It is supposed to provide food-grains and other essential items at affordable prices to people living below the poverty line. Unfortunately, the system has been subverted to such an extent that the intended beneficiaries remain out of the loop. There is a talk of making the right to food a fundamental right. Even if such legislation enters the country’s already humongous statute books how would it be enforced? Already, the various administrative tools and instruments of implementation are in urgent need of complete overhaul in order to become effective.

So, must one conclude that there is no hope of deliverance from want, violence and vagaries of law keepers?

Not really. The relentless media focus is helping in the building-up of a strong public opinion in favor of performance. We saw its impact in the last Lok Sabha elections where performers were rewarded and prevaricators and pretenders were shown the door. People voted, cutting across ideological and parochial divides. This should spur on the incumbent governments in the states as well as the Centre to put their respective acts together. Already we are seeing the Central Government envisaging systemic changes in various fields – be these education, policing, employment generation or general governance. This is a happy augury for our polity. In future election campaigns there will be more emphasis on competitive performance than on competitive casteism and other forms of sectarianism.

Much has been achieved but much more needs to be done too. The day this nation’s Index of Human Dignity and Happiness reaches optimal levels India’s tryst with destiny will be fruitfully consummated.

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