post news network, Bhubaneswar, May 20: “It is of paramount importance for the authorities concerned to look for better policies to flourish, but development cannot be confined to a specific region. It should percolate to different sections of the society and different regions to ensure that the state develops as a whole,” said Prem Das Rai, a Lok Sabha MP from Sikkim, while taking part in a brainstorming session, organised Wednesday at the Hotel Trident, here, to discuss the various aspects of urban planning and development.
A panel of experts comprising parliamentarians, bureaucrats, politicians and policy makers took part in the discussion. The event was organised by Forum for Integrated Development and Research (FIDR), a non-profit body that works towards building a repository of data and analyses it through technology interventions and aid policymaking related to urban development.
Rai, an alumnus of IIT-Kanpur and IIM-Ahmedabad, when asked by the Orissa POST about his views on the potential of Bhubaneswar as a smart city, said, “The city is rich in potential. It is rich in young, educated class, quality institutions, and renowned business houses. However, till now the concept of smart cities has not been elaborated. If it means the development of the city as a whole, it must ensure all sections of the society develop as a whole.”
Apart from Prem Das Rai the others who took part in the discussions include, BJP spokesperson Sambit Patra, R N Das, advisor, State Planning Board, Upendra Nath Behera, additional chief secretary, Orissa government.
R N Das said, “States play a crucial role in developing the land, sustaining the livelihoods of the people there and enhancing opportunities. I believe in the present era skill development is very significant. I believe, for every 5,000 population, we need skill development cells to strengthen the local community.”
Paul Fernandes, director of XIMB said, “Learning is often akin to revolution. In order to develop as a state, every state needs to strengthen its educational system. Progress in education often transforms into developing the state and bringing it in the list of the most developed states.”
Speaking on the occasion, Charudutta Panigrahi, mentor, FIDR said, “Government is working at their level to make policies for developing cities. A proper repository of data relating to urban development is needed to develop cities in a planned way. Through our initiatives we are trying to bring forth data first and its analysis later on the basis of different parameters. These can potentially affect town planning.”
The programme started around 6pm with the lighting of the lamp by the dignitaries. The session was also thrown open to the public for questions to the speakers. The speakers were asked a heap of questions on the issue of development.