Business & governance

Business & governance
V RAVICHANDAR
Financial Express

The ongoing spat between Narayana Murthy and Deve Gowda raises issues on the role of big business vis-a-vis local government in improving urban governance. Most businesses hold the ‘I pay my taxes, it is for government to deliver on civic infrastructure and services’ view. Often in a demanding mode, they expect some magical government wand to deliver us to the levels of Shanghai or Singapore. Most, while comfortable with lobbying for concessions, shy away from engaging with government constructively to improve city governance. Unfortunate, because without these synergistic partnerships, rapid progress on improving quality of life will remain a distant dream.

Bangalore has been an interesting laboratory in business involvement with local government. The arguably successful Banga-lore Agenda Task Force (BATF), empowered by government, petered out after a change in government. City infrastructure deteriorated over the next two years, leading to agitated demands by business to fix it. Last week saw Mr Murthy endorsing some fairly unique local governance solutions, involving systemic measures and citizen participation. A business icon willing to partner, rather than just complain.

The unexpected backlash in questioning Mr Murthy’s contribution to the airport project and the city by a powerful government leader sends out a strong message to business to stay in their ‘quarters,’ rather than dare to engage with the government system in making a difference. Given this reaction, the few in business that wish to engage will think again. The loss will be ours across the spectrum in urban India.

The writer is CEO, Feedback Consulting and a former member, BATF