In a bid to address the concerns of industrialists over Bengaluru’s poor infrastructure, Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar held a meeting with prominent business leaders, including Biocon founder Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw and former Infosys CFO Mohandas Pai. The meeting, which took place over dinner on Saturday, aimed to discuss the city’s key infrastructure bottlenecks, including potholes, traffic, and garbage management. The gathering was also attended by Greater Bengaluru Authority Chief Commissioner M Maheshwar Rao, Bengaluru Business Corridor Chairman LK Atheeq, and former JDS spokesperson Tanveer Ahmed, among others.
The meeting was a response to recent criticism from Kiran and Pai, who had expressed their frustration over the city’s infrastructure issues. Their comments had sparked a backlash from Congress ministers, who suggested that they should use their corporate social responsibility (CSR) funds to contribute to the city’s development. However, the tone of the meeting was constructive, with Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw describing it as a positive discussion on an action plan to address the city’s key infrastructure challenges.
Shivakumar acknowledged that the criticism from industrialists had gained international attention, and emphasized the need to work together to find solutions. He appreciated the suggestions offered by the business leaders and announced that they would be included in the main advisory committee to contribute to the city’s development. The Deputy Chief Minister recognized that the challenge lies in working through the bureaucratic framework, which can be time-consuming due to the need to follow legal protocols.
The meeting marks a significant step towards collaboration between the government and the business community in addressing Bengaluru’s infrastructure woes. By engaging with prominent industrialists and incorporating their suggestions, the government aims to find effective solutions to the city’s problems and improve its overall development. The inclusion of business leaders in the advisory committee is expected to bring in fresh perspectives and expertise, ultimately contributing to the betterment of Bengaluru’s infrastructure.