DEVELOPMENT BLUES
DEVELOPMENT BLUES
Lack of development is leading to militancy is an oft repeated catchphrase in North Eastern (NE) region of India. The reverse is also spoken that militancy is the cause of lack of development. Reality is that both are much inter related and interwoven to be separated. In fact development is much required aspect of NE Indian society. Certain questions intrigue the mind of a rational man i.e. What are the factors that contribute to development, who is responsible for the same and who is responsible to ensure this occur? Obvious answer is; planning, allocation of funds, and the strong-willed execution. State actors of our democracy and the society are responsible to ensure this. There are certain non state actors (NSA) i.e. UG outfits who play their own role (negative) in the social order.
Recently it has been decided to invest Rs 50000/- crores, in twelfth plan, for improving connectivity and infrastructure development in NE. During recently concluded visit (Jan 08) to Arunachal Pradesh, the PM has allocated Rs 8000 crore package to the state. Such allocations have also been made earlier? If so where has the money gone? Probably answer lies in the ghost projects undertaken that are completed in papers (Morung Express date lined 04 Jan 08), money spent and reports forwarded. Similarly a National Highway project in Manipur project was declared to have been completed and reported to the central government representative (Prithvi Raj Chauhan). But physical verification by media proved the opposite. Besides this there are number of made up project reports to get more fund allocations. It will not be wrong to quote late Rajiv Gandhi who said, only 15 paisa reach the common man”. Recently his son Rahul Gandhi said, Only 5 paisa reaches the beneficiary’. No Wonder! India is one of the most nations amongst other two i.e. China and Malyasia.
On 23 April 2006 CM of Manipur said that all development projects have been stalled due to interference by militant groups. He said “Militants are extorting money from each and every one, including barbers, small time traders and low ranking government employees. This has been unbearable for the people”. Similarly CM of Nagaland had said, during the budget speech on the floor of state assembly, on 20 March 06, “It is not possible for any government to prevent extortion”. Such statements by chief executive of a state convey a single message, that misrule is fait accomplice of the masses. Is the existence of these outfits devoid of the patronage of VIPs? In such a situation, can good governance be expected by a citizen? If not, which is a fact, will cry help? A person who is the producer, the director and the actor himself can not blame anyone for bad production, bad direction and bad acting.
A survey on ‘ State of States’ published in India Today date lined 24 Sept 07 has concluded that the states who have paid attention to issues like agriculture, education, health have been able to weather the storm. Out of the small states of NE, Sikkim leads the way followed by Mizoram and Meghalaya is last. These are the few sensitive issues where militant organizations have recently attacked in Manipur. Already deficient educational and health facilities are being paralyzed due to exorbitant monetary demands of the outfits. During protest against these demands by students and teachers alike, one of the teachers said, “How in such conditions can we teach students” (Imphal free Press date lined 16 Jan 08). In such situations can the society expect a healthy and well educated youth to face the competitive world stoically?
It is not only health and education that have been attacked but other sectors having direct and indirect effect like banking, insurance and mobile companies have also been targeted. Closure of United Bank of India branches, Insurance and Airtel mobile offices have affected their delivery of services to the masses. No banks are ready to extend loans to entrepreneurs. Agriculture, education and health are the areas where loans and assistance are required in today’s world of competition. Can society be happy in such exclusive and inward looking approach when rest of the states and world are busy exploring new vistas of progress?
Probably there is a need for a balanced combination of Top down and Bottoms up approach. Best example of this is seen in Sadar Joute village of Senapati district that has become self sufficient in power (The Sangai Express date lined 30 Jan 08). It is a joint venture by village energy committee and Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA). Similar developments can possibly be undertaken in other villages with tenacity. This will help in lifting people’s standard of living as well as meeting their long awaited aspirations.
There is also a need to address the following aspects single-mindedly; one, slash down feudalistic approach that gives un accountability to leaders and bureaucrats. There is need to introduce end to end monitored accountability, with every project sanctioned, to check corrupt practices. The drag of corruption on development has gained universal relevance with the signing of UN convention against corruption in Meridia, Mexico on 09 Dec 03. Two, shun ethnic hatreds for holistic developments. This can only be done with synthesized approach of leaders, elders in society especially mothers who are first teachers of a child. Three, shun the habit of phony socialism and being statistically happy. This makes us over happy with small scale developments their statistics are projected to create image more than it deserves. Bertrand Russel had rightly said,” Without civic morality communities perish and without personal morality their existence has no value”.
Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the writer via email; jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in OR post views on blog:
jaey-geoffery.blogspot.com)
Lack of development is leading to militancy is an oft repeated catchphrase in North Eastern (NE) region of India. The reverse is also spoken that militancy is the cause of lack of development. Reality is that both are much inter related and interwoven to be separated. In fact development is much required aspect of NE Indian society. Certain questions intrigue the mind of a rational man i.e. What are the factors that contribute to development, who is responsible for the same and who is responsible to ensure this occur? Obvious answer is; planning, allocation of funds, and the strong-willed execution. State actors of our democracy and the society are responsible to ensure this. There are certain non state actors (NSA) i.e. UG outfits who play their own role (negative) in the social order.
Recently it has been decided to invest Rs 50000/- crores, in twelfth plan, for improving connectivity and infrastructure development in NE. During recently concluded visit (Jan 08) to Arunachal Pradesh, the PM has allocated Rs 8000 crore package to the state. Such allocations have also been made earlier? If so where has the money gone? Probably answer lies in the ghost projects undertaken that are completed in papers (Morung Express date lined 04 Jan 08), money spent and reports forwarded. Similarly a National Highway project in Manipur project was declared to have been completed and reported to the central government representative (Prithvi Raj Chauhan). But physical verification by media proved the opposite. Besides this there are number of made up project reports to get more fund allocations. It will not be wrong to quote late Rajiv Gandhi who said, only 15 paisa reach the common man”. Recently his son Rahul Gandhi said, Only 5 paisa reaches the beneficiary’. No Wonder! India is one of the most nations amongst other two i.e. China and Malyasia.
On 23 April 2006 CM of Manipur said that all development projects have been stalled due to interference by militant groups. He said “Militants are extorting money from each and every one, including barbers, small time traders and low ranking government employees. This has been unbearable for the people”. Similarly CM of Nagaland had said, during the budget speech on the floor of state assembly, on 20 March 06, “It is not possible for any government to prevent extortion”. Such statements by chief executive of a state convey a single message, that misrule is fait accomplice of the masses. Is the existence of these outfits devoid of the patronage of VIPs? In such a situation, can good governance be expected by a citizen? If not, which is a fact, will cry help? A person who is the producer, the director and the actor himself can not blame anyone for bad production, bad direction and bad acting.
A survey on ‘ State of States’ published in India Today date lined 24 Sept 07 has concluded that the states who have paid attention to issues like agriculture, education, health have been able to weather the storm. Out of the small states of NE, Sikkim leads the way followed by Mizoram and Meghalaya is last. These are the few sensitive issues where militant organizations have recently attacked in Manipur. Already deficient educational and health facilities are being paralyzed due to exorbitant monetary demands of the outfits. During protest against these demands by students and teachers alike, one of the teachers said, “How in such conditions can we teach students” (Imphal free Press date lined 16 Jan 08). In such situations can the society expect a healthy and well educated youth to face the competitive world stoically?
It is not only health and education that have been attacked but other sectors having direct and indirect effect like banking, insurance and mobile companies have also been targeted. Closure of United Bank of India branches, Insurance and Airtel mobile offices have affected their delivery of services to the masses. No banks are ready to extend loans to entrepreneurs. Agriculture, education and health are the areas where loans and assistance are required in today’s world of competition. Can society be happy in such exclusive and inward looking approach when rest of the states and world are busy exploring new vistas of progress?
Probably there is a need for a balanced combination of Top down and Bottoms up approach. Best example of this is seen in Sadar Joute village of Senapati district that has become self sufficient in power (The Sangai Express date lined 30 Jan 08). It is a joint venture by village energy committee and Manipur Renewable Energy Development Agency (MANIREDA). Similar developments can possibly be undertaken in other villages with tenacity. This will help in lifting people’s standard of living as well as meeting their long awaited aspirations.
There is also a need to address the following aspects single-mindedly; one, slash down feudalistic approach that gives un accountability to leaders and bureaucrats. There is need to introduce end to end monitored accountability, with every project sanctioned, to check corrupt practices. The drag of corruption on development has gained universal relevance with the signing of UN convention against corruption in Meridia, Mexico on 09 Dec 03. Two, shun ethnic hatreds for holistic developments. This can only be done with synthesized approach of leaders, elders in society especially mothers who are first teachers of a child. Three, shun the habit of phony socialism and being statistically happy. This makes us over happy with small scale developments their statistics are projected to create image more than it deserves. Bertrand Russel had rightly said,” Without civic morality communities perish and without personal morality their existence has no value”.
Geoffery
(Readers can reach out to the writer via email; jaey_geoffery@yahoo.co.in OR post views on blog:
jaey-geoffery.blogspot.com)
No comments:
Post a Comment