Report (Part 6): Sustainable Development Convention 2002

Holistic Development: Tool for Rural India

 Time: 31 October 2002, 14:30-15:30 Location: Salle C1 Chair: Mike Horner Presenters/ Participants: Dr. A. K. Basu, SHAPE/SRI Reporter: Danielle Dalsoren (ICVolunteers) Languages: English Key words: Holistic development, panchayat, rural development, SHAPE, SRI

With a population of 1,030 million, India is divided into 125,000 panchayats, the level at which ultimate governance lies. This "true democracy" provides many benefits for its people, and Dr. A. K. Basu presents a plan to tackle the challenges of such democracy through holistic planning.

Dr. Basu, of SHAPE/SRI began his presentation by stating that 70% of India's work force is in agriculture, but that agriculture contributes to only 23% of India's gross domestic product (GDP). This inequality has led to unrest and anti-government sentiments within rural areas. Dr. Basu's conclusion is that India must shift 50% of its work force out of agriculture and into services and production, an ambitious goal he referred to as "Vision 2020". He then presented the creative strategy with which he plans to accomplish this great task.

n searching for a solution, he began by asking himself what strength could India call upon to realize Vision 2020. His answer was that India's true democracy through people's governance. He proposes that India must include at least 30% women at all levels of government, which is no small task, considering that only 45% of Indian women are literate. He also emphasized the need for reliable electronic connectivity, including satellite, at the panchayat (village) level of government. These represent holistic advancements toward sustainable economic development.

Dr. Basu explained that India is divided into states, which are divided into districts, which are divided into blocks, which are divided into panchayats. Ultimate governance lies at the panchayat level, including the legislative, administrative and judicial branches—in fact, the panchayat has greater power than the Prime Minister of India does. There are 125,000 panchayats in India, so the tasks Dr. Basu presents are monumental. Dr. Basu explained that governance at the panchayat level has the advantages of having reliable databases of information, people's support and transparent administration. However, panchayats are often unable to plan holistically, mobilize technology management backup, nor administer programs on technologically sound.

Surprising Issues
Julia Hausermann, of Rights and Humanity, commented that although we generally speak of the North/South divide with the South as the deprived party, we in the North suffer from a deterioration in community structure and values. She suggested that this is an opportunity for those in India to help the North out, as well.

Interesting Questions
One delegate asked whether the IUCN promoted sustainable development or total preservation. Mr. Araujo responded that both were necessary because areas under extreme threat require total preservation but that the sustainable use of natural resources was often necessary for the survival of local people. He said that if the needs of a local community are not considered in conservation decisions on the natural environment then conservation is not sustainable. Mr. Araujo said that it is necessary to work with communities to find a balance between the needs of people and the needs of the environment.