Page:SELECTED ESSAYS of Dr. S. S. KALBAG.pdf/214

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4. Projects in priority areas must be sponsored, not just supported. This will give a direction to the developmental effort. This is not to replace the initiative of the voluntary agencies but to complement it. 5. National Information System to collect, and disseminate technical, economic and social data, must be set up. These are not archives but a dynamic system that gives the current status and figures. A library of technologies is part of the documentation but not a substitute for the current information. It will give data on how parameters are changing with place and time. 6. More involvement of education is needed, not just short-term training courses. This is needed to bring about a change in the basic complexion of the skills-base of the target group viz. the BPL section of society. 7. Funding processes and methods and patterns must move in the direction of bilateral contracts. Historically, in other countries, many big constructions like bridges, tunnels, harbours etc. were given by inviting not tenders of construction but tenders of design and then contracts were given on the basis of the winning design to the designer. Such a system should be adapted to our developmental needs. We do this sometimes for architectural designs for monuments. We should do it for solving problems too. It is not obligatory that only one design be selected. It is possible that the best two or three are selected, tried out and then the best among them is replicated. This assumes that the problem is studied and defined, with very clear, precise objectives, constraints and time frame. < Rural Development Through Education System 201