New Delhi, April 23
Holding corruption and poor governance responsible for continuing poverty, India’s first Human Development report prescribed drastic action, including Constitutional amendments for speedy devolution of power and better accountability of Panchayati Raj Institutions.The nearly 300-page report, released by Prime Minister Atal Behari Vajpayee today, said excessive controls and regulation were coming in the way of improving the pace of human development despite “substantial” improvement in Human Development Index (HDI) since 1983.
Prepared by the Planning Commission ahead of Tenth Five-Year Plan, the document has recommended a re-look at the structure, composition, functioning and the role of civil administration in the development of the country.
“Corruption is the most endemic and entrenched manifestation of poor governance in the Indian society, so much so that it has almost become an accepted reality and a way of life”, it said adding that the solution to the problem of corruption had to be more systematic than any other issue.
Giving details, Planning Commission Deputy Chairman K.C. Pant told reporters that “Resources alone are not enough. What is really important for development is efficiency of the delivery system and effective governance. It is time we paid adequate attention to these areas”.
He said the issue of governance must be addressed on a priority as it impinges upon the success of economic reforms.
He said the report showed HDI during 1983 to 1993-94 improved by nearly 2.6 per cent per annum and by over 3 per cent per annum during 1993-94 to 2001, even though there were wide disparities among states.
PTI
