Public sector cash cuts could be beneficial, says entrepreneur ready for TV appearance
A DERBY entrepreneur will give her views on how spending cuts could actually help the public sector, as part of a programme to be aired on the BBC.
Kavita Oberoi, managing director of IT firm Oberoi Consulting, in Pride Park, will be part of a debate which will be aired on the BBC on Thursday.
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Kavita Oberoi will take part in the BBC debate.
The programme, which will be filmed at the Roundhouse, in Pride park, will feature key council chief executives from the East Midlands and MPs giving their views on the public spending cuts which are due to be revealed by the Government next month.
Mrs Oberoi, who has appeared on Channel 4's The Secret Millionaire, said she got involved to give a private sector view on the cuts.
She said: "From a business perspective we have gone through the process of having to make cuts – and had to adapt – and the public sector can learn from businesses."
"As entrepreneurs, we thrive on adversity and having to look outside the box and now it is time for the public sector to start thinking that way and looking at how to deliver better services for less budget."
Mrs Oberoi said she realised change was difficult and that her opinions may not be popular with the public sector.
She said: "I think it is a debate we need to have, which is the whole point. There are two sides and there will be opposition to big changes but the cuts are coming and people can't bury their heads in the sand."
She said it could also be the case that the private sector could step in to provide services which the public sector could not and that there were merits to working together.
Her views will be aired as part of the programme called Spending Review: The BBC East Midlands Today Debate, which will be shown across the East Midlands on BBC One on Thursday, from 10.35pm.
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by David Gale, Derby
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 6:09PM
“@observer2 - "Maybe the BBC/media is constrained by govt dictats too" - It is - that was the point of my post. That and the policy of self-censoring, 'safe pair of hands' appointments that affects every public office.
If people think they get value for money from the BBC, they are entitled to pay for it... if they so choose. Just as others should be able to opt out of BBC programming and thus the licence tax.
Ask yourself where is the BBC on some of the key issues: where do you hear about Western stock exchanges being dependent on $1trillion per annum of laundered drugs money (World Bank and IMF figures) and the link between that and the restoration of Afghan poppy production.
How about the cosy relationships between senior Whitehall civil servants and IT suppliers and the £Billions that that costs the tax-payer? (see www.sitfo.wordpress.com) Note that the key-players have been reappointed by the ConDem government as part of their 'deal' with the civil servants.
Do you think you're ever likely to hear those kind of stories reported on the BBC? Somehow, I think not...”
by observer2, Derby
Tuesday, September 07 2010, 1:28AM
“I'm sure some editing goes on across the whole media David, and during the Thatcherite 80's I think some terrible injustices.Maybe the BBC/media is constrained by govt dictats too?
We the little people may never know.
On the whole though, I think we get incredible value for money and quality from the BBC compared to other outlets.
I too follow other news sources when I have the time; but I always think of the BBC as the "gold standard."”
by David Gale, Derby
Monday, September 06 2010, 9:50AM
“@Observer2 - I took it from the horses mouth. Merely a report from someone on the inside.
Personally, I prefer to cast a much wider net for my current affairs input. I remember seeing the edit changes to the news during the miners' strike. On the lunchtime news a handful of kids were shown throwing rocks and bottles over the pit gates, by the evening news the shots of the rocks and bottles had been edited to make it look like they were coming from a group of miners marching behind their colliery band. Something I will never forget...”
by observer2, Derby
Monday, September 06 2010, 2:46AM
“My comments below seem to have been published in the wrong order- but that's OK- points still made- hope understandable.”
by observer2, Derby
Monday, September 06 2010, 2:42AM
“Hi burton ftw- you have some good points- thanks.However for me, if our TV/radio output became purely privatised stations I believe quality would drop dramatically, and we'd be swamped with advertising.
I do think a debate about the role of the media in general would be very interesting.
But I do think the BBC on the whole are pretty impeccable.
I also think there would be a national outcry at the loss of fantastic entertainment and information/education via eg documentaries
and dramas.
The BBC is one of our last remaining cherished institutions that I think provides cultural sustenance and pleasure for a wide audience- whether it be music, news, drama, or high quality information and debate.
I think to diminish the BBC would be "dumbing" down on a large scale; and personally I believe many would want to emigrate without it- the way this country is going!
David- I listen a great deal to stations like R4; and I can say honestly your statement doesn't ring true for me.
Also- Newsnight and general news coverage is excellent.
I also used to know someone who was married to a BBC journalist; and my impression was incredibly high standards.
I share some criticism for the tabloid media in general; but much of the biased coverage comes from vested interests and big business.”