OPEDS Citizen Matters

Future of jobs: What lies ahead for the water-cooler conversations?

November 7, 2020 Ambi Parameswaran

As the future of work changes, we will see the future of meetings change dramatically too. The Zoom mania will die down as people start using tools that measure their productivity.

People-centric approach critical for solving India’s housing woes

October 30, 2020 Parul Agarwala, Swati Singh Sambyal and Pooja Varma

PMAY and Clean India Mission have built strong foundations for sustainable, inclusive housing but community engagement is crucial, say experts from UN-Habitat on the occasion of World Cities Day.

Where’s the roadmap to prevent the next Hyderabad-like flood?

October 28, 2020 Himanshu Thakkar

Urban flood disasters are clearly on the rise. The problem is known, the reasons evident, and the prescription is also more or less clear. But who will implement it?

Future of jobs: One Person Corporation ahoy!

September 2, 2020 Ambi Parameswaran

That’s the way even skilled workers may be headed, but how prepared are they? What would it take for the job-seeker to successfully evolve into a one-person corporation? Practical tips from an expert

Wanted: New thought and regulation for the informal sector in India in a post-COVID world

July 10, 2020 Sachitha Kondath

The pandemic has exposed the gravest challenges facing India’s informal economy. These findings from a research project underline the need for policy implementation and reforms.

What lies ahead for the six million working in urban retail stores?

July 2, 2020 Raghu Roy

Conversations with HR professionals paint a gloomy future in the retail sector, that employs 60 lakh people in city stores alone. What can young employees do to improve their chances?

How to prepare for the new future of jobs in a post-COVID world

June 23, 2020 Ambi Parameswaran

Just as electricity changed factories, technology changed the office. COVID will change it further, with the future of most jobs looking very different. The better prepared you are, the more successful you’ll be.

World Environment Day thoughts: Can our cities adopt and uphold a new normal?

June 5, 2020 Swati Singh Sambyal

We need to sit back, go to the blackboard and chalk out plans which are circular, sustainable, effective and inclusive.

Op-ed: Now is the time to think of effective civic technology linking the citizen and state

May 26, 2020 Aditi Ramesh

As the world shifts increasingly online in the wake of the COVID-19 pandemic, civic technology can serve as a mechanism to distribute welfare, amplify citizen voices, and strengthen citizen-state relations.

When life returns to normal, will our domestic workers finally get their due?

May 7, 2020 Bhargavi S Rao

This pandemic has taught us the value of a work force that cities have largely taken for granted. As the lockdown is lifted in a few zones, it is time to introspect and ensure just and humane employment for domestic workers.

Op-ed: Will COVID-19 teach us to respect and value labour more?

April 28, 2020 Vandana Swami

A strong economy cannot be built on weak foundations, especially where human resources are concerned. If and when we return to normal life, how will we treat the ones who toil away at the bottom of the pyramid in India?

When will we love our cities as much as we love Donald Trump?

February 24, 2020 Satarupa Sen Bhattacharya

A lot has been done to get our cities and landmarks ready for the visit of the US President, but would any of it have been necessary if there were better systems and governance in place?

Op-ed: A few simple steps towards designing safer public spaces for women

January 20, 2020 Suchitra Deep

For too long, we have lived in and accepted cities built by men, for men. But as more and more women need and want access to public spaces within their cities, we need paradigm shifts in design to make these safer for them. Here are some simple first steps.

Op-ed: Gender safety starts when we look beyond statistics and cases

January 15, 2020 Kirthi Jayakumar

Gender-based violence is as old as the hills. To change something that is so deeply embedded in our thinking, we need to respond, rather than react. Awareness and introspection are the keys to changing mindsets and culture.

Why young Indians should put ‘equity’ at the forefront of climate activism

October 21, 2019 Anjali Sharma

A climate movement here cannot be built without acknowledging the differentiated responsibility of developed and developing countries in causing climate change. The rhetoric of ‘young vs old’ is not just oversimplification, but simply untrue in the case of India.