Urbanisation without development not constructive
ISLAMABAD: Development is considered as government’s job. From infrastructure to resource development, governments have to face criticism for lagging behind. As privatisation is one way to deal with loss-making state-owned ventures, community-based development too can be relatively effective and quick in delivering results, provided the government ‘outsources’ the programmes to private non-governmental welfare organisations under its supervision.
Since the community-based projects operate at a micro level, they are more inclusive and concentrated in approach. Hence, it becomes easier to check on the feasibility in early stages. While international organisations like the USAID and others are actively engaged in community-driven programmes, the provincial governments too should make use of the same, particularly in education and health sectors where needs vary according to cultures and demography. The government can work towards improving the law and order situation in remote areas while these organisations engage in micro-level issues on community basis. With that, rural areas will not be urbanised but developed. Also, vocational training institutes are one of the most effective ways to reduce poverty in rural areas, as communities become mobilised and get the needful.
Asma Shaukat
Published in The Express Tribune, October 21st, 2017.
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