Parrikar stresses on ‘social engineering’

Convenor of BJP governance cell Manohar Parrikar has called for “social engineering” to counter the Maoist menace. He said police action was limited to certain areas only. The former Goa Chief Minister said his thrust would be on humane ways to tackle the rebels.

“We would like to have that (strategic thrust). We will approach the issue through social engineering. This means providing the rightful share to those who are not getting the benefits of development. They are not asking for anything special. The problem is that they don’t even get their rightful share,” he told The Pioneer.

Parrikar said the use of force to quell Maoists was not a long-term answer. “Police action and other steps are temporary solutions in a limited area of operation. There may be certain areas where police may be necessary. But we should go for social engineering so the need for police is reduced,” he noted.

He pointed out that tribals in several States had, for long, been deprived of even basic rights. “If you upgrade the tribal family, the problem of Naxalism or violence can be brought under control. Tribals or underprivileged should be allowed to be kings of their own destiny with official support but without undue interference,” he said.

“Now, the Chhattisgarh Government is making efforts in that direction. Some additional ideas can enhance the impact of the scheme. But their PDS scheme is very good,” he added.

Parrikar also lauded the ‘development-oriented governance’ of Gujarat Chief Minister Narendra Modi. “His (Modi’s) action to widen roads and clean up cities might have earned him snide remarks from some people who lost illegal extensions. Removal of illegal religious structures was carried out by the Gujarat Government first, based on which, there is now discussion in the Supreme Court,” he remarked.

The IIT Bombay alumni said the cell would create a pool of good schemes, sound administrative mechanisms and people-friendly policies implemented in BJP-ruled States.

Besides, he added that he would endeavour to implement a code of conduct for party leaders. This will include their conduct with voters, party and their personal integrity.

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