Developmental and economic experts, especially of the west and developed nations, need to rethink their strategies in theorizing or interpreting the economic aspects of the underdeveloped and developing nations. Most western societies are a result of gradual evolvement as a result of organised living. Their present state of socio-economic and political development can be systematically analyzed and interpreted through the various stages of evolutionary change. The changes have been continuous throughout to attain the present stage of development. Integration of different societies, trade and commercial relations with other civilizations, Industrial revolution, imperialism, materialism etc are factors that have sought to attribute a lot in shaping and changing the facets of western societies either socially, economically or politically. Their present state was a result of centuries of change and transformation.
Unlike developing and emerging economies like India, most developing and underdeveloped nations of the world face the quagmire of sudden change in structural and institutional change. The sudden thrush of a developed political system as well as organized institutions and structures has led to instability and dominance by a few power elite. The political unconsciousness of the mass has resulted in monopoly of the political and economic control by the few elite. The consequence of such drastic change has been disastrous. All the more devastating has been the means employed by actors to acquire power; might is right or jungle law reigns. Clanism, tribalism, casteism, regionalism etc are weapons of such actors and the people easily fall prey to such considerations. Various welfare schemes and measures of the government meant to benefit the people hardly reach them. Development funds are apportioned by those in the right places.
A closer look at the people in relation to the existing political system suggests that they are mostly ignorant of the functioning of the political set up they are in. Ignorance of the governed regarding the institutional structure and its functioning coupled with bureaucratic red tape is fuelling corruption to an unimaginable level. The lengthy and slow-paced procedures associated with bureaucratic functioning also provide hurdles for the few who try to seek benefits meant for them. Most of the departments are non-functional except for paper works. People seem to be ignorant that government employees are meant to serve the people and that they are public servant. In the absence of industries and job avenues, government jobs are viewed as lucrative paying job without much responsibility. Thus, the departments meant to cater to the needs of the people have become monthly income avenues for those that get employed.
It is under such pathetic conditions that the rural people of these countries subsist. Therefore, when they are struggling for survival, to make their ends meet in the light of the above circumstances, all the proven models of development fail to achieve its objective. Investment in infrastructural development must go hand in hand with devising a marketing strategy before organizing the rural people for their socio-economic development while at the same time educating them for political awareness. Most democratic countries have become welfare states and adopted decentralization for empowerment of the people at the grass root level. Therefore, their enlightenment is also very important.
The political institutions and its structural functions along with infrastructural developments need to be assessed when dealing with rural development in these countries. Only a proper understanding of these aspects will result in devising a result-oriented approach to rural development.
Aaron Kikon of Mekokla
