Ensure 'Gama Neguma' delivers development
Most readers of this newspaper may have considered as a joyous
sight, the spectacle of President Mahinda Rajapaksa speaking warmly and
feelingly to the residents of the remote village of Kandegama in the
Ratnapura district. The occasion was the launching of the second phase
of the 'Gama Neguma' programme, which aims at improving the living
conditions of the country's rural areas.
As our news reports on Friday pointed out, one of the aims of the
programme is the development of infrastructure facilities in the poorest
of our villages. It also aims at providing services such as health,
education, transport and clean drinking water facilities to our
villages.
The State has acted with insight by also establishing 'Nenasalas' or
centres with E-mail facilities in these villages to facilitate easier
communication and interaction with the world outside. In fact Prime
Minister Ratnasiri Wickremanayake launched the 256th of such 'Nenasalas'
at Kandegama.
Such projects are reflective of the caring and egalitarian nature of
the State and we hope they would be sustained vibrantly into the future.
Consistency in the launching of such projects is proof of the sincerity
of the State and we hope the authorities would easily measure-up to this
test.
Besides, the mere launching of such schemes would not prove
sufficient from the standpoint of development in the true sense of the
word. Once launched, the State and its prime institutions need to keep a
close eye on how effectively they meet the aims for which they were
established.
That is, are they impacting positively on the lives of our rural
people and delivering them from their poverty and misery? This is the
key measure of the success of these projects and we hope the authorities
are mindful of it.
In other words, it needs to be found out whether 'Gama Neguma' is
making a real difference in the lives of the poor. If so, they are a
success. If not they are mere populist measures aimed at winning votes
and little else.
Therefore, it could not be emphasized enough that the success of
these projects must be closely monitored by the State. It need not be
reiterated that these successes and failures need to be assessed on a
scientific basis.
That is, the programmes should make a tangible difference in the
lives of the people. For instance, more and more persons should be
relieved of malnourishment and stunting and more and more children
should at least complete a primary and secondary school education
without dropping out of school.
Subject to these vital qualifications and conditions there is no
doubt that rural development schemes are a most needed measure. What we
need most is development and not mere economic growth. We need hardly
say that it is possible to have the latter without the former.
What we need is development and this is delivered when all enjoy the
fruits of the growth process. |
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