NOT SO SMART
   Date :18-Jun-2019

 
THE craze of having tony edifices with so-called modern facilities has put city planners into a dangerous mode of reckless development. In the name of Smart City projects there has been wanton razing of structures that are not only of historical importance but also steeped in beautiful human emotions. The latest victim of Smart City project comes from Patna where the local authorities demolished an over century-old British-era heritage market -- Gole Market -- to make way for a multi-storeyed commercial complex. It is quite disturbing to see town planners and government authorities deriving a totally negative meaning from the Smart City concept. Smart City also entails preserving of architectural legacy and not just having new buildings. Development is welcome but it should not come at the cost of our rich heritage. Cities and towns world-over have allowed a magnificent melange of colonial structures and new-age high rises. If our Smart Cities are coming up with such disdain for history and cultural values, then it will be the dumbest-ever product served to us by the rulers.
 
EASING RETAIL
 
FDI NATIONAL Democratic Alliance (NDA)-II Government needs to be circumspect over the demand of UK India Business Council (UKIBC) to ease Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) norms to attract more FDI to the retail sector. Though policy issues relating to multi-retail sector are perceived as politically sensitive, the real problem lies in the economic component of the matter. It is not just the question of attracting more investment. The sector involves several socio-economic issues that cannot be overlooked. The US had paid heavily for allowing corporate investment in multi-brand retail on a massive scale to driving out pop and mom stores situated at street corners, catering to nearby community, throwing out small businessmen out of business. The potential of small retail to spur economic activity and generate employment on a massive scale cannot be overlooked while allowing corporates to enter it on a massive scale. It is time to fulfill the Prime Minister’s promise to small businesses in this regard.