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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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