Voluntarily disclose assets, Mr Collector

VELLORE: The Vellore Institute of Development Studies (VIDS) while kick-starting the ‘Transparency Vellore Drive’ urged the new collector of Vellore S Nagarajan to be a role model and voluntarily disclose his personal assets. This would send a strong message of transparency in public administration especially to motivate the youth of the district.In a statement, Vellore Institute of Development Studies founder director Dr Jegadish Gandhi argued that the disclosure of personal assets of those in governance would help in showcasing transparency, responsibility and accountability at all levels in administration.To keep pace with the changing scenario of the increased social awareness and upward growth in implementing the socio-economic programmes in the district, Gandhi suggested that the administration and planning committee could draw up a five- year plan to prioritise its development agenda.He also suggested a consortium of social entrepreneurs, Non Governmental Organisations, activists, charitable trusts, associations of traders and industries, youth and women groups could be formed by utilising their resources and potentials to augment the government’s development programmes. The idea of a district green movement was also mooted. In a bid to promote tourism in the district, the state transport corporation should introduce daily/weekly tour package travels to the spots such as the Jalagamparai waterfalls, Amirthi forests, Yelagiri hills and other historical and pilgrimage centres across the district.The health department should undertake periodical inspection of the food items, water and sanitation and hygiene conditions at the road-side eateries and motels. Gandhi has strongly advocated organising social awareness campaigns against various environmental issues confronting the people of this district like dumping of tannery effluents, garbage and sewage in the Palar, use of child labour in petty trades and anti-social activities. Eulogising the proactive role played by the print and the electronic media, the district administration should institute awards and prizes for best reporting correspondents which could be awarded as part of the I-Day or Republic day celebrations, Gandhi has suggested.