Creating an illusion of development

Last week, Prime Minister Narendra Modi launched a scathing critique of the Congress party, stating that it “hoodwinked” voters by laying foundation stones without ensuring completion of projects. However, it seems ironic when he set a record of sorts by rolling out 9,500 road projects in a single day with much fanfare in Rajasthan in August 2017. Political parties have always regarded ceremonial functions and foundation stones as tools to attract voters, especially during elections years. 

The then CM of UP, Akhilesh Yadav, inaugurated about 5,500 new projects in six hours before the 2017 elections. However, these grand events do not reflect sustainable and timely completion of a project which is also evident from various reports of the CAG. The Modi government came with a promise of change in governance but we continue to see a largely stagnant bureaucracy with development still being elusive.

The trend of laying foundation stones can be traced to the Nehruvian era when the government launched various ambitious projects in all sectors, which had a positive connotation that often went beyond partisan politics. In New India however, development projects have become an act of seeking credit which is reflective of competitive party politics. A road project in Punjab saw laying of the foundation stone by leaders of three political parties, SAD, INC and the Lok Insaaf Party. There have been similar instances of laying of multiple foundation stones for the same project by local leaders of different parties. Moreover, these tend to become political plays, deepening the conflict, as was noticed during the Noida-Delhi Metro inauguration wherein Delhi CM Arvind Kejriwal was not invited.

Cost overruns and delay in implementation are also issues that need to be seen within this paradigm. Data from the Centre for Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) shows that 962 projects have been delayed wherein 36 projects are delayed beyond 20 years. The total investment in these projects was Rs 32.7 lakh crore and the cost overrun is estimated to be Rs 14.35 lakh crore. 

Several projects conceived decades ago are yet to be completed mainly due to fund constraints and lack of necessary clearances which often happen due to change of government. Despite multiple foundation stones and grandiose events, non-completion of projects is creating disenchantment among the masses who refuse to be taken in by the illusion of development. 

Employment, which emerges from such projects, is also challenged in the case of non-completion. The question of compensation for land also needs to be addressed when land is often grabbed to facilitate development without ensuring adequate compensation. PM Modi recently said that his focus would remain development regardless of elections. It is perhaps time to then focus on sustainable and inclusive growth beyond ceremonial appeasement.

The author is a student of Delhi University