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Chidambaram Welcomes Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s Road Funding Offer, Suggests Supervised Public Work Model.

Congress MP P. Chidambaram has welcomed Biocon chairperson Kiran Mazumdar-Shaw’s offer to fund the repair of roads in Bengaluru, but emphasized that the core issue is not the lack of funds, but the execution of public works. His remarks come amid a public online spat between Shaw and Karnataka Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar over the city’s civic infrastructure.

“I noted with interest Mrs Kiran Mazumdar Shaw’s offer to fund the development of some roads in Bengaluru. A great offer! Congratulations! But the problem with our public works is not the lack of public money; the problem is in the execution of the public work,” Chidambaram wrote in an online post.

Supervised Public Work Model

Chidambaram proposed a system where public works could be executed by contractors under the supervision of a responsible company or industrialist like Shaw. He suggested that while governments could continue using public funds and standard tender processes, the supervising entity would be held accountable for timely and quality execution, including bearing any penalties or cost overruns.

“The contractor will execute the public work (say, a road). HOWEVER, the supervising company or industrialist will be responsible for the quality and timely execution of the work. Any penalties or cost-overruns will be borne by the supervising company or industrialist,” he wrote.

Chidambaram suggested Bengaluru or Chennai as potential cities to pilot such a model.

Background: Shaw vs State Authorities

Shaw, a prominent voice in India Inc, recently criticised the condition of Bengaluru’s roads, sparking a strong response from Deputy Chief Minister DK Shivakumar, who accused her of having a “personal agenda” and “forgetting her roots.” Shaw denied these claims and subsequently offered to fund road improvements herself.

Shivakumar reportedly welcomed the offer, saying the government would cooperate in developing the roads Shaw identifies. During a recent meeting, Shaw and Shivakumar also discussed Bengaluru’s growth, innovation, and Karnataka’s broader development strategy.