The controversy on the car plant in Singur, West Bengal is on my mind. Once again, a classical conflict between those who dont want to change, those who want to, and of course - the politician steps in to light the fire.
Now, thinking through this and other similar resistances-to-change... The farmers need to realize that one cannot stop change in this country or elsewhere...its a rolling juggernaut that will not stop come what may. On the other hand, the Tatas cannot think they can pay a lumpsum and solve the problem overnight.
The farmers have been farming for many years..they do not know any other skill. The money paid for the land will be spent on the house, marriages, treating the sick, etc..and before they know it, they'll be penniless. Since they know no other skill, the farmer will be on the streets before the next year. What corporates and the government need to realize is that although change is un-stoppable (and it should be) - one cannot be expected to change overnight. One possible solution is to pay the farmers a monthly salary for the next 5 years (totalling the lumpsum they are paying now) and in the meantime educate/train the farmers on other skills - carpentry, weaving, etc, etc. Thus, the farmer gains an assured livelihood for next few years and in the meantime prepares himself for another means of livelihood 5 years hence. Enough time to pick up a new skill, and also in the meantime live a regular life.
Adaptive change.
Simple to accept and implement for both sides? - I think so.
