Muzaffarpur – what lies ahead

Muzaffarpur – a bazaar which eventually became a city. It’s not me defining the city but what I hear often from elders. Onto this transformation what went missing is – Planning. Gross mismanagement has led us to the day – what we call today.

It’s a sad note to start but otherwise it would had been bluff. Nevertheless, it’s not completely lost rather opportune time to convert our sluggish growth into the strength by realizing every next development in the city with utmost care of nature and considering pollution as prime enemy. In big terms – it has to be sustainable development. Probably, its only way to be smart otherwise it would be like cutting the branch on which we are sitting – slowly and knowingly.

Going forward, I would keep my suggestions under headings and point wise to keep the writing clean. You might find few of them known and few of them already under implementation but the idea is to keep them all there to remind that task is not done yet.

1. Pollution Handling – Though this is nonstarter concept for Muzaffarpur but I strongly feel that it would be biggest problem in coming years as city expands. Already, as per WHO (World Health Organization) latest report, Delhi tops list of most polluted city in world (please watch, we are talking about the world) and Patna is in top 20. Fortunately, Muzaffarpur is not so developed yet. Hence rather than cleaning the mess we have opportunity to implement best practices early.
   
1. Roads should be pitched using coal tar as much as possible. Unfortunately, even main city roads are not completely pitched, leave the residential roads. Loose particles from concrete roads cause high concentration of particulate matter and dust in environment.
   
   
2. Do not leave some 2 feet spaces at both side of roads, particularly in residential roads. We live in a part of India where soil is made up of fine alluvium particles (called Khadar). These particles are very volatile. They add to higher concentration of particulate matter in air and cause dust.
   
   
3. Promote terrace gardening, pillar gardening and similar concepts. Though, people of Muzaffarpur are close to nature due to their link to villages but with growing urbanization, it would be hard to keep further. Hence, if such practice is started early, benefits will be wonderful in coming years. This might seem small at house level but aggregate will be substantial.
   
   Also, we get an option of home grown organic food from our own garden.

4. There is need for strict implementation of ban on plastic carry bag usage. This has to become behavioral change where people need to be educated about ills of plastic bags in jamming sewers, cows eating them and getting sick etc. If possible, partner with NGOs to provide low cost jute bags to household and shops.
   
   We have not been using plastic bags since long rather started using it in recent times. It’s important to go back to good old method of carrying jute/cloth bags whenever you go to shop.

5. Every day there is lots of noise pollution due to either unrequired honking or ill-manufactured horns in vehicles. An awareness scheme is needed to educate people about health issues caused by frequent honking. It causes High Blood Pressure problem and this disease is rapidly clutching people and their happiness.
   
   Also, there is need of regulatory framework to ensure new vehicles are not fitted with high decibel horns. Meanwhile, stringent law need to pass to ensure spare horns sold in open market have specification under limits of affordable noise level.

6. Non strict enforcement of PUC of vehicles is another major concern. Please ensure bi-yearly check of every vehicle.
   
   
1. Cleanliness – Issue with this parameter is – it’s most talked but least implemented. Both people and administration are reason behind such an ugly scenario of cleanliness in Muzaffarpur.
   
   
1. Please don’t pass tenders of uncovered drain creation. Even people of Harrappan Culture (they were people of 1500 BC – approx. 3500 years behind us) had covered drains. Open drains in residential and at sides of city roads invite mosquitos to breed. Plastic commodities easily seep into them and cause obstruction to flowing drain.
   
   
2. Common Dustbin at road side is not good idea. Responsibility of everyone is no one’s responsibility. They quickly become best place to litter. Rather every house should have letter box style dustbin installed at outer periphery of house and big enough to accommodate 2 days of house garbage.
   
   
3. Door to Door garbage pick is better policy. The mechanism should be strengthened as we go ahead. It’s important to learn from mistakes and rectify them in such work as it is fickle in nature due to kind of activity and over involvement of manpower.
   
   
4. Ponds and lakes in the city should be cleaned quarterly. All of them suffer from eutrophication (be it Bhagwanpur, Bhrampura, Motijheel or other) which is clear indication that nutrient rich household waste somehow flow into them and cause algae boom. If, we can address this then probably we are eliminating root cause which is better idea.
   
   These places, if clean, keep environment cool in summers as more surface are of water is exposed for evaporation. Also, they work as better place for recreation activities. Once, algae are cleared, even fishes can be bred into those water as more oxygen is available in water.

5. There is need to educate people of issues of spitting in public. There is need to promote videos though DD Muzaffarpur. A video could be like fly sitting of spit and then your food and body.
   
   
2. Renewable sources – It’s important we adopt best practice of using renewable resources. Early we start, early we reap. It not something, we haven’t been doing but it’s about adopting new advancement which has taken over world, absorb them in our culture to be better placed.
   
   
1. There is need to implement programs like – “Har Ghar Solar”. Sun already has very important place in Hindu religion and more in Bihar culture due to Chatth Puja.
   
   Government already provides subsidy on grid connected and off grid solar systems through Jawaharlal Nehru National Solar Mission (JNNSM). Going ahead, there are high chances that solar electricity will be cheaper than coal based electricity. Prices of solar electricity generation has already slumped to Rs. 5-6 per unit.
   
   Shade from Solar installation at roof top has another benefit of keeping top floor cooler in summer.

2. There is need of implementing Net Metering so that people generating surplus electricity from solar installations in their house can sell them to electricity companies. Germany is very good example of such implementation.
   
   
3. There is great untapped potential of biomass generation in Muzaffarpur. Since, Muzaffarpur is surrounded by villages from all sides, the excess of agriculture by product as well as biodegradable city garbage can be taken to bio mass plant.
   
   Such plants in turn produce variety of products, primarily electricity and organic fertilizers.

4. Promote e-rickshaw. This is novel innovation. E-rickshaw cause less air pollution and less noise pollution. Buying, running and maintaining it is more economical than conventional auto rickshaw. Since, it accommodates only 6 people at maximum, waiting period is less in plying them. Thus it’s more productive as well.
   
   Cities like Bardhaman in West Bengal are good example of how they have adopted e-rickshaw.

5. Using plastics in road construction should be analyzed. Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak yojana has already specified guidelines regarding this at http://pmgsy.nic.in/circulars/GPW.htm
   
   
3. Water Table issue – This needed a separate header. One of the grim example of where we are headed is lowering of water table. 20 years back city had water table of 80 feet which has increased to 200 feet. If we don’t take enough precautions we will exhaust the drinking water available for us. If not us then for next generation for sure.
   
   
1. It’s very necessary to install water level indicator system at private water tanks and public water tanks. We waste thousands of gallons of water everyday through overflowing tanks. In addition we waste electricity and end up paying more as well.
   
   
2. Every public park must have ground water recharge tanks.
   
   
3. Rain water harvesting should be promoted among people. There will be no life without water. Every drop you save gives future generation a better earth.
   
   
4. Public Amenities and Infrastructure – Thanks to almost no planning in city expansion that we face grim situation of negligible public amenities. Infrastructure are not adequate enough to accommodate the city population without counting other people who come daily to earn living.
   
   
1. Somehow, there is no concept of Public Park in residential area. There is need to identify pockets of land in each residential area in transparent manner. And this need to be done on immediate basis before lands in locality gets saturated with houses and then there would be no place left to raise a park.
   
   
2. Even main city roads miss street lights, leave the idea of getting them in residential areas.
   
   
3. Main roads need to be widened. I see two associated problems.
   
   First, we in India often talk about roads when they get load of ~100%. While, we fix it to get 100% adjusted, burden would already increase to ~150%. Hence, road problem never get solved. Singapore is an example which plans road for next 50 years and review status every decade.
   
   Second, it’s necessary to deal with encroachments as we widen roads. This article will deal with encroachment issues in writings ahead where we talk about inclusiveness and police involvement.

4. Restart Nagar Bus Sewa. It’s very important to have low cost, far reaching transport service in city, running at adequate frequency. Also, experience in city transport system will come handy as city expands and as we implement other transport services in coming times.
   
   
5. Having women toilet at every 500 meters is good idea but please don’t leave men to litter road side. Also, it’s necessary not to implement this program in haste.
   
   Few companies like Eram Scientific have made self-cleaning – solar powered toilets. They can be checked if they suit the requirement. It’s better to go slow and solid.

6. Ensure Generic Medicine shops are opened in city. These shops provide low cost alternative and affordable medicines to people.
   
   
7. Electricity Company need to be properly audited. Please don’t award contract to electricity companies which don’t comply necessary staring or operating rules.
   
   Current company Essel online bill payment facility and complain facility doesn’t work properly. Even somehow you put complain, there is no complaint number or action. At present, bills are not provided on time to households, hence people have to pay without rebate or sometimes with fine as due date is not known to them. Cumulatively such amount become substantial.
   
   There is greater problem of low voltage. As per few articles online like https://dmohankumar.wordpress.com/2012/08/09/how-voltage-drop-makes-bill-hike-fact-file-16/ , low voltage cause more current consumption in appliance particularly motor based and coil based. If such is the case (need to be verified from proper source), then proper action should be taken as providing low voltage to people is cheating them on product.
   
   Muzaffarpur lies in high intensity earthquake prone area (seismic zone 4/5). There are many damaged poles which can cause hazard. Such poles need to be identified and replaced at urgent basis. Also, poles should be placed at drain side wherever possible in residential areas to ensure they don’t damage houses in case of any unwelcome incident.

8. More dedicated approach should be applied to get rail over bridges completed.
   
    A high level safety review committee constituted for the ministry of Railways and headed by Dr Anil Kakodkar recommended elimination of both manned and unmanned level crossings.
   
   This is necessary to ease traffic congestion in city.

9. Water availability to households and lifting Muzaffarpur out of Water Logging issue has been talked since decade. There is already work in progress but it’s unorganized, ill-managed and quite slow. Super Sucker machine recently brought on lease remain idle for most of the time and hence wasting taxpayer money. 

6. Traffic – This is by product of ill-implementation of many other parameter like public amenities, infrastructure etc.
   
   
1. There is need to pull bus stand from Imli Chatti to outer periphery of city. By this we can achieve purpose of not forcing people enter in city who actually don’t want to.
   
   
2. Another similar idea is to pull Kachahari to outer periphery. People should move from inner city to outer city for necessities as outer periphery can grow as demand increases while inner places cannot.
   
   Another point is places where people from other cities, nearby villages visit frequently should be placed at city periphery.
   
   Though, few can argue that by same concept Doctors from Juran Chapra should also be asked to move at periphery but it’s important to understand that it’s easier to move Government establishments than pursuing each public individual.

3. Implement one way traffic strictly, like at Juran Chapra. Create parking at entry of one way so that people can park and move at closer destination while their vehicles are safe. Without parking people go into one way with their vehicle and try to come back same way as coming back is only 100 m while following one way causes them ~1 km trip.
   
   
4. Ensure working and strict implementation of traffic light at places like Tower. Also install new traffic signal lights at places like Kalambagh chowk.
   
   
5. Important bypass or parallel roads like Muzaffarpur Bypass and Sikanderpur road need to be completed and projected so that people who don’t need to enter main roads of cities avoid them as much possible.
   
   
6. Widening of roads and completing railway over bridges are already discussed.
   
   
6. Inclusive – City is defined from its people and governance. Governance is defined from how people are treated and how much freedom they have been given to pursue their legitimate choices.
   
   
1. It’s very important to listen and treat Safai Karamchari and ASHA worker well. They are the wheels of society. Without wheel even best manufactured vehicle cannot run.There should be incentive method for the completing allocated garbage collection and drainage cleaning work. Additional higher incentive for additional work done. Model can be somewhat similar to cab services provide to drivers.
   
   
2. Stop concept of foundation stones/ inauguration stones at every road, drain, bridge corner, etc. Ministers don’t pay out of their own pocket. It’s their job to do that. Ministers use these stuff to highlight themselves and that’s out of taxpayer money.
   
   This is waste of money, time, resources, cause road blockage and improper projection of one man. More worryingly, this causes separation between what is right of a citizen and what is provided as token of grant. It’s important to note, people are not due to government instead government is due to people. Unfortunately, we don’t realize this truth due to false stories and needs around us.
   
   I have written in detail about it at http://etherealnotions.blogspot.in/2015/03/please-say-no-to-foundation.html

3. Regulate road side encroachment. Remove people from places only if utmost necessary and ensure proper replacement.
   
   One way could be to give license to people to operate on basis of area covered whereas maximum license cost should be low (say Rs. 500) and to be renewed yearly. License holder should be asked to keep dustbins, keep nearby places clean and keep tab on unwanted people/activities. License should be hereditary in nature to wife and one recommended sibling only. It can be granted to father or mother on special need basis only.
   
   License holder are supposed to submit their children education progress yearly. This is to monitor that their children get good education and thrive for better job rather than falling in same business. This also ensure that places get vacant on change of generation.
   
   This can provide lot of benefits like work security to hawker, revenue from municipality which currently goes in police pocket. It enhances security, responsibility and cleanliness.

4. There is need to provide places for moving hawkers. If Imli Chatti bus stand and Kachahari is pulled out of city then they could be ideal places to develop such resort.
   
   Some area in such places can be given as license and provide central area to free performers and moving hawkers. Such places can be beautified by lights, sitting places, trees and small ponds.
   
   
7. Reach – It’s very important area where we need to work on. Though we have ideas but there is no way to reach out to people or collect suggestions from them. Since, internet penetration is still quite low, it’s not very effective method yet.
   
   
1. Safai karamchari services can be used to reach out to people. Since, their service is on daily basis and they reach out to every household, they can be very useful in educating people through banners or pamphlets.
   
   
2. FM radio is another very useful means. There is need to have Muzaffarpur specific FM radio channel which streams updated content and is vibrant. This is necessary initially to motivate people to use FM. Once popular, it could be used to disseminate information and educate people.
   
   
3. DD Muzaffarpur also need to rise from ashes. It is very important platform to educate people through video messages.
   
   Also, programs like “Jawabdehi” should start where people holding important government post should come and explain current status of their work. Such people could be MP, MLAs, Mayor, DM, SP, University head, Municipal Commissioner, Ward Parshad etc.

4. Municipality Website needs serious enhancement. There is already work under process to get services like birth and death certification, property tax payment online but speed is too slow. And as more services (like what new work municipality is doing, deadline and progress) get online better it would be.
   
   
5. Create mobile app using which people can raise issue. App should perform locate issue (can be GPS based), snap picture, comment, categorize and send activities. If category is not appropriate then receiving authority should re-categorize it to appropriate department. For each issue raised, issue number should be allotted and it should be open app where every issue and activity can be viewed by all. Login could use Aadhar based login system to have authenticated people raising issues. Activity log should be there to show how much time is taken to act and resolve and by whom. Re open status should be there in case issue is wrongly closed without taking action.
   
   Promote journalists, police and post man to use them as they have access to majority of areas.
   
   Similar app is being developed by New Delhi Municipal Council (NDMC).

9. Law and Order – This is one of the most important parameter to live in better society. It’s not the city but whole state lacks in every front of law and order. Without better law and order we cannot expect threat free life, growth in educational institutes and business community.
   
   
1. There are three prime issues. First, lack of adequate police personnel. Second, lack of technological and technical upgrade of arms, vehicles, police stations, surveillance devices, communication devices and connectivity. Third, police personnel are not well trained to tackle different situation and there is no effort to better people-police relationship. There is no threat to criminals and crime is carried on will and with authority.
   
   
2. There should be framework where police should support municipality in stopping new encroachment particularly in areas where new roads/bridges are built and roads are widened. Police patrol team should be trained to handle this situation and work hand in hand with municipality.
   
   
3. CCTV camera are need of hour in city. Rampant threats of chain snatching, local feuds, and unnecessary blockage can be monitored via well planned and extensively laid network of CCTV cameras.
   
   These camera should be of high resolution and placed high up on places like mobile towers, public water tanks, street lights, etc.
   
   People should be involved and requested to allow installing such cameras on high rise buildings.

10. Education and Business – Probably 70-80% of household in Muzaffarpur send at least one person from their house outside the city to learn and earn. We are terribly behind in providing security and infrastructure to attract education and business houses to city or promote someone from city itself. These services provide immense benefits of creating job, providing better services, stopping unnecessary migration, educate people, create awareness and build citizen voice.
    
    
1. City lacks hospitals which provide holistic treatment or specialized treatment. Hospitals like Apollo, Manipal etc. are need of hour. These hospitals can server complete North Bihar at the moment.
   
   Hospitals which work on specialization should be encouraged. Mahavir Cancer Sansthan in Patna is an example.

2. Private Medical Colleges, Technical institutes and vocational institutes should be encouraged. We are knowledge loving society but unfortunately we lack knowledge imparting institutions. Yes, law and order and infrastructure is one very important pre requisite.
   
   
3. Bela industrial area needs proper attention. Continuous and non-fluctuating electricity supply, roads, drainage, lighting, security, canteen, communication lines, etc. all are non-existent or inadequate.
   
   Also, manpower extensive industries should be encouraged to accommodate large number of low skilled workers. One example could be setting up e-rickshaw plant which serves dual purpose of employment and low cost e-rickshaw in Muzaffarpur and nearby areas.

11. Revenue –
    
    
1. Shopkeepers, doctors and who so ever running their own business don’t follow proper sales receipt process. At least 70-80 percent of them don’t provide sales or service receipt. Hence, there is huge amount of sales tax forgone. Also, this helps them understate their income.
   
   Either they don’t keep sales receipt or have additional duplicate bill pads. There is need to get it implemented strictly. This can help gain substantial amount of revenue.

2. Municipality should look to issue Municipal bonds to increase capital so that more money is available to invest on infrastructure. Municipal bonds have been in existence in India since 1997. Cities such as Ahmedabad, Bengaluru, Nashik and Madurai have issued them.
   
   But for that we need to enhance credibility and prove that we have enough revenue sources to repay principal and interest on those bonds.

3. We have already talked about providing road side spaces to hawkers legally on charge of small amount.
   
   
11. Learning –
    
    
1. Municipality needs to be active in looking at international MOUs signed between India and other countries. Recently, Germany has signed MOU with India where there could be sharing of knowledge at Municipality level.
   
   
2. Municipality also needs to identify best practices in other municipalities across India and send teams to get trained. These trained people can try to implement best practices in Muzaffarpur under local conditions.
   
   
3. 2^nd Administrative Reforms Commission (ARC) report on Local Governance provides very insightful inputs and can be used when we find ourselves breaking away from real goal of self governance. This can be viewed at http://arc.gov.in/6-1.pdf ,  http://arc.gov.in/6-2.pdf and http://arc.gov.in/6-3.pdf .
   
   
12. Miscellaneous – There are various other problem. Few of them are:
    
    
1. Private schools in city are on free run. Freedom of operation is provided to excel in providing service but unfortunately it has been used to amass wealth inappropriately. Hence, there is need to regulate private schools.\
   
   Cartel of schools and goods suppliers should be broken. Schools can only enlist specification of dress, books, stationary items and copies whereas shopkeepers should be free to adopt and provide them in market and parents should be open to buy it from market. No readmission fees should be charged from same student if he/she continues in same school. There shouldn’t be any hike in fees or addition of any new component to fee structure in one academic year and without pre notice of at least 2 months. It’s important to take care of this issue as it hinders proper initial education.

2. Building laws need to be more strict. Muzaffarpur lies in very harsh climatic zone. To get the idea of issue, http://muzaffarpur.bih.nic.in/muz_drmp.htm can be looked upon. This is jointly published by Government of Bihar and United Nations Development Programme (UNDP).
   
   Planning and architect schools can be roped in to provide near ideal architecture for building considering the local factors and those can be promoted as model to be followed.

List is exhaustive but it has to be. Planning process is bootstrapping in city. Instead I feel I must have missed few points but then this is beauty of deliberative process that if one misses, another raises.

Muzaffarpur is late starter but as discussed earlier we can take it as opportunity to start in better way. This is better than making city inefficient, overloaded and polluted and then fixing the problem.

All issues raised are interlinked. There is need of holistic approach, detailed planning and good coordination to implement them. We can move slowly but need to be fundamentally strong.

All eyes on administration and people of Muzaffarpur and I am sure we will be matured in our approach and collectively bring a better future.

Please say No To Foundation [Inauguration] Stone

A very unfortunate scenario! 

I am yet to understand why current government, which talks so much about implementation of Information and Communications Technology (ICT) in most of the walk and sphere of life, to induce efficiency, effectiveness and transparency, still uses old ways to inaugurate public infrastructure like roads, bridges, buildings, etc.

Take roads for example

It is very evident that in our country after every 200 meters of road construction (particularly in mohallahs), we have a foundation/inauguration stone stating that road is constructed by GoI, inaugurated on such date and inaugurated by such minister. At some places you may even find multiple stones: 'Start of Activity Foundation Stone", "End of Activity Foundation Stone" or for any trivial matter. Do we really need these?

If not necessary then why its done?

A foundation stone is first stone put on the land to start construction activity. But now a days its used to advertise that such minister or department has got the work done or rather it has become 'inauguration' and sometimes 'progress' stone as well. 

In most cases, trick is to first devoid you of amenities, then  launch it after many years  to cash your gratitude and then use 'these stones' to keep you reminding that I am the one who got your task done - vote for me.

Two questions here:

1. Isn't whatever government is constructing is out of public money. So, the real owner are people and not ministers or any one person?
2. Isn't whatever government is constructing is its duty and responsibility? Then why taking  differentiated credit?

There would be three set of people here. First, who would have layered approach and see governance with the spectacles of political party and would support having such activities like having foundation stone, etc. Second, who see these activities as responsibilities of government irrespective of who comes to power and rest of people, who either don't understand what I am talking about or simple don't care.

Impact

If we see in terms of impact then I don't see any positive impact except people get a place to rest there bottom sometimes and put empty cups and sachets at top of it. Albeit, I can list where we are at loss (pardon if I missed any point but I am sure I didn't overstated any):

1. Its construction is waste of money.
2. Its construction is waste of time.
3. Its construction is waste of effort.
4. Its construction is waste of space.
5. Its construction some times causes hindrances.
6. Its construction can lead to safety issues.

Arguments against and counter arguments

Arguments against could be that its a trivial thing. My counter argument is why not to stop trivial things. Moreover, taking in account all such stones which are already laid and being laid daily (leave all and take roads only in account) , I am sure it would lead to substantive loss.

What needs to be done

My suggestion: first government should understand real meaning of foundation stone but I am sure they won't. So my suggestion is to create a policy of no foundation/inauguration/progress/completion stone at all for any construction done out of government expenditure, at least not in physical form. No one cares about them at all. I am not sure about political parties but public only cares that amenities should be there. 

If at all some foundation/inauguration/progress/completion information needs to be there then dedicate a web page for it and please do that in proper manner rather than doing in haphazard manner. Launching the page could be then considered as inauguration. Best part is it can contain a lot more information in intuitive way than that on physical form. Counter argument can question reach of this web based information. I am sure with rising literacy rate and government plan under 'Digital India' to make broadband connectivity to every village of country would rest this issue.

Meanwhile, this leads me to another question as we have literacy index for people, do we have any government literacy index or for that matter any index over its working style and practices?

Benefits

It will counter all negative impact stated above and most importantly, it will support Green Initiatives: less usage of cement, a lot of electricity saved and in addition if there is space vacant then plant a tree. 

'My' Conclusion

Please say no to such activity. I am sure political parties would be reluctant and it needs civil activism. Though I tried to start it through twitter hash tag: #NoToFoundationStone but failed to initiate discussion and that's probably due to 0.1% hearted effort. Sorry for that but if any one else wants to pursue the please go ahead.

Durga Puja and Commissions

What a fantastic celebration of Durga Puja! I am sure Goddess Durga would be quite impressed with technological advancement of human and must be appreciating ‘sky is the limit creativity’ in rituals.

When I came back from city trip, I wondered about the amalgam of current world and the era of the deity. Probably more in terms of responses of all these Commissions, NGOs, Forum and Activists.

Let’s start with Women Right activists. I feel this commission would be proudest of all. A Goddess killing an evil is definitely admirable. The conviction and confidence is an inspiring phenomenon of the goddess. But I believe, she needed no reservation and didn't looked for other Gods to help and no one dared to undermine her when she was pursuing her task. Do, we need women reservation now or a determined effort can do?

Let’s move to Commissions and NGOs on Human Rights. This is my favorite commission as they never appear when soldiers are killed on borders [did you hear from them on recent Indo-Pak ceasefire violations?] but would definitely up the ante and protest outside secretariats if any terrorist is not treated well in jail. They might be unhappy lot here. Whatever immoral the devil has done, he isn’t supposed to be intimidated. He should had been tried in Gods Court first and then punished. Also, the statues displaying him on verge of being killed shouldn’t be appreciated in any manner and condemned. But looks like people in contemporary time choose such fierce display to let people know what could be result of choosing evil and actually they wanted people to fear of consequences. I am not sure if they were right as matter lies in court of conflicting perceptions and it’s yet to be decided whether they were more intellectual or we?

Animal Right Activists would be sneaking for a say. Why Goddess is on Tiger? Isn’t tiger has feelings. Also pulling tiger out of Jungle and domesticating it is injustice to natural habitat of Tiger. Contrary to obvious notions, what if animal wanted to stay along. Can there be chances that a complete species or few animals of a species wanting to leave their original habitat for better living as human do when they migrate from rural to urban places? I am sure this argument can draw a lot of flak on the ground that they are animals and don’t think so much but what if my notion is established true? Wouldn’t it be injustice when a tiger (for say) wanted to stay with human and they are forcefully confined to Reserved Parks? I am not sure at the moment whether there is substantive research on animals considering this aspect. Is there any?

Forum against Capital Punishment would be most unhappy of all. They must have gone on Dharna. How come anyone can be killed (as punishment) even if they have killed many? But Goddess decided to do that. It looks like sometimes it’s inevitable when evil crosses certain limit. A threshold which when breached goes beyond limit of tolerance.

Whatever I think, we think or these organizations thinks, everyone is either happy or sad over degree of adherence by other people with their belief. The right and wrong is decided by population on sides of perceptions.

Besides, God would be happy to see human still find happiness in statues depicting elimination of evil, if not in real life. And a common man struggling each day for livelihood leaves all philosophies to “confused intellectuals” and is working hard for survival.

Smart Cities and Urban Planning: Where we stand

With a lot said and heard about ‘smart cities’ and urbanization these days, there comes immense need of realizing this sold dream.

Unfortunately, historical facts, historically progressive data, current data and current ground realities all are against the wave and hence ask for very detailed analysis, thorough ground check and well systematized implementation/upgrade and running of system. The responsibility lies with both government and citizens.

What are Smart cities and Urban Planning?

Though there is no concrete answer to how smart cities will look like. Buzzing contexts include creative, cyber digital, e-governed, entrepreneurial, wired, massive infrastructures, etc. But above all this, there are very basic feature these urban areas must include and that is smart city should be people centric. These cities should work for the people. It should provide basic amenities like drinking water, electricity, sanitation etc. to all its residents and migratory people. It should understand that all citizens have right to migrate, be they poor or not. Hence, it should be able to grow inclusively in future. Its growth should be commensurate with growth of nearby areas. The notion of smart city is process rather than a goal.

Urban planning is way to realize the notion of urban area by creating appropriate plan, upgrading existing plan, implementing it and running for certain time period till again a planning is needed to accommodate the prevailing situations. It must be recognized that urban planning cannot be divorced from urban governance.

Why it’s in news?

Finance Minister on July 10, 2014 made budgetry allocation of Rs. 7060 Crore for smart cities.

Currently India has 31% of people staying in urban location which contributes to more than 67% of GDP. People living in urban areas is expected to grow and contribute 75% to GDP by 2021.

Main reason behind growth of urban population is migration of people from rural areas to urban areas. Currently, agriculture sector contributes 14% in GDP while employs 53% of people. It’s evident that there will be more people moving out of agriculture sector and moving to services and industries sector and eventually major portion landing in urban areas for job.

This might have raised the need of more cities to accommodate increasing urban population. A planned city will be definitely a good idea.

Government activities in Urban Planning post independence in relation with Five year plans.

Urban Planning is not a new concept; it started as early as in 1^st Five year plan in 1951. In 1^st and 2^nd (1951-56-61) five year plan various organization like NBO and DDA were created. 3^rd Five year plan (1961-66) made it clear that the preparation of master plan is responsibility of state and local governments. 4^th and 5^th five year plan (1969-74-79) continued on similar agenda. Hence, important organizations like MMRDA for Mumbai development and HUDCO to fund projects of Urban Local Bodies (ULB) were created. Legislations like Urban Land (Ceiling and Regulation) Act, 1976 were enacted to improve urban legislation. 6^th five year plan stressed development on development of small and medium sized towns (< 1 Lakhs population). Hence, IDMST was launched in 1979.

7^th five year plan (1985-90) saw landmark initiatives. National Commission on Urbanization submitted its report in 1988 and 65^th constitutional Amendment Act (CAA) was introduced but failed to be passed in Rajya Sabha. However with some revision it passed as 74^th CAA (The Municipalities) in 1972 and came into force in 1993.

During 8^th Five Year Plan (1992-97) – Mega Cities Scheme was introduced (1993-94) covering 5 Mega Cities – Mumbai, Calcutta, Chennai, Bangalore and Hyderabad. IDMST was revamped to boost employment generation in small cities and town to curtail migration

9^th Five Year Plan (1997-2002) emphasized on decentralization and financial autonomy of ULBs. New programs were created and old were merged.

Eventually, it was identified that funding for small and medium towns were too low and didn’t covered all towns as well. E.g.: IDSMT scheme covered 904 towns till end of 8^th five year plan but central assistance released so far was Rs. 283.96 Crores. Also, there were 4500 urban centre which could qualify for small and medium towns (< 3 Lakhs) but only 1/5^th were covered.

10^th Five Year Plan (2002-07) recognized the fact that urbanization played a key role in accelerating economic growth in 1980s and 1990s as a result of economic liberalization. These were due to procedural issues and limited budgetary allocations. It stressed that without strengthening the democratic structure and institutional building of ULB, the goal of urban development cannot be achieved.

11^th five year plan (2007-12) focused on Strengthening ULBs through capacity buildings and better financial managements, deregulation and development of land, dismantling public sector monopoly over urban infrastructure, establishing autonomous regulatory framework to oversee functioning of public and Private sector, reducing incidence of poverty and using innovation and technology in big way. Major emphasis on skill development, self help group and micro finance for self employment.

In crux, it was too lately identified that we have done many wrongs and a strong bid to rectify things started in 11^th five year plan. Till then, it had already led to many problems.

Firstly, enormous money spent and no one is accountable yet. Unfortunately, even after that there is no clear picture of how planning will go ahead.

Secondly, many cities and towns established with improper planning. This has led to missing basic amenities even in mega cities like Mumbai and Bangalore. Creation of slums and non-inclusion on need of poor are other major issues.

Thirdly, this has led to wide gap between urban cities and nearby areas. The main reason behind is lack of integrated planning.

Analysis of currently running programs – JNNURM (Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission) and RAY (Rajiv Awas Yojana)

Centre launched JNNURM in December 2005. Its emphasis was on basic services to urban poor including housing, water supply, sanitation, road network, urban transport, inner/older city areas development. Earlier programmes like Mega City, IDSMT, NSDP and VAMBAY were merged with it.

 JNNURM made mandatory for each city (which fell under it) to formulate its City Development Plan (CDP) and bring out long term vision for city. It included repealment of land ceiling Act, 1976, empowerment of ULBs, PPP, leverage private sector, capacity building and improvement in municipal accounting.

12^th 5 year plan consolidated JNNURM by adding Rajiv Awas Yojana (RAY) to it for creating slum free India.

JNNURM hope was to harness potential of cities as growth engine. It required huge funds but also there was need to develop CDPs.

Eventually JNNURM landed into multiple issues.

Firstly, CDPs didn’t plan for informal sector. Example: areas under slums are not included as they are considered illegal. This is flaw as informal sector provides majority of jobs. Hence it leads to another issue as CDP hence involves only formal economies. This now led to flawed assumptions of economic factors while planning.

 Secondly, pressing need of CDP led weak ULBs to outsource plan preparation to external consultants. The plans had little buy-in as it usually didn’t involved local people. Hence, there is often mismatch between DP and ‘Lived’ City.

Thirdly, the outsourced plan had parallel planning process that had neither relation with DP nor each other nor legal backing. Moreover, they remained an exercise to get funds which were usually invested on large infrastructure projects and hence deviating from prime need of basic amenities facilitation.

Fourthly, there is little space to intervene during creation of plan. Hence, citizens and political network have challenged DPs resulting in long conflicts.

Lastly, non clear policing and unknown accountability helped states and cities which responded tactically revealing resistance, subversion, negotiation and compliance where it suited their political and financial interests.

Rajiv Awas Yojna (RAY) was created to solve slum issues in the context of land availabilities in cities for Mission, tenability of slum, eligibility of slum dwellers and their affordability.

Lack of land availability and difference in perceptions of definitions of tenability has made RAY a non-starter in many cities. Vested interests while land identification and resistance of land owners (whose land has been encroached upon) to use slum lands for rehabilitation has caused issues.

Land availability and tenability is supply side problem while issues of determining eligibility of house hold and theory affordability is demand side problem

There is problem of defining who will have title of house. Problem with assigning title to individual is people can sell the property for some money either due to their needs or when forced upon by unethical groups and again start living in slums. Another problem is how to give housing to those who doesn’t have any identity proof yet.

Issue with affordability is concerning too. Deepak Parekh committee decided on Rs. 3000 for per month as loan repayment for housing but the problem is whether slum dwellers would be able to pay taking into account that many households in urban areas still live with Rs 5000 (approx) per month income. Thus the amount suggested is simply exclusion of neediest. There is need of more subsidies as such.

RAY provides for in-situ upgradation, redevelopment or resettlement options. Upgradation and resettlement have their issues with land availability and tenability while resettlement opens other aspects. In many cases related to resettlement, slum people deny to occupy houses as new settlement is often in out skirts of city. High transportation cost makes them skeptic of moving out. Also, resettlement often breaks their current social network.

Hence, the programme is not well documented and well thought over ground realities.

Current Situations

Current situation is worrying. Though India has been able to transform people in urban style of living but basic necessities for urban settlement is yet not present and these are due to multiple factors.

Firstly, the implementation of 74^th CAA remains half hearted as state governments have not fully empowered ULBs to carry out tasks as per provisions.

Secondly, although urban development is in state list, states couldn’t think of integrated urban development strategy and planning.

Thirdly, 74^th amendment didn’t mentioned proper devolution of financial autonomy. There is huge degree of financial control of state government over local governments which is evident from fact that Rajasthan and Haryana government abolished property tax without consulting local bodies. But then again, local bodies also failed to utilize adequately those taxes and fee power which are vested with them.

Fourthly, India’s Planning process has been top down and sector based. Additionally, communication gap between planners at national level and city level has caused more issues. NHSH and other reports tell that urban planning in India is plagued with fragmentation, centralization and outdated focus of planning.

Fourthly, urban areas are constantly stressed for civic amenities like access to electricity, drinking water, sanitation, LPG, etc. Road congestion, traffic, air/water pollution, waste management and disposal, law and other areas are also there

Fifthly, urban bodies lack power and resources for creating Development Plans. Hence, parastatal bodies like Urban Development Authority have virtually taken over city promoting real estate and infrastructure.

Sixthly, there is constant issue with limited use of public transport system. Bigger and ever expanding cities are one of the reasons, which have caused more transportation time. Also, disperse population led to absence of last mile connectivity. Hence, people prefer of their own vehicle.

Seventhly, there is huge shortfall of planners in India. As per Institute of Town Planners of India (ITPI) there are only 1.32 planners per lakh population while in U.K its 37.63 planners per lakh population. Again for implementing and running the plan, there is need of management specialists. The problem exaggerates when many of planners are employed by corporate institutions like real estate management companies. Cash strapped ULBs are not able to afford them. Hence, situation is worse.

Eighthly, planning violations has resulted in poor realization of plan. The illegalities not only benefit slum dwellers but middle and upper class also through informal plotting and sale of layout against laws. Planning by deregulation is one cause of this which means “calculated informality” where state government deliberately withdraws regulatory powers. E.g.: in case if Solapur where planning authorities can reserve land for public amenities. This has led to unethical build up at many such places either in form of slum or commercial buildings. Officials pocket money in lieu of neglect. Furthermore, these have opened a playground for politicians during election and wield power after election as well.

Ninthly, rehabilitation of slums is one major area to be worked on. Rajiv Awas Yojna (RAY) was created to achieve this but the programme is not very successful.

Tenthly, there are actually villages in the city which come into geographical area due to city expansion. People from these places hence lost their land in the name of development or in the hands of land sharks. These people started working in small and midsize industry and have income to place them above poverty line but if we account factors like number of people sharing single room, sanitation, drinking water, type of roof etc. there household profile is still diminishing.

How to tackle issues

At present dearth of situation particularly in cases of smaller towns and cities where planning has gone astonishingly worse, it’s not easy to tackle issues. It would need concrete participation of both administration and civil bodies to work with planning and morality to uplift the city. There are a few important points though which can help existing urban bodies in renaissance and setting up new cities. Many of them are even re-iterated in Five Year Plans but not fully implemented.

Firstly, E-Governance is need of hour. Harnessing power of Information and Communication Technologies (ICT) for proper implementation would ensure transparency, accountability, proper issue management

Secondly, measures should be Proactive rather than reactive. Planning ahead is smart idea. It needs to factor in future population growth, rural to urban migration to ensure proper sustainability of cities by delivering basic amenities and prevention of any further slum creation.

Thirdly, urban policies cannot ignore rural development. New members of urban areas are strongly connected and influenced by rural areas. Even overall urban population is affected by happenings in rural areas.

Fourthly, planning should be participatory and decentralized. Planning should be based on actual experience not merely technical expertise and local people/formal sections/informal sections of society should be involved in every stage of planning. There is immediate need for restructuring the institutional structure for planning and bringing the responsibility of planning to lowest level of elected govt. Reading market signals while re-planning is very important factor to consider.

Fifthly, to accommodate people migrating from agriculture area or people coming under urban area by expansion of cities, there is a need to create more jobs and also ensure that migrating population is skilled. Failure to these will lead to transformation of rural poor to urban poor.

Sixthly, there is need for local government to generate internal revenues. Internal revenue generation of municipality is a reflection of quality of its governance, transparency and accountability of administration. 12^th Finance commission indicates that total revenue of Indian Municipal sector in 2001-2001 was 0.67 % of GDP where municipalities own revenue constituted merely 0.38 %. It’s quite low if compared to Brazil where municipalities own revenue is 2.6% of GDP. Internal revenues can be elevated by implementing good property tax system on the basis of – identification, inventory management, assessment, collection and enforcement mechanism

Seventhly, market financing need to be generated for bigger project implementation as and when required. Municipalities revenues need to be in good health so that municipal bonds issued can be traded on low interest rates. Even before that, municipalities have to demonstrate that it is capable of generating stock of fund on an on-going basis to repay the maturity amount. In case of smaller cities ‘Pooled Financing’ can be an option where number of cities come together to avail benefits of scale and credit. In this, number of small cities come together to prove their worthiness. There is need to market making institutions also which can help in providing guarantees, investing in lower rated bonds, underwriting and providing subordinate debts

Eighthly, new cities need to make sure that environmental and social costs are quite high as in case of Gurgaon and poorer sections are not completely ignored as in case of Jamshedpur.

Ninthly, there is need to promote more urban planners and urban mangers, associate more planners with state, market and civil society, educate civil society people in planning, balance generalist and specialist planners, expand scope of planners from physical to integrated planning

Tenthly, it’s very important to provide detailed outline in existing or any new governmental programs. One of the major areas of maximum focus should be on non-ambiguity in policy. A well articulated vision and objectives, phased goals, associated deadline and accountability will definitely help.

Conclusion

Urbanization in real sense is real change. Important feature of urbanization influencing politics and policies is: It undermines old form of political mobilization based on caste and religious identities and favors local issues to be resolved. Hence, it not only provides opportunity to curb social issues but provides a way to attain ‘Growth for all and Growth of all’ policy.

But there are challenging issues and limited resources at the moment. A very detailed planning along with proactive help from society can only help, assuming that all other factors pertaining to unknown external conditions fall in place.

This article is based on Yojana Magazine Sep 2014.

An analysis on Justice Lodha statement - Independence of judiciary is non-negotiable

Understandably, a very outright notion but yet it establishes the whole crux of sustaining a “rightful” democracy in the opportunistic times. And restating such statement shows the anxiety of CJI Lodha that how much worried an eminent man is per se his knowledge of judicial misuse in past and experience of current situation which might give rise to similar situation again and let me clearly state his worry is fore on Judicial Appointments Commission Bill.

Let’s start with little history on what is meant by judicial independence and how it was breached and then eventually rectified. And when it was all well then why again we fell into same cycle?

What is meant by Judicial Independence? Example of IlBert Bill

Though there could be many earlier stances but let me detail on Ilbert Bill (1883) which can help us understand what is meant by judicial independence. This bill was introduced by Viceroy Ripon and was a controversial one in early British India times due to its proposal to allow Indian Judges the jurisdiction to try British offenders. 

There were different philosophies at that time supporting and rejecting the bill but let’s focus on one prospect which was most prominent. British tea and indigo owners were much concerned that Indian judges won’t overlook their mistreatment of Indian workers and thus were worried that criminal cases might go against them. So, the whole idea of appealing against such bill was to ensure that judge should support certain section of society despite they work against the ambit of laws. Henceforth, this law had to undergo amendments to allow 50% of European judges as jury. And hence I see it as classic example of dent in independence of judiciary.

How Constitution protects judicial independence? Aspects in constitution

Keeping such examples in mind the founders of Indian Constitution ensured that Judiciary should be independent. They put most effort to keep judiciary out of periphery of executive and legislatures and clearly remarked in Article 50 which directs state to separate judiciary from executive in public services. 

Though article 50 is Directive Principle to state and not very binding, constitution also provides other mechanism to ensure independence of judiciary through security of Tenure, fixed service conditions, restricting discussion on conduct of judges in Parliament or state Legislature and many more. But the most controversial is mode of appointment. Though this is regarded to ensure independence of judiciary but most misused and led to grave situations in post independent India.

What does Constitution say in Appointment of Judges?

It says the judges are appointed by the President after consultation of Chief Justice and other judges of Supreme Court and High Court as he deems necessary and consultation of Chief Justice is obligatory in appointment of other judges but not binding in all cases. For Chief Justice, there is no additional definition for appointment but till 1973, it was practice to appoint senior most judge onto this post.

What happened when everything was alright? Cases after 1973

Not long before but in 1973 such compromises with judiciary started. Then Prime Minister Mrs. Indira Gandhi was troubled with interventions of Supreme Court in Government policies particularly with Bank Nationalization case and Privy Purse case. Hence, she wanted to ensure an appointment of CJI who can work in favor of Government. The opportunity arrived with judgment on Kesavananda Bharati case (1973). The very next day of judgment, Chief Justice Sikri retired and President V.V. Giri on suggestion of Prime Minister appointment 4^th Senior most Judge Justice A.N. Ray as CJI. 

Reason of overruling top three judges was simple as they were part of bench which decided against the wishes of government. The outcome was simple too as new judge quickly waned judgments in favor of government. Notably Justice Ray was also part of the bench but voted in against of judgment. The government saw the opportunity in the wordings of Constitution which doesn’t made advise of current CJI binding on the President to appoint the next CJI. Hence, with favorable President, government was able to appoint CJI of its own choice.  Rightly, it was also termed as “the 

Blackest day in Indian History”.

Similar case happened in 1977, when M U Beg was appointed CJI superseding then senior most judge Justice Khanna whose judgement of upholding Right to Life even during Emergency in 1976 was not liked by the government.

Then the case of partisanship appeared when the verdict against Sanjay Gandhi was conveyed by District Judge in 1979 in case of ‘Kissa Kursi Ka’ but later overturned.

How was it be rectified? Genesis of Collegium System.

Eventually, judiciary itself stepped in to overcome the problem.

Firstly, in Minerva Mills case (1980), the apex court invalidated provisions of 42^nd Constitutional Amendment which prevent any constitutional amendment from being "called in question in any Court on any ground". Hence, the Court established the judicial review as basic feature of Constitution and hence cannot be taken away.

And then, the collection of three cases, collectively known as Three Judges Cases established a collegium system to prevent the whims of government in appointment of judges.

The second Judge Case (1993), ruled both on appointment of judges and appointment of CJI. In case of appointment of judges, the apex court ruled that the advice tendered by CJI would be binding on the President but CJI should advice after consultation with two of its senior most judges. And in case of appointment of CJI, it ruled that senior most judge should be the CJI. These steps definitely curtailed the government wings of appointing judges and CJI of its own choices and hence hindering the independence of Judiciary.

Furthermore, the Third Judge Case (1998), expanded the collegium system as a step of self improvement  by establishing the doctrine of ‘Consultation of Plurality of Judges’ where number of judges required for consultation for advising the President on appointments of judges was increased to four where majority on opinion was mandatory.

Why issues reappeared? Corruption and lack of transparency at the root

The issues of corruption came to limelight when noted Supreme Court Lawyer Prashant Bhusan stated that, “out of last 16 to 17 Chief Justices, half have been corrupt”. But, the serious allegations came into picture from people of collegium itself particularly from former CJI Justice Verma and former Supreme Court Justice Ruma Pal. Justice Verma declared that he wanted to probe in allegations on judges in certain cases  (particularly in case of Justice Punchhi) but political executive refused to allow this. Justice Ruma Pal went ahead by slamming higher judiciary and listed seven sins in the system which included grave issues like Hypocrisy and Nepotism.

In 2011, impeachment of Soumtra Sen (Judge at Kolkata High Court) for misappropriation of funds was huge dent in character of Judiciary.

Most recently in 2014, Justice Katju (again a former judge of Supreme Court), wrote extensively on improper compromises in the Collegium System of appointing judges which raised the question of accountability and lack of transparency.

What government is thinking to do now? Introduction of Judicial Appointments Commission Bill (NJAC)

In Aug 2013, then minister of Law and Justice, Mr. Kapil Sibal introduced Judicial Appointments Commission Bill for the composition, functions and procedure of the National Judicial Appointments Commission (NJAC). The commission hence established would have functions related to appointment, transfer and quality of candidates. Recommendations would be in appointment of CJI, other judges in Supreme Court, Chief Justice of High Court and other judges of High Court and transfer of Chief justice of High Courts and other judges of high courts.

Eventually, The Constitution (99th) Amendment Bill, 2014 and National Judicial Appointment Commission Act, 2014 is enabled to meet the objectives.

99^th Amendment inserts new Articles 124A, 124B, 124C and changes many others to accomplish its objective to provide meaningful role to judiciary.

Currently, 99^th Amendment bill has to be ratified by half of states and then assent of the President is required (though binding but yet a process) to come into force. Once this Bill becomes Act, it will abolish collegium system.

How NJAC can disturb the independence of judiciary?

Under Article 124A, the NJAC has six members of whom three are judges – CJI and two senior most judges. Other members are Union Law Minister and two eminent persons to be appointed by Prime Minister, Leader of Opposition and CJI.

In my opinion, there could be four issues here.

Firstly, inclusion of legislature and eminent person nominated by dominant legislature can result into deadlock in decisions when there is politically motivated agenda.

Secondly, infamous practices of Parliament might creep into the Commission as introduction of legislative in appointment and transfer process can lead to more corruption as legislative might start practice of buying commission members in order to secure votes.

Thirdly, there is question on selection of eminent persons. How good is to appoint people who could have less knowledge and wisdom (than to be appointed/transferred judge himself) to sit in process of transfer and appointment of judges. Reason of this assertion is there is no requirement that eminent persons on commission should have any knowledge of Law.

Fourthly, Article 124C enables Parliament to empower commission to make regulations for selecting judges and for other matters. Hence, it gives huge power to commission in a way.

My conclusive views

One right aspect could be from concerned sides that looking onto the opportunity of common enemy ‘Judiciary’ in troubled waters, thanks to its own people, the politicians have ganged and quickly (rightly used adjective when the passage of Bill is looked upon) clipped the wings of judiciary to try to infect the system.

But the change is inevitable.

I agree that collegium system was introduced to safeguard judiciary independence from whim of government but I would like to assert that that was quite a case of responsive act to what happened in 1970’s. Even earlier to that Judiciary had produced such a fine Judges and they have led to impressive judgement particularly in case of Kesavananda where Supreme Court established doctrine of ‘Basic Features’.  

But when collegium system has itself landed in allegations, then similar a reactionary step was bound to happen and this would always be same circle.

When we talk about the justification of NJAC, then it’s certainly not utterly non-sense. It has given equal provisions to Judges and other persons in commission. It has also tried to make the process transparent, commission responsible by introducing 3 non Judge members. It may lack to certain intricacies but important thing would be figure out those points and raise a concern and put pressure on government to fix them.

Even if we consider the situation globally, successful judiciaries in countries like the U.K., Canada, Australia judicial appointments committees have mix of executives and eminent people.

Another concerned side would be questioning the need of reinventing the wheel and horror remembrance of legislative involvement in judicial matter. The impression is to settle the issue with subtle changes in existing system and minimize the legislative involvement. One solution may be through, Venkatachaliah Committee suggestion of a five-member body consisting of three senior most Supreme Court judges, the Union Minister and one eminent person.

The petitions are already in Supreme Court to declare the commission illegal. Even if the judgement goes in favour of petitions but the court have to think on increasing demand of transparency and participation in judiciary system keeping it in balance with judiciary independence.  

Don’t miss the bandwagon

Recently published CSO data showed Bihar growth above 10%, way above national average and it hits the top of the list. This is overwhelming but we cannot deny the fact that we are growing out of oblivion and hence higher rate of growth is expected even when a fraction of good work is done. Stating this no one can undermine the work of state government but portray a simple fact that there is lot to be done on each and every front.

What is Bandwagon?

Recent change in Centre has established BJP rule (though NDA but BJP suits most). The government looks growth focused and transparency oriented. It could be either due to there minimal expertise in corruption in fed matters or they really want the change or they want to deep root their mandate for every next elections. Whatever the cause, we care less till governance is upbeat.

How we are missing it

Firstly, the partition between JDU and BJP has caused immense harm. They divided on their own version of ‘Love Jihad’ but in this case all community is in loss. There was hope of Bihar government riding with Centre. A togetherness of two governments could have ‘Big Bang’ in Bihar development with uniqueness of Moderate Socialistic Democracy.

Secondly, recent development in Bihar where we are still involved in political fights of joining and breaking and untimely by polls have definitely shifted focus of Bihar government into more electoral gains rather than focusing on growth and governance.

What’s next?

It’s always been my firm belief – “What India is to World, Bihar is to India” - both underrated, having great potential and under performing. Hence, it won’t be mistaken if Bihar Government works on similar lines of Centre policies of development. One benefit of such approach will be getting good help in form of planning, expertise and resources from Centre.

It’s been good tenure of Bihar Government in establishing itself as socialist but we can’t proceed further being hard core socialist only and an amalgam is needed now. To start with, firstly, there is need of quantum rise of morality of people. This lies in the core of all requirement and need to be taken care if state wants it’s every next effort being successful. I don’t see any way other than educational campaigns or enforcement of strict laws. Historically, latter has been more persuasive.

Secondly, aggressive work is required in infrastructure building for households, industries and then apt skill training too. To start with, we can focus on certain selected area and build them as hub to attract industries and investments. Then provide them with skilled labor from our own pool.

Thirdly, engagement with Foreign states directly and benefit from Centre’s policy of attracting investment. This would boost revenue generation, standardization from global practices and modernization as well.

Finally and most importantly, work with “variety” of top class industries and research labs to setup resources in Bihar. This measure can help in capsizing the migration of talent to some extent on its own.

The beauty is, all of these can go in parallel, mutually exclusive working and reap benefit from each other’s positive outcomes.

Conclusion

There is lot more to it like promoting trade, agriculture on scientific methods, etc. but basic idea is to achieve conducive environment for healthy life and ‘Welfare State’ as Directive Principles in our Constitution aims and bring back the immense talent which Bihar has given to India and to world.

Interestingly, majority of current requirements matches with Central government policies and initiatives and hence, there is expectancy that state government will not let ideological difference come in between and work hand in hand with Centre to ensure full cooperation.

Its ripe time and we must ensure we harvest.