Better governance is key
Let us hope the Prime Minister, Dr Manmohan Singh meant it when he said that the administration should not overlook the fact that many areas in which extremism flourishes are under-developed and many of the people, mainly poor tribals who live in these areas, have been denied the benefits of our ambitious developmental programmes. The Prime Minister should make his Home Minister, Mr P Chidambaram also approach the ‘Maoist problem’ along this line.
He should compel the civil servants to ensure that benefits of development reach tribals. Civil servants have followed a Chidambaram-like policy toward Naxalism for decades. They never attacked the roots, because in league with central, state and local politicians they were sharing the plunder of resources meant for the tribals, who were not educated, aware and organised enough to challenge the robbery.
Development has to be equitable for all Indians. The first task should be to ensure that tribals get the benefits of development in a fair, equal and honest manner. The government must understand that Maoists have stepped in because there was a vast field of disenchantment with the democratically elected and abysmally corrupted government. If the government works truly for tribal welfare the Maoists would fade away.
Navhind Times, April 21
