Came across a recent news item (click here for link)about young children being used to plough the fields in Bihar. What was most astonishing about the heinous act was that it is being reported from the farm lands of Union Rural Development Minister, Raghubansh Prasad Singh. And our able politician has the grit and the courage to call it as a issue being given unnecessary propoganda just to defame him. I beg to differ with him, because it will be derogartory to the word "fame", if we thinks he can call himself famous ! And then someone intelligent would say - Oh, this is Bihar...that is how it is ! My question is...Aren't the people in that state also Indians ? Don't those children have the right to achieve basic education and food under mid day meal ? Isn't that state also responsible to contribute towards the Millenium Development Goals ?
This event mocks the entire India versus Bharat debate. When we have innumerous such Bharat's existing in our country, how can we even think of creading brand India. We need to get our house in order first, and the strength that it will give us, will then be acknowledged even by the world outside . This is a stark reality about an India different from the India we all know, we all live in, we all enjoy - a reality where still people are pressed with poverty and lack of resources, that they are ready to replace animals in the field, just to earn some food for them.
Although this sounds like a perfectly efficient solution- afterall this factor of production comes much cheaper than any animal, with only variable costs and no fixed investments ! Its an obnoxious point that I have just made, and what I need to ask myself - is it human ? After seeing this, I think I need to correct my understanding about the definition of humanity, and amend that humanity is totally context dependent. So in a place like Bihar, which has been plundered by many "able" politicians in near history, where a full stomach of meal has been distant dream of many, a sound sleep with a healthy body has been a fairy tale, I think what is being done by employing children in place of animals in indeed human. It is human, because it gives them the means to eat some food, to be able to support their living, and more than anything, to be able to survive against death ! However, what remains to be debated is the appropriability of this "context" based definition of humanity ? Is this the reason for which I decided to study public policy- just to tailor definitions that fit the reality- how so horrible that reality is. Is this what the policy makers are supposed to do - browse this news item on the internet while working on their latest configuration Sony laptop sitting cozily in the armchair, and write a sentimental blog about it..before they logout and move to check email ? If this is what policy making is, where inspite of producing noble prize winning developing economists from India, and emminent economists leading our nation, we face truth so bitter, I think I am losing faith in my decision of being able to contribute in the development of my nation as a policy maker. And if it so, I see myself as no one better than those people who are making the children plough the field. In fact they are an inch better than me, because they are atleast giving a chance to those kids for eraning their livelihood !
But then, I am comforted by Edmund Burke, who said - " All that is necessary for the triumph of evil is that good men do nothing". At least I am not contributing to their triumph !
