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Oh! Those rich neighbours

Lilly Rani on lopsided prosperity

The IT industry is booming and BPOs are coming up in plenty; that's good! Investments are pouring into Chennai; we are proud. Everyday hundreds of people are getting jobs, it's great news! Everyone is earning — the companies, the builders, hotels, the Government — signs of prosperity. But those like me, from the lower middle class, end up paying for having rich neighbours.

Commuting to and from office is getting expensive. With few, overcrowded buses during peak hours, we are forced to rely on share autos. The auto drivers charge Rs. 10 to Rs. 20, when the corresponding bus fares would be just Rs. 2.50 or Rs. 3. While we argue, our rich, young neighbours (of the IT workforce) hop in without a blink. We are left waiting in bus stands for hours, and reach late to work and home.

Fruit and vegetable vendors have hiked the prices. The young and affluent pull out a 500 rupee note and rarely bargain.

The lifestyle is changing, but the pleasures and comforts are for the rich. The rest are left feeling stranded. A growing economy and workforce has to be met with better infrastructure and planning.

AS TOLD TO ASHA MENON

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