Tungabhadra Board (A Study in Development Administration) (An Old and Rare Book)

Ever since the constitution of Tungabhadra Board by the Government of India (October 1953) it has attracted the attention of both the Governments and public regarding its mode of functioning. Now it is on the threshold of completing four decades. The argument that Tungabhadra Board should be abolished is made by the State of Karnataka time and again at various levels As such it has become a burning issue at present. The present study is a timely one in the sense that to my knowledge no study has been made on the Control Boards that exist today in India regarding their organisation, administration, and their future. This study aims to confine its attention to the areas in which the Tungabhadra Board has jurisdiction and not the whole project. This is mainly due to the fact that the approach made use of is the case study technique restricted to the inquiry regarding the organisation and working of the Tungabhadra Board which is in charge of Common Works benefitting the States of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh However, the activities of the Tungabhadra Board have far reaching consequences in Tungabhadra region which geographically lies in the States of Karnataka and Andhra Pradesh This administrative organisation being neither a Corporation nor a department, the task of description and appraisal presents a difficulty which is not that easy to manage. Hence, the main purpose of this study is-so far as may be possible within the author's grasp-to unveil the valuable administrative. history and analyse the experiences of this Board In this study the applicability of Matrix Organisation model for implementing water resource development programmes in India is attempted. It also suggests a few measures to strengthen the same. The study in the end argues for the abolition of Tungabhadra Board. However, it also presents an alternative arrangement which befits the existing situation. In the quest for the best administrative model suitable for water resource development in India, it is essential to assess the relative merits and efficiency of public organisations in utilising their resources In this sense contributions of Tungabhadra Board to the developing art of administration are by no means an inconsiderable one. They deserve careful attention of thoughtful citizens who realise that an honest, enlightened and imaginative public service is essential for the develop ment of nation.