DC Edit | Let Metros Be Engines Of Growth
Collectively, these six major cities house nearly 10 per cent of India’s population and contribute over $1 trillion, or one-fourth, to the national economy. These cities have become crucial engines of the country’s economic growth. Lakhs of people, including those from other states, come to these cities for their livelihoods and careers
Telangana chief minister A. Revanth Reddy’s proposal for establishing a dedicated task force to boost the growth of the top six Indian metropolises — Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Chennai, Hyderabad and Bengaluru — and help them transform into globally competitive urban centres is a sensible idea.
Collectively, these six major cities house nearly 10 per cent of India’s population and contribute over $1 trillion, or one-fourth, to the national economy. These cities have become crucial engines of the country’s economic growth. Lakhs of people, including those from other states, come to these cities for their livelihoods and careers.
Nevertheless, the economic development of these cities, barring the Delhi National Capital Region, has become the sole responsibility of the respective state governments. Though the Centre allocates funds for some projects as per the national agenda, New Delhi has not become an equal partner in their development. If any progressive state government wants to develop these cities, it must become a supplicant before the Centre. This dissonance among governments will harm the country’s economy.
These six Indian cities have acquired enough economic traction in the last 79 years. Each of these cities has become a centre of excellence in various fields. India, therefore, needs to expend comparatively less effort to catapult them into the global league than to transform Tier-II cities into major cities.
A sharper and more clinical focus on these six cities will make sense in the wake of the drying global fund flow. When funds are getting scarce, the erudite policymaker will prefer to deploy them in places where they can give better results. If a city becomes a global hub, it will become a growth engine for the entire country. Though the equitable growth of all cities is desirable, it is not practical in the current times of global economic uncertainty. It is high time to support top performers to lead the nation.
