In 1908, the visionary Tatas embarked on an ambitious venture to establish India’s largest steel company in a strategically located village named Sakchi. With abundant natural resources and proximity to essential transportation links, the site seemed perfect. To address the absence of urban amenities, Tata took an unprecedented step – creating a fully planned town in Sakchi.
The result was India’s first planned city, later renamed Jamshedpur in gratitude for Tata’s significant contributions during World War I. For a century, Tata played a pivotal role in running the town, shaping it into a unique ‘company town’ without the need for a municipal corporation.
The Genesis Of Jamshedpur
Sakchi, with its proximity to coal, iron ore, and transportation hubs, was chosen as the site for India’s largest steel company by the Tatas in 1908. Confronted with the lack of urban amenities in Sakchi, the Tatas took bold steps in 1908 by instituting the Tata Town Services. This initiative aimed to bridge the infrastructural gap, leading to the metamorphosis of Sakchi into India’s inaugural ‘planned’ city – Jamshedpur.
Also Read: Sudha Murthy’s Gutsy Letter To Tatas Changed Her And India’s History For Women
The comprehensive efforts undertaken by Tata included the establishment of essential services and the meticulous planning of the town’s layout, setting a pioneering precedent for planned urban development in the country. This transformative undertaking marked the genesis of a city that seamlessly blended industrial progress with thoughtful urban planning. This unprecedented move effectively turned Tata into a de facto local government.
Jamshedpur’s Century Under Tata’s Influence
For a hundred years, Tata retained control over Jamshedpur, earning the distinction of being the only city with a population exceeding one million that operated without a municipal corporation. During World War I, Jamshedpur thrived under Tata’s astute leadership as the company played a pivotal role in supporting the British Empire. Tata supplied substantial quantities of steel, a critical wartime resource, contributing significantly to the war effort. The town became an industrial powerhouse, its prosperity intimately tied to the demands of the global conflict.
This period solidified Jamshedpur’s reputation as a key player in steel production, showcasing the enduring impact of Tata’s contributions to both the local economy and the broader wartime initiatives. In gratitude, the British renamed Sakchi as Jamshedpur, solidifying Tata’s connection with the town.
Transition To Democratic Governance
However, in 2018, a Public Interest Litigation (PIL) was filed against Tata, alleging neglect of the ‘outsiders’ in Jamshedpur. In response, the Jharkhand government decided to establish a municipal corporation, intending to transfer governing rights from Tata to local authorities. Unwilling to cede control entirely, Tata proposed an alternative – declaring Jamshedpur as an ‘industrial town.’ This unique designation would allow Tata to continue running the city, albeit in a more democratic manner, with a municipal council comprising Tata representatives, government nominees, and locals.
As India’s first and possibly last ‘company town,’ Jamshedpur has undergone a century-long transformation under the stewardship of Tata. From its humble beginnings in Sakchi to becoming a thriving industrial hub, the town has been a testament to Tata’s vision and influence. The recent shift towards a more democratic governance model signals a new chapter for Jamshedpur, balancing industrial interests with the needs and aspirations of the broader community. The outcome of this transition will shape the legacy of India’s pioneering ‘company town’ in the years to come.
Image Credits: Google Images
Sources: Economic Times, Finshots, Live Mint
Find the blogger: Katyayani Joshi
This post is tagged under: Tata, Ratan Tata, world war, British, British Rule, governance, urban planning, Jamshedpur, township, facilities, ownership, Tata’s town, representative, local nominees, government, State, Public Interest Litigation, steel production, Sakchi
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