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| Indian elections: what issues are Indian voters concerned about? | Indian elections: what issues are Indian voters concerned about? |
| (2 months later) | |
| In many ways this is a significant election for India: after 10 years in office, the incumbent Congress is facing a rout and the frontrunner is the opposition BJP, though its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, is not exactly everyone’s favourite man. There's also a political newbie, the Aam Aadmi party, that's eyeing 5-10% of the vote. | In many ways this is a significant election for India: after 10 years in office, the incumbent Congress is facing a rout and the frontrunner is the opposition BJP, though its prime ministerial candidate Narendra Modi, is not exactly everyone’s favourite man. There's also a political newbie, the Aam Aadmi party, that's eyeing 5-10% of the vote. |
| With a potential change in government, politicians are being forced to listen to their constituents, so we've been asking Guardian readers to tell us, via GuardianWitness, what issues they want a new government to tackle. We'll be looking at four key concerns, discussing why they are important and how the main political parties intend to address them. | With a potential change in government, politicians are being forced to listen to their constituents, so we've been asking Guardian readers to tell us, via GuardianWitness, what issues they want a new government to tackle. We'll be looking at four key concerns, discussing why they are important and how the main political parties intend to address them. |
| Pollution | Pollution |
| Pollution is one of the big issues in India and a set of photos uploaded by one of our contributors, ID2363654, highlights the problem in Varanasi. | Pollution is one of the big issues in India and a set of photos uploaded by one of our contributors, ID2363654, highlights the problem in Varanasi. |
| A man prays at sunrise in the Ganges | A man prays at sunrise in the Ganges |
| The Ganges, although regarded as holy, is a public health nightmare. Full of pollutants, mainly from raw sewage,as well as decaying corpses, does not deter people from bathing, washing clothes and even drinking the water.The government needs to address public health issues in general including TB, malaria and diarrheal disease. | The Ganges, although regarded as holy, is a public health nightmare. Full of pollutants, mainly from raw sewage,as well as decaying corpses, does not deter people from bathing, washing clothes and even drinking the water.The government needs to address public health issues in general including TB, malaria and diarrheal disease. |
| Sent via GuardianWitness | Sent via GuardianWitness |
| By | By |
| ID2363654 | ID2363654 |
| 7 April 2014, 23:24 | 7 April 2014, 23:24 |
| I visited Varanasi for the first time in 1980s. I still have a faint recollection of a boat ride, which was – and still is – considered a must-do by tourists, despite the pitiable state of the river. The experience was shocking. The next time I visited the teeming city was in late 2012. I was on an assignment and a local contact insisted on a boat ride. So we hopped on to a boat owned by a young man called Arun. It was dark and so much of what was floating in the river was not visible (thankfully). | I visited Varanasi for the first time in 1980s. I still have a faint recollection of a boat ride, which was – and still is – considered a must-do by tourists, despite the pitiable state of the river. The experience was shocking. The next time I visited the teeming city was in late 2012. I was on an assignment and a local contact insisted on a boat ride. So we hopped on to a boat owned by a young man called Arun. It was dark and so much of what was floating in the river was not visible (thankfully). |
| I spotted boatloads of foreign tourists taking photographs of cremations taking place on the riverbanks. A few boats (“special ones,” said Arun) even had guides giving running commentary on what was happening on the banks. “Much of what will be left of those cremations will go into the river,” said Arun. “So many people, like washermen, depend on the river for their livelihoods. Now the government wants them out. It’s a very difficult situation,” he added. “This pollution is killing, so many people suffer from skin diseases." | I spotted boatloads of foreign tourists taking photographs of cremations taking place on the riverbanks. A few boats (“special ones,” said Arun) even had guides giving running commentary on what was happening on the banks. “Much of what will be left of those cremations will go into the river,” said Arun. “So many people, like washermen, depend on the river for their livelihoods. Now the government wants them out. It’s a very difficult situation,” he added. “This pollution is killing, so many people suffer from skin diseases." |
| Arun’s diagnosis of the problem is somewhat right: cleaning the river is just one part of the challenge. The bigger part is balancing economic interests, environmental protection and the spiritual dimension of the river while doing it. Here’s an interesting video that puts the issues in perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-RKFS1_xyI | Arun’s diagnosis of the problem is somewhat right: cleaning the river is just one part of the challenge. The bigger part is balancing economic interests, environmental protection and the spiritual dimension of the river while doing it. Here’s an interesting video that puts the issues in perspective: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U-RKFS1_xyI |
| Interestingly, this time around, Varanasi is also the battleground of India’s two top politicians: AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal and the BJP’s Modi. While AAP has promised to highlight the abysmal state of the sewer system and the cleaning of Ganga, during the campaign, the BJP in its manifesto has promised a nationwide clean rivers programme across the country. The Congress also promises to clean up Ganga and other rivers. The other pollution issues that must be looked into by the new government include air pollution and industrial pollution. | Interestingly, this time around, Varanasi is also the battleground of India’s two top politicians: AAP’s Arvind Kejriwal and the BJP’s Modi. While AAP has promised to highlight the abysmal state of the sewer system and the cleaning of Ganga, during the campaign, the BJP in its manifesto has promised a nationwide clean rivers programme across the country. The Congress also promises to clean up Ganga and other rivers. The other pollution issues that must be looked into by the new government include air pollution and industrial pollution. |
| Piles of rubbish sit outside a temple | Piles of rubbish sit outside a temple |
| Rubbish collection and disposal appears to be extremely limited in India leading to scenes like this in both urban and rural areas. This is an issue that requires addressing by the government. | Rubbish collection and disposal appears to be extremely limited in India leading to scenes like this in both urban and rural areas. This is an issue that requires addressing by the government. |
| Sent via GuardianWitness | Sent via GuardianWitness |
| By | By |
| ID2363654 | ID2363654 |
| 7 April 2014, 23:04 | 7 April 2014, 23:04 |
| Water | Water |
| If water pollution is one part of the story, the other is definitely the increasing and constant competition over water between agriculturists, urban dwellers and industrialists. Millions lack access to clean drinking water, and the situation is only getting worse. A rapidly growing economy and a large agricultural sector is putting pressure over the supply of water. But supply is dwindling due to mismanagement of water resources, over-pumping and pollution. Ranjan Panda, Convenor, Water Initiatives Odisha, correctly points out that industrialisation is destroying our forests and rivers: "Natural forests are vanishing fast, rivers and other water bodies are dying and decaying in the country." The fight over water between industry and people will affect politics directly, as we have already seen in this election. | If water pollution is one part of the story, the other is definitely the increasing and constant competition over water between agriculturists, urban dwellers and industrialists. Millions lack access to clean drinking water, and the situation is only getting worse. A rapidly growing economy and a large agricultural sector is putting pressure over the supply of water. But supply is dwindling due to mismanagement of water resources, over-pumping and pollution. Ranjan Panda, Convenor, Water Initiatives Odisha, correctly points out that industrialisation is destroying our forests and rivers: "Natural forests are vanishing fast, rivers and other water bodies are dying and decaying in the country." The fight over water between industry and people will affect politics directly, as we have already seen in this election. |
| When visiting a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district last week, I found voters planning to boycott the election over water issues. One agitated villager told me: “The government is building a dam on the Pench river. The plan is to divert water to the proposed thermal power plant. What will happen to our agricultural fields? Besides, the river is also a major drinking water source." | When visiting a village in Madhya Pradesh’s Chhindwara district last week, I found voters planning to boycott the election over water issues. One agitated villager told me: “The government is building a dam on the Pench river. The plan is to divert water to the proposed thermal power plant. What will happen to our agricultural fields? Besides, the river is also a major drinking water source." |
| The proposal for management of water resources, a vital component of the environment development debate, remains vague in all three party manifestos, reports the influential Science and Environment monthly, Down To Earth. The proposals for managing water resources in the three manifestos refer to the usual phrases such as “conservation”, “efficient use of water resources” and “rainwater harvesting”. But when the focus is manufacturing-centric economic growth for both BJP and Congress, the phrase “water conservation” does not seem to fit into the overall scheme of things. | The proposal for management of water resources, a vital component of the environment development debate, remains vague in all three party manifestos, reports the influential Science and Environment monthly, Down To Earth. The proposals for managing water resources in the three manifestos refer to the usual phrases such as “conservation”, “efficient use of water resources” and “rainwater harvesting”. But when the focus is manufacturing-centric economic growth for both BJP and Congress, the phrase “water conservation” does not seem to fit into the overall scheme of things. |
| Education | Education |
| Another big issue that has been flagged by you is education. Shakkila Ansari, from World Vision India, focuses on the need the to improve the quality of education. | Another big issue that has been flagged by you is education. Shakkila Ansari, from World Vision India, focuses on the need the to improve the quality of education. |
| The new government should focus on quality education | The new government should focus on quality education |
| Dinesh, a vibrant young man from Bamandeh village, Rajasthan is the first in his village from Sahariya tribe to complete 12th Class and pursue BA. He is doing his BA final year through distance learning now. | Dinesh, a vibrant young man from Bamandeh village, Rajasthan is the first in his village from Sahariya tribe to complete 12th Class and pursue BA. He is doing his BA final year through distance learning now. |
| There is no school, no proper education facilities, no electricity, no road, no health center and no MGNREGA in his village. Dinesh has never seen the MP visiting his village. | There is no school, no proper education facilities, no electricity, no road, no health center and no MGNREGA in his village. Dinesh has never seen the MP visiting his village. |
| He wants the new government to focus on quality education and to give proper schools and also built aganwadi centers. He wants proper water supply, electricity, facilities to generate income and proper health facilities. | He wants the new government to focus on quality education and to give proper schools and also built aganwadi centers. He wants proper water supply, electricity, facilities to generate income and proper health facilities. |
| Sent via GuardianWitness | Sent via GuardianWitness |
| By | By |
| World_Vision_India | World_Vision_India |
| 11 April 2014, 6:50 | 11 April 2014, 6:50 |
| In the past few decades, there has been almost a large increase in this demand for education. Talk to anyone in India, especially those trying to keep their heads above water, a key demand is education, especially English education. To the Congress’ credit, it passed the Right to Education Act to universalise primary education and launched the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) making free and compulsory education to the children (6-14 years) a fundamental right. Today, the SSA addresses the needs of 192 million children in 1.1m habitations in the country. | In the past few decades, there has been almost a large increase in this demand for education. Talk to anyone in India, especially those trying to keep their heads above water, a key demand is education, especially English education. To the Congress’ credit, it passed the Right to Education Act to universalise primary education and launched the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA) making free and compulsory education to the children (6-14 years) a fundamental right. Today, the SSA addresses the needs of 192 million children in 1.1m habitations in the country. |
| While enrolment in government schools is now about 99%, the challenge is to improve the quality of education. The 2013 report of Pratham, the largest non-governmental organisation working to provide quality education, shows that, in the last few years at least, there has been no significant improvement in children’s ability to read. Children are also struggling with basic arithmetic. “The guarantee of education is meaningless without satisfactory learning. There are serious implications for India’s equity and growth if basic learning outcomes don’t improve soon,” the latest report says. | While enrolment in government schools is now about 99%, the challenge is to improve the quality of education. The 2013 report of Pratham, the largest non-governmental organisation working to provide quality education, shows that, in the last few years at least, there has been no significant improvement in children’s ability to read. Children are also struggling with basic arithmetic. “The guarantee of education is meaningless without satisfactory learning. There are serious implications for India’s equity and growth if basic learning outcomes don’t improve soon,” the latest report says. |
| 'The new government must help me achieve my dreams' | 'The new government must help me achieve my dreams' |
| Varsha of Gumgaon village in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, is 18. She will vote for the first time on April 10. She wants to be a doctor and hopes that the new government will help her achieve that dream by providing scholarships to needy students like her. | Varsha of Gumgaon village in Chhindwara, Madhya Pradesh, is 18. She will vote for the first time on April 10. She wants to be a doctor and hopes that the new government will help her achieve that dream by providing scholarships to needy students like her. |
| Sent via GuardianWitness | Sent via GuardianWitness |
| By | By |
| KumKum2013 | KumKum2013 |
| 4 April 2014, 18:10 | 4 April 2014, 18:10 |
| Recently, I was talking to a home help, who's illiterate, about her daughter’s education. She has decided to take her daughter out of the government-run primary school and put her in what she calls “angrezi school” (private English-medium schools). These private schools are two-room establishments with unqualified teachers but they are quite popular in rural areas and in poorer parts of the city. She will have to pay about Rs 300 (£3) per month for her education, which is about 7% of her salary. “The government school always had a staff shortage. At least, here adequate number of teachers and they don’t allow children to run around,” she said, adding firmly, “It’s much better.” | Recently, I was talking to a home help, who's illiterate, about her daughter’s education. She has decided to take her daughter out of the government-run primary school and put her in what she calls “angrezi school” (private English-medium schools). These private schools are two-room establishments with unqualified teachers but they are quite popular in rural areas and in poorer parts of the city. She will have to pay about Rs 300 (£3) per month for her education, which is about 7% of her salary. “The government school always had a staff shortage. At least, here adequate number of teachers and they don’t allow children to run around,” she said, adding firmly, “It’s much better.” |
| Congress say they want to improve the quality of secondary education and set up an independent regulatory mechanism to oversee government and private institutions to ensure standardisation of education. The BJP's policy is to make secondary school education open to all (the present policy only universalises primary education) and establish a national e-library. And AAP want to improve the quality of education for all children (beginning with childhood care, a demand that has been doing the rounds for some time now). What I find very exciting is AAP's promise to have a special provision for girls, first-generation learners, poor students, and socially disadvantaged communities and involve the local community in creation of a context-rooted curriculum and management of schools. | |
| Health | Health |
| While there many contributions on the health of the country (governance, corruption, transparency and so forth), there are very few on the health of its people. Thanks to Umesh Gupta for highlighting this very important issue. | While there many contributions on the health of the country (governance, corruption, transparency and so forth), there are very few on the health of its people. Thanks to Umesh Gupta for highlighting this very important issue. |
| No child die due to lack of health services | No child die due to lack of health services |
| Rukshana lost her two children in Shamli relief camps as there were no health services in those camps. She along with 97 other families were forced to live in open shelters in cold nights of October . Two of her children died due to high fever and lack of health services. From a new government , I want Rukhsana's story will not be repeated. There should not be communal riots. And care, protection, security and livelihood options should be provided to riot victims on priority. | Rukshana lost her two children in Shamli relief camps as there were no health services in those camps. She along with 97 other families were forced to live in open shelters in cold nights of October . Two of her children died due to high fever and lack of health services. From a new government , I want Rukhsana's story will not be repeated. There should not be communal riots. And care, protection, security and livelihood options should be provided to riot victims on priority. |
| Sent via GuardianWitness | Sent via GuardianWitness |
| By | By |
| UMESH GUPTA | UMESH GUPTA |
| 11 April 2014, 10:43 | 11 April 2014, 10:43 |
| India’s public health structure is tottering; those who can, afford go to private hospitals, but there's a large number, the majority, in fact depend on the public health structure that is over burdened to say the least: there is a shortage of doctors, paramedics, nurses and medicines. There's only one doctor per 1,700 citizens in India; the World Health Organisation (WHO) stipulates a minimum ratio of 1:1,000. | India’s public health structure is tottering; those who can, afford go to private hospitals, but there's a large number, the majority, in fact depend on the public health structure that is over burdened to say the least: there is a shortage of doctors, paramedics, nurses and medicines. There's only one doctor per 1,700 citizens in India; the World Health Organisation (WHO) stipulates a minimum ratio of 1:1,000. |
| During one of my trips to mineral-rich Koriya, a small district in north Chhattisgarh, I learnt a thing or two from a district-level medical officer about how just spending big money in the sector will not mean any big gains; it has to be done prudently. “Much of the NHRM money in this district has been spent adding more beds in the wards. But then who will look after the patients?" asked dr RK Sinha. “There is a freeze on HR recruitment: so now I have more patients but no new additional staff - doctors, paramedics or even cleaning boys.” | During one of my trips to mineral-rich Koriya, a small district in north Chhattisgarh, I learnt a thing or two from a district-level medical officer about how just spending big money in the sector will not mean any big gains; it has to be done prudently. “Much of the NHRM money in this district has been spent adding more beds in the wards. But then who will look after the patients?" asked dr RK Sinha. “There is a freeze on HR recruitment: so now I have more patients but no new additional staff - doctors, paramedics or even cleaning boys.” |
| Congress say they will increase health expenditure to 3% of GDP to support the right to health and provide “universal and quality healthcare for all Indians (including free medicines)”. BJP offer an accessible, affordable and effective healthcare system. AAP plan to introduce a comprehensive right to healthcare law enabling access to high-quality healthcare facilities. They also and improve accountability of the healthcare system and a guarantee that all essential drugs are available on a regular basis to public health facilities. While we must welcome the proposed increased in outlay in this sector, the thrust should be more on implementation of the schemes that are already in place such as the National Rural Health Mission. | Congress say they will increase health expenditure to 3% of GDP to support the right to health and provide “universal and quality healthcare for all Indians (including free medicines)”. BJP offer an accessible, affordable and effective healthcare system. AAP plan to introduce a comprehensive right to healthcare law enabling access to high-quality healthcare facilities. They also and improve accountability of the healthcare system and a guarantee that all essential drugs are available on a regular basis to public health facilities. While we must welcome the proposed increased in outlay in this sector, the thrust should be more on implementation of the schemes that are already in place such as the National Rural Health Mission. |
| Thanks for all your contributions so far. I will be writing about more of your key concerns in my next blog. You can see the rest of the contributions – or add your own – on GuardianWitness. | Thanks for all your contributions so far. I will be writing about more of your key concerns in my next blog. You can see the rest of the contributions – or add your own – on GuardianWitness. |