Mangalore: 'Not Mumbai Skyscrapers but Dharavi is Indian Reality' - Dr Arjun Sengupta 

Daijiworld Media Network – Mangalore (MM/RD)
Pics: Dayanand Kukkaje

Mangalore, Feb 18: Twenty three per cent of the Indian population enjoys the power and this population is involved in the growth of national economy. Therefore, no one can stop the country from growing forward. Similarly, 77 per cent of the population has been bypassed from growth. All the banks in India have the responsibility to include them in the developmental process of the country, said Dr Arjun K Sengupta, chairman of National Commission for Enterprises in the Unorganized Sector.

Speaking at the Founder's Day lecture organized by Karnataka Bank in their auditorium on Monday February 18, he said “the skyscrapers located in Cuffe Parade in south Mumbai are not the reality of India, but Dharavi slum located in the western suburb of the same metro conveys the harsh reality."

The national economy is growing at a rate of 9 per cent. Meanwhile, 82 per cent of the scheduled caste, 84 per cent of the Muslims and 75 per cent of the Other Backward Castes (OBC) are unable to spend even Rs 20 per day for their consumption. Majority of them are illiterates and have no basic training. These people are either engaged in tiny enterprises or eking out living from small farm holdings. They should be brought into mainstream of economic development by educating, training, financing and helping to build medium enterprises, he said.

Speaking on this occasion, Ananthkrishna, chairman of Karnataka Bank, said that 77 per cent of the population may revolt some day if justice is delayed to them, he cautioned. 

Banks are sandwiched by the pressure from all corners, such as political, customer and banking community.  On the other hand, law abiders are harassed and law breakers are respected. This has proved hurdle for the financial inclusion policy of the bank, he added.

Jayaram Bhat, chief general manager of the bank, welcomed the gathering. Shobha Rao compered the programme. Flute recital programme by well-known artist Shashank was organized after the lecture.