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P Sainath's powerful indictment of failures of Indian state to protect most vulnerable citizens

By Vikas Meshram* 

P. Sainath's "Everybody Loves a Good Drought" is a landmark book that offers a searing critique of the socio-economic realities faced by rural India, especially in the context of poverty, drought, and systemic government failures. First published in 1996, the book is a compilation of Sainath’s investigative journalism during the early 1990s, documenting the lives of the rural poor across several Indian states, including Andhra Pradesh, Bihar, Madhya Pradesh, Orissa, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh. Through these stories, Sainath provides a vivid portrayal of the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and suffering in rural India, as well as the resilience and resistance of the people who endure these challenges.
Sainath, a seasoned journalist with a deep commitment to social justice, embarked on a journey to rural India in the early 1990s, driven by a desire to uncover the stories of those often ignored by mainstream media. His goal was to give a voice to the voiceless and to bring attention to the grave issues affecting rural communities. Sainath's approach was rooted in the belief that good journalism should not only inform but also advocate for the marginalized.
At a time when India was increasingly focusing on urbanization and economic liberalization, Sainath turned his attention to the rural areas, where the majority of the population lived. His work stands out for its rigorous field reporting and deep empathy for the subjects of his stories. The book’s title, "Everybody Loves a Good Drought," is an ironic statement on how disasters, such as droughts, are often exploited by various stakeholders for personal gain, while the affected communities continue to suffer.
The book is organized into a series of essays, each focusing on a different aspect of rural life and governance. These essays are drawn from Sainath's travels across the poorest and most drought-affected regions of India. The stories he tells are not just about the physical effects of drought and poverty but also about the human spirit, resilience, and the often corrupt systems that exacerbate these problems.

Drought and its consequences

One of the central themes of the book is the impact of drought on rural communities. Sainath explores how drought, a frequent occurrence in many parts of India, devastates agricultural livelihoods. He illustrates the plight of farmers who, dependent on the monsoon for their crops, face complete ruin when the rains fail. These farmers, already living on the brink of poverty, are pushed further into debt as they borrow money to survive. The lack of proper irrigation infrastructure and the failure of government schemes to provide relief compound the problem.
Sainath's reporting reveals the human cost of drought, going beyond statistics to tell the stories of individuals and families who have lost everything. He shows how droughts, rather than being natural disasters alone, are also socio-economic events shaped by government policies, or the lack thereof. In many cases, he argues, the impact of drought is exacerbated by poor planning, corruption, and the failure to implement effective relief measures.

Poverty and social inequality

 The book delves deep into the entrenched poverty and social inequality that characterizes rural India. Sainath provides a detailed account of how these inequalities manifest in various aspects of life, including access to education, healthcare, and employment. He argues that poverty in rural India is not just a result of natural calamities like drought but is deeply rooted in the social and economic structures that perpetuate inequality.
The book documents how caste and gender discrimination exacerbate the challenges faced by the rural poor. Sainath tells the stories of Dalits and women who, because of their marginalized status, suffer disproportionately during times of crisis. He describes how these communities are often excluded from government relief efforts and are left to fend for themselves in the face of overwhelming odds.

Failures of government programs

 Sainath is highly critical of the government programs designed to alleviate poverty and support rural development. He documents numerous instances where these programs, instead of helping the poor, have either failed due to poor implementation or have been exploited by corrupt officials. For example, he discusses the Public Distribution System (PDS), intended to provide subsidized food grains to the poor, which is often riddled with corruption, leading to food grains being siphoned off and sold on the black market.
The book also critiques the implementation of rural development schemes, which, according to Sainath, often do not reach those most in need. He highlights cases where funds allocated for development projects have been misappropriated or where the projects themselves are poorly designed and executed. For instance, in some villages, wells dug under government schemes remain dry because they were dug without proper assessment of groundwater levels.
Sainath's reporting underscores the disconnect between government policies and the realities on the ground. He argues that many of these policies are formulated without a proper understanding of the needs and conditions of rural communities, leading to ineffective or even harmful outcomes.

The irony of disaster economics

One of the most striking aspects of the book is its exploration of what Sainath calls the "political economy of poverty." He argues that poverty and disasters like droughts have become opportunities for various stakeholders to profit. This includes local politicians, bureaucrats, contractors, and even some NGOs, who may benefit from the funds and resources allocated for relief and rehabilitation efforts.
Sainath provides a vivid portrayal of the systemic issues that perpetuate poverty and suffering in rural India
Sainath provides examples of how relief funds are often diverted or misused, with little of the intended aid actually reaching the affected people. He also discusses how some vested interests may even prefer that the poor remain in a state of perpetual crisis, as this ensures a continuous flow of relief funds that can be exploited. This cynical view of disaster economics is one of the most powerful critiques in the book, highlighting the moral and ethical failures of those in power.

Resilience and resistance

Despite the grim realities he documents, Sainath also celebrates the resilience and resistance of the rural poor. He tells stories of individuals and communities who, despite facing immense hardships, continue to fight for their rights and work towards bettering their lives. These stories of resilience are a testament to the strength and determination of India's rural population.
For instance, Sainath describes the efforts of women’s self-help groups that have successfully challenged oppressive practices and worked to improve their economic conditions. He also highlights the role of grassroots movements in advocating for land rights, fair wages, and better access to resources. These stories serve as a reminder that, while the rural poor may be marginalized and oppressed, they are not powerless. They continue to resist and strive for a better future, often against overwhelming odds.
The book has had a profound impact on both journalism and public discourse in India. It has been widely praised for its depth of research, powerful storytelling, and its unwavering commitment to social justice. The book has become a key reference for those interested in rural development, social inequality, and the challenges faced by marginalized communities in India.
Sainath’s work has also influenced a generation of journalists, encouraging them to focus on the lives of the poor and marginalized, who are often overlooked by mainstream media. His emphasis on ground-level reporting and his belief that journalism should serve as a tool for social change have set a high standard for investigative journalism in India.
Moreover, the book has played a significant role in shaping public policy debates on rural poverty and development. It has been cited by policymakers, academics, and activists who are working to address the issues highlighted in the book. Sainath’s critique of government programs has led to greater scrutiny of how these programs are implemented and has contributed to calls for more accountability and transparency in the use of public funds.
The book remains a critical text for understanding the complexities of rural poverty in India. Through his meticulous reporting and empathetic narrative, P. Sainath brings to light the harsh realities faced by millions of Indians. His work challenges readers to think critically about the structures of power and inequality that perpetuate poverty and to consider the ways in which society can address these issues.
The book is a powerful indictment of the failures of the Indian state to protect its most vulnerable citizens. Yet, it is also a celebration of the human spirit, highlighting the resilience and courage of those who continue to fight for their rights and dignity. In doing so, Sainath’s work serves as both a call to action and a reminder of the importance of social justice in journalism.
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*Social worker and activist working towards the rights of tribal and marginalized communities

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