment Fund was created at the Ministry of Finance to which an allocation has been made. That allocation is for the funding of employment generally, so I’m assuming that should there be need, we can draw from that fund for this purpose or any other employment purpose under the Government.”
Minister Tancoo again defended the Government’s allocation: “I have cleanly and clearly indicated that a fund was created for the purposes of employment. That fund is called the Employment Fund, and it is housed at the Ministry of Finance. I clearly stated that if the need arises, that fund can be accessed for the support of any employment creation. The rhetoric about no allocation was made and so on is pure rhetoric.”
The Minister of the People, Social Development and Family Services, Vandana Mohit, also responded to questions on why short-term employment was being considered when it is the Government’s stated policy to get rid of contract employment and replace it with permanent employment.
She noted, though, that it is an interim measure to meet the needs of the vulnerable population.
“The Ministry is responsible for critical services and as a result we have to continue this because we cannot leave our offices empty. Then if I’m to do so, if the Government is to do so, then all of the members of this House will be complaining to me and the Ministry that their constituents are going to offices and they are not receiving the required service. Hence the reason, Mr. Chairman, we have to continue it for now. It’s an interim measure to cater to the needs of our vulnerable population.”