IBNLive Chat: 'Bangalore has lost some of its lustre'

The sleepy retirement town of Bangalore had an image makeover for itself, courtesy the IT boom. Along with the boom, came not-so-beautiful things -- civic woes, infrastructure worries, bad roads, security problems and the threat of terror.

Has Bangalore lost its sheen? Has investment minus proper planning and homework choked the city's growth? What can the new government do to change the scenario?

In order to get an answer to the following, IBNLive.com organised a chat with Kiran Datar, MD, WebEx Communications India. Datar was born and brought up in Bangalore.

Reproduced below is the full text of the chat.

Banshan: What is your stance on reservation in the corporate sector for Kannidagas?

Kiran Datar: I think this is a sensitive issue. My personal belief is that the corporate sector should accommodate all sections of the society as they are a reflection of the large community. Reservation should not be legislated but should be undertaken by corporate units because it reflects the society they are part of.

Ravi: Do you hope that whichever political party comes to power will fulfill the promise on infrastructure in Karnataka as whole and Bangalore in particular?

Kiran Datar: Yes I certainly hope so. This is one of the key initiatives that the new government should undertake to keep our growth momentum.

Joan: Do you think Bangalore has lost its sheen? Hyderabad, Kolkata, Gurgaon are better IT destinations. Do you agree?

Kiran Datar: Yes, Bangalore's image has lost some of its lustre compared to the past. I don't think it’s a zero-sum game though. Other cities are not gaining solely at the cost of Bangalore. Businesses are going where they are finding the right resources whether in terms of both human resources and infrastructure. Definitely, on both counts Bangalore can do better and I hope the new government will ensure this.

Umesh R: Can we expect the new government to develop a rail system like that in Japan? Especially since they are planning to introduce ORRs, PRRs. If there is a rail network implemented, then it would ease the congestion as well.

Kiran Datar: I think the Metro addresses some of the immediate needs. Over time I hope we can better it.

Ajayraj: Mr. Datar, can we expect any change in the IT sector? If yes, your suggestions.

Kiran Datar: I think any changes in the IT sector will be driven by the customers as long as the enabling environment driven by government policies do not adversely affect this industry.

Shilpa: Do you believe that increased citizen participation in governance can help in making the government more accountable? What other options do you suggest to increase accountability of any government?

Kiran Datar: Certainly citizen participation is a prerequisite for a vibrant democracy to develop where the government is more responsive to the needs of the people. One such tool is the right for every citizen to vote. I was very disappointed to learn that only a fraction of the eligible people went out and actually voted in this election.

Vinod: What fresh initiatives should the industry take to ensure the new government delivers better?

Kiran Datar: Industry should definitely look at areas where they can partner with the government to better deliver services and improve basic infrastructure. This could involve getting people to volunteer their skills for specific projects and/or help through contributions in kind. There are a number of industry luminaries whose collective experience can be utilized for effective governance and growth of Karnataka.

Rajesh: Given the infrastructure and connectivity issues within Bangalore (especially in light of the new Bangalore International Airport), do you see a slowing down of foreign investment into the city? You are right in pointing out the BATF initiative but one doesn’t get to hear about their projects these days?

Kiran Datar: Foreign investment decisions are based on a number of factors like availability of people with relevant skills, standard of living, ability to communicate. Infrastructure is only one consideration so I believe; while it does play a part in decision-making it is not the sole criteria.

Raj: Can we see any long-term solutions for the traffic chaos that Bangaloreans are affected very badly of late?

Kiran Datar: There is no one solution to the traffic problem. It will have to be an all-round effort which includes completion of infrastructure projects like the Metro, underpasses etc. But it will also have a component of citizen initiatives like carpooling, alternative transport, work from home etc.

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Lingam Haragopal: When will the leaders of Karnataka awake to set the chaotic house in order? Multiple govts have come and gone but bad roads/ pathetic infrastructure swaying under ever growing B'lore population/ rising property prices and ofcourse the latest visitor - terrorism have all come to stay. Will the new govt be able to address all these or will they while away their time by settling scores with their political rivals?

Kiran Datar: I think these are problems plaguing the entire country and as a nation we will have to find answers to address them.

Vijay: Are you satisfied with what Karnataka has achieved so far, what are the crucial reforms you expect from the next govt?

Kiran Datar: Clearly we have come a long way in the last 10-15 years but, there are many more things that need to be achieved in our state. Crucial reforms that I look forward to are: 1. Better urban infrastructure 2. Bridging the digital divide 3. Providing better educational opportunities for all sections of society through use of new technological tools.

Gehna: To what extent do you think the expectations of the people of Karnataka will be met from the new government?

Kiran Datar: I think the people of Karnataka have high expectations from the new government. Not every one of these will be able to be satisfied but, I certainly expect that things will improve.

Chaitanya2003: Can we expect better infrastructure for Bangalore, keeping in view that past few years have seen Bangalore lose badly to Chennai and Hyderabad in terms of investment by foreign firms?

Kiran Datar: I certainly expect that the new government will take positive steps to address issues of Bangalore.

Sharath Puttabuddi: How fast can we expect the new government to complete the Metro project, and what are the measures we can expect the government to take to decongest traffic in Bangalore and improve infrastructure?

Kiran Datar: The Metro seems to be progressing well. I think mass public transport will be one of the key ways for us to reduce traffic in a city like Bangalore.

Anas Ahmed Khan: What is the contribution of WebEx in the development of Karnataka as well as in India? I want to see a green Karnataka. Does WebEx have any plans for Karnataka govt. on this issue?

Kiran Datar: WebEx has introduced the concept of conferencing in India which contributed our industries being able to collaborate across the world so that companies from India could reach out to global markets. As far as green initiative is concerned WebEx is a very green technology because by meeting people virtually we are able to save travel costs and more importantly reduce our carbon footprint. We are looking forward to working with the government to use these technologies to coordinate activities across the state and to improve delivery of services to the people.

Smita Gupta: What are we doing as corporate citizens to ensure that the Karnataka govt pays attention to the infrastructure bottlenecks in the city which has now started to affect business?

Kiran Datar: I think corporate houses in Bangalore have been at the forefront of contributing to the growth of the city and to come up with unique solutions to solve the infrastructure issues. The BATF was one such public-private partnerships designed to find solutions to infrastructure bottlenecks.

Srinivasan Ravi: Can any progress be expected in the availability and speed of broadband in the city? Although the country's best, it's not comparable with places like Hong Kong where 1gbps home connections are available for the equivalent of a $100 (US)?

Kiran Datar: Internet availability is one of the engines of growth of a knowledge society. Therefore, I believe that any new government will have to focus on delivering this capability given it is one of the key areas for Bangalore to continue to lead as the IT capital of India.

Jini Powell: Can we expect new tar roads from this government?

Kiran Datar: All major parties have put developing Bangalore and other urban centres on their agenda. As part of this I am sure they will look at improving the condition of roads. Clearly, lot of work needs to be done on this front especially outside the CBD in far-flung areas of the city and state.