‘Bangalore should be more stranger-friendly’

‘Bangalore should be more stranger-friendly’
New Indian Express

BANGALORE: Students of the Indian Institute of Journalism and New Media (IIJNM) feel that the State Government should take steps to remove the ‘language barrier’ faced by people who are new to the city.

Broadcast journalism student Sudipa Chakraborty says, “Most of the buses have name boards in Kannada. Only a few have Kannada and English ones.”

Her classmate Priya Randhawa adds: “The city has people from various parts of the country and we cannot expect all of them to know Kannada. I feel some of the name boards should be in English.”

Both say that bus drivers and conductors should be given training in different languages including English and Hindi, as non-Kanndigas find it tough to communicate with them.

Another student, Rapti Bhaumick thinks that the city’s infrastructure requires a major overhaul.

“The corporation should erect street lights in ill-lit and desolate areas and not just on the major roads. Potholes should be removed,” she adds.

Shlesha Salvi is unhappy with the “unnecessary one-ways in the city,” and lack of dustbins in several areas.

Another suggestion by these youngsters was to increase the number of prepaid auto counters in various parts of the city.

“We see prepaid auto counters only near airport, bus-stands or railway stations,” said Akshata Rao, “There should be many more to prevent auto-drivers from over-charging us.”

Most felt that more police personnel should be deputed to patrol the city, especially in isolated areas on the outskirts of the city.

IIJNM students and a private television channel are gathering views from Bangalore’s citizens on how to improve the city’s sagging image.