'Last mile connectivity missing in govt schemes implementation'

Expressing concern about the gap still existing in reaching the common people to help them get the benefits of government schemes, Puducherry Lieutenant Governor Kiran Bedi  voluntarism at grass-roots level is essential to make people aware of new schemes and ways to get benefits.

"Huge grants are available for centrally-sponsored schemes, and new schemes aimed at the welfare of people are also being announced. But many people at the grass-roots level lack information about those schemes and ways to utilise them. The challenge is to fill that gap in last mile connectivity," she said.

Speaking after inaugurating the three-day State-level 'Seva Sangam' programme of Rashtreeya Seva Bharati here on Friday, Dr Bedi stated that though elected representatives and government officials are supposed to take the schemes to the doorsteps of common people, the gap between top and bottom still exists, due to which huge grants are not used fully.

We have solutions and schemes, but we lack volunteers who help the needy people to utilise them. Schemes can be improved if feedback from the grass-roots level is available, and then only a fast-forward progress can be achieved, she said.

On PM's messages

Observing that national messages being given by the prime minister through 'Mann Ki Bath' or Independence Day speech are not properly reaching 50% of Indians, mainly due to language barrier, Dr Kiran Bedi stressed the need for a system to simultaneously translate those messages into other languages and broadcast.

Many people, especially those in South India, are not emotionally linked with the prime minister's speech, as they do not get it in their mother tongue immediately. A software to translate the speech and broadcast simultaneously is essential, Dr Bedi added, mentioning the facility available in the United Nations Organisation (UNO).

Tips for social workers

Suggesting voluntary service organisations to get common people connected with government schemes, Dr Bedi asked them to open citizen control rooms to educate and help people, and to collect their grievances. Mobile apps for local needs can also be used, volunteer centres can be opened, and internet training programme for volunteers can also be run, she said.

Volunteers are needed everywhere, while schools, colleges and universities can give a large number of volunteers. Apprenticeship in social service can also be introduced for student volunteers. Commerce students can update businessmen about recent changes in Goods & Services Tax (GST) and help them to fill up forms, he noted.

Dr Bedi also called upon people to watch Lok Sabha T V and Rajya Sabha TV and to listen to All-India Radio (AIR) news to know about recent schemes of the government and changes made in them.

She also informed the gathering that she interacts with common people for three hours daily, calling it 'open house', at her office. She also lauded the service attitude of those attached with the Rashtriya Seva Bharati.

Rashtriya Seva Bharati organising secretary Rakesh Jain explained how the Rashtriya Swayamsevaka Sangha (RSS) is committed towards the selfless service attitude which is an integral part of Indian culture.

RSS leader Mangesh Bhende, Karnatak University Dharwad (KUD) Vice-Chancellor Pramod Gai, KLE Technological University (KLETU) Vice-Chancellor Ashok Shettar, Y Satish, Govindappa Goudappagol, Pavitra Gowda, and others were present.