Page:SELECTED ESSAYS of Dr. S. S. KALBAG.pdf/221

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productive. Some EGS (Employment Guarantee Schemes in Maharashtra) fall in this category and can spoil the impact of an otherwise pioneering programme. When we build bunds, do we need to carry earth and rubble on head loads, instead of using wheelbarrows? If we neglect productivity in labour intensive programmes, we are also neglecting it in the Capital intensive Public Sector projects. That is why they do not produce a surplus that could fuel further growth. We need to look at productivity of simple operations like digging wells, building a bund, even sweeping and cleaning, making pits etc. Productivity cannot be improved unless we first measure it routinely on every job. We must realise that the basis of all S and T is measurement; what we can measure we can improve. 3. Demystification of Science & Technology Demystification of S and T is an important area for S and T work. It is not only products that need to be within the reach of all the people but also the services must reach the masses and knowledge as well. It is possible to make a difficult subject simple, at least, to be able to widen the circle of use. But we seem to have a knack of building an aura of mystery around knowledge. I suspect that the people who try to mystify science are either those who do not understand it fully and want to hide their ignorance or those who want to preserve their importance or monopoly. But, if only they become more open, they are bound to gain more and not lose, as they fear. Knowledge is one commodity that grows when we give it away. The test of true knowledge is in its application and results in the field. In science Truth always wins. Even if we fail in the beginning, experience is a great teacher and we will build a better science this way. 4. Product Industries While the chemical industry is inherently unsuitable for Rural Development Through Education System 208