Academy for politicians It is one the best profession to be followed Attraction of perks, power, position, pensions, fame that beckons all and sundry. THE parties too are forced on consideration of winanilty factor and ability to finance campaign and even demand donation to party fund to issue ticket.The children of politicians,, are also drawn,as if it is a family profession It requires no basic qualifications, experience or specialized training.The past politicians make every entrant feel himself better in comparison It is becoming a specialized profession like medicine, Engineering, education etc and willing entrant must be grounded with skills and guidance to discharge their duties The representatives of local bodiies, municipalities simply vouch to bring in development, which is never broken down into meaningful parts to be precise The voters are forced to elect someone. None of the above NOTA ,an option that has no bearing in outcomes. Some publish a short of manifesto listing their past activities, while projecting future goals, more as a ritual, formality ,which is not binding in any case MLA's and Parliamentarians, main responsibility is to scrutinize,draft, debate legislation that will affect the constituents Very few are ill equipped and for most of the time remain silent spectators ,unable to participate in any meaningful way.At best they raise some starred and unstarred questions.Pitching for roads ,connections of water, light is not the domain of legislators, as there are spefic Depts to undertake those tasks,Often they enjoy being seen at public functions,inaugurating,delivering speeches at weddings, funerals,,sports meet, etc to emphasise their presence and worth
They hardly ever hold public discourses with voters on their needs or take feed back on legislations, or explain the likely impact on voters Hence all aspirants at any levels must compulsorily undergo training in a political academy that will prepare them for the job like all others Entry criteria ,eligibility may be decided on past involvelment,passion for social work and suitable basic qualifications.Experience at local municipal levels may be desirable. IT may be recalled that many representatives had no background knowledge, experience, of holding posts in which they enter. Qualities, skills needed are no more to be taken for granted Politicians at any level need administrative skills, ability to digest legislative niceties debate and scrutinise legislations and offer suggestions Nelson Lopes Chinchinim