The Hindu Business Line : `Orissa let down by its intelligentsia'

The main reason (for Orissa's backwardness) is lack of proper planning in development of some sectors. Those participating in the decision-making process don't have a clear vision. — Mr D. K. Mohanty, Lecturer in Political Science at Rayagada Women's College

If Orissa has remained backward compared to the rest of the country, "I would blame the intelligentsia... and also the people of the Orissa, who don't seem to have a pride in their State," Mr D. K. Mohanty, Lecturer in Political Science at Rayagada Women's College, told Business Line.

Excerpts from the interview:

What is the reason for Orissa's backwardness when the rest of India is marching forward; I returned to Rayagada after five years to find hardly any change...

The main reason is lack of proper planning in development in some sectors. The kind of people who are participating in the decision-making process don't have a clear vision of the problem.

There is a kind of apathy in all sections including the intelligentsia. And the people of Orissa themselves are not concerned. They've developed a kind of indifference over the years... that whatever we are, we'll remain so. With that thinking no nation or region can make progress.

Would you say this has been one of the worst governed States, not necessarily now, but over the years?

No, I don't think so; but we don't have a definite vision of development.

A certain dynamism is lacking in the administration to look ahead...

To some extent. You take the case of Andhra Pradesh, Karnataka or Tamil Nadu. Those in the administration have a definite vision of taking the State towards a particular kind of industry or development... Here a stage has come where the political leadership, the bureaucracy, the academicians, or the people don't have any pride in the State.

But what are they doing about it?

Nothing.

But surely there is intelligentsia in Orissa that is concerned... That is what is lacking. Intellectuals... real intellectuals... have no place in Orissa. They are not interested or are indifferent or the administration has not reached out to involve them.

Why? Is there a lack of communication... of dialogue?

Both sides have to link up; those who are not participating and those who are not allowing them to participate.

Development is needed, and our general definition of development is investment/industries coming in. Business houses obviously come for profit, but in Kashipur tribal belt, this is causing conflict, displacement. So what is the solution?

No country can survive without industrialisation. This is the reality; but the primary agenda should be to compensate these who are displaced.

But here the dilemma is that the tribal has hitherto lived in total harmony with, and depending on, nature and land. If you compensate him with money, he doesn't think of tomorrow and may fritter away that money in six, six or 12 months. What about his future?

People will have to be made conscious. Few years ago a sub-collector told me that some tribes are on the verge of extinction due to health complications and lack of medical care. If we take that into account, industrialisation will certainly come to their rescue in giving them a better quality of life. But they have to be properly rehabilitated.

Should other forms of compensation rather than money be thought of?

The affected tribals should be consulted on what kind of compensation they want. After all who will know their interest better than they themselves? There should be research on what they want.

The problem also is that we intellectuals have contradictory thoughts. We talk of protecting tribal culture, systems, etc. We talk of SHGs and ask them to do this or that. Some people don't know what should be their style of life.

Take the case of the Rourkela Steel Plant. I was there for five years. People said that the tribal culture will be destroyed when industrialisation comes in. But they were wrong; the tribals worked at the steel plant, they got education and joined the mainstream. But also simultaneously they had their own way of life... they danced in merriment, led their own lives and also got some livelihood.

So it is wrong to say that industrialisation will destroy the tribal people...

Of course. I don't think that industrialisation will destroy anybody. Had that been so industrialisation would have totally modernised Indian society. Take M. N. Srinivasan's observation on the joint family system. He made a study on different parts of Mumbai, went to different post offices and asked them how many money-orders are being sent from where and why. And he came to the conclusion that in India the joint family system is still continuing. Even if they don't stay together, they support the family.

So the conclusions we draw that this or that will happen, are wrong. Have we left our culture? Have we left our ill thinking of the caste system?

The intellectuals who are talking of protecting tribal culture feel proud that they are a higher caste... they've allowed their sons and daughters to live outside the country. You've not retained your own culture. Then why do you insist that the Adivasis should retain their culture?

Absolutely; very well put! What are the dreams and aspirations of your students? Do they feel they are a part of this new economy of call centres, BPOs, etc?

The system has not made them aware of what to do. Simply blaming somebody will not serve the purpose.

So they are not aware...

Either that or not taking interest. But the process has begun, and through regular programmes we're making them aware of what is happening and of the new opportunities.

The main problem is they don't want to link with the mainstream. There is an undue importance to the regional language.

Of course, you should learn the regional language but what is the harm in learning English; without that you cannot go outside. They think that getting married is everything. But things are changing but it will take time.

What kind of changes would you want to see in the administration?

Things have to change from top to bottom. We have a system where we don't select the right people. In the administration there should be a think tank... consulting people from different walks of life right from the district level, and all the poor people, whether Dalits or Adivasis, should be included in that.

How do you see Orissa's place in the future of India as it develops into an economic powerhouse?

I don't see any good future for Orissa. We lack proper planning, vision and commitment. Not only politicians and bureaucrats, even the academicians have failed Orissa.

Why?

A kind of inertia that people have developed that nothing will change.

Is there more corruption here?

No, that is a common issue all over.

Are people laid back, lazy?

Yes, that's true.

Do you welcome the Chief Minister's effort to get foreign investment to develop Orissa?

Yes. But, as I told you, the affected people must be first consulted.

We went to Kashipur and things have not changed... they have little rice or millets and have to depend on the same mango kernel, tamarind paste, etc. What is the remedy?

The PDS system at the block level should be made more effective. These are problems which not only the government machinery but everybody should do something about. Everybody, including business houses, have the social responsibility to do that. But we seem to lack it as a people.

Response may be sent to rasheeda@thehindu.co.in

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