The Social Charter

Catching up exceptionally fast with the unprecedented wind of change blowing at the 12th three-Saarc Summit in Islamabad, the participating heads of state and government did really well to focus prompt attention on the grouping's agenda with a direct bearing on the lives of the people in all its member states, irrespective of their respective levels of development.
This, of course, has reference to the precedence given to formal signing of the 'Social Charter' which had featured on its agenda at the 10th Saarc Summit, held in Colombo in 1998.
It is, however, just another matter that it unfortunately remained relegated to the back burner for another four years, that is until the belatedly held 11th Summit at Kathmandu in 2002, when among other positive developments, it was resolved to have the Saarc Social Charter in place at the earliest possible opportunity.
Perhaps, the kind of the opportunity the Saarc leadership had been looking forward all this long was the one that was destined to beckon them in Islamabad, as has been the case with a number of other propitious decisions.
An idea of the overall importance of this prime document may well be had from its focus on basic human needs the multitudes in all the Saarc countries have remained deprived of, notwithstanding the fond hopes instilled by part fulfilment of varying degrees of ambitious plans launched in the name of the people.
There can be no denying the varying degrees of economic progress achieved in this otherwise still backward region, some of them even vying with the most advanced countries in certain areas.
However, the sombre fact remains that, generally speaking, the vast majority of people inhabiting South Asia have remained condemned to live in increasing poverty, hunger and deprivation, making a mockery of the very purpose of independence achieved through heavy sacrifices over a long past under foreign domination.
Viewed in this perspective, the Social Charter which the Saarc leaders eventually hastened to sign on top priority basis will appear to be the charter of the long unmet demands of its people.
With its main focus on putting the people at the centre of development and direct the economies to meet human needs more effectively, it should serve as a blueprint of multidirectional efforts and strategies aimed at redeeming the plight of the people without any let or hindrance.
Essentially, it seeks to complements the national efforts in social sector development. It may look all so simple as a task, but in real fact it will be seen as asking a great deal more than is commonly understood in the context of social sector development.
In particular, it deals with poverty alleviation, health issues, education, human resource development and youth mobilisation, promotion of the status of women, promotion of the rights and well-being of the child, population stabilisation and drug de-addiction, rehabilitation and reintegration.
Needless to point out, an agenda encompassing all that affects the poverty-stricken and deprived masses will call for a great deal more than mere ambitious and impressive plans.
For considerable emphasis has been placed not only on realistic and workable planning but also on the ways and means of their implementation.
The Saarc states have of course been given the option of amending the Charter through an agreement between all the parties concerned.
However, what is noticeable is this that in the light of the commitments made in the Charter, all the states have agreed to follow the principles, goals and objectives forming part of it.
Of course, provision for implementation of the Charter has been made in such a way as to be facilitated by a National Co-ordination Committee or any appropriate national mechanism as may be decided in each country.
But, come what may, there can be no getting away from fulfilling the responsibility towards present and future generations.
Such a commitment could not have been possible except through the political will of the member states. It is that will which can ensure its strict implementation.