For India to Thrive, it Must Decentralize

The problem in India is implementation. By and large, we have good ideas and ambitious programmes in most areas necessary for the nation's inclusive development. But we fail to get bangs for the bucks spent. Rajiv Gandhi is often quoted as having said that only a small percentage of what is intended is actually achieved. Now Rajiv's wife and son have obtained a national mandate for the Congress to lead on. And there is relief that the party will not be fettered by the demands of coalition partners. How should Congress leaders change their approach to produce the results people expect but haven't got in sufficient measure even from their party?

It has been obvious for a long time that India needs more decentralisation to produce results. The freedom movement required the rallying of an entire nation. Therefore, a centralised political organisation fighting for one cause was necessary. Following independence, a different pattern of political organisation was required. In fact, Mahatma Gandhi convened a meeting of Congress leaders in Sevagram in March 1948 to discuss how the Congress could reform its organisation to meet the challenges of social and economic development. Though he was assassinated in January, the meeting was held as he had desired. The record of that meeting was published in 2007 in a fascinating book, Gandhi is Gone. Who Will Guide Us Now?