Raju Korti
The Indian political mind seems besieged with conspiracy theories. To such absurd and incongruous levels this discourse has gone that we have become experts in creating a controversy where none exists.The agitation and heart-burn on the historic Red Fort taken up for adoption by a private sector group is yet another in that long and apparently unending list. One doesn't have to scour modern history books to know that the Red Fort is an emblem of the country's pride and honor. Successive prime ministers have been addressing the country -- for whatever worth their salt -- on the Independence Day each year. Ritual though it may be, it still is part of the national consciousness. The wrangling over this monument being "sold out" is stupid and deserves to be dismissed with the disdain it deserves.With time, this red bastion has suffered degeneration and merited a face-lift but as is our wont, yet another non-issue has succumbed to public trial that is completely misplaced. To begin with, it is not a sell-out as the chest beating from some quarters shows. The question of selling this national heritage site cannot come to the most puerile of minds.
Criticism on the issue, if any, should relate to the unwitting and tacit admission of the government in failing to upkeep , maintain and preserve this Gothic structure. The place also calls for better crowd management system.
Right when the corporate sector was accused of bleeding public money, it was awakened to what is understood as Corporate Social Responsibility. Ever since the rise of private sector in the post-1991 liberalization and reforms era, we have been educated on the private sector efficiency in boosting economy, job generation and project execution better than their public sector counterparts. Conceding that there are exceptions to public sector inertia, it is still worthwhile to give the "Adopt a Heritage" scheme due thought. The refurbishing of the Red Fort costing Rs 25 crores over the next five years can be a model beginning.
Considering that the Red Fort is the badge of independence struggle the nation wears on its sleeves, one hopes that the government does not mess up this exemplary move by commercializing it and holds the company to the promises it has made. The redevelopment blueprint envisages better public amenities, illumination, sound shows and tourist services and this brief should not be exceeded to deflower its maidenhood.
While companies complain that the Corporate Social Responsibility obligations mandated in the Companies Act are hidden tax and outsources government's social sector responsibilities, projects around such monuments are also brand building opportunities because of prominent visibility and large footfalls. Unlike governments in India that have been by and large indifferent to civic failures, Corporates will hopefully do better if only to stave off adverse publicity for the brand.
If private investment can strengthen national heritage conservation, create a sensible pool of conservationists and increased tourism, the decision is worth going ahead.
Senseless to crib and complain if this antiquated piece of architecture is getting a make-over in tune with its royal existence. But what can you expect when controversy sells more than wisdom?
Criticism on the issue, if any, should relate to the unwitting and tacit admission of the government in failing to upkeep , maintain and preserve this Gothic structure. The place also calls for better crowd management system.
Right when the corporate sector was accused of bleeding public money, it was awakened to what is understood as Corporate Social Responsibility. Ever since the rise of private sector in the post-1991 liberalization and reforms era, we have been educated on the private sector efficiency in boosting economy, job generation and project execution better than their public sector counterparts. Conceding that there are exceptions to public sector inertia, it is still worthwhile to give the "Adopt a Heritage" scheme due thought. The refurbishing of the Red Fort costing Rs 25 crores over the next five years can be a model beginning.
Considering that the Red Fort is the badge of independence struggle the nation wears on its sleeves, one hopes that the government does not mess up this exemplary move by commercializing it and holds the company to the promises it has made. The redevelopment blueprint envisages better public amenities, illumination, sound shows and tourist services and this brief should not be exceeded to deflower its maidenhood.
While companies complain that the Corporate Social Responsibility obligations mandated in the Companies Act are hidden tax and outsources government's social sector responsibilities, projects around such monuments are also brand building opportunities because of prominent visibility and large footfalls. Unlike governments in India that have been by and large indifferent to civic failures, Corporates will hopefully do better if only to stave off adverse publicity for the brand.
If private investment can strengthen national heritage conservation, create a sensible pool of conservationists and increased tourism, the decision is worth going ahead.
Senseless to crib and complain if this antiquated piece of architecture is getting a make-over in tune with its royal existence. But what can you expect when controversy sells more than wisdom?
The Indian Government who spends thousands of rupees on advertisements can very well maintain/develop the Red Fort from its own coffers. Can the Indian Govt so easily outsource the maintenance of the forts of Shivaji Maharaj in Maharashtra?
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