People's Democracy

"EVOLVING a single window administration cold be tried as one of the methods for solving the multifarious problems which the mega city of Mumbai is facing. And in view of the fact that the contribution made by the city of Mumbai tops the list in terms of national revenue, the central government cannot close its eyes but should come forward, to the rescue of the state government as it matters development".

These observations came from the CPI(M) Polit Bureau member Sitaram Yechury in a meeting organised by the elegant citizens of the city at Taj Mahal Hotel in South Mumbai recently, under the banner "Mumbai Dialogue". It was in pursuit of knowledge and unity in diversity that the Mumbai Dialogue spokespersons had organised this gathering.

In the packed hall, most of the participants were leaders and functionaries of the state coalition parties. Apart from several ministers of Indian National Congress party and the Nationalist Congress Party, the invitees comprised of several state leaders and office bearers of these parties and eminent personalities and intellectuals from different fields and professions. Amongst them were industrialists, businessmen, film producers, directors, artists, educationists, shop owners, and political activists of different ideologies. Notable amongst the participants were P A Sangma, the state finance minister, Jayant Patil and state legislative council deputy chairman, Vasant Deokare, NCP general secretary D P Tripathi and others.

In his brief presentation, Yechury pointed out that "the city of Mumbai is not only the capital of the premier state of Maharashtra. It is the commercial capital of India as well. It embraces different cultures and civilisations. It has a high tradition of having absorbed multilingual combinations and linguistic unity. It is through the hard work of different sections of people that the city has grown to the present position. The contribution made by the working class and the downtrodden sections is supreme in this. This aspect cannot be lost sight of when we talk about the further development of Mumbai", observed Yechury. He further said, "Soon the city is going to emerge as the industrial and financial capital of India. It is particularly so in the context of the ongoing globalisation process. No doubt, therefore, the city has to grow in terms of technology and infrastructure. However the plans for development of Mumbai have to take into consideration the existing reality. Importance has to be given for solving the problems of the people, particularly the have-nots. An estimated 45 per cent of the city population live in slums. The government has 200 acres of land in and around the city. This has to be utilised keeping in view the needs of the people" opined Yechury in his speech.

"A majority of the slum dwellers constitute the major work force. They contribute immensely to the national income and wealth. They have to be given affordable houses and civic facilities. Maharashtra and its people are progressive. The people of Mumbai are very enlightened. This city is credited with the origin of communist movement. It is also the womb of working class movement. It has a glorious tradition of anti-imperialist struggle. Therefore any plan for development of the city of Mumbai should reflect the spirit of India. Mumbai can thus become the social rainbow of coalition of India", said Sitaram Yechury.

Vilasrao Deshmukh, the chief minister in his speech referred to the problems and constraints of coalition arrangements. He elaborated on the multifarious problems facing the people and the development plans being implemented to deal with them. The chief minister pointed out that every day 350 families are coming to Mumbai as new entrants. He urged upon Yechury to help the state by using his influence with the central government to get the necessary finance for fulfillment of the various plans of development for the city. Others who addressed the meeting were Professor Vasanti Damle, film producer Ashutosh Gavarikar and actress Poonam Dhillon. The welcome speech was delivered by Raju H Rawal, media cell chairman of NCP while Dr Rawal proposed a vote of thanks.