Vitthal Sakharam

Gandhian Leader and Pioneer of the Employment Guarantee Movement

Early Life and Education

Vitthal Sakharam Page was born on 21 July 1910 at Bagan in Satara district of Maharashtra. After completing his graduation, he obtained his LL.B. degree from Mumbai University. A man of exceptional intellectual breadth, his long and distinguished career spanned economics, politics, education, religion, philosophy, literature, social service and culture. He also actively participated in the Indian freedom movement and underwent imprisonment.

Legislative Career and Public Service

Vitthal Sakharam Page was elected to the Bombay Legislative Council in 1952 and 1954, and later to the Maharashtra Legislative Council in 1960, 1966 and 1972. He served as the Chairman of the Maharashtra Legislative Council from 1968 to 1978. During this period, he was also the Joint President of the Maharashtra Branch of the Commonwealth Parliamentary Association.

A veteran Gandhian Congress leader, he served as Secretary and President of the Sangli District Congress Committee and was a member of the All India Congress Committee. He was appointed to several government committees, commissions, boards and institutions, making valuable contributions to public administration and policy formulation.

Father of the Employment Guarantee Scheme

Vitthal Sakharam Page is best remembered as the architect of the Employment Guarantee movement in India. As early as 1949, when the Constitution of India was being framed, he wrote a visionary article titled “Rojgaaracha Hakk” (Right to Employment), advocating employment as a fundamental right.

In 1965, he formulated the Integrated Area Development Scheme, popularly known as the “Page Scheme”, aimed at the holistic development of villages, trades, small landholders, artisans and agricultural labourers.

In 1969, through his sustained efforts, the Government of Maharashtra implemented an Employment Guarantee Scheme on a pilot basis in Visapur village of Sangli district, a pioneering initiative for the upliftment of weaker sections. This historic effort culminated in the passing of the Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Act in 1977, after which the scheme was gradually extended nationwide.

National and International Recognition

In 1977, Vitthal Sakharam Page was elected World Vice-Chairman of the International Association of Village Governments. The Maharashtra Employment Guarantee Scheme became a model for revitalising traditional village industries and improving employment, education and living standards.

He shared his extensive experience through articles and lectures in India and abroad. His contributions earned him prestigious honours including the Padma Bhushan and the Nyayratna Ramshastri Prabhune Puraskar. He came to be widely revered as the “Father of the Employment Guarantee Scheme.”

Scholar and Author

A rational thinker with deep spiritual insight, Shri Page authored several books on National Integration, some of which were prescribed in schools and colleges in the U.S.S.R. His works were translated into English, Japanese and Hindi. He travelled extensively to England, the United States, Canada, Japan and the U.S.S.R., delivering lectures and representing the Government of India at international conferences.

Commemorative Postage Stamp

In recognition of his visionary leadership, commitment to social justice and pioneering role in guaranteeing the right to employment, India Post is pleased to issue a Commemorative Postage Stamp on Vitthal Sakharam Page, honouring a life dedicated to nation-building and human dignity.