India's Real Problem

Recently, the BBMP (A municipal body existing in Bengaluru) announced another scheme for the metropolitan city's security. As many laws, regional and nation-wide, go through about citizen security; this one was centric upon Women. The BBMP generously provided 33.64 crores of Indian Rupees to this project (Bengaluru only). The scheme engages the making of chambers for Women at Bus stands. The fogged glass enveloping the separate seats will ensure their security, shielding them from the looks of others.

Such laws and schemes are commonplace in India. To the average eye, this may seem like a benevolent move by the authorities. Looks are deceiving; in this case, more so. These laws have inconceivable depths. Many consequences uncover upon a thorough investigation of the proposed scheme. Unfortunately, their existence substantially hinders the intention of the programme. 

The BBMP must protect women from harassment (Cutthroat political competition). If the BBMP aims to get re-elected, it must address public sentiment. However, most governments are reluctant in bringing about change. Instead, they promote workarounds to publicised problems. A hazardous practice, this is. It pleases the public, yet does not solve the real problem. In our situation, the BBMP does not wish to resolve the actual cause of the problem. It alternatively renders solutions to obstacles caused by the main problem itself. Or, in simpler terms: It protects the women from harassment (a caused problem) caused by inappropriate male mindset.

This scenario echoes universally. Spending more than millions of rupees in the long run, this is not cost-effective. The short-run is of higher value to political magnates. To garner votes, politicians tend to spend money on these short term solutions which do not target the problem's uppermost hierarchy. Trying to be 'rational' and 'economical', these leaders tend to sideline the essential issue and provide stingier solutions to their minor problems. These resolutions appear economical upon decision. The government decides many more such 'inexpensive' laws, never confronting the exact difficulty. As time passes, these laws assimilate to contribute to much more significant government expenditure.  This value would presumably cross the investment of restricting the fundamental problem itself.

Newer predicaments are (and will keep) appearing, even after a plethora of 'solutions' have been justly implemented. Such situations recur with ubiquity. Problems are (and will never be) never solved by short sight. They reinvent themselves to block the path of progress. It is essential to resolve the significant issue for development. 

We must encourage foresight and enervate public-pleasing acts. For a better tomorrow, invest today. Indeed, the results may show late. However, we must prepare for the future. Today is for spending; Tomorrow, we shall gain.