Registered with the Registrar of Newspapers for India under R.N.I 53640/91
Vol. XXVI No. 19, January 16-31, 2017
W(h)ither Tamil Nadu?
– As we watch Ministers from other States come a-calling
(By The Editor)
What exactly is happening in our State? Are we caught in some kind of an -activity trap from which we do not see any signs of emerging? Is there a paralysis in terms of policy? We as a publication concerned with the well being of our State and City sincerely hope that this is not so, but all indicators point that way. True, routine administration is going on as usual, giving everyone the impression that all is well, but if someone in office is thinking about the future, we do not see any indications of that. It is the responsibility of the elected executive to take this on, and, today, for various reasons, that is not happening.
We understand that illnesses and death are a part of human life and can strike anyone at any time. But if there is a larger responsibility for which political organisations are created (and it is they who govern policy), that cannot be given the go by in the interests of immediate political challenges of succession. And this is happening at a time when neighbouring States are not exactly just watching what is going on. It will only be a question of time before investment slowly begins moving away.
We have recently carried reports of a nation-wide study on the States of our country and their performance across various indices. Tamil Nadu stood second overall but there were several measures where it showed that there were causes for concern. And the overall ranking was largely based on our traditional strengths – in short we have not brought forth any new achievement that we can highlight. That does not augur well.
Last week saw a conclave organised in our city by a leading national media house. The reports are still coming in on the outcomes, but what is certain is that Ministers from neighbour-ing States, all of whom came to speak at the symposium, spent their time usefully, meeting up with industrial houses head quartered in our city. The sole motive was to seek investments in their respective States. And these Ministers were seen going from company to company, not regally stationing themselves at hotels expecting people to call on them and pay their respects. This is a new generation of political executive that is emerging and Tamil Nadu, we feel, had better look sharp in producing some leaders of this kind if it wants to be a national player. We also understand that the response to those leaders was positive. On the other hand, there is a feeling that not much is going to happen in Tamil Nadu for some time to come.
Those who do not agree with this view argue that the State had only two years ago concluded a global investors meet that was deemed successful. What we do know is that the outcome of that meet is cloaked in some kind of Masonic secrecy and we are yet to see any action on the ground by way of those promised projects taking off.
Where will this leave us? Of course, established plants and business houses are not going to close down what is already in existence here. That will mean we will continue to remain an urbanised State with a degree of prosperity. But we are unlikely to show sensational or even respectable growth by way of new projects. It is these that will drive all other indices, including public welfare, something that our State specialises in. While we do not in any way cavil at money being spent on welfare measures, we hope that the State realises that there is a limit to which it can strain the present levels of revenue and if it needs to go beyond that, it needs to generate fresh receipts. Those can come in only with new business.
