About the Book
Book: Why The Heck Not?
Author: KP Singh and
Aparna Jain
Publisher: Penguin Viking
Price: Rs 799
Government housing schemes often fail due to corruption and poor execution, highlighting the stark contrast with private sector successes, says KUMAR CHELLAPPAN
The governments at the Centre and the States are sincere in their efforts to provide shelter to those without roofs over their heads. It must be said that food, clothing, and shelter remain the essential elements that constitute the life of any ordinary person. The administrations have conceived and executed many housing projects such as the Prime Minister’s Awaas Yojana and the Indira Gandhi Housing Scheme. In Tamil Nadu, former Chief Minister J Jayalalithaa launched a mission to construct houses for the poorest of the poor at heavily subsidised rates.
During the tenure of C Achutha Menon as Chief Minister (1969 to 1977), the Kerala Government launched Laksham Veedu (1,00,000 Houses), a housing scheme for the poorer sections of society. Small houses were built under this scheme across the State for the benefit of people below the poverty line. Although the intention was noble, these houses ended up as dens of all vices. Residents of Laksham Veedu colonies were treated as anti-social elements, as many excelled in dubious professions such as theft, dacoity, bootlegging, pimping, and prostitution. The scheme died a natural death, like many other government-sponsored initiatives. Later, the LDF Government led by Pinarayi Vijayan launched Life Mission in 2016 with the aim of providing residential accommodation to those without homes. However, this multi-crore project is reportedly embroiled in corruption, with central agencies investigating the issue.
In Tamil Nadu, the Slum Clearance Board has constructed four-storey apartments for the poor along the scenic Marina Beach. However, the quality of construction and the ambience are worse than the slums themselves. Why do government schemes fail so frequently? The answer is not difficult to ascertain. Massive corruption involving public works departments, bureaucrats, contractors, and politicians turns these schemes into milch cows. “To hell with the beneficiaries… we can make as much money as possible from these schemes,” seems to be the driving mantra of these anti-nationals.
The Central Public Works Department, responsible for constructing central government buildings, and the State PWDs, entrusted with building roads, offices, and residential accommodations, are classic examples of corruption in high places. One need only look at the buildings, be they office complexes, hospitals or housing projects for the poor. What stands out is the careless manner in which they have been designed and built. Hygiene and sanitation in these buildings are often appalling. Walls double as spittoons, toilets are worse than hell, and cleanliness seems alien to such structures.
Contrast this with the apartments and villas built by private developers, and the difference is stark. Major players such as Tata Housing, L&T, DLF, Ashok Leyland, the Godrej Group, Hiranandani, Chettinadu Group, Ceebros, Puravankara, and Sobha City (to name a few) create visual treats. Their projects cost a fortune and cater to the affluent, but they stand as a testament to quality construction and planning. The townships they build, with their panoramic views, starkly contrast the stinking low-income group apartment complexes constructed by CPWD and PWDs. These public works departments have effectively become Public Waste Departments, proving themselves incapable of fulfilling their intended purpose.
It is indeed possible to build beautiful and safe houses for the poor. What is needed is a change in the attitude and approach of bureaucrats. The success of private developers in building well-planned townships and apartments stems from thoughtful planning and treating construction as an art. The life and achievements of Kushal Pal Singh (KP Singh), who single-handedly built the DLF empire, illustrate this point. The township at Gurugram (which I have read about and seen on television) is a breathtaking achievement. Thanks to companies like DLF, India has become a global player in constructing townships, major software parks, and apartment complexes. Is it not possible for doyens like K P Singh to build affordable housing for the poor?
Such a vision could materialise by loosening the stranglehold of the government (both Centre and State) on these sectors. For every high-end township that private developers construct, they could be tasked with building housing complexes for low-income groups, complete with well-laid-out landscapes. Given proper incentives and recognition, these companies would likely embrace such missions. It would also be crucial to foster respect for business leaders like Singh, the Godrejs, the Tatas, and others. India cannot afford to view its entrepreneurs, who employ millions, with suspicion. Business and entrepreneurship are forms of art that can drive progress where the government cannot.
The memoir Why The Heck Not, by K P Singh with Aparna Jain, is an eye-opener. It highlights the often-overlooked role of Indian entrepreneurs in nation-building. Figures like JRD Tata and Dhirubhai Ambani were visionaries who lacked the recognition they deserved within India, even as foreign media sought their insights. Singh’s story, from studying aircraft maintenance engineering in Coventry to heading the DLF Group, is nothing short of inspiring. His advice, peppered throughout the book, offers valuable lessons for parents, youth, and policymakers alike.
After reading the memoir, one cannot help but wish Singh another 95 years of health, strength, and happiness. His contributions to India’s infrastructure and business landscape make him a national treasure. The insights he shares about India’s fragile infrastructure and the steps needed to achieve the five trillion-dollar economy are profound. His vision of a better, more inclusive India should inspire policymakers to let a thousand flowers bloom.
One blemish on Singh’s otherwise remarkable career is his association with a less-than-reputable individual, often referred to as Damaad Shree. With his wisdom and experience, Singh could have avoided such associations and still achieved success.