Is India ever going to change? Or should I just leave already?

[Moon_Walker]

5 minutes ago, CanadianMalodu said:

Bidda teliyaka edho Canada, Germany antunnadu. Vasthe Assam ani ardham avthadhi. 

 

Unnadaantlo edho better ani kavi baavam

[aratipandu]

4 minutes ago, Pahelwan4 said:

Eee rendu thappa em dikkuledu India la. If I had a chance, family motham ni dimpesi ram ram cheptunde India ki

maybe not for you but na lanti bachelor baccha gallaki life lo aa rendu chaala valuable...

you always have a chance but your family won't agree to move abroad and live a miserable life here....everybody has different definitions for "miserable"

[aratipandu]

8 minutes ago, Pahelwan4 said:

 0 customer service. 

Ikkada laga 15-20% tip ivvadam start cheyy anna...

appudu customer service mamulu ga undadu, King laaga treat chestaaru...

 

[CanadianMalodu]

5 minutes ago, aratipandu said:

maybe not for you but na lanti bachelor baccha gallaki life lo aa rendu chaala valuable...

you always have a chance but your family won't agree to move abroad and live a miserable life here....everybody has different definitions for "miserable"

My mom and dad visited my brother living in Alabama. Vallaki tiragadaniki antha bane anipinchindhi. With time they started feeling lonely. 

India lo life Organic ga untadhi. As long as basic are figured out, it's easy easier to live in India.  

[JerseyBidda]

24 minutes ago, Mr Mirchi said:

e grp lo well educated dumb followers baane vunnaaru ga mari

 

thappuni thappu analeru..endhukoooooo

Ma kula nayakudu ni memu analemu ayya endukante other kula nayaks will be busy in destroying our caste if we destroy our own eyes

[aratipandu]

1 minute ago, CanadianMalodu said:

My mom and dad visited my brother living in Alabama. Vallaki tiragadaniki antha bane anipinchindhi. With time they started feeling lonely. 

India lo life Organic ga untadhi. As long as basic are figured out, it's easy easier to live in India.  

Koncham English osthe okay anna...elagola timepass chesestaaru atleast for a few months

English raani parents even 2-3 months kuda undadaniki ishta padaru. Most of them grandkids kosam tolerate chestaru...

English occhina rakapoyina permanent ga undadaniki aythe mostly ishtapadaru Telugu vallu...Gujjus and northies are a different story.

[CanadianMalodu]

10 minutes ago, aratipandu said:

Koncham English osthe okay anna...elagola timepass chesestaaru atleast for a few months

English raani parents even 2-3 months kuda undadaniki ishta padaru. Most of them grandkids kosam tolerate chestaru...

English occhina rakapoyina permanent ga undadaniki aythe mostly ishtapadaru Telugu vallu...Gujjus and northies are a different story.

English vachina, I think primary life style differences chala impact chesthayi. 

My parents are now 61,60. Both of them had a established social life, and very little worries except about me lol.  New places enjoy chestharu, they did enjoy US, but their final line is "Ela untarra ilaga"

[kevinUsa]

India has free health care andhe chsoe not to use it 

[kevinUsa]

52 minutes ago, DonnyStrumpet said:

If I pay taxes genuinely, can I expect decent roads in India? Does govt provide food stamps in India if you are poor? Lastly, can you expect a cop to knock at your door within 15 minutes after a phone call? How many schools in India has playgrounds and gyms for kids? 
 

These are all basics. Not even asking for big infrastructure things. 
 

I think we should set our patriotism aside. We need to think about this holistically. India needs a big turn around. I don’t expect changes to happen overnight. But we should start progressing in the right direction soon. 

If u don't pay taxes how will farmers get subsides to do farming??  We are looking to open poly house we are getting good amount of subsides 

[kevinUsa]

31 minutes ago, Moon_Walker said:

Unnadaantlo edho better ani kavi baavam

Germany aitay mottam bokka ne

[kevinUsa]

32 minutes ago, Moon_Walker said:

Unnadaantlo edho better ani kavi baavam

Canada lo u can get some benefits from govt if have PR and citizenship 

[UmmNagarjuna]

foreign lo settle avadaniki saakulu vethukkuntunadu gurudu 

[kevinUsa]

Your frustration is palpable, and it’s clear you’re grappling with systemic issues that resonate with many in India’s urban middle and upper-middle class. Let’s break this down, addressing your concerns with a mix of analysis, grounded optimism, and practical suggestions, while avoiding rose-tinted platitudes. I’ll also tackle your edit, focusing on fairness, accountability, and actionable change.

 

---

 

### 1. Infrastructure Woes: Bangalore’s Traffic and Road Tax Disparity

**Your Concern**: 40 minutes for 3 km in Horemavu, poor roads despite high road tax (₹2.25L more than Delhi), endless construction, and no accountability.

 

**Reality Check**: Bangalore’s infrastructure is buckling under rapid urbanization. The city’s population has nearly doubled since 2001 (from ~6.5M to ~13M), but road networks and public transport haven’t kept pace. Horemavu, like many outer areas, suffers from unplanned development and bottlenecks. The high road tax (Karnataka’s 13-18% vs. Delhi’s 7-12%) is a sore point, especially when funds seem mismanaged. For instance, the Bangalore Metropolitan Transport Corporation (BMTC) and civic bodies like BBMP face chronic underfunding and corruption allegations, delaying projects like road widening or metro expansion.

 

**Is There Hope?**

- **Short-Term**: Metro expansion (Phase 2B, Airport Line) could ease Horemavu’s connectivity by 2026-27, though delays are common. Explore carpooling or e-bikes for shorter commutes to bypass traffic.

- **Long-Term**: Decentralization is key. Cities like Bangalore need satellite hubs (e.g., Whitefield, Yelahanka) with jobs, schools, and amenities to reduce CBD congestion. Advocacy groups like Bangalore Political Action Committee (B.PAC) are pushing for better urban planning.

- **Actionable**: File RTIs (Right to Information) to demand transparency on road tax allocation and project delays. Join local resident welfare associations (RWAs) to amplify your voice. Apps like “Fix My Street” let you report potholes directly to BBMP.

 

**Fairness**: The road tax disparity feels like robbery because there’s no visible return. Karnataka collects ~₹10,000 Cr annually in road tax, yet only a fraction goes to maintenance (BBMP’s 2024 budget for roads: ~₹2,000 Cr). The rest often funds non-infra projects or is lost to inefficiencies. Accountability starts with public pressure—more on this later.

 

---

 

### 2. Taxation Without Returns

**Your Concern**: 30-40% income tax, GST, and no free healthcare, education, or reliable water—middle class pays for everything privately.

 

**Reality Check**: India’s tax-to-GDP ratio (~12%) is lower than Canada (~33%) or Germany (~39%), but the middle class bears a disproportionate burden due to a narrow tax base (only ~4% of Indians pay income tax). Unlike developed nations, India’s public spending on healthcare (1.8% of GDP) and education (4.6% of GDP) is abysmal. Bangalore’s water crisis (70% of the city relies on tankers) stems from overexploited groundwater and delayed projects like Cauvery Stage V.

 

**Comparison with Canada**- Canada/Germany: You’d pay similar taxes (30-40%), but get universal healthcare, free education, and reliable utilities. In India, private options (hospitals, schools) are often better but costly, effectively double-taxing you.

 

**Is There Hope?**

- **Healthcare**: Ayushman Bharat covers 50 Cr people, but middle-class families like yours often don’t qualify. Private insurance (₹20-30K/year for a family) is a stopgap. Long-term, India needs to double healthcare spending (to ~4% of GDP).

- **Education**: RTE (Right to Education) mandates free education, but public schools are often subpar. Philanthropic models like Akshaya Patra show scalable solutions, but systemic reform is slow.

- **Water**: Rainwater harvesting (mandatory in Bangalore) and community borewell projects can reduce tanker dependency. Cauvery Stage V (2025) may help, but execution is key.

 

**Actionable**: Optimize tax deductions (80C, 80D) to reduce your burden. Support NGOs like Janaagraha that push for better public services. For water, invest in a home RO system or community rainwater setups.

 

**Fairness**: The middle class is squeezed because the system prioritizes populist schemes over universal services. Change requires a broader tax base (e.g., taxing agricultural income) and less leakage (e.g., direct benefit transfers cut subsidy fraud by 20-30%).

 

---

 

### 3. Poor Quality of Life

**Your Concern**: Dust, noise, stress, road rage, unsafe streets, and poor air quality (AQI often 100-150 in Bangalore vs. <20 in Canada).

 

**Reality Check**: Bangalore’s AQI is better than Delhi’s but worse than global standards. Noise pollution (70-90 dB in urban areas) exceeds WHO limits (55 dB). Crime rates in Bangalore are moderate (374 per 100,000), but “petty” crimes like chain-snatching create insecurity, especially after dark.

 

**Is There Hope?**

- **Air Quality**: Initiatives like NCAP (National Clean Air Programme) aim to cut PM2.5 by 20-30% by 2027, but enforcement is weak. Green spaces (Cubbon Park, Lalbagh) are oases but insufficient.

- **Safety**: RWAs and gated communities often hire private security. Women’s safety apps (e.g., My Safetipin) and better street lighting (BBMP’s LED project) are steps forward.

- **Mental Health**: Urban stress is real. Online therapy (e.g., YourDost) and community groups (e.g., Bangalore Hikers) can help.

 

**Actionable**: Use air purifiers (₹10-20K) and indoor plants at home. Join fitness groups or yoga classes to destress. Advocate for pedestrian-friendly zones via RWAs. For safety, share live location with family during late outings.

 

**Fairness**: Quality of life shouldn’t be a luxury. The system fails when basic needs (clean air, safety) aren’t met despite high taxes.

 

---

 

### 4. Corruption in Government Services

**Your Concern**: Paid ₹2,000 “tip” for a marriage certificate; bureaucracy thrives on bribes.

 

**Reality Check**: Corruption is systemic. India ranks 93/180 on the Corruption Perceptions Index (2023). Small bribes (“speed money”) are normalized, especially in RTOs, municipal offices, and police stations. Politicians often amass disproportionate wealth (e.g., assets of some Karnataka MLAs grew 40-50% between elections).

 

**Is There Hope?**

- **Digitization**: Online portals (e.g., Karnataka’s Sakala) reduce physical interactions, cutting bribe opportunities. Aadhaar-linked services have streamlined some processes.

- **Anti-Corruption**: Lokayukta (Karnataka’s anti-corruption body) exists, but conviction rates are low (~5%). Citizen-led movements (e.g., I Paid a Bribe) expose systemic issues.

- **Cultural Shift**: Younger bureaucrats are pushing for transparency, but entrenched “babus” resist change.

 

**Actionable**: Use e-governance platforms for certificates (e.g., Seva Sindhu). Report corruption anonymously via Lokayukta or apps like I Paid a Bribe. Build networks with honest officials through RWAs.

 

**Fairness**: Corruption undermines trust. Accountability requires stronger whistleblower protections and faster judicial processes (India’s case backlog: ~5 Cr).

 

---

 

### 5. Rising Costs

**Your Concern**: 10% rent hike, soaring school fees, house help raises—expenses outpace income (~₹60L household).

 

**Reality Check**: Inflation (5-6% annually) and urban demand drive costs. Bangalore’s rental yields (3-4%) push landlords to hike rates. School fees rise 8-10% yearly due to private monopolies. House help wages (₹8-12K/month) reflect their own cost-of-living pressures.

 

**Is There Hope?**

- **Rent**: Co-living spaces or moving to outskirts (e.g., Devanahalli) can cut costs, though commuting increases.

- **Education**: Hybrid schools (e.g., K12 Techno) blend online and offline to reduce fees. Scholarships (e.g., Vidyanidhi) help.

- **Household**: Train help for higher-value tasks (e.g., cooking) to justify raises, or invest in appliances (e.g., dishwasher, ₹30-40K).

 

**Actionable**: Negotiate rent hikes with landlords (offer longer leases). Explore EPF or mutual funds to grow wealth faster than inflation. For schools, compare fee structures via platforms like Justdial.

 

**Fairness**: The middle class faces a cost-income mismatch because wage growth (6-8%) lags expense growth (8-12%). Systemic fixes (e.g., rent control, education subsidies) are slow.

 

---

 

### Is There Hope for India? Are You Naive?

You’re not naive—you’re exhausted by a system that demands much but delivers little. India’s challenges are deep, but progress exists:

- **Economy**: India’s GDP growth (~6-7% annually) outpaces most peers, creating opportunities.

- **Tech**: UPI, Aadhaar, and startups show India can leapfrog (e.g., 100+ unicorns).

- **Youth**: 65% of India is under 35, driving innovation and reform.

- **Civic Action**: Movements like Swachh Bharat and citizen-led cleanups show collective will.

 

**But Challenges Persist**:

- Governance lags (e.g., only 50% of MPs attend Parliament regularly).

- Inequality grows (top 1% hold 40% of wealth).

- Urban planning is reactive, not proactive.

 

**Why Stay?**

- **Cultural Roots**: Family, community, and heritage are hard to replicate abroad.

- **Impact**: Your skills and income (₹60L) give you leverage to drive change locally.

- **Cost Advantage**: Despite taxes, India’s PPP (purchasing power parity) makes ₹60L go further than CAD 100K in Canada.

 

**Why Leave?**

- **Ease of Living**: Canada/Germany offer predictability, safety, and work-life balance.

- **Future Generations**: Cleaner air, better schools, and safer streets for kids.

- **Less Stress**: Systems abroad don’t demand constant hustling.

 

**Practical Steps to Stay and Fight**:

1. **Engage Locally**: Join RWAs, B.PAC, or Janaagraha to push for infra and governance reforms.

2. **Leverage Tech**: Use RTIs, e-governance, and apps to bypass corruption.

3. **Build Community**: Network with like-minded professionals to advocate for change.

4. **Invest Smartly**: Grow wealth (mutual funds, real estate) to offset inflation.

5. **Mental Health**: Prioritize hobbies, fitness, or therapy to cope with urban stress.

 

**If You Consider Leaving**:

- **Canada**: Express Entry (PR in 6-12 months) suits your profile (M30, ₹60L, tech?). Expect CAD 80-120K salary but high taxes (30-40%) and initial adjustment costs (~CAD 20K).

- **Germany**: Blue Card (for skilled workers) is viable, but language barriers exist. Salaries (~€60-80K) are lower than Canada but with better public services.

- **Downsides**: Immigration is costly (₹10-15L), and cultural alienation is real (e.g., 30% of Indian expats report loneliness).

 

**Fairness and Accountability**:

- **Fairness**: The system isn’t fair when taxes don’t translate to services. A broader tax net, transparent budgets, and citizen oversight (e.g., social audits) are needed.

- **Accountability**: Strengthen institutions like CAG (Comptroller and Auditor General) and Lokayukta. Public shaming (e.g., naming corrupt officials) and judicial reforms (e.g., fast-track courts) can deter malfeasance.

- **How to Push**: Vote in local elections (only 50% turnout in Bangalore 2020). Support independent media (e.g., The News Minute) exposing corruption. Fund NGOs driving systemic change.

 

---

 

### Final Thoughts

India is a land of contrasts—vibrant yet draining, promising yet frustrating. Your ₹60L income puts you in the top 5%, but wealth doesn’t shield you from systemic failures. Staying means fighting for change while carving out a livable niche (gated community, private services). Leaving means trading cultural roots for predictability but facing new challenges (cost, isolation).

 

You’re not alone—X posts from Bangaloreans echo your woes (e.g., “BBMP is a black hole for taxes”). Hope lies in collective action, incremental reforms, and your own resilience. Decide based on your priorities: family, career, or peace of mind. If you stay, channel your anger into advocacy—you have the resources to make a dent.

 

If you want specifics (e.g., immigration paths, Bangalore’s upcoming infra projects, or tax optimization), let me know.

[Konebhar6]

1 hour ago, aratipandu said:

Veedu...veedi munda edupu....prathi point ki na daggara counter undhi:

1) 60 l earning antunnadu, office just 3kms only antunnadu....daily uber or auto lo povacchu ga bandi teese badhulu....cheap lo aypoddhi and driving related stress undadhu assala...driver gadu chuskuntaadu

2) US lo kuda we pay massive taxes but not entitled to anything such as social security, Medicare, medicaid, unemployment benefits etc but yet we have to pay taxes...babu ki ivem telidhu papam.

3) veedi pellam night ayyaka oorantha tiragocchu carefree ga anukuntunnada enti US lo?? US cities lo cheekati paddaka downtown ki ellamanu, aada maga theda ledhu andharu fasak ee

4) there you bribe the babus illegally, here you pay to USCIS, consultancy mestris, universities etc legally...barbershop same, blade is different anthe

5) House help undhi santoshinchamanu...ikkada evadi dhi aade kadukkovali...also private school fees are insane in US too.

Inka emaina points miss ayyi unte world's 4th largest economy Cali boyz @Jatka Bandi and @Konebhar6 occhi cover chestaaru.

Good points. Ultimately it’s a choice to live in US or India. I understand the everyday hustle here but there are answers to everything. 
My biggest problem is pollution. You can mitigate it moving to outskirts into a gated community that also offers a bit of security. 
One call and you get your groceries delivered to home. Cars are cheap. You can hire a nanny, driver or househelp and even nurse for aged parents as long as you are willing to spend a little. These are impossible in USA.

It would be better if he/she looks for solutions rather than complain. Makes a ton of difference. 
Medical care is very cheap and so is vehicle insurance. 
You cannot truly retire in USA even after you payoff mortgage. 
Your property taxes+medical insurance + auto + Home insurance itself costs $3000+ easily. 
On top of everything, food options, fruits, social life is much better in India.

[mustang302]

Veedini and veediki support chesae andharni anti nationals ga brand chayyadam jarigindhi.

jai hindusthan.

itlu oka kardukattina patriot.