New Mining Laws...

Government is all set to clear a new law, regarding the Mining industry. This law will provide the affected tribal area a large sum of money, estimated at around 1.6 billion per month for development works. This is a novel idea, but government must look into other side of this bill. If this money is not channelized properly, the very idea of this bill can go awry and, in worst case, can backfire.
First of all, keeping in view the current situation of the politics it is not hard to predict that some big scandals will soon be surfaced regarding this money. For instance, word bank had provided millions of dollars to develop the KBK zone of Odisha, but little has changed and many allegations against the responsible department and persons have kept surfacing from time to time. Simply relying on the current political and bureaucratic structure to cater to demand of development in that area will be a fool’s play. These areas are much more sensitive and any new policy or scheme can play decisive role in government’s stand in the area. At a stage when government has realized that it has a bigger role to play in naxal affected areas and when naxalism is no more a regional force, government must not pass the bucket to state governments. Historically, it is proven that naxalism is more about the state’s failure to recognize and provide the basic amenities to already underdeveloped and suppressed population and hence government must ensure that history is not repeated. Badly formed policies alienate the local population from mainstream country and government which makes them staunch supporters of the Naxalites movement.
It has been very clear that in spite of tough stand from Supreme Court and growing unrest among public, our political leaders are not doing away from corruption. Some of the biggest scams of free India took place only in 21st century, when most of the people think that Indian public is becoming much more aware towards cleaner and progressive politics. If this aid by central government fails to improve the condition of the poor people, it will surely reinforce the Naxalites position in these areas. Naxalites get support in these areas only because they are able to project the government as an inefficient system which is unable to deliver and which only exploits. If this latest step by government again fails to make discernable differences, Naxalites will get vehemently exaggerate the State failure and reinforce their position there.
Although a full proof solution cannot be guaranteed under any supervision, Central government must look beyond failed and corrupt state level politics and bureaucracy which is the biggest culprit in failing of the State mechanism in Naxal affected areas. Central must take leading role and directly monitor the welfare programs, infrastructure developments in that areas rather than adopting the conventional approach of multilevel transaction system for aide.
Put aside all allegations and charges, and start with some fresh and innovative approach. It is of no doubt that UPA-II has some of the brightest politicians this country. But certainly political discourse matters less than the humanitarian and innovative approach in this case. Losses have been innumerable on both sides and no matter who bears the brunt; it is this country which has to pay the cost.