Vijayawada: The oft-repeated talk of Chief Minister N Chandrababu Naidu during the past four years, about building a ‘world-class’ capital on the lines of Singapore, Tokya and Istanbul models for the newly formed State has become a topic of discussion in some sections of people, who question the need for such a capital.
These people are asking whether a world-class Capital is a necessity, particularly when the State was facing poverty, unemployment and suicides of small and marginal farmers and other deprived sections. Suicides were reported in the last few years not only in the drought-prone Rayalaseema districts, but also in many other coastal districts, including the East and West Godavari, which are considered as the Rice bowls of the State. They are expressing firm opinion that such a capital, which requires very huge investment, is not at all needed, and a capital like the Odisha capital Bhubaneshwar, or the Telangana’s Hyderabad or Karnataka’s Bengaluru, with proper planning, is quite sufficient.
These people point out that the State is steeped in poverty, suicides were taking place during the past several years, and beggars, who are semi-clad and half-naked are seen almost in all the towns and cities. Beggars are seen almost at every place of worship, eateries, road junctions, Railways and Bus stations. The Chief Minister himself has been stating time and again that financially, Andhra Pradesh is a deficit State, and the financial resources are not adequate.
These sections also point out that no doubt the State can expect financial support from the Centre for building a new Capital. At the same time, the State cannot expect very huge amount (needed for World-class capital) from the Centre. Naturally, the Centre has some limitations and it cannot dole out all the amount needed for a World-class capital, and the State’s finances also would not permit huge investments on building the capital, leaving aside the welfare schemes and development activities.
Taking into account all these realities, many feel that it is not desirable on the part of the State Government (Chief Minister) to plan for world-class capital, calling for huge amounts; and it is quite proper to build a capital with all facilities and comforts for the employees and the people, in view of the ground realities of poverty, unemployment and suicides. Barring a small section of wealthy and influential people, the World-class luxuries and paraphernalia will not be within the reach of the common masses, who have to struggle hard to earn their livelihood. These so-called luxuries will not also benefit the people in any way.
There are some people, who attribute motives for the Chief Minister in coming out with the proposal of a world-class capital. They feel that the proposal was mooted for bringing fame to Chandrababu Naidu on one hand, and making huge money in the shape of commissions. All said and done, many feel that a World-class capital as such is not a necessity, and a capital with all necessities and favorable conditions for work is quite sufficient. (NSS)