This paper analyzes the data from two BIDS surveys o readymade garment (RMG) industry workers conducted in 1990 and 1997. The paper compared not only men and women workers in the garment industry over time but also makes comparison between workers engaged in the RMG units located in EPZ and non-EPZ areas. The findings in this paper suggest that employment in the garment industry has definitely empowered women, increased their mobility and expanded their individual choice. But this they have achieved at the cost of their health and increased risk of harassment. Hence, the process is complex, and here is both decomposition and recomposition of women's subordination through employment in the garment industry. The analysis in this paper suggests that on the whole there has been improvement in worker's well-being over the period 1997. The improvement in the worker's well-being will be sustained in future if proper policy supports are extended to the garment industry and is workers. The main challenge lies in meeting the phasing out o MFA in 2005. The paper suggests some measure, which needs to be undertaken on an urgent basis.

The paper provides insight into the adequacy of institutional linkages and policy conditions of the current seed delivery system based on information collected through interviews with executives from 19 key agencies and stakeholders in the seed market. The public sector is performing a wide range of roles from the development of a modern variety to the final distribution of seeds to the farmers. The private sector and NGOs are expanding their roles with increasing demand for quality rice seeds for the newly released varieties. Lack of incentives for plant breeders to produce enough breeder seeds, and simultaneous participation of the public and private sector in the production and distribution of certified seeds may constrain the expansion of the market. The paper discusses the emerging public-private sector interface and adequacy of policy environment for further development of the rice seed market.