By Mrinmoy Bhowmick:
The term ‘development’ in our country has affected the citizens in a depressing manner, especially the deprived folks. There have been scores of incidents which will be remembered forever, where rural India had to pay badly for the so-called ‘economic growth’. Millions of people have been killed, thrown out of their house & villages, many even thrown out of their community for sake of constructing industries, SEZs etc. The corrupt politicians, contractors and the dalals have badly ruined humanity, in the name of industrialization in India.
In the past, there have been many such incidents, which have left stains on the peaceful fabric of humanity. The fieriest and still fresh in my mind is the Singur issue. Hundreds of poor people revolted against the West Bengal government for illegal land grabbing to set up a TATA Nano plant. Why did the community have to revolt? They were only demanding their own land. The whole idea was to quench the thirst of those people who might never know what it takes for poor villagers to run their livelihood.
The problem of the evicting farmers & illegal land grabbing exists not only in West Bengal but all over India today. The cause is not promotion of industry as opposed to agriculture but a false economic idea imported from the U.S. These ideas not only disregard a planned and balanced economic development but also promote a capitalistic development of the reformed economy that automatically invites evictions and exploitation’s of the poor. The best example of this is China, where there are many success stories of globalization which could be an example for many countries.
In fact experts and social figures in India talk of globalization. But, will globalization increase welfare? Will Globalization bring development to millions of people in rural India who are still devoid of the ‘basic needs’? I think the government and the bureaucrats need to consider about these ‘basic needs’ before even aspiring for any SEZs and industrial projects in various villages of our country.
On the other hand if we talk of the deprived community in urban India, for example, the slums, the scenario is still not different. ‘Dharavi’ is a much known slum in Mumbai. What’s happened to it? The slum is expanding day by day, and the development is nil. Every year, candidates from various political parties arrive here, for the sake of votes. They make promises of development and welfare. What happens after they get elected? Dharavi still remains as it is. In fact, it is growing every single day. We can’t just blame the corrupt politicians. There is also an unseen nexus between the government officials, real-estate developers and even many NGOs who only work for their vested interests. Who has the real answers? Sadly, no one.
I am sure the youth of this nation will agree with me that the term ‘development’ in our country has diminished for the corrupt politicians and bureaucrats who wander hungry only for votes and power. ‘Villages’ or ‘slums’, if someone has to suffer, it’s the poor. Each of them sleeps with the hope of betterment. But alas every day remains the same. I know nothing will change in the near future. I understand, a set of people cannot bring any change, but a crusade like Anna Hazare’s fight against corruption could bring a sigh of relief. HAIL Development!