Telangana and good governance

I wonder what the real motive of anyone demanding separate smaller states is. True, the U.S. has 50 states and is reasonably well governed. But are we governing the best we can with available resources and technology-using it? I doubt it.

Good people at the top may actually do wonders for governance, rather than shrinking the size of the state. A Chandrababu Naidu made a lot of difference, Nitish Kumar seems to be doing the same. Even appointing a few good people can do the trick, as in Mr. Sridhar for the Delhi Metro project. The common man needs to see visible change for the better. Of course, some people would argue that they would rather be left alone by the government. But some interactions are inevitable. Registrations of marriage, birth, death, ration cards, driving licenses, passport issuance, roads, water and power are basic things every citizen must have. The unique identity card project is a good move, hope it succeeds. It is great that professionals like Nilekani are being sounded out and agreeing to get into public service. Let's hope there's more of it in 2010.

2 comments:

Paddy said...

Politics these days is run like Business. There is an investment put in developing the party, candidates selection, winning election and recovering the investment while in power. In this exercise, parties which can not appeal to a larger section of populace, look for sharper 'positioning' and they segment the market where they can improve their chance of winning an election and capturing power. This segmentation is often based on language, ethnicity, caste and regions within a state (religion as a segmentation tool has lost its edge as everyone wants too woo minorities).In very state you see the rise of splinter parties which ride any or combination of the above factors and they push their agenda of bi/trifurcation of the states whereby they can maximise their chances of coming to power. Madhu Koda has been the envy of many such aspirants. Electorates (akin to consumers) play their part in this business by accepting money for votes (all voters in TN got Rs1000 cash). Thus the Business of Politics is very competitive one and all stops are pulled out for survival. Hell with Governance.
When it is overdone, the M&A process of consolidation will begin hopefully ! Cheers.
Paddy

Rajendra said...

Hmm..interesting that Ries and Trout, the positioning gurus are being followed by non-MBAs too.

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