SPIRIT CONFERENCE
The need for infrastructure is only as relevant as the purpose it is meant to serve and it is invaluable as an entry component to a nation’s development agenda. This is also evident in the increasing focus being given to the subject by government as is evident through the Bharat Nirman, NREGA, and PURA initiatives.
The focus on rural development too is evident and can be witnessed not only from financial allocations being done but also number of initiatives announced. However, scepticism is an accompanying phenomenon given the record of accomplishment and this needs to change.
Infrastructure is a key component of nation building and needs to be looked at from a different perspective if government plans and goals are to succeed. Whether it is the NREGA, NRHM, Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan, or the established SGSY program, all point to need for infrastructure if they are to see success.
As part of government goals, needs of livelihood creation are equally strong and while infrastructure development continues to be invested in, the rural poor are experiencing a poor participation rate. With migration assuming huge proportions as rural youth seek a better life not possible in rural areas because of reduced land holdings and lack of viability of agriculture. There is thus a need to improve on earning prospects of rural areas in investment and participation terms. On the other hand lack of infrastructure also prevents effective realisation of the country's economic potential. While private sector see an economic opportunity emerging if rural India can be tapped effectively, it needs to realise its responsibility too. If improved facilities are needed to make conductance of business viable the private sector must come on board as a development partner to positively contribute to needs identified.
These are some issues that were addressed at SPIRIT2007. Largely the role of infrastructure was discussed through two important aspects of rural development, viz.:
- Promotion of sustainable rural livelihoods
- Enabling effective government program delivery
The conference brought together eminent stakeholders with experience in the subject from a sector and social perspective. The format was one of panel discussions with participation from the floor at the end of each session. Proceedings emerging from the conference pointed to approaches that policy makers could use to fine tune delivery. Other than representatives from government, those who participated and constituted the panel of experts were members of civil society, technology professionals, academicians and private sector professionals.
SPIRIT is an initiative of Society for Strategy Technology & Delivery for Development (SocietySTADD), a not-for-profit organisation and have been supported by Max Mueller Bhavan, Tangent Group, and STADD Development Consulting Pvt. Ltd. making it possible to conduct the event over 3 years during the period 2005-07.
A view of the proceedings 
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