Many young Indians from small towns are working in the cities in sectors like IT, Telecom, Retail, Banking and Outsourcing industries. These people will visit their hometowns to meet their parents and friends once in a month or two.
With all these new industries and young workers, Indian cities continue to grow exponentially while most small towns have moderate to low growth. These Non Resident Town wallahs can do their bit to improve the local economy in towns instead of waiting for the Government to take any action.
NRTw’s could plan and buy things in their towns and ensure they spend more when they are in their hometowns than they normally do. There are lots of consumer goods where there won’t be any significant difference in the markup price. So it won’t hurt them if they buy it in the towns instead of getting it in the cities they work.
If they don’t want to buy a new mobile phone for the lack of choices and discounts that one get in the cities, at least plan to buy the recharge card in the towns. Idea is to be more conscious in who is getting profit out of our purchases and spend more when one visit their towns on vacation to help improve the local economy.
Just like we expect Corporate social responsibility programmes from companies and more inclusive growth programmes from the Government, let this be part of Citizen’s Social responsibility.
Originally posted on my blog bizdewz.com
Sridhar V
Migration of people from small towns to cities is becoming a critical topic and your suggestions seems interesting. I’ve seen people from towns running after malls and big brands…its okay to do that for a change. But if they spend more in their town it can make a difference.
Many people will know that most of the exports go from towns like Tirupur, Coimbatore, Ludhiana, Mysore, etc. So if you buy from local manufacturers/retails you get a better rate too. The stuff is all teh same – only difference is you dont have the top brand tag. This can also help small time traders and create local employment.
BTW I also want to mention that http://www.Rangde.org is doing wonderful work on social investing where you can contribute to creating livelihood in small towns and villages. The contribution goes to lower-middle class and other lower section of the society to people who are in to small occupations such as cow rearing, weaving, carpentry, pottery, handi-carfts, small kiranas, small-agri work, etc. Interestingly its not Charity but Lending or Investing to enable these people – and you know what – You also get your money back, which you can either take out or re-lend it for more people………(however, you also have the option to Donate or give away). The beauty of this system is the multiplier effect it creates and the way it can change lives and provide livelihood to families. This is a wonderful way to gradually reduce and eliminate poverty…rather than just going by donations or charity. Its the best way to transform Bharat.
Just wanted to share this as it relates to the above topic. This is one way that you can contribute to the betterment of towns.
Aneja Raj
Nicely written!