Celebrating independence

India earned independence in 1947, 68 years ago. 

We earned the right to govern ourselves. Our early leaders gave us the right to elect the Government.  The infrastructure built up started with Bhakhra Nangal, DVC and Hirakud. We had also great connecting bridges like Rajendra Setu at Barauni, Farakka Barrage etc. Life without these infrastructural marvels can just be imagined. All these were in 50s and 60s. 

Our economy grew at 3.5% compounded rate, also called as Hindu rate of growth, during this period. But, it has to compared with near zero growth in early half-century under British Raj.   

They also established certain educational institutions like IITs and IIMs. Whatever the blame casted on them for becoming NRIs, they are the biggest contributors in keeping our Current Account Deficit within control.

It is during 1970s, Politics overtook development and Control of Politicians and Bureaucrats increased over the economy. The quality of politicians also got poorer. Today, we are seeing attacks on the autonomy of great institutions like IITs, IIMs, RBI and others. 

We need another movement for independence from politicians and bureaucrats. Let the Govt. be cut to size by large scale divestment and growing up of tech start-ups challenging the established conventional players. 

Let the technocrats take a vow to reach villages and down-trodden in unconventional way by spreading education and healthcare. 

 

Selection of Smart Cities

List of Smart cities have been published.

Crowded and overburdened cities like Mumbai and Delhi have been selected as part of it. They have also included Thane, Kalyan and Navi Mumbai. All these are part of Greater Bombay. India is a vast country and has vast underdeveloped areas.
This selection also signify the control of babudom on decision-making process. They do not want to move out of their comfort zone in existing cities. 
Indian Industry is now suffering from lack of demand. If we compare our consumption level of goods and services with international standards, we cut a very sorry figure. Again, if we compare state-wise figures, we can find huge disparity. Further again, if we compare district-wise figures, we can find disparities more severe. This gives us a huge opportunity. According to law of marginal propensity to consume, the increase in income of lower starta of people will increase the consumption level faster due to pent-up demand among them.
Recently, Govt. has set up IITs, IIMs and AIIMS in many unrepresented areas. Converting these centres as Smart Cities makes more sense. This will help these institutions attract better faculty, better student intake, better industry-institute partnership. This will help change the social fabric of nearby hinterland. This will also help the percapita incomes in these areas grow and raise the consumption level of goods and services.
This incremental demand will help the industries suffering from lack of demand. The incremental industrial activity will create more jobs, raising demands further.
With economic activities and job opportunities rising in newer cities and towns, the pressure on present large cities will reduce making them easy to live.
The Rate of Return for investment in Smart Cities in unrepresented areas will be faster.