Seeking commitment to welfare, development

If the basic premise of 'welfare for all and development of all' in Telangana as envisaged through umpteen welfare and development programmes has to be carried forward, with more commitment of the bureaucracy, it requires a systematic approach to implementation process.

Evolving a systematic implementation within the organisation is the responsibility of its head and he should lead the process. The delivery mechanism depends entirely on his or her commitment. This commitment to implement government schemes and programmes is very crucial for success of the administration.

The Telangana State government, during the last five years, initiated and is in the process of implementation of several schemes and programmes, some of which are unique to the State. Majority of these schemes are implemented only in Telangana and nowhere else in the country.

To name a few identified priority areas, there is Kalyana Lakshmi, Shaadi Mubarak, Aasara pensions, Rythu Bandhu, Rythu Bhima, sheep distribution, fish breeding, Kanti Velugu, round-the-clock power supply, Mission Bhagiratha, Mission Kakatiya, lift irrigation projects, double bedroom houses, Telangana ku Haritha Haram, residential school education, wellness centres, KCR Kits and various other measures including TS I-Pass, Panchayati Raj Act , Municipal Act, SHE Teams etc.

Telangana has emerged as a powerful force stabilising itself as a State of progression. In the entire country, Telangana is the one and only State, that provides round the clock 24-hour power supply to all sectors including agriculture.

The qualitative change in the power supply rejuvenated both agriculture and industrial sectors. The success of Mission Bhagiratha Scheme, aimed at comprehensive and permanent solution to drinking water, is literally visualised by the people.

The government's top priority has been to extend a real helping hand to the needy, helpless and poorest of the poor strata and accordingly, welfare programmes were conceived and implemented.

The Aasara Pensions aimed at providing security to life are being given to every poverty-stricken individual identifying them either as old or widow or single woman or beedi worker or handloom worker or aged artiste or filarial affected or aids patient or for that matter, everyone below the poverty line.

Kalyana Lakshmi and Shaadi Mubarak schemes are the brainchildren of Chief Minister K Chandrashekar Rao. In order to provide a residence, a dwelling of self-respect to the weaker sections of the society, the two-bed room house constructions are in progress.

Arogya Lakshmi Scheme aimed at providing nutritious food to pregnant women and KCR Kits Scheme to encourage institutional deliveries are like fresh definitions of women welfare.

In anticipation of radical and improved changes in the rural life, towards strengthening of rural economy government laid solid steps. Mission Kakatiya aimed at rejuvenation of damaged and debris chain of tanks, not only yielded exceptional results but also received international acclamations as a role model of development.

The largescale distribution of sheep substantially enhanced the livestock wealth of Golla and Kuruma communities. On the other side, in all the tanks and ponds as well as in different water sources, for pisciculture, the required fish seed is supplied free of cost by the government.

The investment support scheme for agriculture, the Rythu Bandhu, meant for providing financial assistance to farmer towards crop investment enthused the hearts of the farmer.

Telangana ku Haritha Haram introduced and implemented by the Telangana government for environmental and ecological protection is a significant programme.

The Principal or Special Chief Secretary in the State Secretariat, the HoD at the State level and the District Collector at the district level direct, monitor and supervise the implementation process. They oversee the entire activity and keep watch on the progress made in each district and department.

For effective and successful implementation of the schemes and programmes, it is ideal if a systematic capacity and capability orientation to TS schemes are organised from time to time.

In order to ensure integrated and coordinated approach to programme implementation, all Secretaries to government, Heads of Departments and District Collectors need to be drafted for this purpose.

This requires at least a three-day workshop on Systematic Implementation to TS Schemes. The workshop should aim: To provide opportunities for discussion on Telangana State government schemes and programmes and understanding role of Heads of Departments, Principal or Special Chief Secretaries and District Collectors as well as to work out strategies to develop implementation capabilities systematically, with emphasis on decentralised approach at district level.

The workshop will have to be organised using highly participated methodologies including group discussions, individual exercises, syndicate exercises, preparation and presentation of action plans for implementing the schemes and programmes etc.

The basis of design is three-fold namely, reflection of gap identification of what ought to and what is; review of the concepts, approaches and processes of systematic implementation and reshaping for formulating a road map and preparing an action plan.

The workshop will have to have identification of areas of concern, implementation tasks and work areas and implementation action plans preparation.

The orientation training will help in a planned increase in capabilities to meet challenges of change for enhanced performance through upgradation of knowledge, skills and capability. Re-skilling and multi-skilling are also needed.

The challenges of change demand role clarity between Principal or Special Chief Secretary, HoD, District Collector and their second level officers.

If the former three categories of officers decide, direct and manage, then the next in command executes; if they allocate resources the next in command utilises and if they have knowledge of the process, then their subordinate officers should have the skills to execute.

Visualising and reaction are to be done by Principal or Special Chief Secretary, HoD, District Collector whereas their next level officers need to respond and be proactive.

For the schemes which are already in operation, the workshop may have to focus on bridging the gaps. For new schemes to be taken up in future, capacity building programme needs to precede formal launch of the schemes.

Each of the scheme guidelines need to be translated in to training format specifying role of different implementing agencies at various levels, including roles assigned.

This should be the basis of developing exercises and other learner centred material. The workshop may focus on scheme by scheme discussion or some generalised process of scheme implementation and comparing each of the scheme's salient features with the implementation process.

For taking this forward, it may require a major design and development effort including study of scheme wise plan and implementation guidelines, present status of implementation, interactions with nodal agencies and or departments involved in implementation, identification of gap areas, bottlenecks etc.

Ultimately, commitment of seniors and competence on the part of second level officers and subordinate staff is of paramount importance.

Dr MCR HRD Institute which organised a similar programme titled Orientation to Management of Training (OMOT) that was adopted by all training institutes in the country may take up this also.

(The author is CPRO to CM, Telangana)