The other side of bangalore
Times Now and IIM-B had organised a discussion on “shaping of Bangalore’s future” where some of the prominent citizens of the city and officials participated.
Here are some facts about Bangalore that the panelists highlighted:
1.More than 5 lakhs of Bangaloreans live in slums.
2. 60% of the schools do not have playgrounds.
3.50% of the citizens evade tax.
4.3/4th of the kalyana mantapas are unauthorised.
5.Protest march of two minutes results in traffic piling up to 5 kms.
Shocked? surprised? sad?
Not really surprised, Usha. I think we all know the problems. Did the penalists discuss any interesting solutions? Please share some.
Well the joint commissioner of Police says Bangalore is still the safest among metros!
There was a consensus among most panelists that active public participation in administration is the key – be it for resisting corruption, or for the city’s growth, or for preservation of environment or for enforcing accountability among officials.
So the ball is back in our court!!
Actually, I do agree. Our participation is the biggest thing – yes, not the only thing – required to make things better.
Today, many of us participate by way of complaining and whining. Thats a good start. See, how much visibility we have brought about infrastructure and things by making noise about it.
Yes active participation is what makes a democracy a functioning one right? I guess after 60 years we are ready to do that than just vote and hope things will get delivered!