City under the spell of middle income group, says study

City under the spell of middle income group, says study

The Hindu

`Green space dwindling; garbage accumulation a big problem'


BANGALORE: Retail sector continues to grow while prices have remained stable between 2000 and 2005 in Bangalore. This was revealed in a study conducted by the city-based Alliance Business Academy.

To analyse the city's economic condition, the academy's research team considered variables such as family income, prices of essential commodities, shopping facilities, grocery stores, cost of living, property taxes and job opportunities.

The city's social system is sound with its safe localities and good recreation facilities. The city scored "moderate" in communal harmony. To arrive at these conclusions, the research team analysed variables of caste and religion, neighbours, racial mix of neighbours, number of children, personal safety, entertainment and recreation.

With regard to environment, the city's green space is dwindling and garbage accumulation is a big problem. But the condition of water and air is stable. The research team considered variables such as traffic volume, condition of streets, streetlights, number of trees, parks, climate, civic amenities, garbage collection and disposal, supervision of maintenance and fire protection, before arriving at the conclusion.

Under "Community and government services," the study found the city has good education facilities. But the concern for students is low and the local body governance is slow to respond to community needs.

The research team analysed public schools, colleges, libraries, school zones, hospitals, medical services, dental services, public transportation, local government services, local body governance and animal protection.

The study's verdict on the city's "Demographics" is: "Big growth in middle and upper income groups, making it a wealthy town." For proof, the research team considered variables such as household income, type of dwellings, income data and the number of earning members per family.

The city showed negative trends in four crucial sectors: power generation, industry and unemployment. "These need to be given priority. Otherwise the city, which has the highest growth in terms of industry and trade, will witness attrition as seen in cities in other parts of the globe."

As part of the study, different indicators were identified, data collected on each parameter for 2000 to 05 and analysed in terms of simple year-to-year growth.

These growth indicators were then aggregated for a "Quality of life" indicator for Bangalore. The Conference Board methodology was used to arrive at the indicators.

The research team comprised Shalu Jain, Divya and Jayashree.