Emerging Haryana: Gurugram – A City on the Rise
On April 20, 2025, Zee Haryana hosted an insightful panel discussion titled Emerging Haryana: Gurugram, spotlighting the rapid urbanization, infrastructural evolution, and socio-political challenges facing one of India’s fastest-growing cities. Held in Gurugram, the event brought together an eclectic mix of leaders, including politicians, educators, entrepreneurs, and policy influencers to deliberate on the city’s developmental trajectory. Gurugram: The Engine of Haryana’s Growth The show kicked off by positioning Gurugram as the economic engine of Haryana. As Shivangi, one of the hosts, noted, “If Haryana is a car, then Gurugram is its engine.” Once a sleepy suburb, Gurugram has transformed into a symbol of rapid urbanization, thanks to the boom in infrastructure, real estate, and corporate investment. But with growth comes responsibility-and challenge. Urban Waste and Environmental Issues MLA Mukesh Sharma laid emphasis on the environmental repercussions of urban growth, especially the burden of solid waste at Bandhwari landfill, which not only serves Gurugram but also Faridabad. He stressed the need for decentralized waste processing systems and the importance of citizen participation: “We must begin cleanliness from our homes… We’ve placed dustbins in markets like Sadar Bazaar and have encouraged every household to contribute.” He also spoke about plans to designate the village near Bandhwari as an “Adarsh Gaon” (Model Village), acknowledging the hardships faced by residents living near the landfill. The Education Perspective: Holistic and Inclusive Educationist Pradeep Kaushik highlighted how Gurugram’s development needs to extend beyond infrastructure to include quality education for all. He lauded the government for offering jobs without corruption and stressed how employment opportunities could reinvigorate trust in public schooling: “When youth from small towns secure government jobs without bribes, education gains new respect.” He advocated for policy reforms that support budget schools, inclusion of underprivileged students through schemes like RTE (Right to Education), and investment in digital infrastructure like e-libraries and tablets for students. Business, Industry & the Role of International Standards PK Dvivedi, a seasoned entrepreneur and standards consultant, added a crucial dimension to the discussion by emphasizing how industrial efficiency in India still lags due to poor internal systems: “95% of industries still operate in an unorganized fashion. Without defined, scientific systems of working, we can’t improve our output or efficiency.” He advocated for the adoption of ISO standards to bring professionalism and competitiveness to Indian industries. According to him, adopting international best practices would not only enhance product quality but also accelerate India’s journey from an emerging to a developed economy. The Real Estate Boom: Opportunity and Oversight Gurugram’s skyline is a testament to its real estate boom. But rapid growth has triggered regulatory and environmental concerns. Mukesh Sharma pointed out that while Gurugram is expanding with developments like the Global City Project on 1000 acres, there are recurring issues of illegal construction and encroachment, particularly near the Aravallis: “Global City will have dedicated zones for industries, education, and residential living. We envision it as a futuristic township for the world to see.” Still, the show did not shy away from discussing the flip side-buyers waiting for possession for nearly a decade due to delays and lack of occupancy certificates. Flats and Housing Woes: A People’s Struggle Housing in Gurugram has turned aspirational and, in some cases, frustrating. Thousands of buyers have made 90% payments and yet await possession. The MLA acknowledged these issues, committing to introducing legislation for flat registration and basic amenities: “Currently, registry happens only for floors, not flats. We aim to regularize these flats soon, ensure basic facilities, and boost revenue in the process.” Affordable Housing: Still a Dream for Many Real estate stakeholders like Mandeep Yadav and Rajesh Tripathi underscored a critical issue-affordability. While Gurugram might resemble Dubai in planning, owning a home here remains out of reach for many: “Today, 70-80% of people still can’t afford a home in Gurugram,” said Tripathi, advocating for revised policies and reduced land costs. They emphasized the need for single-window clearance for projects and faster approvals to reduce holding costs, making projects more affordable for end-users. Ensuring Quality Through Certifications: The SIS Approach A key voice on the panel was Arunendra Dvivedi, Managing Director of SIS Certifications Pvt. Ltd., who brought to light the critical role of international standards in shaping the future of Indian industry and public governance. His message was clear and resolute: development without adherence to defined, ethical frameworks is short-lived. Arunendra Dvivedi introduced his organization’s foundational philosophy: “We do not sell. We certify.” “This is not just a slogan-it reflects our commitment to ensuring that any organization we certify meets a globally recognized benchmark. Certification is not a label; it is a responsibility.” Established in 2013, SIS Certifications has grown into a globally respected certification body, operating in over 50 countries and serving clients like State Bank of India and Max Life Insurance. The company is accredited by IAS (International Accreditation Services), and its core strength lies in offering audits and certifications for a wide array of ISO standards such as: ISO 9001 – Quality Management ISO 14001 – Environmental Management ISO 45001 – Occupational Health & Safety ISO/IEC 27001 – Information Security …and numerous others across sectors including food, IT, and manufacturing. He emphasized that certification must go beyond documentation—it must ensure process improvement, operational compliance, and long-term efficiency: “Every audit is a chance to elevate not just an organization’s reputation, but its internal functioning. It’s about accountability and continuous improvement.” A Book for the Nation: ‘Emerging India’ During the panel, Arunendra Dvivedi also unveiled a significant initiative-his newly authored book titled “Emerging India: A Handbook of Solutions to Industrial Challenges.” He described the book as a blueprint for addressing operational gaps in Indian industry using the lens of ISO compliance and good governance. “Everyone talks about problems. We decided to write a book about solutions. This book is a starting point-a guide for MSMEs, policymakers, and educational institutions to understand how systemic development works. If the backbone of an organization is fixed, the body can move freely.” The book outlines not only the