Commentary

The status of the Health Management Information System in Bihar is presented and the reasons affecting the quality of data at different levels, from the health sub-centre to the state level, are examined. The quality of HMIS data is poor because of inadequate primary records, data duplication, and other process errors.

Recurrent bridge collapses in West Bengal point out to the lack of coordinated institutional arrangements in the governance of bridge infrastructures in the state. Accountability in designing and construction, and supervision and maintenance, which strengthen different tiers of bridge governance system, are missing. Given the dearth of skilled workforce and the physical infrastructure for supervision, bridge maintenance is reduced to patchworks of painting railings and girders, without persistent evaluation of structural health and resultant repair or rehabilitation of infrastructure.

The Convention on Biological Diversity has brought about a paradigm shift in rights over genetic resources by recognising sovereignty of nations to utilise their own resources. The principles of equity and fairness enshrined in it are some of the key aspects that create a balance of power between technologically advanced countries and biologically rich countries. It is still important for countries with rich biodiversity to exercise control over their genetic resources and associated knowledge, even when there is no commercial interest in the research proposed or undertaken.

In the pre-independence period, the detribalisation process seemed to be a means for tribes to get rid of social exclusion. But, in post-independence India, there have been continuous demands by various communities for retribalisation. In the politics of Assam, the Koch-Rajbongshi community along with five other communities, namely Tai-Ahom, Moran, Matak, Chutia, and Adivasi (Tea-Tribe) is demanding the Scheduled Tribe status. The authenticity of the Koch-Rajbongshi community’s demand is analysed.

Migration from Barpeta in Assam to Lucknow has been adopted as a strategy to escape from the problems of flood, poverty, and even identity crisis in the native state. However, this strategy is still not good enough to live a decent life without fear.