Discussions
Post presentations and comments from the Parliamentarians and legislators, the interface witnessed some interesting discussions and debate. Some of the observations made by the participants are:
· Why large projects in Orissa are being met with resistance? Mostly because grassroots politics in Orissa has failed and political representatives have been unable to convince the people and develop a consensus.
· Administrative reforms are required but so also is social leadership where politicians identify the problems of the people and are accepted by them. Bureaucracy is only an instrument in the hands of political leadership who are akin to artisans. Hence, it’s up to the political leaders to utilize the expertise of bureaucrats effectively. But the administrators have to move with the times and not be rigid in their way of functioning.
· The Citizens of Orissa, media and the intelligentsia have to be more vocal. No enlightened middle class or academician or a very vocal media in Orissa seems available. Inspite of economic reforms, poverty has not been reduced in Orissa. Out of the 531 mining leases, hardly 1-5% Oriyas have a stake in it. A vibrant media and public should highlight and protest against such issues.
· Despite discussions and debates, laws are passed or not passed. People are not informed about their benefits or repercussions. But it's up to the political representatives of that area to inform the people.
· The quality of discussions and decorum of political leaders has gone down very much in the Parliament and Assembly. Often, people do not have respect for political representatives. Politicians have now to win back the people's respect, trust and confidence.
· Politicians and media are all mirrors of society and reflect the trends.
· Interface is required but not political overtones. Identify the shortfalls and solutions rather than blaming each other. Convert ideas into actions.
· How long we can describe Orissa as a state of poverty among plenty? How can there be industrialization without displacement? Ensure the participation of people and win their confidence and be transparent. Forceful imposition creates resistance among people. There should not be any resistance or hesitation to talk to the people on the part of the Government.
· Why do people's representative fear to be charge sheeted while protecting their own people? The Political culture of Orissa doesn't allow it: neither are people willing to take it as a mass movement. People look up to the leaders but if leaders express their helplessness, what can people do? If you are representing the people, then it's up to you to take it to the people. (observed to MPs/MLAs).
Voices from the Ground: Afternoon Session
In the afternoon session, Civil Society and NGO representatives gave an overview of the social problems of the state.
Social Movements in Orissa: An overview
Prof. S. S. Singh, Xavier Institute of Management
Narrating several instances, Prof. Singh bought to light how the "so-called development projects" in certain areas have severely neglected the people of that area and provided prosperity to the elite population living elsewhere.
Narrating the experience of an elderly woman, Prof. Singh said: "In the 60s’ when Pandit Nehru was inaugurating the DVC Mathan Dam in present-day Jharkhand, there was a huge gathering of tribals & he told them that these dams are "the temples of modern India". He also invited a tribal woman from the gathering to inaugurate the dam. After thirty years of the inauguration of DVC dam, that woman has a photograph with Pandit Nehru in her home, but she has not a single bulb of electricity while the DVC power is being supplied to West Bengal, Bihar and other parts of India!'
"The Pipervara Kuleri in Jharkhand supplied power to the people of Delhi, politicians for their air-conditioning, ice cream etc. But the people who were displaced from Pipervara Kuleri are beggars in the streets of Ranchi,” he remarked. |
Prof. S. S. Singh
Xavier Institute of Management
Bhubaneswar |
“Those who have been displaced due to the development efforts, the majority of them i.e. 40% of the displaced persons, are beggars in big cities in India,” he added. Thus development leads to deprivation but not displacement. Deprivation is a better term for the word displacement,” said Prof. Singh. He also gave a historical overview of the social movements in Orissa. The problem is that these activists, action groups, NGOs or say non-profit groups who are with the people are effective at the micro level but not often at macro level, he felt. Similarly donor agencies have started dictating their own agenda. So these NGOs are restricted and handicapped both by the government and the donor agency. Besides these, the status factor also plays an important role. Once these NGOs assume the character of elitist groups, they no more associate themselves with the people’s problems and show little interest to come with the people’s issues to the fore-front.
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