A very unfortunate scenario!
I am yet to understand why current government, which talks so much about implementation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in most of the walk and sphere of life, to induce efficiency, effectiveness and transparency, still uses old ways to inaugurate public infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, etc.
Take roads for example
It is very evident that in our country after every 200 meters of road construction (particularly in mohallahs), we have a foundation/inauguration stone stating that road is constructed by GoI, inaugurated on such date and inaugurated by such minister. At some places you may even find multiple stones: 'Start of Activity Foundation Stone", "End of Activity Foundation Stone" or for any trivial matter. Do we really need these?
If not necessary then why its done?
A foundation stone is first stone put on the land to start construction activity. But now a days its used to advertise that such minister or department has got the work done or rather it has become 'inauguration' and sometimes 'progress' stone as well.
In most cases, trick is to first devoid you of amenities, then launch it after many years to cash your gratitude and then use 'these stones' to keep you reminding that I am the one who got your task done - vote for me.
Two questions here:
- Isn't whatever government is constructing is out of public money. So, the real owner are people and not ministers or any one person?
- Isn't whatever government is constructing is its duty and responsibility? Then why taking differentiated credit?
There would be three set of people here. First, who would have layered approach and see governance with the spectacles of political party and would support having such activities like having foundation stone, etc. Second, who see these activities as responsibilities of government irrespective of who comes to power and rest of people, who either don't understand what I am talking about or simple don't care.
Impact
If we see in terms of impact then I don't see any positive impact except people get a place to rest there bottom sometimes and put empty cups and sachets at top of it. Albeit, I can list where we are at loss (pardon if I missed any point but I am sure I didn't overstated any):
- Its construction is waste of money.
- Its construction is waste of time.
- Its construction is waste of effort.
- Its construction is waste of space.
- Its construction some times causes hindrances.
- Its construction can lead to safety issues.
Arguments against and counter arguments
Arguments against could be that its a trivial thing. My counter argument is why not to stop trivial things. Moreover, taking in account all such stones which are already laid and being laid daily (leave all and take roads only in account) , I am sure it would lead to substantive loss.
What needs to be done
My suggestion: first government should understand real meaning of foundation stone but I am sure they won't. So my suggestion is to create a policy of no foundation/inauguration/progress/completion stone at all for any construction done out of government expenditure, at least not in physical form. No one cares about them at all. I am not sure about political parties but public only cares that amenities should be there.
If at all some foundation/inauguration/progress/completion information needs to be there then dedicate a web page for it and please do that in proper manner rather than doing in haphazard manner. Launching the page could be then considered as inauguration. Best part is it can contain a lot more information in intuitive way than that on physical form. Counter argument can question reach of this web based information. I am sure with rising literacy rate and government plan under 'Digital India' to make broadband connectivity to every village of country would rest this issue.
Meanwhile, this leads me to another question as we have literacy index for people, do we have any government literacy index or for that matter any index over its working style and practices?
Benefits
It will counter all negative impact stated above and most importantly, it will support Green Initiatives: less usage of cement, a lot of electricity saved and in addition if there is space vacant then plant a tree.
'My' Conclusion
Please say no to such activity. I am sure political parties would be reluctant and it needs civil activism. Though I tried to start it through twitter hash tag: #NoToFoundationStone but failed to initiate discussion and that's probably due to 0.1% hearted effort. Sorry for that but if any one else wants to pursue the please go ahead.
