Potential and Constraints Kalat

 

Prior to 1954, Kalat was a separate state under the control of a Khan; then it became a district comprising 5 tehsils. The district of Kalat is now administratively run by the Deputy Commissioner. The society clearly manifests all the tribal characteristics. Although the tribal chiefs as such have no longer official recognition, practically they are the leaders and decision makers in the daily and political life of their area. It is a male-dominated society where the women have almost no role to play in the community. They are mostly confined to their houses where they carry out all the responsibilities of the household. Women are uneducated, with few exceptions in urban areas where they are performing jobs in the fields of education and health. The number of the girl students in the schools is far less than the boy students. For the development of the district, it is essential that the status of the women be uplifted and their participation in the community and socio-economic activities be made certain. Greatest emphasis must be placed on women education in the area.

 

Since agriculture is the backbone of the economy of the district and 93% of the population is dependent on it or its related fields, for their livelihood, all the means must be employed for its development and expansion. The Agriculture Department must introduce mechanized farming and modern economic methods of irrigation.

 

Also the infrastructure such as roads linking various parts of the district and particularly the farm to market roads need to be developed. This will also give impetus to the production of handicrafts as a local cottage industry.

 

There is tremendous potential for livestock in the area. Government must organize dairy and poultry farming on scientific and modern lines to not only meet the local requirements of meat, dairy products, and eggs but also export it to other districts to earn cash.

 

Limited access to potable water, poor sanitation, and inadequate health facilities are the issues which affect the health of the people of the area. These issues should be effectively dealt with by the concerned departments.

 

Another cause which is detrimental to the development of the area is its rapid growth of population. This is very alarming and the Department of Population Welfare and the concerned NGOs should direct their attention to this issue.

 

Government officials should improve on their discipline and on their management qualities. Accountability of government staff should receive much more attention. Teachers, doctors and paramedical staff prefer to stay in the city rather than going to remote areas to do their duty. Unnecessary political interference is another constraints for the development of the district.

 

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