Decentralise for better urban governance: NRN

Decentralise for better urban governance: NRN
The Times of India

Bangalore: Driving home the point that no country has added to economic power without urbanisation, Infosys mentor N R Narayana Murthy on Saturday urged CM N Dharam Singh and JD(S) chief Deve Gowda to give priority to decentralisation of urban governance.

Murthy, along with Janaagraha convener Ramesh Ramanathan, made a presentation to Singh and Gowda on the need for a robust administrative structure that would accelerate urban reforms and address infrastructure issues.

Murthy told reporters the presentation focused on improving governance in urban areas, including Bangalore. “In Karnataka, urban governance is poor, but economic energy is very high. There is a need to put in place a robust structure in urban areas to make our cities flourish better.”

He said the government has responded enthusiastically to the Karpura (Karnataka Regional Planning for Urban-Rural Partnership Activities) model, mooted by Ramanathan.

The CM said the meeting was fruitful and educative. Gowda said: “Bangalore has acquired the image of an international city, but an impression is being created that the coalition government is not providing basic infrastructure.’’

The advice
* Cities are gateways to globalisation (80% of all FDI into China in 1990 went to its top 20 cities)
* Importance should also be given to urban decentralisation, provide a platform akin to grama sabha to the urbanites and encourage their participation in governance.
* Set up regional planning structures that ensure better alignment of civic service providers.
* Accelerate meeting urban challenges by clearing infrastructure bottlenecks and addressing environmental issues.