Coming, world class railway stations

http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=efc06377-e6c3-4502-ad13-5e6a83ea9403&&Headline=Coming%2c+world+class+railway+stations

God knows we deserve this. It would be very interesting to see how they do it. I have seen railway stations around the country and making each one world class is a challenge on its own. The problems are not the same everywhere, and even if they are, the solutions cannot be the same.

For example in the Secunderabad railway station, the station is in the middle of a busy marketplace. Making the railway station world class should also involve making the approach to the place easier and convenient. Getting a vehicle through that area and parking it in the limited parking space available could be the biggest driving test known to man, in my opinion.

But over the past many years, the railway stations have improved- they are cleaner, information dissemination is better. We still have a long way to go though. Lets keep our fingers crossed.

Flats for jhuggi dwellers

http://www.tribuneindia.com/2007/20070610/delhi.htm#1

Nobody wants to see people living in sub-human conditions but there are slums all over the country and they have been there for some time. There is always a suspicion that such efforts are less from a viewpoint to improve living standards and are just a ruse to get control of the prime land that these slum dwellers occupy.

It can work, but only if the intentions are honest. But are they?

Polio cases drop considerably in last 6 months

http://www.newstrackindia.com/newsdetails/280

Looks like all those money spent on those ad campaign starring Amitabh Bachchan was helpful after all. Looks like a lot of work has been done at the ground level as well. Unfortunately, we hardly see the English TV media covering any such news.

Kashmir to get enhanced NABARD funds for infrastructure

http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/News/Economy/Infrastructure/Kashmir_to_get_enhanced_NABARD_funds_for_infrastructure/articleshow/2105996.cms

It's the economy, stupid!

Looks like that expression could be very valid in places like Jammu and Kashmir. It's tough for people to lead peaceful lives when in want. Getting business back up on its feet in the valley should be as important as negotiating politivs with the General in Pakistan.

UGC to set up Rs 50 crore rural development body

http://www.business-standard.com/common/storypage.php?autono=286532&leftnm=6&subLeft=0&chkFlg=

The article says that there will be 20 regional institutes reporting to a national consortium. Isn't 50 crore too less an amount for 20 regional institutes?

Centre sets Rs 2, 60,000 crore plan for urban development

http://www.hindustantimes.com/StoryPage/StoryPage.aspx?id=79a81142-2e07-48f6-9f61-78e6aca622c6&&Headline=Govt+devises+Rs+2%2c+60%2c000+cr+plan+for+urban+development

That's a big bunch of money. What I would also like to know is
-What was the allocation during the last 5 yr plan?
- How much has been used and where?
- What are the results?

One Central University in each State

http://www.hindustantimes.com/storypage/storypage.aspx?id=10ca0917-e7ec-4e95-aa94-4fbd1b9cef5c&&Headline=Coming+up%3a+a+central+varsity+in+each+state

About time. We need more and more universities and colleges. Yeah, yeah, I know, there will be a bunch of people cribbing about the quality of education in the current lot and complain about more IITs being created.

Lets get those buildings up first and fast. Let's throw some money around.