The article, “ >Pulling a village out of poverty ” (March 18) is a classic example of how with vision and commitment, an upright officer can ensure a small policy intervention to transform the lives of the downtrodden. Framing and implementing policies without vision and not taking into account ground realities is the main cause for economic distress in rural areas. One is reminded of schemes like “Amul” in Gujarat that have resulted in unprecedented socio-economic advancement. The need now is to promote mini-agricultural projects and cottage and rural industries.
Gurdatta A.R.,Bangalore
At a time when most personnel at the helm of affairs often ask the question “why me?” when it comes to propagating new and innovative things, Alex Paul Menon has continued his efforts despite even threats to his life. His determination is something to appreciate and emulate.
Siddappa Annigeri,Bangalore
In a country as diverse as India, the adoption of a region-specific approach from the grassroots level will help. Planners and opinion- makers should replicate this inspiring model in other panchayats.
Geethu Issac,Thiruvananthapuram
The essence of administration should be people-centric, not scheme-centric. As the election campaign unfolds and leaders hit the campaign trail reeling off statistics, and newspapers and the electronic media are filled with and blare out different reports on how successful various schemes have been implemented, what is evident to the discerning eye is that such schemes provide only temporary relief.
Despite crores of rupees being spent, lasting resources for rural communities are not being created. Numbers in reports remind one of the saying: “There are lies, damned lies and statistics.” We should make it clear to our politicians in this general election that “we want to learn how to fish and not to wait for subsidised fish to be sold at a nearby PDS centre!”
M.V.R. Krishna Reddy,Chennai
The article is a reminder of the need to drop the raj approach to governance. Policymaking has to be based on the principle of “schemes for people.” Chindhbarri must be the instrument to rejuvenate our policy-making and the implementing mechanism to usher in positive change at the grassroots level.
Shashank S. Mane,Solapur, Maharashtra
If every officer in the civil services can work with such vision, the nation can finally move towards uplifting the poor. Instead of planning for smart card-controlled toilets in urban centres, our planners need to step out of their comfort zones and look into the realities in rural India.
Kudur Suresh,Bangalore
Mr. Menon joins the ranks of bureaucrats like Jayaprakash Narayan and A.K. Mohanty who made a conscious effort to work with a purpose.
Abhinav Perla,Srikakulam
The work of the government should be to fund, empower and monitor panchayats to carry out projects, perhaps the only way to satisfy the basic needs of people in our highly populated country.
Vignesh R.,Ambasamudram
Chindhbarri demonstrates the real potential our villages present and the need for decentralised planning. The government has been spending crores of rupees on social welfare schemes and giving freebies without empowering villages. The government should encourage honest officers and give them the freedom to carry out their duties without interference.
Venkata Ratnam Pitani,Khammam
While appreciating Mr. Menon’s success in transforming Chindhbarri, it is pertinent to ask why he never flagged the gross violation of the Fifth Schedule by the State and Central governments; how mining is destroying the lives of Adivasis; the inhuman exploitation of Adivasis by the contractor mafia, and the brutal violence against Adivasis by the security forces. A brave and honest officer should first use his powers to stand up for India’s weakest citizens against injustices perpetrated by the powerful.
Chinnappa Kondapi,Secunderabad
