Its high time that the state & central government gave the state its due. It has always been a state rich in natural resources. Using these natural resources with kind of corporate cultures that these mega corporations come with, is certainly going to benefit the state and its people. The Orissa state can give back many more times that what these corporation are investing.
The government should snatch this great opportunity with both hands.
The last part, the anti-denti cons part really holds the key as well. 1)Infra (for all) 2)Land acquisition (not only posco, but mostly all) 3)Socially responsible investing (better labor law implementation) 4)Transmission systems 5)Call it the "Middle Way" of Buddha or "Middle Ground" of Vir Sanghvi or "Muddle politics" of China and neighbouring West Bengal(and the other communist powerhouse of the country, Kerala).
Answers to 1 and 4 are really with the Union Govt more than the state govt. as well as with the companies and private sector largely.
Answers to 2 and 3 lie in the hands of Subhash Pani and Naveen Pattnaik. Hopefully they will deliver this time.
As far as 5 is concerned, a capitalist mentality with a socially responsible or socialistic sensibility and sensitivity towards masses is a must.
We dont want more of dharnas (like the ones infront of Nalco or Talcher daily). We dont want a Medha Patkar Aroondhati Roy-esque fasts until death. But we do want this state to deliver to its tribes. Orissa is one of the largest resources of nations tribes as it is of its minerals. Let the minerals be exploited for capitalistic purposes with tribes being given their due.
Excellent Article Mr. Dasgupta and Mr. Satpathi. Very well laid out like the previous pieces on the same topic. But this time you have gone beyond concentrating on just power or just steel, which is actually good and presents a wholesome view. However, the caveats remain the same. The only differences being-: 1)When Allegheny (AES) failed, it was also the same timeframe as Cogentrix failing in Karnataka. ITES dream was realized to the minimal extent and India was not under sanctions due to the nuclear tests.
This time though, a)India has excellent potential to grow, world has finally noticed us(a good marketing job from India), b)Growth spiral of the country on a faster trajectory. Though, yes, there are some lingering fears about sanctions again(however, given the current international affair situation worldwide, its next to impossible) 2)When Swaraj Paul failed, it was as you rightly mentioned a)Myopic view with crappy promises(only to benefit from the resources and deliver nothing to people or the state). b)Then the state govt. was hardly pushing from its side. This time, it is the state govt. with the biggest impetus and hopefully there wont be any further snafus.
Its right to say if all the project implements in orissa, then its symbol of poverty will be vanished. Above all the real fact is people must cooperate with the Govt to implement its mega project on various sector. Otherwise the thing of Kalinga Nagar may happens. At the same thime the role of opposition party should be creative rather to nag the Govt. We expect a prosperious orissa in next decade. Thanks the initiave taken by the Navin pattnaik administration.
I welcome to Mr.Anbani to the state of orissa for its mega power project.Infact I am being biased by the enterprenureship of Ambanis(RIL).Hope fully Ambani can do it.Best of luck.
