Ranchi: The making of a true Smart City — taking into account the aspirations of every section of society and creating opportunities for everyone — that residents would be proud to call their capital, is foremost on the minds of voters in Ranchi. They want political parties to address this issue in their manifestos. Ranchi was among the cities to find pride of place in the first list of 100 Smart Cities, a project floated by the NDA government at the Centre. But the capital is still struggling to get basic amenities in place, like roads, hygiene and mobility.The Federation of Jharkhand Chamber of Commerce and Industries ( FJCCI ) head Deepak Maroo says, “It’s an irony that even after 18 years of the formation of Jharkhand, Ranchi is yet to make one feel that it is the state capital.” He added that in contrast, Chhattisgarh capital Raipur transformed itself almost overnight so to say. “This election, I want to see how political parties talk about the capital and their vision for the city,” he said.Abhishek Kumar, who works as a team leader in an IT services firm at STPI Namkum, endorses Maroo’s views. He would also like to see information technology firms coming to the city and throwing up employment opportunities for youths. “Unemployment is a major issue in Jharkhand. Local youths migrate from state in search of jobs. This has to stop. Providing avenues for job creation should be in the manifestos of parties,” he said.Irregularities and corruption in competitive examinations both at the state and central level are worrying the student community. “The controversy surrounding the Jharkhand Public Service Commission (JPSC) mains examination had us hanging our heads in shame. Apart from that, allegations of irregularities and corruption in the Staff Selection Commission (SSC) examination has also left the student community dismayed. We would like the next government or MP to come up with a solution for this,” said Shalini Singh, a PhD scholar with Ranchi University.Women voters, who work and manage homes at the same time are concerned about their monthly budgets. LPG price is one issue they want the elected representative to take up. Poonam Jha, who teaches B. Ed, said, “I would like the next government to do something about the skyrocketing price of LPG. Besides, medical bills should not disturb our monthly budgets. We would request the next government to minimize the tax on health services.”

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