The processes of globalization have succeeded in shifting the focus from productive
employment generation and expansion of domestic markets to export
competitiveness. The disastrous effects of such a shift have been exacerbated by the
recent global crisis. The need of the hour is to rethink public works programs to
mitigate such effects and to move societies towards full employment. The paper
addresses precisely these issues with arguments for rethinking public works programs
for the skilled and unskilled workforce. The question of externalities, principle of
financing and the positive social impacts of inclusion are also discussed.