Chennai, Nov. 7: The human development index (HDI) of rural Tamil Nadu continues to be poor, according to a study conducted by Gandhigram Rural University (GRU). “Though the overall living standards of the elite sections have seen considerable improvement, it is yet to percolate to the rural areas because of lack of coordination between various bodies. The only option is to empo-wer the panchayat bodies,” said Prof G Palanithurai of GRU, who coordinated the 18-month-long study spread across nine districts.

Prof Palanithurai said th-ough the state and Central governments have made co-nsiderable allocations in the three crucial sectors of public health, primary education and livelihood options in the rural areas, the net result was disappointing. “Though the public schools in the rural areas have all the required amenities, the private matr-iculation schools continue to do roaring business. The quality of education has not improved in public schools,” he said.

The survey found that the introduction of Sarva Siksha Abhiyan and provision of free bicycles to girl students have not made any impact in the rural areas.

The primary health centres in rural areas are yet to deliver the goods. “There is lack of coordination betwe-en panchayats and PHCs. Many facilities in PHCs remain under-utilised,” he said. There is no water literacy in the rural areas and democracy has not developed as a culture but fully centres on elections.