Waiting for the unexpected, the Telangana Committee Report

I take a lot of time before deciding to whether write my thoughts in to a post or not. But for this one, somehow it is instantaneous and even more, forcing. I felt there is a need to have the point made and known to all, to relieve of any misconceptions.

There is nothing unusual in receiving criticism, and something of an order of deciding the fate of a state with more than 100 million population will definitely do attract, but it should not be ‘biased’. Biased by expecting something concrete or biased that it didn’t do any good by just mentioning a few pages of what we ‘already knew’.

I am very saddened to see the pic here, though showing the anguish in not able to find a solution, it is indeed polluting. After all, all they did (The Committee for Consultations on the Situation in Andhra Pradesh) is to follow the terms and conditions given to them! They did it exactly they are asked to do, and they did it pretty well, whether we like it or not. It is an expert exercise.

Somehow, we are all obsessed with results and conclusions. A simple Yes or No. Not the process. Be it a state consultation committee, a cricket match, an examination or the death itself.

If you are not aware, let me put the terms and conditions of the committee :

• To examine the situation in the State of Andhra Pradesh with reference to the demand for a separate State of Telangana as well as the demand for maintaining the present status of a united Andhra Pradesh.
• To review the developments in the State since its formation and their impact on the progress and development of the different regions of the State
• To examine the impact of the recent developments in the State on the different sections of the people such as women, children, students, minorities, other backward classes, scheduled castes and scheduled tribes.
• To identify the key issues that must be addressed while considering the matters mentioned in items (1), (2) and (3) above.
• To consult all sections of the people, especially the political parties, on the aforesaid matters and elicit their views; to seek from the political parties and other organizations a range of solutions that would resolve the present difficult situation and promote the welfare of all sections of the people; to identify the optimal solutions for this purpose; and to recommend a plan of action and a road map.
• To consult other organizations of civil society such as industry, trade, trade unions, farmers’ organizations, women’s organizations and students’ organizations on the aforesaid matters and elicit their views with specific reference to the all round development of the different regions of the State
• To make any other suggestion or recommendation that the Committee may deem appropriate

The committee did everything that was mentioned to it , has by far able to get the ‘pulse’ of the whole issue very thoroughly (and not like many other Government committees which give their studies superficially with no relation to the actual realities) and you can see the full length of participatory and consultative deliberation all through the report. I was able to see some my very petty discussions being a part of it in one form or the other. It held wide consultation in public forums, and visited all the 23 districts individually.

It is our wrong impression (created either by the media, politicians or our own over excitement led misinterpretation) that makes us expect something that is not expectable.

There was one person who questioned me that, “the committee didn’t consult me! “ . That’s a tough one on the face of it to answer, but what’s not correct is the timing of the question. It should have been posed the moment the committee is formed. We would have a found a way to approach, if not individually, but in groups. I do not expect individual consultations, any view should be supported by many people to be considered.

Most of our questions belong to this group : they are not timed well. Else, they would have got their answers.

Deciding on the issue is not the work of the Committee. It can just gather facts and suggest the best way. For the rigid of us who want a concrete answer, it is still out there if we can search, the best solution suggested is to maintain the status quo with development boards. The diplomatic way in which the suggestion is made does not satisfy ! The language chosen is meant not to arouse law and order problems, but the decision is out there. It is up to the political domain and the public to either accept it or deny.

Reviewing a movie is one of the most favorite items in the list of all ‘andhrites’, not a single person can accept the ‘review’ of the other in its full form. We argue endlessly on the 3.5 rating a movie gets on a movie portal and starts searching for pros and cons. In the end, the very great andhrite goes and watches the movie to have his full impression laid out.
At least, this minimal process has not been followed before ‘reviewing’ the committee’s report to wipe one’s ass. Before making sweeping statements, lets give the minimal respect, a little better than what we give for a movie, to read the full report, if You Really Care !

Lastly, for most of the last year, whenever the telangana issue discussion is raised, at the end of it, I am asked what my opinion is, not asked I should say, more or less behind me to know what my final call is. The total explanations and observations I made are a total waste, a simple yes or no is what is expected. And that waiting for the unexpected is because, nobody is sure, everyone is as confused as everyone else to decide which side to take, even more sad, no one is totally sure why they took a stand.

After all, Governments and Committees cannot make revolutions !!! They strive to maintain the best possible status Quo. Doesn’t History teach us this much  ?

Clear your stand, question why. Don’t want for the unexpected results from diplomatic committees and intellectuals. Many vultures are around, waiting for the bait.

I end with something very prompt :

I stand firmly for an integrated State………… It does not matter how many States we have, you still will be neighbors and you still will have to deal with one another in a hundred and one things. Thinking that just because you are separated, you can get rid of these people or we have got rid of this problem is a very facile way of thinking. Our experience has not shown that this comes true.

There are many truths and facts observed and noted in the committee’s report. I earnestly urge each one of us who are really bothered with the situation to go through the full report. It is History.

WorthvieW

Sethu Ram

Hi there! I’m Sethu, your go-to guy for all things tech, travel, internet, movies, and business tips. I love sharing insights and stories that make life more interesting. Let’s explore the world together, one article at a time!