Newspapers call it ‘historic’. I wonder. After all, change is the only constant. And today, I can spell-out my doubts on the foresightedness of the so-called ‘intellectual Bengali’ that choose to support a political party for 34 years when West Bengal slipped from one of the happening part of the country to be a virtually no-business destination.
The state today stands nowhere in comparison to states like Maharashtra, Karnataka, Haryana, Gujarat etc., in regards to business, commerce and overall development. It seems, finally, the people here realised the need for change. Today, as we see a green surge in West Bengal, it’s not time to celebrate but to accept the challenge — to bring in development in West Bengal — bring it at par with other states, and turn the home of ‘intellectual Bengalies’ into a world stage.
As Bengal changes its colour today, I wish good sense prevail over autocracies, development prevails over personal interests. I am not going to exult with the green brigade this evening, but from afar I look at the state I belong from in anticipation of growth and prosperity in governance, trade, commerce, education, lifestyle, and environment. I wish the green brigade bring with it an air of commitment that percolates among the masses as a sense of security, maturity and understanding.
On this day of transition, I am not expecting any magic from the new cabinet that will take control of the state. My expectations are very simple. Is it too much to expect that every citizen in this part of the country will have access to potable water, clean air to inhale, quality healthcare services and a sense of security? Pardon me if it is too much.
Take my tips, if you consider it worth. No need to brainstorm over creation of jobs and industries. Create industry-oriented academic structures and industry-friendly policies. Jobs will be created automatically and brain drain can be checked. Another important thing is infrastructure. The next time the new cabinet sits down to draft a development road map, ensure a realistic deadline for a project. If a government agency fails to deliver in time, have a protocol in place to penalise it, make it compensate the people. If a government contractor fails to deliver in time or compromise in quality, blacklist it. It is not too much to expect.
Evils like corruption and bribery will most likely come on the way. Enforce strong regulations against such evils. We have provisions in the existing system for these — all we need is good intent. Focus on decentralisation, it might help. And please, don’t politicise development issues anymore. Don’t put the state and its future at stake for any political mileage. The common man is conscious and watching. I am watching.
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