Activists push for urban job guarantee scheme using rural employment funds

Activist organizations have launched a push to establish an urban employment guarantee scheme by repurposing funds from existing rural employment programmes, according to sources familiar with the advocacy efforts.

The campaign focuses on redirecting allocations from programmes such as the Kabar Kheti Rojgar Dalits (KKRDB) scheme towards creating guaranteed employment opportunities for urban workers. Proponents argue that such a measure would address growing joblessness in cities while leveraging existing budgetary frameworks rather than requiring entirely new fiscal commitments.

Activists contend that urban centres face significant employment challenges that remain largely unaddressed by current policy frameworks. They suggest that guaranteed employment schemes, which have shown measurable results in rural contexts, could be adapted and scaled for urban labour markets to provide income security for vulnerable populations.

The advocacy represents a broader push within civil society to expand social safety nets beyond agricultural and rural sectors. Supporters argue that an urban guarantee programme would complement existing rural employment initiatives while creating a more comprehensive national framework for employment security.

The proposal comes as policymakers continue to grapple with urban unemployment and underemployment, particularly among marginalized communities seeking stable income sources in competitive city labour markets.