Appalling infrastructure is talk of the town

Infrastructure should improve: Rahul
Infosys Chief Says We Have Low-Class Leaders
Times of India

Bangalore: Appalling state of infrastructure is the talk of the town. No less than two dignitaries — Amethi MP Rahul Gandhi and Infosys chief N.R. Narayana Murthy — on Thursday trained their guns on the by-now hate subject and just stopped short of crucifying the government.
Chief minister N. Dharam Singh made right noises at the right moment, by promising to give the roads a fresh look, come November 15.

When reporters asked about the concerns expressed by IT captains about the abysmally poor infrastructure, Rahul said: “Bangalore is growing and the roads are crowded. But who am I to suggest to the state government on what steps it should take? I’m only an MP representing Amethi.’’

But couched in his statement was a virtual admission that Bangalore’s infrastructure had to improve — and somehow.
Dharam Singh, speaking to The Times of India on the IT chiefs’ grouse, counselled patience to them. “Roads are bad. Work will commence after November 15 once the rain recedes. Work will be completed by February 2005.’’

But it was Narayana Murthy who made his displeasure known — and publicly — at the valedictory of the three-day seminar on ‘Emerging Asia: An HR Agenda’. Speaking on how a corporate in the Silicon Valley of India is expected to put on dual identities, he said: “When we walk out of our house and step into our car, roll up the windows and switch on the airconditioner, we see the world outside, the poverty and the slums, we go through the wretched roads and see the polluted environment of Bangalore, and feel less of a human being than we are. Our confidence is taken away. We have truly low-class leaders.

“After we reach office, we have to transform ourselves to deal with people of the higher order, with absolute sophistication. And in the evening, when we walk out to go home, this process is reversed again. The heating and cooling is too instant. This kills enthusiasm and confidence.’’ On infrastructure, he quipped: “We cannot anymore say it is the responsibility of state and Union governments. Each of us will have to be accountable.’’

“Demand fairness, accountability, equity and transparency. The quality of people is going down further. We have very low content levels. We should believe in being second to none. Or we will end up building mansions in the midst of slums.’’

WHAT THEY SAID

RAHUL GANDHI: Bangalore is growing, roads are crowded... (But) who am I to make suggestions?
DHARAM SINGH: Roads are bad. Work will start after November 15.
NARAYANA MURTHY: We have truly low-class leaders... Each of us will have to be accountable.