1. Is
Why Srikakulam??
Ask any industry captain to consider investment in Srikakulam district – all you get is a
stern glare that is full of question marks?? Recent incidents of any corporation wanting to
set up shop both in public & private sector have not been encouraging. Violence, death,
protests, public hearings getting sabotaged, growing activism are factors worrying an
investor to consider Srikakulam. But what led to this situation needs some careful
understanding?
The moot question is about why Srikakulam district is unable to create employment &
income generating opportunities, despite incentives from the State Govt. It has the
advantage of a long coastline of 193 kms and spread over 5,837 sq. kms with a population
upwards of 25 lakh; but more than 75% of the population is still dependent on agriculture,
saltpans, fishing and sundry jobs.
Whether it’s sand mining, fish research center, thermal power, nuclear power plant or
pharmaceutical industry – protests are widespread. What are their lurking fears to permit
and partner in any development project. Is it fear of losing land, poor compensation,
provision of jobs, issue of pollution, human rights; bad rehabilitation & relocation policy for
land losers; lack of proper jobs for land losers – without skill up-gradation; ill-health from
the industries; political interference. Maybe a combination of all these factors and
misguidance by some vested groups as well.
This kind of ambience definitely doesn’t augur well for any industry. Even if the best
incentives are offered – no businessman would like to risk his investment and work in a
tense environment that puts his men & material under threat of constant uncertainty. If the
entire work cycle is to come under the cloud of protest & negative sentiment – he/she would
re-consider his option and move to a more congenial industrial atmosphere that fosters
development. Remember how the Tata Nano project moved lock stock & barrel from Singur
to Sanand in the backdrop of a similar protest & negative sentiment.
INDUSTRY COMPASSION OR LACK OF IT: The scale of industry coming up or proposing
to set up shop needs to take cognizance of these local issues; identify the stakeholders,
understand their issues, myths & concerns and partner with both the local Panchayat
officials and also with govt. administration. Is it lack of compassion by the industry captains
denying these villagers who forfeit their land for the project & get a raw deal in the process
and get further exploited by the vested groups and politicians. Is the industry being driven
by profiteering motive and denying the local villagers their share of the progress either
social, economic benefits accruing from the said project??
The biggest loser is the Srikakulam district and its citizens. Can we change this?? I
propose an initiative titled Srikakulam First that will identify the issues plaguing the
industrial development, partner in stakeholder engagement and work in conjunction with
local villagers and Govt. administration. Members of Srikakulam First could be people with
origins & roots in this district – who have done well for themselves in any area – education,
politics, cinema, sports, IAS, IPS, artist, business etc. Let’s identify such people – form a
committee and work on a time-bound agenda to bring change!!
This needs to be done on TOP PRIORITY – with the rising protest groups, violence in the
form of protests, media reportage, angst within the village folk against any development
could create the much needed gap for extremist forces to enter and create a Singur-like
situation in West Bengal??