"TVs, cash sop for better society"

The objective of our political system is to change the social, political and economic architecture of our society and bridge the vertical and horizontal divide. Addressing the issue of economic inequalities is fundamental and even a precursor to change in other sectors.

New opportunities and challenges have been unleashed as we moved away from land-based economic relations to modern industry. It has widened the horizons for everyone and is non-feudal. Its scope is open-ended.

Economic liberalisation and increasing globalisation have left behind enough evidence that economic inequalities have widened. Economic reforms catalyse economic growth which is a sine qua non for eliminating poverty.

However, the long trusted Trickle Down theory has not really proved itself. The marginalised and the less endowed need to be empowered with gains of economic development as a matter of right quickly through transfer of resources.

March 15: That is how the idea of Cash Transfer Scheme came into existence. It would be appropriately named after NTR in due course conveying the broad philosophy of ensuring economic, food, health and education security and in the process better quality of life.

CTS is social welfare, family security and participatory development oriented. It is hence more comprehensive and unique in its reach and intended benefits.

Quality of life is determined by access to health, education, entertainment, information and communication. TV has emerged as a potent instrument to serve all these ends with proper programme content. About 80 per cent of rural and 35 per cent of urban households in our country do not have TV sets still. This amounts to serious deprivation. It needs to be addressed on a priority basis. TV is an effective window to the world and one cannot win the world without being aware of its emerging contours.

So, Cash Transfer and colour TV sets together are basically aimed at a more inclusive society. That is what the TD has promised. The sweep and effectiveness of these proposals is acknowledged by the panic response of other political players and generous support of the more informed and the responsible.