writing

Chanakya famously taught young Chandragupta Maurya that it was not enough to cut off an offending plant — you must destroy its roots. The roots of Maoism lie in the deficit of democracy and development in large parts of rural, particularly tribal, India

It is a reflection of India’s swift implementation of a sophisticated Performance Monitoring and Evaluation System for Government departments and the interest shown by the member countries from the region towards an effective, efficient and transparent governance.


Government Performance Management Network to share experiences and emerging regional best practices on an ongoing basis. 


Chanakya, the great thinker and administrator, had stated in the Arthashastra that prevention was better than cure and if regular checks and balances were conducted from time to time, economic crises would not occur. It was therefore the duty of the ruler to ensure that accounting was done and auditing took place from time to time. This philosophy was adopted in different measures in subsequent societies and has finally culminated in the institution of the CAG in modern, independent India. 


Executive accountability to the legislature is a cornerstone of our democracy. It is also an essential component of good governance. The Comptroller and Auditor General of India, is the instrument of fiscal accountability provided for in the Constitution. His primary role is to report to the Legislature whether the activities of the Government in all financial matters are carried out in accordance with the Constitution and the laws and rules framed thereunder – both in letter and in spirit. He also provides assurance that the sums authorized by the legislature in the budget have been spent for the intended purposes and within the sanctioned limits. The members of the Indian Audit & Accounts Department have the task of assisting the Comptroller and Auditor General to effectively carry out his Constitutional mandate. 


The range of Government activities has increase manifold and many players, other than the Central and State Governments, such as local bodies, societies, NGOs and private sector, through public private partnerships, have become partners in the process of development. This has introduced complexities in fund flows, expenditure, accounting and evaluation. 


To remain relevant in this rapidly changing world every institution has to consciously review and modernize its procedures and practices.


We should recognise that the objective of the executive and audit are the same, viz. that the aam aadmi gets the greatest benefit. This overarching reality often gets lost in practice. It is a natural tendency to become defensive on audit reports which comment on performance. This phenomenon can be tackled through greater interaction and frequent engagement at different levels as it facilitates an understanding of each other’s view point. I have learnt with great satisfaction that Audit has taken steps in the right direction by highlighting the innovations, good practices and positive aspects noticed in the implementation of programme. 


 am happy to learn that you have collaborated with the Government in developing a control based risk management framework which is going to be applied in implementing various schemes. This will provide an in-house oversight mechanism which will empower the field level officers to prevent, detect and set the right inefficiencies and leakages by suitable interventions. Consequently, the deliveries should improve. Some of the performance audits done by your department in the recent past also underline the positive interactions and the collaborative approach which has led to effective mid-course corrections that will contribute substantially to the achievement of the overall objectives. Such initiatives will encourage free exchange of information and ideas, leading to better governance. 

writing

Writing a paragraph is not a natural skill, but learned skill. Anyone can learn! Simply follow the structure below.

WHAT IS A PARAGRAPH?

A paragraph usually contains a general idea in one sentence, and 4 - 5 supporting sentences which expand this idea by giving explanation, details and/or examples to support the main idea. Length can vary. On the page, the paragraph is a solid block of writing (like this!) To start a new paragraph, you should leave a whole line and start at the beginning of the line after. You can indent - if handwriting (start about 2 cm from the left), but this is not necessary if you have left a line.

WHY USE PARAGRAPHS?

Paragraphs are used to separate main ideas. A new paragraph signals to the reader that a new idea is about to be discussed. The break between paragraphs gives the reader time to take in each idea.

HOW IS A PARAGRAPH STRUCTURED?

There is no one correct structure. However, a useful structure is:

1. Topic Sentence      This is the first sentence and it expresses the main idea. 2. Supporting Sentences details that expand your main idea. 3. Concluding Sentence a rounding off, possibly by summarizing what has been said or drawing a logical conclusion from it. (Note that in a piece of writing which is longer than one paragraph you should leave yourconclusion to the very end!)

Another way of explaining the 3 parts of a paragraph is to describe these parts like this:

1.  Say what you are going to say.   2.  Say it.   3.  Say what you've said!

CHECK YOUR UNDERSTANDING of paragraph structure. Choose which of the following sentences is the topic sentence for a planned paragraph about Australian Government. (Click on A, B, C or D) The Commonwealth Government looks after areas of national importance. There are three levels of government in Australia. Local concerns, such as suburban streets and garbage services are looked after by Local Government. The State Government's responsibilities include hospitals, schools and state police forces.

HOW DO YOU WRITE A PARAGRAPH?

Planning is essential. Even in situations where time is limited, you should plan by briefly noting your points.

A plan can look like this:

When you are planning, Jot down Just enough to remind you of your points.

Number your points so that when you write you know what order you are going to write them in.

WRITING...

For an assessment task, you will probably need to

Write one draft from your plan,   then make corrections (edit your draft)   then rewrite it.   Even professional writers do this!

Sample of the finished paragraph: There are three levels of government in Australia. The Commonwealth looks after areas of national importance such as postal services, foreign affairs, and collecting and distributing taxes. It also supervises the armed forces. The State Governments' responsibilities include hospitals, schools and the state police forces. Local concerns, such as suburban streets and garbage services, are looked after by Local Government. So, in general, the responsibilities of each level of government are appropriate to the geographical area it serves.

HOW DO YOU MAKE YOUR PARAGRAPHS FLOW?

Sometimes writing sounds jerky when read. You can make your paragraph more flowing by:

1.  Using linking words and phrases such as: also, as well as, firstly, next, then, finally, so thus, as a result, because, therefore, for example, for instance, in contrast, on the other hand. 2.  Using pronouns: Once mentioned, Jack Smith can become he, Dr. Susan Brown can be she, and the community can be called it, - as long as the meaning is clear. 3.  Starting sentences in different ways. For example:   Draft sentence: "In Australia, there are three levels of government"  Instead, you could write... "Government in Australia is on three different levels"  or... "There are three different levels of government in Australia."

Warning! Of course, the focus of the sentence may change if you start a different wall - be sure it is what you want!

FINALLY...

The paragraph is basic to most writing styles. It is worth spending some time getting it right.

http://grammar.about.com

Coherence Strategies: Transitional Words and Phrases

By Richard Nordquist, About.com Guide

Filed In:

1. Composing Paragraphs

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Here we'll consider how transitional words and phrases can help make our writing clear, coherent, and cohesive.

As we've seen, a key quality of an effective paragraph is unity. A unified paragraph sticks to one topic from start to finish, with every sentence contributing to the central purpose and main idea of that paragraph.

But a strong paragraph is more than just a collection of loose sentences. Those sentences need to be clearly connected so that readers can follow along, recognizing how one detail leads to the next. A paragraph with clearly connected sentences is said to be coherent andcohesive.

The following paragraph is unified and coherent. Notice how the italicized words and phrases (called transitions) guide us along, helping us see how one detail leads to the next.

Why I Don't Make My Bed

Ever since I moved into my own apartment last fall, I have gotten out of the habit of making my bed--except on Fridays, of course, when I change the sheets. Although some people may think that I am a slob, I have some sound reasons for breaking the bed-making habit. In the first place, I am not concerned about maintaining a tidy bedroom because no one except me ever ventures in there. If there is ever a fire inspection or a surprise date, I suppose I can dash in there to fluff up the pillow and slap on a spread.Otherwise, I am not bothered. In addition, I find nothing uncomfortable about crawling into a rumpled mass of sheets and blankets.On the contrary, I enjoy poking out a cozy space for myself before drifting off to sleep.Also, I think that a tightly made bed is downright uncomfortable: entering one makes me feel like a loaf of bread being wrapped and sealed. Finally, and most importantly, I think bed-making is an awful way to waste time in the morning. I would rather spend those precious minutes checking my email or feeding the cat than tucking in corners or snapping the spread.

Transitional words and phrases guide readers from one sentence to the next. Although they most often appear at the beginning of a sentence, they may also show up after thesubject. Here are the common transitional expressions, grouped according to the type of relationship shown by each.

1. Addition Transitions

and also besides first, second, third in addition in the first place, in the second place, in the third place furthermore moreover to begin with, next, finally
Example In the first place, no "burning" in the sense of combustion, as in the burning of wood, occurs in a volcano; moreover, volcanoes are not necessarily mountains; furthermore, the activity takes place not always at the summit but more commonly on the sides or flanks; and finally, the "smoke" is not smoke but condensed steam. (Fred Bullard, Volcanoes in History)

2. Cause-Effect Transitions

accordingly and so as a result consequently for this reason hence so then therefore thus
Example The ideologue is often brilliant. Consequently some of us distrust brilliance when we should distrust the ideologue. (Clifton Fadiman)

3. Comparison Transitions

by the same token in like manner in the same way in similar fashion likewise similarly
Example When you start with a portrait and search for a pure form, a clear volume, through successive eliminations, you arrive inevitably at the egg. Likewise, starting with the egg and following the same process in reverse, one finishes with the portrait. (Pablo Picasso)

4. Contrast Transitions

but however in contrast instead nevertheless on the contrary on the other hand still yet
Example Every American, to the last man, lays claim to a “sense” of humor and guards it as his most significant spiritual trait, yet rejects humor as a contaminating element wherever found. America is a nation of comics and comedians; nevertheless, humor has no stature and is accepted only after the death of the perpetrator. (E. B. White)

5. Conclusion and Summary Transitions

and so after all at last finally in brief in closing in conclusion on the whole to conclude to summarize
Example Reporters are not paid to operate in retrospect. Because when news begins to solidify into current events and finally harden into history, it is the stories we didn’t write, the questions we didn’t ask that prove far, far more damaging than the ones we did. (Anna Quindlen)

6. Example Transitions

as an example for example for instance specifically thus to illustrate
Example With all the ingenuity involved in hiding delicacies on the body, this process automatically excludes certain foods. For example, a turkey sandwich is welcome, but the cumbersome cantaloupe is not. (Steve Martin, "How to Fold Soup")

7. Insistence Transitions

in fact indeed no yes
Example The joy of giving is indeed a pleasure, especially when you get rid of something you don’t want. (Frank Butler, Going My Way)

8. Place Transitions

above alongside beneath beyond farther along in back in front nearby on top of to the left to the right under upon
Example What did it matter where you lay once you were dead? In a dirty sump or in a marble toweron top of a high hill? You were dead, you were sleeping the big sleep, you were not bothered by things like that. (Raymond Chandler, The Big Sleep)

9. Restatement Transitions

in other words in short in simpler terms that is to put it differently to repeat
Example Anthropologist Geoffrey Gorer studied the few peaceful human tribes and discovered one common characteristic: sex roles were not polarized. Differences of dress and occupation were at a minimum. Society in other words, was not using sexual blackmail as a way of getting women to do cheap labor, or men to be aggressive. (Gloria Steinem, "What It Would Be Like If Women Win")

10. Time Transitions

afterward at the same time currently earlier formerly immediately in the future in the meantime in the past later meanwhile previously simultaneously subsequently then until now
Example At first a toy, then a mode of transportation for the rich, the automobile was designed as man's mechanical servant. Later it became part of the pattern of living.

Cash coupons

STRAIGHT DRIVE

THE GOVERNMENT PLANS TO REPLACE ITS SUBSIDY MECHANISM WITH COUPONS/CASH DELIVERED DIRECTLY TO POOR HOUSEHOLDS.

WIDE SUPPORT Delhi government is debating direct cash payments to poor households to buy kerosene from the market instead of selling heavily subsidised fuel The economic survey had also make a strong pitch for use of vouchers to deliver food and subsidy Economic Advisor to finance ministry Kaushik Basu is a strong proponent of the system 
How will direct transfers of subsidy help Ensures targeted delivery of subsidy Prevents leakage and cornereing Better management of subsidy can bring down government’s bill Allows market forces to dictate prices and thereby discourages wasteful consumption 
How does direct transfer work Instead of asking beneficiaries to buy subsidies stuff from dedicated shops they are given coupons These coupons can be used by households for open mkt purchases A number of private companies have forged tie-ups with private providers of food coupons to incentivise their employees These food coupons recognised at merchant establishments can be used by the employees to buy groceries or at restaurants The same principle can be applied in the case of fertiliser and kerosene 
Pitfalls of direct transfers Could be sold off by the recipient at a discount The coupons could as easily reach those who do not need the subsidy Could beused by recipients to buy other things than food 
INTERNATIONAL EXPERIENCE The United States passed a legislation on food stamps in 1977 The system of direct transfers in now implemented through electronic debit and ATM card system accepted at most grocery stores The card gets topped with cash subsidy at the beginning of every month which can be used for making payments Caters to over 35 million people very month African nation Malawi has introduced a large-scale input subsidy programme using vouchers UAE has a experimented successfully with books coupons for children 
INDIAN EXPERIENCE Andhra Pradesh has issued ration cards with bar coded coupons for buying rice and kerosene Jammu & Kashmir has issued ration card booklets with 24 months for buying provisions Bihar has provided monthly food coupons for wheat & rice to BPL families

If some people sell off the coupons, don't try to set up an elaborate bureaucratic machinery to stop this. Even if the coupon gets sold, someone somewhere will use that to buy food and the poor household that sold it off at least got money in exchange KAUSHIK BASU, C H I E F E C O N O M I C A D V I S O R

EDUCATION

 EDUCATION

Education is what survives when what has been learned has been forgotten.

B. F. Skinner (1904 - 1990), New Scientist, May 21, 1964

The foundation of every state is the education of its youth.

Diogenes Laertius

Education begins a gentleman, conversation completes him.

Dr. Thomas Fuller (1654 - 1734), Gnomologia, 1732

Next in importance to freedom and justice is popular education, without which neither freedom nor justice can be permanently maintained.

James A. Garfield (1831 - 1881), July 12, 1880

Attitude

ATTITUDE

I happen to feel that the degree of a person's intelligence is directly reflected by the number of conflicting attitudes she can bring to bear on the same topic.

Lisa Alther, Kinflicks, 1975

A strong positive mental attitude will create more miracles than any wonder drug.

Patricia Neal

Human beings, by changing the inner attitudes of their minds, can change the outer aspects of their lives.

William James (1842 - 1910)

The greatest discovery of my generation is that a human being can alter his life by altering his attitudes of mind.

William James (1842 - 1910)

PDS

In defence of PDS
The central vigilance committee led by retired Justice D. P. Wadhwa, which was established by the Supreme Court of India to monitor its orders in the PIL on the right to food, has come out with a strong indictment of the public distribution system (PDS). Based on State-level reports for Delhi, Orissa, Bihar, Jharkhand, Uttarakhand, Rajasthan, Gujarat, and Karnataka, the committee has identified widespread corruption at different levels of the system. To ensure the availability of basic items of food at affordable prices to the masses, containing and eradicating corruption in the PDS is an imperative. The committee has made several useful suggestions in this regard, including automation of the weighing system, doorstep delivery of food grain to fair-price shops, speeding up cases pending in courts under the Essential Commodities Act, and setting up inspection squads. It points to the lack of a system of accounting for grain allocated and a weak implementation of the monitoring and vigilance procedures. Rooting out corruption requires action by the executive and the judiciary, and also more directly through gram sabhas.
The recommendation of the committee for the “abolition of APL,” however, is unwarranted. Indeed, many of the ills of the PDS today can be traced to the introduction of narrow targeting in 1996, and the artificial and unfair separation of BPL (below-poverty-line) and APL (above-poverty-line) households. It is now widely recognised that the current definition of BPL is really a definition of destitution and has excluded large numbers of poor, malnourished, and food-insecure households from the ambit of the PDS. Incentives for diversion of grain, as the committee notes, stem from the high demand for BPL cards and the unmet needs of the so-called APL households. Targeting, it notes, has reduced the profits of traders running fair price shops. International experience shows that narrow targeting lowers the quality of welfare programmes. Lessons have also to be learnt from Tamil Nadu and Kerala. In Tamil Nadu, all households have access to grain of the same quantity, quality, and price, and there are recognisably fewer leakages in the PDS. Prior to targeting, Kerala, with near-universal programme coverage, was renowned for having the best-run PDS. It is well known in law that the misuse of a thing is no argument against its use. In the name of reducing corruption, the public distribution system itself must not be dismantled. On the contrary, during a period of high food inflation and in a country with the largest number of malnourished people in the world, the PDS needs to be strengthened and made universal.