‘Execution, Not Funds, Is Bengaluru’s Real Problem’: Chidambaram
Congress MP proposes industrialist-supervised model for public works, supporting Kiran Shaw’s Bengaluru road repair initiative.
GG News Bureau
Bengaluru, 22nd Oct: Congress MP P. Chidambaram has extended support to Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s offer to fund road repairs in Bengaluru but said that the real issue lies in the execution of public works, not the shortage of funds. His remarks come amid a heated exchange between Shaw and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister D.K. Shivakumar over the city’s civic infrastructure.
“I noted with interest Mrs Kiran Mazumdar Shaw’s offer to fund the development of some roads in Bengaluru. A great offer! Congratulations! But the problem with our public works is not the lack of public money; the problem is in the execution,” Chidambaram wrote in a social media post.
The Rajya Sabha MP proposed a model where government-funded projects could be monitored by reputed industrialists or companies, who would be held accountable for the quality and timely completion of the work. “The contractor will execute the public work, but the supervising company or industrialist will be responsible for its quality and deadlines,” he said, suggesting penalties or cost overruns could be borne by the supervising entity.
Chidambaram also said cities like Chennai or Bengaluru could pilot this model.
Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw, one of India’s leading business voices, recently criticized the state government for Bengaluru’s poor roads, triggering a strong response from Shivakumar. The Deputy CM accused her of having a “personal agenda” and said the government would let her build the roads if she wished. Shaw, however, denied the allegation.
In a conciliatory turn, Shaw met Shivakumar on Monday — reportedly to invite him to her nephew’s wedding — where the two discussed Bengaluru’s development and Karnataka’s future growth prospects.
