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Book Review
From the Blurb
Elixir of Life: K.V. Raju — Editor; Books for Change, 139, Richmond Road, Bangalore-560025. Rs. 600.
The result of a collaborative initiative of IWMI-Tata Water Policy Program and the Institute for Social and Economic Change, Bangalore, this book addresses a range of management and policy issues related to improving rural and urban water supply systems in Gujarat and Karnataka. It brings together 16 papers, classified under three broad heads — emerging trends in rural water supply; financing and management of rural water supply; and urban and peri-urban issues — capturing the complexities of the challenge of putting in place systems that ensure supply of safe drinking water in adequate quantities to the people in towns and villages in several respects. What the contributors have to say should serve as a warning about the evolving crisis on the drinking water front.
A Handbook for Panchayati Raj Administration (Tamil Nadu): G. Palanithurai, K.Vallinayagam, N. S. Chidambaram and K. Subramaniam; Concept Publishing Company, A/15-16, Commercial Block, Mohan Garden, New Delhi-110059. Rs. 1500.
The Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act was enacted and brought into force in April 1994, and the rules under the Act were issued from time to time from 1997 to 2004. This handbook is a codification of these rules for the guidance of Panchayati Raj functionaries and the public. It contains the 73rd Amendment to the Constitution of India, Tamil Nadu Panchayats Act, 1994; rules and instructions common to the three tiers of the Panchayat; and instructions relating to village Panchayat; rules relating to Panchayat Union Council and the District Panchayat, and other related Acts. The objective of this publication is to further the dissemination of the rules and regulations governing Panchayat administration so that the elected representatives remain accountable to their electorate.
Building Engaged Schools — Getting the Most out of America's Classrooms: Gary Gordon with Steve Crabtree; Gallup Press, 1251 Avenue of the Americas, 23rd Floor, New York, NY 10020. USA. $ 24.95.
Can America's public schools meet the many challenges they face today? Not by doing what they are doing now, argues this book that takes on the faulty assumptions that guide American public education. In its efforts to create the best possible schools for America's kids, the author notes, that concerns such as standards, curriculum, and testing overshadow the importance of people. But, the fact is, what have come to be thought of as the "soft" aspects of education are actually what make truly effective learning possible. This book offers a fresh approach: get the most out of student and teacher talent. Focussing on talent is surely more complex and may lack the political appeal of process reforms, which can be implemented in broad strokes. But, the return on the time and effort invested is far greater. In fact, that return is no less than a better future for America's children.
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