Expressing concern over the widening gap between the rich and poor living in the State capital, civil rights activist G. Haragopal cautioned that the situation, if not remedied, could lead to unwarranted developments.
He stressed the need for involving all the stakeholders to make the city more humane and liveable. Prof. Haragopal was speaking at a seminar on the development of the city and resolution of people’s issues organised by the CPI city unit here on Thursday.
The professor recalled that the city was known for its communal harmony and there were provisions catering to all sections of people irrespective of their economical condition.
However, the advent of outsiders, rulers of the erstwhile united Andhra Pradesh in particular, had adversely impacted the city resulting in differences among different sections of society.
Education sector
Branding the city as old and new was part of this in that the old city was devoid of basic infrastructure while the rich and influential living in the new city had access to all services. The same was the case with the education sector with several State-run schools not having buildings, teaching staff and other infrastructure, he said. There was scope for vested interests creating trouble on communal lines at the time of the elections and the time had come to educate people on this aspect. CPI city secretary E.T. Narasimha explained about the agitations launched by his party. demanding construction of double bedroom houses in the existing slums and steps to start metro rail works in the old city. and upgrading Osmania and Gandhi hospitals into super speciality hospitals.
