Southern States - Andhra Pradesh-Hyderabad   

"Good governance high on people's agenda"

By Our Staff Reporter

HYDERABAD Dec. 9. Good governance was high on the people's agenda like never before and not just development, more so after the recent elections in States like Delhi, Madhya Pradesh and Rajasthan. "In the earlier days, development was the sole criterion. Now, there is the all important factor of good governance and some real efforts appear to be on in States like Andhra Pradesh and Karnataka to improve the standards of governance," pointed out Indophile Sir Mark Tully.

Speaking on `India in Slow Motion', which he co-authored with Gillian Wright, under the aegis of the Association of British Scholars, A.P. Chapter here on Tuesday, he underlined the need for the teeming middle class sections of India to demand and insist on better governance.

However, he also added a word of caution, saying, ``the basic issues of food and per capita income growth cannot be ignored in this great growth process.'' "If we fail to do so, we will be creating two countries within India - India that is rich and India that is poor and under developed.

Tracing how bad governance had put the brakes on India's march to the fast track world of development, the Kolkata-born former BBC Correspondent said the antiquated and colonial system was a huge burden on the nation and weighed down the growth vehicle considerably.

"But, I'm not pessimistic about India. There is great potential for growth and I have a vision of hope for the country as it is always open to new ideas," he enthused. "Mere blind pursuit of narrow forms of economic reforms and surrendering to materialism would be of little use," said Mr. Tully, dubbed the voice of India following his long stint with BBC Radio.

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