09-16-2005, 06:10 AM
Notion of `developing' India questioned
Special Correspondent
Status of basic healthcare and primary education continues to be poor, points out report
BANGALORE: The Citizens' Report on Governance and Development, released here on Wednesday by the Karnataka Social Watch Consultation, was all about monitoring development goals and "policy promises" by the Union and State governments.
The report questioned the notion of "rapidly developing" India because of various human development indicators reflecting the country was unable to guarantee basic developmental rights to a large section of its citizens.
Accountability
The status of basic healthcare, primary education and hunger continued to be poor; many disadvantaged communities did not have access to them, the report said.
The report commented on the role and accountability of the Government which were the key to reach development goals and policy promises.
Political controversies
Parliament had on occasion failed to make democracy work by wasting time on political controversies.
In 2003, the Lok Sabha lost over 60 hours to disruptions. However, there was some improvement since then.
The report also referred to "shrinking question hours" and absenteeism at meetings of parliamentary committees. Question hour proceedings did reveal there were considerable variations in spending on the social sector, among the States.
Assurances
Both Houses of Parliament had "pending assurances" in regard to several sectors.
The progress made and yet to be made in regard to livelihood prospects, food security, healthcare, primary education and implementation of the Common Minimum Programme were listed in the report. The prognosis was "cautious optimism."
Initiative
The participants at the meeting agreed that a Social Watch Initiative could be taken up in Karnataka as had been done in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and some other Statesby collaborating with existing civil society organisations and by involving other organisations and individuals.
Special Correspondent
Status of basic healthcare and primary education continues to be poor, points out report
BANGALORE: The Citizens' Report on Governance and Development, released here on Wednesday by the Karnataka Social Watch Consultation, was all about monitoring development goals and "policy promises" by the Union and State governments.
The report questioned the notion of "rapidly developing" India because of various human development indicators reflecting the country was unable to guarantee basic developmental rights to a large section of its citizens.
Accountability
The status of basic healthcare, primary education and hunger continued to be poor; many disadvantaged communities did not have access to them, the report said.
The report commented on the role and accountability of the Government which were the key to reach development goals and policy promises.
Political controversies
Parliament had on occasion failed to make democracy work by wasting time on political controversies.
In 2003, the Lok Sabha lost over 60 hours to disruptions. However, there was some improvement since then.
The report also referred to "shrinking question hours" and absenteeism at meetings of parliamentary committees. Question hour proceedings did reveal there were considerable variations in spending on the social sector, among the States.
Assurances
Both Houses of Parliament had "pending assurances" in regard to several sectors.
The progress made and yet to be made in regard to livelihood prospects, food security, healthcare, primary education and implementation of the Common Minimum Programme were listed in the report. The prognosis was "cautious optimism."
Initiative
The participants at the meeting agreed that a Social Watch Initiative could be taken up in Karnataka as had been done in Kerala, Andhra Pradesh and some other Statesby collaborating with existing civil society organisations and by involving other organisations and individuals.