Roads are not our responsibility, say industry captains

Roads are not our responsibility, say industry captains
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: That’s not our job, captains of industry said, in response to the suggestion that corporate houses adopt and maintain Bangalore’s roads.

Many IT companies and corporates have adopted traffic islands in the City as part of their social responsibility, and some of them are being maintained well.

Two days ago, an IAS officer had recommended that IT and other corporates should take the initiative to maintain roads in Bangalore. But many companies feel that the proposal is nothing but a move for the Government to wash its hands of its responsibilities.

According to S Babu, President, Karnataka Federation of Commerce and Industry, “It is the bounden duty of the State Government to provide the infrastructure. It should not run away from its responsibility.

“Earlier, some corporates and IT companies used to maintain traffic islands. These companies got some publicity too.”

A few of them question the very motive behind the proposal. “Earlier, Government officials used to demand bribes. Now they are asking us to fill potholes in return for clearing our files.

“Why should we bear the additional burden apart from paying taxes,” asks a Managing director of a software company on condition of anonymity.

Anant Koppar, President, Bangalore Chamber of Industry and Commerce (BCIC) said: “I do not think it will be possible for us to maintain roads. It is not fair for the Government to ask us to do so.

“We are ready to join hands with the Government for futuristic projects, which require a lot of investment.”