THINK UNDERSTAND ACCEPT ADAPT

ENFORCING CONSUMER CHOICE … the switchover of electric energy suppliers

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Mon, 31 Aug 2009 16:43:00 +0000

Suburban Mumbai had in June 09, been subjected to unprecedented increase in electricity rates due to MERC passing favorable orders on some of the proposals made by Reliance Energy (REL). The situation was such that most Consumers would end up paying almost double their older bills. The reality is that the rates offered by REL and TPL, were vastly different for same product and service in the same area without the Consumer having right to choose between them. The Govt. has been a silent spectator to this injustice. The issue was taken up by JNM and its associate Citizen Groups, in a wide publicity campaign, though the print and TV media and also with the senior officers of REL, MERC and even with Tata Power Ltd (TPL).

The pressure of public opinion and the persistent-accurate-consistent presentations by JNM Volunteers was one of the causes which led the State of Maharashtra to request the MERC to reconsider the increase. This caused a temporary roll back in the increase by virtue of MERC passing a limited stay on the increase by REL.

Not being satisfied with this temporary relief, JNM Volunteers then decided on enforcing choice by the Consumer in choosing the electricity supplier. This is as per our Constitution and the Supreme Court Orders. After numerous meetings with TPL and also with REL, all the concerned parties have accepted this stand of JNM and are now ready for the Consumer to exercise her-his choice.

The fact of the matter is that, JNM has received hundreds of phone calls about the reliability of the electric meters, the random bill values in the recent past and also the uncertainty of rates in the near future. The July 09 JNM-Newsletter went into repeat prints and 21,000 copies were privately circulated in Andheri West and neighboring areas. This had a TPL application cut-out whereby JNM received thousands of applications from Consumers and the housing complexes desiring switchover to TPL. The JNM website: www.jagrutnagrik.com got thousands of hits wherein Consumers registered their names for switchover.

After a lot of persuasion by JNM Volunteers in a democratic and law abiding manner, the Consumers now have the right to choose. This is a big step in improving governance and the Corporates are now cooperating. JNM now has written commitment from TPL to commence switchover for the Consumer, including installation of new meters, with the existing infrastructure of REL. The actual work is now scheduled to begin this week. The TPL staff will visit the housing complexes in Andheri West (later in other areas as well), as per the list given by JNM, and establish a help desk to enable Consumers to complete the paperwork. The current rates including the ‘wheeling charge’ (which is Rs.0.88 per unit to be paid by the Consumer to TPL who in turn will pay REL for use of the latter’s infrastructure as per the Supreme Court and MERC orders), will still enable the Consumer to save substantial amount in their monthly billing. Also, the new Class 0.5 meters will leave no room for doubts of their accuracy.

Those housing societies who have not yet filed their requests with JNM, are requested to do so at their earliest so that their Members enjoy lower bills in the immediate future. They need to submit letters to JNM with the names and mobile codes of their Members who wish to switchover, to enable JNM to lobby with TPL for early process.

Praful Vora, Volunteer JNM. 31^st August 2009.

Email: jnm.movement@gmail.com

Luxury Auto Majors Protest Small Car Bias in Excise Sops

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Tue, 31 Mar 2009 17:46:00 +0000

I am surprised that auto majors like Mercedes Benz and BMW have adopted a 'sour grapes' attitude to the lower excise duty and taxes offered to small car models, as reported in The Eco Times, Mumbai on page-20 of 31st March 2009 under the byline of Shri Chanchal Pal Chauhan, New Delhi. It seems they are unhappy with the 8% duty for 'small cars', as opposed to the 20% duty that they have to pay for the 'larger cars' that they specialise in. The reasons they claim is that instead of size (over 4 meters length), the car safety, emission and fuel efficiency should be the criteria for determining taxes. They claim to introduce the latest technology in their models and have no incentive to innovate for the local market due to the higher taxes.

Size is an unsatisfactory method to determine taxes, in this even Mahindra & Mahindra are affected, when it is clear that their main market is in the rural areas where road condition and passenger load are vastly different from metros. Minimum safety is specified and if some offer more, they charge more, and so where is the inequity?

Except for M&M, it is clear that the so called large car manufacturers focus on exclusivity and so their clients do not worry about price. In fact, high price is a selling point with a certain class who they target, so the taxes should not be a worry at all.

Next, what has prevented these newly tax conscious manufacturers from using their innovation, to build smaller cars? I think, they have no market for these.

The key issue is the carbon footprint, not just the fuel efficiency or emissions. It may be worthwhile if SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) would tabulate the 'fixed plus variable' carbon footprint over a ten year life for all these so called small and big car models. Annualised figures for a five year old car would be useful too. This would reveal the true cost to the environment. The results might surprise all and the differential taxes would then be
self-explanatory.

There is no doubt that life time carbon footprint should be used for determining taxes with due weightage given for end use. This should satisfy all. All those connected with transport of any kind should worry about the Carbon Footprint and not just efficiency at a single point in the chain.

DETECTING TAINTED CANDIDATES

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Fri, 20 Mar 2009 09:47:00 +0000

The current law as it stands, requires the Electoral Candidates to file affidavits clearly giving details on pending litigation and court orders/jail sentences. Such information is required to be in public domain as per the Supreme Court order. It is the unfortunate reality in India that such public domain information is not reaching out to all the voting citizens equally; either they cannot read and understand or cannot access the information. In any case, the voter cannot easily make an 'informed choice'.

Similar situation existed with packaged food products. The Labelling rules now require among other things, that contents and constituents be clearly stated so that, for example, the citizen can determine if the product is of vegetarian or non-vegetarian origin. To simplify this for the citizen, it is required to put a green dot for vegetarian and brown dot for non-vegetarian constituents of content. Now it is very easy for the buyer and citizen to distinguish between products.

I suggest that similar 'dot system' be used for Electoral Candidates. The tainted candidates, who have pending litigation or jail terms, etc, should be identified by a 'red dot' against their names on the Electronic Voting Machine. This will simplify the difficult issue of reaching important information to the citizens in an equitable manner.

It can be no ones' case that this mandated information should not be easily understood by the voting citizens. Then why do we need so many NGOs, Citizen Groups and the Media, to try to reach it to the voters? The State Chief Electoral Officers should require the EVMs to have the 'red dot' against the names of the tainted candidates. The Election Commission of India should mandate this simple process.

The publicity of explanation of the 'red dot' alone, will act as a serious deterrent to the political parties from nominating tainted candidates from any constituency in India. This process is in consonance with the Supreme Court ruling, in that it is a different method to put such information in public domain. The ECI can act on this method and satisfy the spirit of the SC order.

Banner Removal Tutorial

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Mon, 02 Mar 2009 16:52:00 +0000

Jagrut Nagrik Manch (JNM), an independent platform of Citizen Groups, undertook a pan-Mumbai direct action movement, to remove illegal political banners in Jan-Feb 2009.

Those Citizen Groups and NGOs who are keen to undertake similar citizen movement to remove illegal banners in public spaces may please study the attached picture.

Here is a list of files, of which the ppt file underlined in red is the key. This is a power point presentation that tells you the process that JNM Volunteers and associated NGOs, undertook in the past two months to shake the Mumbai Administration and Maharashtra State Govt. on a blatantly illegal act.

The Bombay High Court passed orders against illegal banners, the Mayor of Mumbai came out publicly against illegal political banners and the Administration started the process of taking down thousands of such illegal banners. This symbolic protest by citizens to empower themselves and shake the Administration, is a very successful movement. It allows Citizen Groups to get together and plan other citizen centric activities. The coming Parliament Elections will need NGOs to act together to get the best for the country. This JNM feels is one way to implement the change in political culture.

The set of 42 files is zipped into one file which is stored at MediaFire (a free hosting site), from where you can download the same. A broadband internet connection is essential. Those who do not have one may please visit Cyber Cafes or their well wishers for same.
The link: http://www.mediafire.com/?ygnjmvzmwrm
File: Banner Project.zip 12.53 MB.

Kindly unzip the files into a 'new folder' on your computer and study the same in details. The attached pic will guide you on the files in the zip folder. Most of them are pictures of letters and newspaper clippings, which will show you how JNM and other Groups run the movement in Mumbai.

Photos of events as they unfolded during the city rallies on illegal banners are posted under the 'photos button' at the link: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/jagrutnagrik/. Most of the files needed and included in the zip file are also posted under the 'files section' at the same site. The attached picture may be used as a guide to locate the needed files for closer study.

Concerned NGOs are free to use the material to design and implement their own movement suited for their own local conditions. The contents are not to be used for profit. JNM, its Volunteers and associated NGOs will not accept liability of any kind, for the consequences and outcome, in the use of the aforesaid material. The said material is provided only as a guidance and all users must exercise discretion in its use and be fully responsible for the outcome. JNM requests NGOs to contact any of the persons in the ppt file for support and clarification. Your inputs will be valuable.

PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO OTHER CITIZEN GROUPS AND NGOs ALL OVER INDIA, SO THAT CITIZEN EMPOWERMENT CAN DEVELOP IN INDIA. Kindly post this at 'social networking sites' for better reach.

JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND REFORMS

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Sun, 01 Mar 2009 05:56:00 +0000

I was invited to speak before many Mumbai Activists by the ‘Society for Fast Justice’ on Sat28Feb09 at a ‘Seminar on Judicial Reforms’ held at the Nalanda Hall of Times of India, CST, Mumbai. Other main speakers were: Dr. Leo Rebello, Adv. Jamshed Mistry, Shri Bhagwanji Raiyani. Some sixty persons attended in a well organized program, Chaired by Adv. Shafi Kazi. It drew good participation from the audience. My 20 minute speech is reproduced below.

I learned during the seminar some interesting things, which I list below.

* A citizen can file Supreme Court petition by going on line on the internet at: http://tempweb97.nic.in/sc-efiling/index.html
* Prosecution of errant Magistrates is possible under IPC:219.
* ADR (Alternative Dispute Redressal) system is quite successful in Delhi.
* Writ Petition (Civil) No: 122 of 2008 are pending in the Supreme Court of India. This is filed by ‘Janhit Manch’, ‘Common Cause’ among others with ‘Union of India’ as Respondents. It seeks Judicial Reforms and Accountability.
* The outcome of the Seminar was a Resolution demanding much of what is in the above Writ. The audience was advised to write to all the Political Parties a short letter seeking inclusion of Judicial Reforms and Accountability in their Manifestos for the coming Parliament Election in April-May 2009. A list of postal addresses and draft letter were handed out to all participants.

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JUDICIAL ACCOUNTABILITY AND REFORMS

Respected friends, I put before you EIGHT points which if implemented holistically, will ease the lives of all Citizens of India in their normal course.

First some contextual information:

· Justice costs over Rs 6,000 per minute in Delhi HC
· all matters that are listed for hearing cost the court, on an average, Rs 1,300, even if they get adjourned without any argument
· total expenditure incurred by the court was Rs 42.45 Crores for 213 working days

The reported pendency as of 31Mar2006:
Total cases pending 240 Lakh
Traffic challans etc 15.46 Lakh
Bounced cheques 14.55 Lakh
Summons related 14.19 Lakh
Marriage maintenance 2.42 Lakh
Food adulteration 51,816
Juvenile crime 43,863

I start with the presumption of the supremacy of the People of India who have given the Constitution of India to themselves. The State organs comprising the Parliament, the Ministers, the Commissioners and Judges - owe their origin, derive their authority, discharge their responsibilities and are conferred Powers, Privileges and Immunities only for one purpose, which are for Security and Dignity of each and every individual.

The Judges are not divine beings, their acts and omissions can have the element of error and foul play inherent in every other human being. The Courts are not mere benches where they adjudicate upon disputes but are Temples where they get an opportunity to serve and protect suffering humanity. The Court of Law like the Temple must be the place, where People can come with no fear.

Ordinarily, a person publicly critical of any Judicial action or inaction doesn't do so to malign or scandalize any Judge or Judiciary, on the contrary he is the ONE who wants the dignity of the Justice System to be protected. One who criticizes has a profound interest in the well being of the criticized.

Lord Denning, a Judge of England said, "Let me say at once that we will never use contempt Jurisdiction as a means to uphold our own dignity. Nor will we use it to suppress those who speak against us. We do not fear criticism, nor we resent it. For there is something far important at stake ... it is freedom of speech itself ".

1. IT IS THEREFORE RELEVANT FOR THE CONTEMPT LAWS TO BE URGENTLY REVIEWED AND SIMPLIFIED TO ALLOW MEANINGFUL CRITICISM FROM CITIZENS.

Civil society, instead of approaching Law Courts, prefers to protest for the simple reason that the Courts have rendered themselves incapable of giving speedy justice. Efficient delivery of Justice System is one of the Sovereign functions of any Country, and India is no exception. What I mean by Sovereign function is simply that the function is the prerogative of the State and cannot be delegated to private bodies, where even today most citizens prefer to go.

The problem with Judicial system begin with the lack of access to the system for the weak and poor, partly because of the procedurally complex nature of the system which can only be accessed through Lawyers who are simply beyond the reach of common man. Moreover, those who can afford access to the system bear the brunt of lethargy of the system.

No system crumbles overnight ... there is always a slow process of deterioration. And so it has been with our judiciary ... we have failed to look at the symptoms of illness ... failed to listen to voices of litigants ... for whom this grand system is meant, said Ms.Indira Jaising, SC lawyer and Editor of The Lawyer.

2. THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE CLEARED OF COMPLEXITIES AND MADE ACCESSIBLE TO THE UNDERPRIVILEGED; SAME AS IF THEY WERE TO VISIT A POST OFFICE.

A failed ‘justice delivery system’ brings prosperity to the corrupt and law breakers; and spells misery, annoyance, humiliation, frustration for the innocent and law abiders. Administration and dispensation of Justice often scripts disasters and tragedies. A failed justice system nullifies and erodes every conferred fundamental and statutory right and incites breach of duty.

In exercise of Writ Jurisdiction or Writ of mandamus (Constitutional Courts give authoritative directions to the State agencies to do something or refrain to do something), Constitutional Courts are not burdened with framing of issues OR of establishing the guilt of the accused. Thus writ cases must always be expedited.

If the facts stated in the petition are self evident and the existence of which is palpable and striking, by all means the Hon Court may in its discretion and in the interest of Justice, take leave of hearing the Respondents and may proceed to pass interim or final Orders.

3. THE COURTS SHOULD REFRAIN FROM GIVING ADJOURNMENTS TO STATE OR LAWYERS, IMPOSE HEAVY FINES AND INVOKE CONTEMPT PROCEEDINGS AGAINST THOSE WHO CAUSE ADJOURNMENTS.

Many cases that come before the Court involve either violation of rights of the people or gross dereliction of duty of public authorities. The judges really speaking, particularly in PIL Writs, merely protects Citizens against blatant illegal acts and omissions of public authorities, cases which even a man of Ordinary prudence can decide. Thus really speaking, it is the vast powers that are vested in Judges, makes us believe complexity in their job, which is in reality an easy job when compared to IAS / IPS / other Executive functions, legislative functions, job of Municipal Commissioners and so on.

They say Cases drag on for years ... is it really possible to drag on the case without active consent of the presiding Judge? Since one can't condemn judges the only thing left to say, Counsels have been successful in unduly prolonging cases. They just don't listen to judges’ objections to adjournments.

4. THE WORKING HOURS AND DAYS FOR COURTS NEED TO BE INCREASED ALONG WITH THEIR NUMBER TO COVER URGENT AND LONG PENDING CASES.

Life, liberty and dignity of a 'man' are not at mercy of existence or non existence of enacted laws. The essence of democracy lies in the fulfillment of the legitimate wishes of the people. Judiciary is well independent to fashion out strategies to address above issues. There is a great void in communication between the people and the judges. They must interact regularly.

Yet, forms of accountability may differ but the basic idea remains the same that the holders of Public Office must be able to publicly justify their exercise of power not only as legally valid but also socially wise, just and reasonable, chiefly designed to add to the quality of life of the people. Thus, every Judge while interpreting laws and making Orders, should verify as to how the Order/ decision reached will benefit people or society at large.

Time bound adjudication of rights in a Court of law is ones’ right and not a privilege to have. Citizens must be heard in a time bound manner. Whenever a case come before the Court, for adjudication of rights and duties of litigants ... the Court must frame the issues to be decided, declare the position of law ... and thus proceed to adjudicate and pass orders. Number of items listed for hearing should be limited and pursued whole heartedly.

When Courts are empowered to deny a just relief due to a litigant, due to he being delayed in approaching it in limitation period, is not it the duty of the Court to render justice in a time bound manner to a man who approaches to it within limitation time? Also, with particular reference to HC and SC, they are of strict view that all alternate remedies must be explored before invoking the Writ Jurisdiction of the Court. Having said that, is it not the duty of the Court then to render justice quickly in a time bound manner, when a man so approaches after exhausting all other alternate remedies? Judiciary is well independent to fashion out strategies to address above issues.

Citizens come to Courts by compulsion, less by conviction. Origin of every salary drawn and every perk and privileges enjoyed by Judges can be traced to my purse, his purse and to the purse of one living in hell like conditions.

5. DISPENSATION OF JUSTICE IN A TIME BOUND MANNER IS NOT ONLY DESIRABLE BUT IS PARAMOUNT FOR SECURING RULE OF LAW IN OUR SOCIETY.

It is not that Judiciary is to intervene at the climax of human tragedy or when some public spirited citizen approaches them for relief. They are empowered to intervene at the mere threat of human life. The watchdogs are to act su moto. Particularly in cases of violence, when the threat to human life is palpable and striking, there is no justification whatsoever for the Judiciary to sit quiet and wait for some public spirited citizen.

Among the principal barriers to justice identified were lawyers and, surprisingly, laws themselves. The Indian legal system's inexplicable persistence with its colonial past is reflected in its reluctance to break away from the pattern of institutionalization of mechanisms of adjudication and enforcement. The post Independence era shows that most of the laws inherited from British Rule that had colonial exploitation as their basis, were left untouched. The present judicial system so inherited is largely left intact.

Many a time conclusive orders of the Court are not complied with. Time and again even Courts have shown their inability to monitor implementation of their Orders. The Hon Court while passing Orders, interim or final may direct- "Appellant / Respondents Govt / Public Authority to update their website about Court's directions so given and action taken in pursuant thereof. As long as the Appellant's/ Respondent's website doesn't show up details of action taken, non compliance of Court Orders can and should safely be presumed and be alleged."

6. THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM NEEDS TO BE RESPONSIVE TO THE CURRENT NEEDS OF THE CITIZENS FOR THEIR GENERAL WELFARE AND YET DISTANCE ITSELF FROM THE EXECUTIVE AND LEGISLATURE. THE JUDICIARY SHOULD UNDERGO KNOWLEDGE UPGRADATION ON A REGULAR BASIS.

The Chief Justice of India, on 26 November 2004 on the occasion of Law Day, explained the impossible situation under which our Judges are expected to perform. No matter how hard the Judges in our subordinate Courts work … there is a constant backlog of about 2.53 crore cases in the civil and criminal Courts. Although 1.32 crore cases are disposed off every year, there is an influx of about 1.42 crores new cases.

The strength of the subordinate judiciary has remained static for many years at about 13,000 and at least 2,000 of these posts always remain vacant. On an average, the overburdened Judge is able to dispose of 1,150 cases per year. The situation in the High Courts is equally appalling. The total annual pendency of cases since 2000 has remained in the region of 33 Lakh cases. At any given time at least 200 of the 700 posts of High Court judges remain vacant. Even while the High Courts dispose around 13 Lakh cases, there is an equal number which get filed every year.

Each High Court Judge is able to dispose of around 1,500 cases. Not surprisingly, we have pendency of criminal appeals in certain High Courts since 1981 and civil appeals of even earlier years. Our judge:population ratio is less than 10 per million; it needs to be ten times higher. The government's response has been inversely proportional to the gravity of the situation. The 9th Five Year Plan made an allocation of 0.071% of the total plan outlay for the judiciary. This rose to 0.078% in the 10th Plan.

Lack of judicial infrastructure is but one of the factors impinging on access to justice. The problems of the legal system become acute when examined in the context of the needs of those socially and economically disadvantaged. For them in particular, the expense of pursuing cases in Courts, the intimidating structure of the legal profession and the Courts, and the inability of the legal aid system to reach all sections of the population, constitute the major institutional barriers to justice. Illiteracy, cultural inhibitions, bureaucratic and political corruption serve to aggravate the denial of access.

There are some positive signs due to Lok Adalat’s, a device formally recognized by the LSAA, which facilitates disposal of long pending cases through mediated settlements outside the formal legal process in Courts. According to the Ministry of Law and Justice, 12.2 lakhs cases were settled in about 40,000 lok adalats organized in 2003. What these statistics do not reveal is that a litigant in a lok adalat is most likely agreeing to a settled verdict for negative reasons – for avoiding uncertainties, delays and expense in pursuing litigation in Courts. Lok Adalats cannot be the answer to the need for quality justice. They underscore the failure of the formal legal system.

7. GOVERNMENT MUST ACT TO RESOLVE THE INFRASTRUCTURE AND TECHNOLOGY ISSUES PLAGUING THE JUDICIAL SYSTEM BY INCREASING FUND ALLOCATION AND VERIFYING OUTCOME.

Ironically, the greatest burden on the Courts stems from the government, the biggest litigants before the Courts. Over 50% cases have State, Government or its Bodies as main litigants, leaving the main task of private disputes to the fringes.

Not more than 2% people of the country can hope to get any meaningful justice through the existing judicial system. The Courts have upheld the validity of totally draconian laws like POTA and the Armed Forces Special Powers Act.

The media glare and the attendant public campaign on judicial accountability has certainly succeeded in bringing this issue and reform, to the fore and has put pressure on the government and the judiciary to urgently address this issue.

It is strange that judges of Supreme Court and High Courts don't want to be transparent and open and accept RTI Act, as if they are above constitution of India and people who pay them and appoint them.

It is ironical that the judiciary disowns its decade-old resolution that made disclosure of judges’ assets mandatory, at a time when there is a strong demand for greater transparency in appointment and functioning of superior judiciary.

8. AN INDEPENDENT FULL TIME NATIONAL JUDICIAL COMMISSION TO LOOK INTO ALL MATTERS OF JUSTICE NEEDS TO BE SET UP. THIS TO INCLUDE ALL STAKE HOLDERS, INCLUDING CITIZEN ACTIVISTS BUT MINIMISING POLITICIANS AND ADMINISTRATIVE BABUS.

I thank this august body and its conveners for giving me this opportunity to present my view point. I have had to bear the brunt of a poorly responsive system in my youth and even now. I also thank Shri Raiyani, Jalan and John for their inputs which helped me in collating this speech.

Compiled and Edited: Praful Vora, JNM. 27th Feb. 2009.

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ARE THE "POLITICIANS" REALLY RESPONSIBLE FOR THE MESS ? – AN INTROSPECTION

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Sat, 06 Dec 2008 06:37:00 +0000

Advocate Anant Shende - Coordinator, Maharashtra Chapter of Lok Satta AandolanMumbai, 1^st December, 2008

Post the heinous, inhuman and insane attack of the terrorists, Mumbai, in particular and, I am confident, the rest of the country in general, is seething with rage. The rage is not only directed against the acts committed by the terrorists, but the response and the manner in which it was dealt with by the agencies responsible, was also the cause of the rage. We witnessed that in the reaction of martyr Major Unnikrishnan's father's reaction to the visit of the Chief Minister isn't it? In the programmes after programmes appearing on television channels, everyone is blaming the Government, bureaucrats and of course, the leaders. But, are the politicians really responsible, or to be blamed for the attack, or how it was handled? Could they have behaved or conducted themselves any differently? My answer is, "NO". And, these are my reasons.

To understand the current situation, it would be necessary to look back upon history of India. India was always ruled by monarchies. India was always fragmented and divided. Right from the time Alexander invaded India till the British rule ended, all invaders succeeded not because they employed the policy of "divide and rule" but they found the India "divided", ensured that the divisions continued and "ruled". It would be completely inaccurate to say that it were British who employed the policy of "divide and rule".

I now turn to the period when India became independent. The British gave an option to all the princely states, whether to become part of independent India or to retain their respective kingdoms. As we all know, it was the monumental work of Sardar Vallabhbhai Patel and a solemn promise given by the Government of India that the Princely states agreed to merge their

kingdoms with India, except Hyderabad, which necessitated military action. The independence itself was achieved after the Indian decision-makers had accepted existence of divisions within India along religious grounds. The leaders, who were essentially dreamers and idealists, then, framed a Constitution giving expression to their dreams, vision and ideals in the hope that the divisions within India would be healed or eradicated. Unfortunately, the time has clearly proved that their dreams were not fulfilled and the internal divisions surfaced once again after influence of most of those leaders remained no more. It is also a matter of shame that the solemn promise given to Princely States by none other than the Govt. of India was broken conveniently because they posed a threat in the search for power without any principles.

When the British left, it left a vacuum in the government machinery appointed to govern India. As the law of nature dictates, the vacuum had to be filled up. Initially the vacuum was filled up by the leaders, who could rise above the internal divisions and attempted to provide governance accordingly. However, once the influence of these leaders waned, the internal divisive forces of culture, language and territorial ambitions raised their heads. The leaders, which emerged thereafter found it very easy and convenient to pursue the "Colonial" style of governance which the British employed. All the systems introduced in India by the British were not meant to imbibe democracy or democratic ideals in the Indian society, but to preserve the democracy in England and enrich it by the wealth of the colonies established by Britain all over the world.

During British time the wealth went to England, whereas post independence, the leaders in India, who used the same systems and same methods, enriched themselves and the wealth went to their personal accounts or Benami accounts or to Switzerland. All that these leaders were required to do was to continue with the systems employed by British, ensure that the divisions continued to exist and continue to rule us. In other words, the British rulers, who ruled with the help and assistance of group of obeisance paying Indians, bureaucrats, and the police force, left the country and, in their place, stepped in the present "democratically" elected politicians, who were not accountable, who functioned behind a "veil" of secrecy and who prided themselves in being above all Laws. Greater was the impunity with which the LAW could be disregarded or immunity from LAW was enjoyed; greater was considered the "status" of the politician. No wonder, disrespect for Law and Order became a symbol of "power" and "status" in India.

Therefore, by the very nature of their elections and the systems set up by British to further and preserve their Colonial acquisitions, we have attracted people in politics, who are not capable, or have any incentive, of providing good governance. There are, by way of exception, good politicians in the present lot, but, because of the systems, these good politicians are also becoming victims of these systems and unable to provide good governance. In other words, British (in Indian Avatars) have perpetrated the systems which "reward" the wrong and mock the "right" and only furthers their own interests and wealth.

The present politicians simply do not have any clue about doing any of the appropriate acts required to handle situations, which call for response from the Government which is truly of the people, by the people and for the people. Today, India has the Government of the privileged, by the privileged and for the privileged. The "privileged" word is employed to designate the elected representatives at all levels, bureaucrats, and the business lobby, who have substituted the obeisance paying Indians and who have mastered the art of taking advantages of the existing system. The police force being treated like private and personal servants, centralization of power, the lack of transparency, and the lack of accountability are only but the tools and manifestations of the governing system set in by the British and continued thereafter by the Indians.

Is it any wonder that we witnessed these kinds of responses and reactions from such politicians? My answer is, "NO". We must remember the inhuman behavior of the British during epidemics in India, the massacre at Jalianwala Baug and other instances. How did the British respond to those catastrophic events? With complete indifference, isn't it? They did it because India was only a colony to enrich the British. The present politicians do it because they too only know how to enrich themselves, and their coterie of friends / people whose participation and inclusion are a must, and have no knowledge and competence of providing good governance simply because it was never required or demanded of them.

Who, then, must take the blame? In light of my above analysis, my answer is that WE, the people of India, must accept the blame. If you employ, in this case, elect, a wrong servant, and he spoils the whole work, blame must first be accepted by the Master. The masses in India must accept the moral responsibility first for the apathy, indifference and aversion to public life and politics. The attitude that "problem" will stop at my neighbor's door must change. Let me take a simple example. How many of us attend solemnly the Annual General Meetings of our housing societies, clubs etc.? If we are unconcerned about matters, which are more close to us than the governance of the country, how can we justify criticizing persons, who have, at least, stepped forward in public life and done well for themselves and minor percentage of population, which votes them to power?

I think that "time" has come when the Indian people must make up their mind on the following issues: -

Ø Do we swear to be less divided?

Ø Do we swear to spread education to an extent that these divisions will disappear?

Ø Are we clear that we want United India or Divided India along parochial lines, cultural lines, and or linguistic lines?

Ø How can India justify more than 100 amendments to the Constitution in a span of 60 years? Does that not mean rejection of the "dreams", and "ideals" of those who framed the Constitution?

Ø Are we committed to ensure, in next 2 years, that there is a "meal" on the table of every family?

Ø Are we prepared, in next 5 years, to "urbanise" India by not attracting everybody to the developed parts of the country but by ensuring that similar infrastructure exists at every inhabited place in India?

Ø Are we prepared to swear that there shall be "justice" for all, which is "quick" and "cheap"?

Ø Are we prepared to swear that there shall be roof over every head or family, which is affordable?

Ø Are we prepared to scrap "electoral system" which provides incentive for "corruption", "criminalization" and "parochial or class dividing" politics?

Ø Are we prepared to devote some portion of our time for "Local Self Governance" to take care of our local issues?

Ø Are we sworn to ensure that good behavior is rewarded and bad, punished?

In other words, ARE WE PREPARED TO MAKE THE SACRIFICES AND TAKE ACTIVE PART IN POLITICS OF THIS COUNTRY? Democracy is not all about Fundamental Rights. It is also about obligations, duties and responsibilities. Unless we are prepared to honestly answer and address ourselves to all the above listed issues, we have no right to, and must stop, this "Politician bashing".

I urge you to do some genuine "introspection" and find answers to the neglected problems of this Country for past 60 years due to our policy of remaining "divided" and allowing wrong persons to "rule".

_____________________________________________________________________________ Lok Satta Aandolan

Base Unit-4, Bycula Service Industries Premises,
Dadoji Konddeo Road, Bycula (East), Mumbai 400027
Tel: 00 91 22 2377 2242
Email: loksatta.maharashtrachapter@gmail.com
Web: www.loksattamovement.org
If India wins, who loses

Special Law For Controlling Terrorism

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Sat, 13 Sep 2008 20:15:00 +0000

The pathetic comments of the Union Home Minister hours after the Delhi blasts of Saturday 14th Sep. 2008 are a sharp dagger in the heart of the majority of the hard working and law abiding citizens of India. As usual politics comes to play and its tit for tat when opposing political parties tangle on even national security issues. A Special Anti Terrorism Law that Gujarat, ruled by the BJP, wants is denied by the Union Home Minister, of the INC party. Yet similar law is permitted in Maharashtra which is ruled by a coalition led by the INC. Similar is the case with Rajastan which is ruled by the BJP. This in spite of the recommendation of the National Security Advisor.

There is no doubt that our various police forces are sometimes prone to misuse the extra strong laws that the Special Anti Terrorism Law might permit. This is touted as the reason to prevent some states from having them. This same logic of misuse of powers did not prevent some police officials to conduct 'encounter deaths' with alleged habitual hard criminals. So should the entire police force be dis-armed? Even some Army personnel have been involved in killings of innocent civilians, so would the Union Cabinet recommend to the Army to disarm the forces?

How long must India continue to be seen as a soft state. In every instance of decisive action why does the Government of the day prevaricate and end up with inadequate action. Does the deprivation and subjugation syndrome have to continue for over sixty years. Can you think of one leading country that would not take extreme action and even hot pursuit to protect its citizens? Yes, our human rights record needs to improve, but what about the rights of the victims? Even in prominent crimes of passion, we have the investigation and prosecution agencies failing to come up with water tight cases. The judicial system is slow, complicated, costly and therefore favours the alleged criminal. How do the innocent victims get a modicum of justice? The criminal mind is not going to leave behind clues to help the untrained and poorly motivated investigation officers. It is therefore necessary to restore balance by having stronger laws to counteract the criminals.

Police excesses can be reduced with proper selection and continuous training programs. The whole attitude of the police acting as masters and not servants of the public needs to change first. Where are the programs to address this issue? Is sixty years not enough to revise the Criminal Code and Police Manual entirely? Why cannot the Home Ministry and related Ministries apply their minds to this instead of preventing strong laws which might assist the good officers in doing their duty? Experts must be allowed to act fast and decisively without interferance on sectarian grounds. Empower the citizens who are really the eyes and ears of the security and governance forces. Governance means safety, secuirity, education and health first. Focus only on these for five years. This will restore the confidence of the citizens in both the police and the politicians. Elections are round the corner and the citizens will ponder when casting their votes.

Citizens on their part could arrange 'meet the police' in their neighbourhoods. A monthly chat session will clear the air and help understanding the roles each can play. Citizens must 'participate' in local interaction with their elected and selected representatives. They can push for increasing and improving the strength of the crime and traffic police. Such interactions must also occur with the local Municipal Office and its officers. Citizen participation in the ALM movement and meetings can be used to push for control of illegal activities of any type. Citizens must work for better discipline and law-compliance among themselves.

If the current mantra is 'citizens are the real masters' then the masters themselves must inquire, inspect, investigate, question and give directions for a useful outcome. If we have waited sixty years for good outcome, let us also remember that we are sixty years older and therefore its time to act as 'mature' masters and not wait for mai-baap to set things right.

Could the media and the fifth estate sensitise our politicians and citizens to ACT NOW.
-----------------------
Here under is what the Newspaper DNA, Mumbai edition, Mon. 15th Sep. 2008 on page-2 under DNA Speak Up has to say ...

Let us have stronger anti-terror laws
How long will India continue to remain a soft state? Where are the anti-terror laws? The police force is prone to misusing anti-terror laws. But there is no denying we need stronger laws in this area. Can you think of one country that would not take extreme action, even hot pursuit, to protect its citizens? Our investigating agencies are no match for the sharp and conspiring mind of a terrorist. It is therefore necessary to restore balance by having stronger laws to counter-act criminals and terrorists.
—Praful Vora
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FRUIT AND VEGETABLE STATISTICS OF INDIA - 2008

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 19:05:00 +0000

Currently upto 40% is wasted between farm and fork due to various reasons. How can the producer-farmer get a better income and the consumer get a better and fresh quality in a win-win situation? Can the new retailing format called malls replace the untidy and quality-cleanliness-averse hawker and small vendor, in the prime cities ?

Freedom from what?

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Sat, 23 Aug 2008 18:52:00 +0000

Mrs Indira Gandhi was famously reported as saying "You were asked to bend a little. You chose to crawl." The Independence Day celebrations at the Juhu campus of SNDT University put me in mind of this quotable quote.

The day is also the birthday of the university's VC. Last year the celebrations (read puke-making display of sycophancy) took place within the VC's chambers. This year, it competed with the solemn observance of flag hoisting etc. The dais was groaning with huge cakes and bouquets, which individual heads of departments brought along as a "mark of respect" from their departments, paid out of their departments coffers.

This year's celebrations also saw the obscene quantum of largesse handed out by our benevolent PM to our hardworking, upright men of integrity, our babu-log. Meaning that work ethic, decorum in the work place, honesty of purpose, punishment for wrong-doing, service to the nation can all be given short shrift.

Under such circumstances, why are we so surprised at our failure to produce sportspeople or academics of acceptable level, forget world class. Why are we so shocked that our babus collude to destroy our coast lines and forests, and that our police force look the other way when a small consignment of RDX is landed? Or enable/allow a kennth Haywood to saunter out of the country?

The mai-baap culture has been the bane of our existence for centuries, and will continue for all time to come.

As for me, I am completely disheartened when I see women replicating the dominant male work culture. After all, feminism's basic premise was that women have a new, balanced sensitivity to bring to the public domain, and that, apart from notions of equitable distribution of power and opportunity, it is this freshness of vision we sought when we fought for universal education and work opportunity, and political representation for women at all levels.

Clearly I should go back to where I belong which is Jurassic Park I guess.

This is a report by Prof. Prabha Krishnan, Mumbai dated 20th August 2008. Comments will be forwarded to her along with your contact details.

The real " Rang De Basanti"

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Tue, 19 Aug 2008 10:16:00 +0000

Please read and Forward to all Your Well Wishers

Late Mr. Surjan Singh Bhandari
N.S.G. Commando

During The Attack on Akshardham temple on 24th September 2002 this Brave Man fought the greatest battle of his life. Yes he was the N.S.G. Commando Late Mr. Surjan Singh , who sacrificed his life for the Nation. Sadly On 19th May 2004 he lost the Toughest and Longest battle against life exactly after 600 Days being in Coma, he lost this life.

The Bullet which hit him in the head made him Unconscious for almost 600 days. His family members were hoping that one day their Hero will open his eyes but he didn't.

It was the Longest Wait for the family members of this Brave Man. When the whole India was busy in Guessing Who will be the Next PM of the country , This man was fighting his Last battle. But it's so sad that in the hype of all the Political Drama, the News about his Death was Lost like a needle in a hay stack! Even the leading News Papers & So Called Best News Channels of India which Works on 24 X 7 basis, failed to highlight this story of the Brave Man. Unfortunately it was mentioned somewhere on the middle page of some newspaper... ..This was the Reward for the Brave task for which he lost his life.

Besides his Family members, only one thing was there with him during those toughest 600 days. It was there near his bed till the last Moment. Can you guess what it was?........ ....... It was the 'Tiranga', yes! Our National Flag, which was saluting him for his Great cause. Absolutely No words can suffice our Gratitude towards him...

If Print and Electronic media fail to give priority to such Heros, let us do our bit. This is the only way we can salute his Bravery...

Yes ... let us each act as the FIFTH ESTATE and inform eveyone of such REAL HEROS of India, so that the youth has useful and valuable role models.

Talk by Dr. Abdul Kalam, President of India, a TRUE HERO

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Sat, 09 Aug 2008 07:52:00 +0000

Why is the media here so negative? Why are we in India so embarrassed to recognize our own strengths, our achievements? We are such a great nation. We have so many amazing success stories but we refuse to acknowledge them. Why?

We are the first in milk production.
We are number one in Remote sensing satellites.
We are the second largest producer of wheat.
We are the second largest producer of rice.
Look at Dr. Sudarshan , he has transferred the tribal village into a self-sustaining, self-driving unit.
There are millions of such achievements but our media is only obsessed in the bad news and failures and disasters.

I was in Tel Aviv once and I was reading the Israeli newspaper. It was the day after a lot of attacks and bombardments and deaths had taken place. The Hamas had struck. But the front page of the newspaper had the picture of a Jewish gentleman who in five years had transformed his desert into an orchid and a granary. It was this inspiring picture that everyone woke up to. The gory details of killings, bombardments, deaths, were inside in the newspaper, buried among other news.

In India we only read about death, sickness, terrorism, crime. Why are we so NEGATIVE? Another question: Why are we, as a nation so obsessed with foreign things? We want foreign TVs, we want foreign shirts. We want foreign technology.

Why this obsession with everything imported. Do we not realize that self-respect comes with self-reliance? I was in Hyderabad giving this lecture, when a 14 year old girl asked me for my autograph. I asked her what her goal in life is. She replied: I want to live in a developed India . For her, you and I will have to build this developed India. You must proclaim. India is not an under-developed nation; it is a highly developed nation. Do you have 10 minutes? Allow me to come back with a vengeance.

Got 10 minutes for your country? If yes, then read; otherwise, choice is yours.
YOU say that our government is inefficient.
YOU say that our laws are too old.
YOU say that the municipality does not pick up the garbage.
YOU say that the phones don't work, the railways are a joke.
The airline is the worst in the world, mails never reach their destination.
YOU say that our country has been fed to the dogs and is the absolute pits.
YOU say, say and say. What do YOU do about it?

Take a person on his way to Singapore . Give him a name - YOURS. Give him a face - YOURS. YOU walk out of the airport and you are at your International best. In Singapore you don't throw cigarette butts on the roads or eat in the stores. YOU are as proud of their Underground links as they are. You pay $5 (approx. Rs. 60) to drive through Orchard Road (equivalent of Mahim Causeway or Pedder Road) between 5 PM and 8 PM. YOU come back to the parking
lot to punch your parking ticket if you have over stayed in a restaurant or a shopping mall irrespective of your status identity... In Singapore you don't say anything, DO YOU? YOU wouldn't dare to eat in public during Ramadan, in Dubai. YOU would not dare to go out without your head covered in Jeddah. YOU would not dare to buy an employee of the telephone exchange in London at 10 pounds (Rs.650) a month to, 'see to it that my STD and ISD calls are billed to someone else. 'YOU would not dare to speed beyond 55 mph (88 km/h) in Washington and then tell the traffic cop, 'Jaanta hai main kaun hoon (Do you know who I am?). I am so and so's son. Take your two bucks and get lost ... ' YOU wouldn't chuck an empty coconut shell anywhere other than the garbage pail on the beaches in Australia and New Zealand . Why don't YOU spit Paan on the streets of Tokyo ? Why don't YOU use examination jockeys or buy fake certificates in Boston ??? We are still talking of the same YOU. YOU who can respect and conform to a foreign system in other countries but cannot in your own. You who will throw papers and cigarettes on the road the moment you touch Indian ground. If you can be an involved and appreciative citizen in an alien country, why cannot you be the same here in India ?

Once in an interview, the famous Ex-municipal commissioner of Bombay , Mr. Tinaikar , had a point to make. 'Rich people's dogs are walked on the streets to leave their affluent droppings all over the place,' he said. 'And then the same people turn around to criticize and blame the authorities for inefficiency and dirty pavements. What do they expect the officers to do? Go down with a broom every time their dog feels the pressure in his bowels? In America every dog owner has to clean up after his pet has done the job. Same in Japan . Will the Indian citizen do that here?' He's right. We go to the polls to choose a government and after that forfeit all responsibility. We sit back wanting to be pampered and expect the government to do everything for us whilst our contribution is totally negative. We expect the government to clean up but we are not going to stop chucking garbage all over the place nor are we going to stop to pick a up a stray piece of paper and throw it in the bin. We expect the railways to provide clean bathrooms but we are not going to learn the proper use of bathrooms. We want Indian Airlines and Air India to provide the best of food and toiletries but we are not going to stop pilfering at the least opportunity. This applies even to the staff who is known not to pass on the service to
the public.

When it comes to burning social issues like those related to women, dowry, girl child! and others, we make loud drawing room protestations and continue to do the reverse at home. Our excuse? 'It's the whole system which has to change, how will it matter if I alone forego my sons' rights to a dowry.'

So who's going to change the system? What does a system consist of ? Very conveniently for us it consists of our neighbours, other households, other cities, other communities and the government. But definitely not me and YOU. When it comes to us actually making a positive contribution to the system we lock ourselves along with our families into a safe cocoon and look into the distance at countries far away and wait for a Mr.Clean to come along & work miracles for us with a majestic sweep of his hand or we leave the country and run away. Like lazy cowards hounded by our fears we run to America to bask in their glory and praise their system. When New York becomes insecure we run to England. When England experiences unemployment, we take the next flight out to the Gulf. When the Gulf is war struck, we demand to be rescued and brought home by the Indian government. Everybody is out to abuse and rape
the country. Nobody thinks of feeding the system. Our conscience is mortgaged to money.

Dear Indians, this article is highly thought inductive, calls for a great deal of introspection and pricks one's conscience too ... I am echoing J. F. Kennedy 's words to his fellow Americans to relate to Indians ...

'ASK WHAT WE CAN DO FOR INDIA
AND DO WHAT HAS TO BE DONE TO MAKE INDIA
WHAT AMERICA AND OTHER WESTERN COUNTRIES ARE TODAY'

Lets do what India needs from us.

Forward this mail to each Indian for a change instead of sending Jokes or
junk mails.

Thank you,

Dr. Abdul Kalaam

Sent from my BlackBerry® wireless device

REMEMBERING FIELD MARSHALL SAM MANEKSHAW :

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 14:38:00 +0000

Here is a report about mother India's TRUE HERO ...
Let us forget for the moment the actions of spineless politicos and grasping bureaucrats, and merge ourselves in this story of a KARMAYOGI who will be a shining example for citizens of India ...

Saluting Sam Bahadur
30 Jun 2008, 1254 hrs IST, Tarun Vijay, (Abridged from the Times Of India)

Sam Hormusji Framji Jamshedji Manekshaw was the name of the hero India saluted. He died at the age of 94 at Wellington early last Friday. It's still unbelievable that a government formed by Indians would be so rude and indifferent to the greatest military leader India has produced post-independence, to use the words of former army chief General V.P. Malik. Rare are the heroes of a nation admired by commoners as their idol, inspiration and icon. Manekshaw was one such hero India always looked up to with pride and excitement. A government that decided to lower the national flag for three days as a mark of mourning when the Pope died didn't send its defence minister to attend the funeral of Field Marshall Manekshaw; nor did it allow the other two service chiefs to attend.

Manekshaw was the only living Field Marshal, was listed on the active list of army officers as number one and hence drew a full salary. He participated in action in the Second World War, in the 1947 war with Pakistan, the '62 war with China, and the Pakistan wars of 1965 and 1971. Manekshaw received the Military Cross, Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan. Above all, he provided hope when light was dimming and courage when disillusionment was setting in. He was utterly contemptuous of politicians and often spoke fearing no one. He was proven right about them. The Field Marshall became a legend.

A nation that can't honour its heroes can't produce them either. A Bharat Ratna can't be given to persons like Manekshaw. In fact till this date no soldier has been given the highest award though they won four wars for us. We hardly see a politician whose child is serving in the forces.

Sam Bahadur, as Gen. Manekshaw was affectionately known, had both, prestige and wealth, in abundance. The heavens would not have fallen if the President and Prime Minister had attended the last rites of our Field Marshall. The government failed but the nation rose to say: "Sam Bahadur Zindabad."

When Nehru's two protégés, V.K. Krishna Menon and Gen B.M. Kaul, failed the nation during the 1947 war (remember the infamous jeep scandal involving Menon?) and after the 1962 defeat at the hands of the Chinese, Maneksahw was called to take command of the eastern sector. His first order was: "No more withdrawals, march to the posts and recapture." This re-energised the demoralised troops but both Kaul and Menon tried their best to make life hell for the brave Manekshaw, though they couldn't succeed beyond a point. I was told by a senior military officer that they also instituted an inquiry against him for committing "anti-national activities"

Fighting on the Burma front against the Japanese in 1942, Manekshaw was almost pronounced dead when brought to Rangoon hospital with nine bullets in the lung, liver and kidneys. The military surgeon was reluctant to operate seeing the hopeless condition even though Sam was just about conscious. The surgeon asked what had happened to him. Sam replied: "Oh, a donkey kicked." The surgeon decided that if a soldier could have such a sense of humour at that critical hour, he must operate to save him. Sam survived and rose to become India's eighth army chief.

He led India to glory in 1971 when after many centuries our soldiers decisively defeated a foreign force and ensured its complete surrender. Able lieutenants always assist a leader, but the credit should always go to the commanding abilities of the captain. Sam had great colleagues in Lt. Gen. JFR Jacob and Lt. Gen J.S. Aurora. Yet it was his leadership that won the day for us.

Manekshaw was outspoken. He literally refused to take Indira Gandhi's orders and finally had the cabinet accept his timing on when to declare war. At the height of his popularity Indira Gandhi feared he might take over in a military coup, but he assured her that he didn't have such ambitions.

After retirement Manekshaw was denied the honours usually given to a Field Marshall. No assistant, no bungalow and staff car and no emoluments befitting his rank. Only last year when he was in military hospital, the old dues were restored and a cheque of Rs 1.6 crore presented to him covering all his past dues. But to what avail?

He was a true Parsi. The story goes that when the Parsis landed in India a thousand years ago driven out of their land, Iran, by Muslim rulers, they prayed for shelter in the Hindu kingdom of Jadu Rana in Gujarat. The king offered a jar of milk filled to the brim and the Parsis returned the jar after adding sugar to it indicating they would be part of the larger society as a contributing, sweetening factor and not as an alien segment demanding extra space. And they proved it too.

During the framing of the Constitution Parsis were offered special status as minorities but politely refused. They have contributed greatly to the national wealth, pride and valour. Dadabhai Naoroji, Jamshetji Tata, Madam Bhikaji Cama, Ardeshir Godrej, Homi Jehagir Bhabha and Nani Palkivala are among the best who have added to the glory of their adopted nation without ever asking for anything special in return. Manekshaw was one of the greatest gems among them, nay among us all.

Honouring Manekshaw doesn't mean he was an angel incarnate. But he was a man with a capital 'M'. He had weaknesses and an officer's arrogance. But who among us and among the "worshipped tall deities" comes without their share of such points.

Such acts alone enliven a civilisation and provide oxygen to grow. Every nation worth her name does that. The body of the lone officer to die in the Entebbe operation was received at the airport by the Israeli Prime Minister. The British monarchy and the democratic government take the greatest pride in honouring their soldiers and so do other nations who have a soul.

This government has also another dubious distinction of having been returned the bravery medals awarded posthumously to security personnel who died fighting the jihadis while protecting Parliament and the MPs sitting inside it. The medals were returned because the parents of these armymen were stunned to see the rulers protecting the attacker, Afzal Guru. They regarded this as an insult to their brave children who had laid down their lives fighting Afzal for the sake of the nation.

The author is the Director, Dr Syamaprasad Mookerjee Research Foundation.

-----------------------------

Please pass this on to your friends, colleagues, social groups / networks.

CO2 emissions

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Thu, 03 Jul 2008 05:53:00 +0000

I am concerned about the front page lead article in the Tuesday 01st July 2008 copy of DNA-Money, Mumbai edition labeled: Automakers split on CO2 emissions by Murali Gopalan. Contrary to the pictograph showing CO2 emissions from India being under 20% of that of USA, an attempt is made to promote hype against India emissions by saying "... time bomb ticking away quietly in India ...", "... vehicles are one of the biggest CO2 emitters in India ...", "... homegrown four-wheeler makers want time frame to be set at 2020 ...", etc. Tata Motors have a reasonable position in that timetable should take into account India's economic situation. Mahindra Group feels new reduced emission era is inevitable and India should not lag behind. This is taken care of by importing correct and current technology for which the OECD have their own timetable where developing countries are concerned.

It will be enlightening to study the Crude Oil Statistics posted at: http://petroleum.nic.in > Petroleum Statistics > Basic Statistics > Petstat.pdf. Table-16 clearly shows that for FY07, Petrol sales constitute only about 3% of all oil downstream products, while Kerosene constitutes 7.3% and LPG constitutes 8.3%, these ratios are per volume sold in MMT. So LPG and Kerosene will each give off far more CO2 than Petrol itself. It is very obvious that CO2 emissions from Petrol is a microscopic percentage when coal, gas, wood, bio-mass are considered in addition to oil. I am ignoring the variations in CO2 generation per unit weight of fuel for simplifying the comparisons between various energy sources.

One wonders why the GoI insists on harassing a large majority of citizens when the statistics show the real-money is elsewhere. It is clear that in FY07, over 81% of crude oil downstream products did not constitute petrol, LPG and kerosene. Common sense tells that the focus on balancing prices versus subsidies should be these other products and their taxes. Why this deluge of anti-public publicity by the GoI ? In any case the WPI shows over 13% rise YoY.

There is no doubt that urban air pollution from petrol is a serious issue and needs to be addressed. However, let us not loose sight of the fact that petrol cars are certainly NOT THE BIGGEST CO2 EMITTERS in India and nor is India economic development leading to a global CO2 crisis. We need to develop a 'healthy contempt' for such western hype as pointed out by R. Vaidyanathan on page-26 of the same newspaper. Jai Hind.

An abridged verion of this message appeared in the newspaper: DNA digital, Mumbai edition, 03rd July 2008, page-14 under INBOX > CO2 emissions.

Fuel saving tips for the Dy. C. M.

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Fri, 13 Jun 2008 17:58:00 +0000

I am amazed at the thought process of our esteemed Deputy Chief Minister Shri R. R. Patil, as reported by ToI, Mumbai on Page-9 of the 12th Jun 2008 newspaper. He would have us believe that reducing the working days of Government Employees, reducing their trips and vehicle usage, examining the possibility of forcing vehicles to carry full passenger loads, will bring reduction on consumption of fuel whose prices keep escalating by the day. At a simplistic level these thoughts appear laudable, yet even a cursory reflection on each will astound even a person of limited perception.

The Home Dept. has the largest number of 'pending files' of work not done, same as most other state departments, so much so that the press reported the CM as making a specific reference to the delays and negligence of the various Government Departments. Yet, here is a suggestion to reduce working days instead of just the opposite. The irony of it!

It is common knowledge that most of the fuel oil is consumed by industry and large plants and only a small percentage (about 3% by volume) goes for passenger vehicles. Yet this suggestion of saving fuel by reducing visits and trips, so that the officials are more isolated from the citizens and their problems. Note, no suggestion is made that officials should use public transport, which the majority of the toiling citizens are forced to use. Maybe these same officials and their bosses, should try out the suburban trains during rush hour for a reality check.

One would have thought that the Home Minister would be more aware of privacy rights in a democracy, yet if passenger vehicles are to be forced to carry full loads, what will the taxi unions have to say about this? What will happen to the limited public transport?

The obvious solution, to force a rapid development of the much delayed public transport projects is not to be found anywhere. Removing the monopoly of the BEST and the taxi unions is not on the agenda. Reserving traffic lanes for multi passenger vehicles and public passenger transport, forcing polluting vehicle off the roads and highways all over the state, preventing adulteration of fuel and its misuse by individuals and business, all which are regularly documented, have not occurred to the respected Dy. CM. Even a simple task like providing decent footpaths free of encroachers and hawkers is beyond the capabilities of this State Govt. Citizens would walk in comfort and not need cars for short trips. He could be more on target if he has the Government Departments examine the lack of subsidies for use of alternate energy.

Instead of focusing on 'good governance' and providing a safe and secure environment for the citizens to develop economically, socially, spiritually and increase their creativity, the public is now expected to give 'tips' to the vast State machinery on saving fuel? Is this a joke or what? The time is nearing when the public will give more than 'tips', they will cast their votes, which may give a big surprise to the Dy.C.M. and his colleagues in the Government. The recent lessons at the polls are yet to be learnt, sad to say.

--
An abridged version appeared as 'farcial solutions' in The Times of India, Mumbai edition, Wed. 25th June 2008, page-14 under 'my times, my voice'.

Food shortages leads to Vegetarianism

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Wed, 11 Jun 2008 08:48:00 +0000

The Economic Times, Mumbai edition of Mon. 09th Jun 2008 on page-13 has a very important analysis by Shri Arun Firodia of the two wheeler fame. The very obvious conclusion that any intelligent reader will make is that it is time for a global move to vegetarianism. (http://economictimes.indiatimes.com/View_Point/Rising_food_prices_
The_blame_game/articleshow/3112207.cms)

It is the right of all humans to get an opportunity to fulfill basic desires. Given the need for security in food, water, safety and a fair opportunity for growth, shortages of various commodities is a given. Instead of fighting wars for food, water, resources and energy, it will be worthwhile for the global think tanks to motivate their respective governments to force a change in habits of food and resource consumption. This must be highest priority in view the demands of the populations of the developing world, whose averages on all these parameters is so much lower than that of the OECD countries. Now read and ponder ...
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P E R S P E CT I V E S

Rising food prices: The blame game

FOOD prices are going up. There is a serious shortage of food all over the world. Even in America there is talk of 'rationing'.
Who is to blame? Fingers are pointed to ethanol — a petrol substitute. It is said that American farmers are diverting corn to making ethanol and hence the rise in world food prices. There is also a serious debate whether it is wise to use land for production of ethanol. Voices have been raised to say that land should be reserved for foodgrains and not for ethanol.
Well said. But who exactly is consuming the foodgrains? Over 70% of the foodgrains produced in America are consumed by cows and pigs for producing meat. Unfortunately, animals are very inefficient converters of foodgrains to meat. A cow takes in 16 kg of foodgrains to develop one kg of beef. Obviously, grain is used more efficiently when consumed directly by humans. If humans were to directly consume grains rather than cycle them through animals to eat their meat, there would be enough food to feed the world and there would be no 'food shortage'.
An average American eats 125 kg of meat every year and all Americans put together consume, hold your breath, 35,000,000 tonnes of meat every year. Chinese situation is even more alarming. An average Chinese (whose diet used to consist of plenty of vegetables) now consumes 70 kg of meat every year. Mostly pork but increasingly beef too. All Chinese put together eat 100,000,000 tonnes of meat every year. World meat consumption has surged five-fold in the past 50 years, forcing diversion of foodgrains to feed the animals. Even in countries like Thailand the proportion of foodgrains diverted to animals has jumped from 1% to 30%. Since demand for foodgrains is racing ahead of supply the price of foodgrains is rising.
For countries like China or the US, meat is food. Foodgrain is not food. They don't care if foodgrain prices rise. As long as meat prices are under control they are not bothered. China even maintains a 'strategic reserve' of hundreds of thousands of live pigs whom they release in the market to keep pork prices under check.
Why do they feed their animals with grains? Why don't they just let them graze in the rangelands and consume grass? Well, the number of animals raised for meat production is 50,000 million, eight times the human population. There isn't enough rangeland to let so many animals roam around and graze. Secondly, animals would grow faster if fed with foodgrains and other nutrients rather than grass. Naturally, meat factories would like to feed the animals (or let us say overfeed them) with foodgrains.

Meat is an inefficient energy provider. Would you believe that a beef-eater needs more energy walking one kilometre than a car travelling one kilometre? An example would prove this point. The beef eater would spend 70 kcalories in walking one kilometre. Let us say he gets this energy back by eating a piece of beef containing 70 kcalories. The beef-cow would have eaten foodgrains containing 1,120 kcalories to produce this piece of beef. The meat supply chain would necessitate further 1,120 calories in the meat processing factory, chilled storage during transportation, warehousing, retailing and at beef-eater's domestic refrigerator totalling 2,240 kcalories. What quantity of petrol would contain 2,240 kcalories? 70 mls of petrol! And a car would go more than one kilometre in that 70 ml petrol!
Present Indian meat consumption is 3 kg per capita per year and all Indians put together consume 3 million tonnes of meat every year. As and when India becomes rich, Indians may start consuming meat at Chinese levels. India would then need 100,000,000 tonnes of meat since India's population would reach present Chinese population figures. Presently Indian cows feed on grass and Indian pigs feed on garbage but large meat factories would have to be set up by well experienced MNCs to yield such high meat output. These factories will feed their animals on foodgrains. Imagine the pressure on food prices when over 70% of India's foodgrains will go to feed the animals producing meat. There isn't enough land in India or even the entire world to produce foodgrains to support such gigantic animal population.
And what about water? 10,000 litres of water are needed to produce 1 kg of beef. Where is the water to produce so many million million tonnes of meat? An animal generates 100 times more waste than a human being. How to dispose off the waste generated by 50,000 million animals? Raising the animals, meat processing, chilled storage, transportation, retailing and storing the meat in deep freezer at home all require huge amount of energy. A significant portion of fossil fuels is needed to power the meat industry. Surely earth's limited resources cannot sustain two burgeoning populations — human beings and animals. Very soon groundwater will dry up and forests will give way to grazing lands. One billion cows and one billion pigs of rich countries will compete with world's poor for food and water. As their population is rising faster than human population one doesn't have to be a rocket scientist to know who is winning. And to know why food prices are rising.

(The author is chairman, Kinetic Group)

Arun Firodia

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Please pass this on to your friends, colleagues, social groups / networks and discuss how all can benefit from this knowledge for the greater public good and preserving of earth resources for future generations.
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CHINDI FENCE TO PROTECT VERSOVA MANGROVES

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Sun, 08 Jun 2008 13:40:00 +0000

The Rain God held back while over one hundred citizens came out of their homes, young and old, to participate in a citizens movement on Sunday morning of 08th June, between 9:30 AM and 12 noon. Volunteers gathered in the dozens at various points along the Mangrove line from HDFC lane to Natasha Tower end of Juhu Versova Link Road, Andheri West.
They brought old cloth pieces and all worked together under the directions of SAVE Forum (http://www.saveforum.org/) to prepare a chindi fence from Versova end of the Juhu Versova Link Road to the HDFC lane. The entire stretch of mangrove land was fenced in by three strands of cloth tied to bamboo posts, brought by the citizens who are disappointed with the apathy and lethargy exhibited by the City and State Government. Even judicial orders fall by the wayside due to vast delays in implementation.
In an inspiring speech, at the end of the fence being set up, Shri Deepak Mehta, SAVE Forum promised the citizens of escalating this activity further if the 'powers that be' do not act promptly and put up a proper fence and protect the mangroves which are the first line of defense in case of monsoon storms and high tides. Later Ms. Usha Kiran talked of the work done by the Forum which has always been in the larger interest of the citizens.
The monsoon has set in today and there is excellent probability for the mangroves to recover provided the total ban on illegal dumping of rubble, filth, etc. and land reclamation is implemented all along the Versova coastline.

Here under is what the newspaper: DNA, Mumbai, Mon. 09th June 2008, page-3 has to say ...

Citizens guard city’s ‘natural buffers’

Residents of Juhu, Versova, Lokhandwala come together for the protection of mangroves

Mahafreed Irani

Looking for inspiration to save the environment? Then read this green story. Five hundred residents of Juhu, Lokhandwala and Versova decided to meet on a rainy Sunday morning to do their bit for Mumbai’s mangroves.
Their mission was clear: “We want to stop encroachments in the Versova mangroves,” said Rajesh Vora, secretary, SAVE Forum (Save Andheri Versova Environment). Residents, who gathered on the street around 9am, came fully equipped with old pieces of saree, dupatta, and towel cloth. They tied together the bits and pieces to build a 1.5km-long fence around what they call “the city’s natural buffers”.
“Yes, mangroves are the best buffers. Unlike other low-lying areas, which were flooded during the 26/7 deluge, our area was clear, thanks to the mangroves,” said Sunita Singh, a resident of the area. Singh is not the only one who knows the importance of the ‘buffer’. Several studies have revealed that areas having mangrove ecosystems were less damaged by the 2004 tsunami. Researchers believe that these trees managed to absorb almost 70-90% of the impact of the waves.
Ira Bhongade, 12, is aware of this. She wants to protect the Versova mangroves too. “We need oxygen, and these trees help clean the air we breathe,” she said. Ira is the youngest member of the symbolic protest. She along with others went door-to-door giving out posters to make sure that the neighbourhood would unitedly come forward to demand for a protection wall to save the mangroves.
“In March 2002, we filed a PIL to rejuvenate the mangroves. In response, the Urban Development Department of Maharashtra sanctioned Rs7.40 crore. But till date, no work has started,” said Vora. Fed up with the BMC ways, Vinny Dewan decided to join the symbolic protest too. “The authorities came and carried out researched. But when will they start building the protection wall?” she asked.
The residents set up the fence as a symbol of protest, but some went back with a sense of disillusionment. They felt that BMC wasn’t taking action because it didn’t want to obstruct the setting up of a playground in the mangrove area for Versova’s Rajiv Gandhi Institute of Technology.
“We won’t let this happen and plan to fight on till this area is declared as forest land,” said Vora.
m_irani@dnaindia.net

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Chiller-fridge works without external energy.

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Sun, 01 Jun 2008 17:52:00 +0000

As a small boy over fifty years ago, I remember my father putting a tall aluminium pot containing a sweet milk product (baasundi) inside our home drinking water pot made of mud-clay (called madkaa). Ice was rare and often unhealthy. Fridges were only heard off and not seen.

We used to drink water from this ‘madkaa’ which had a small tap, since it used to be much cooler than ambient temperature and this was used to chill the food in the aluminium pot rather quickly.

Use of ‘madkaa’ for cool water is very popular all over India and food can be easily chilled in it. A small family can use larger ‘madkaa’ and chill veggies, fruits, cooked food and extend their shelf life.

Some 170 million households do not have a chiller or a fridge and all could immediately benifit from the ‘metal pot in a madkaa’ concept. Farmers need to use thick walled mud huts with double layered sloping roofs of wet staw mats as ‘chilled rooms’ to store the farm produce for market day. Water sprinkled on the outer walls will keep the inside temperature down.

The issue of promoting such ‘green concepts’ remains. This is traditional knowledge which is gradually being forgotten due to the loud multi channel shouts on the TV reaching some 75 million households in India. However, since simple basic desires are not being met even sixty years after political freedom and supply of electric energy for all the 220 million households in India is a dream for another ten years, NGOs and ‘activists’ need to promote the traditional knowledge to bring relief to the ignorant masses.

Interesting Comparison of Global Food Consumption

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Wed, 28 May 2008 06:56:00 +0000

Here is something that should open the eyes of our 'give me' citizens of the world. Ponder on this and pass on please.

Look At The Food They Bought For One Week And The Number Of Persons In The Family

GERMANY:

The Melander family of Bargteheide - 2 adults, 2 teenagers

Food expenditure for one week: 375.39 Euros or $500.07

UNITED STATES:

The Revis family of North Carolina - 2 adults, 2 teenagers

Food expenditure for one week: $341.98

JAPAN:

The Ukita family of Kodaira City - 2 adults, 2 teenagers

Food expenditure for one week: 37,699 Yen or $317.25

ITALY:

The Manzo family of Sicily - 2 adults, 3 kids

Food expenditure for one week: 214.36 Euros or $260.11

MEXICO:

The Casales family of Cuernavaca - 2 adults, 3 kids

Food expenditure for one week: 1,862.78 Mexican Pesos or $189.09

POLAND:

The Sobczynscy family of Konstancin-Jeziorna - 4 adults, 1 teenager

Food expenditure for one week: 582.48 Zlotys or $151.27

EGYPT:

The Ahmed family of Cairo - 7 adults, 5 kids

Food expenditure for one week: 387.85 Egyptian Pounds or $68.53

ECUADOR:

The Ayme family of Tingo - 4 adults, 5 teenagers

Food expenditure for one week: $31.55

BHUTAN:

The Namgay family of Shingkhey Village - 7 adults, 6 kids

Food expenditure for one week: 224.93 ngultrum or $5.03

CHAD:

The Aboubakar family of Breidjing Camp - 3 adults, 3 kids

Food expenditure for one week: 685 CFA Francs or $1.23

Yet Mr. George Bush and Ms. Condi Rice - is Crying That The Rise in Global Price of Food is because of Indians. Coz, they are Consuming More and More Food Day By Day …

Let's Spread This Message Globaly to show up the hipprocracy of the highest per capita consumer nation in the World
for past fifty years.

Please visit my blog: http://ThinkUnderstandAcceptAdapt.blogspot.com

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WHO SHOULD BE A SPENDTHRIFT

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Mon, 12 May 2008 13:47:00 +0000

Have a look at this ...

Salary & Govt. Concessions for a Member of Parliament (MP)

Monthly Salary : 12,000

Expense for Constitution per month : 10,000

Office expenditure per month : 14,000

Traveling concession (Rs. 8 per km) : 48,000 ( eg.For a visit from kerala to Delhi & return: 6000 km)

Daily DA TA during parliament meets : 500/day

Charge for 1 class (A/C) in train: Free (For any number of times)
(All over India )

Charge for Business Class in flights : Free for 40 trips / year (With wife or P.A.)

Rent for MP hostel at Delhi : Free

Electricity costs at home : Free up to 50,000 units

Local phone call charge : Free up to 1 ,70,000 calls.

TOTAL expense for a MP [having no qualification] per year : 32,00,000 [i.e. 2.66 lakh/month]

TOTAL expense for 5 years : 1,60,00,000

For 534 MPs, the expense for 5 years :
8,54,40,00,000 (nearly 855 crores)

AND THE PRIME MINISTER IS ASKING THE HIGHLY QUALIFIED, OUT PERFORMING CEOs TO CUT DOWN THEIR SALARIES…..

This is how all our tax money is been swallowed and price hike on our regular commodities.......

And this is the present condition of our country:

855 crores could make their life livable !!
Think of the great democracy we have..............
PLEASE FORWARD THIS MESSAGE TO ALL REAL CITIZENS OF INDIA ..
but,
STILL Proud to be INDIAN

So ... who do you think should be cautious in their remunarations and expenditures? In fact, the reason the Women's Reservation for Parliament is held up because some of our MPs now want proportional increase in Members to accomodate the Women MPs and thus protect their own status. Thus, there is demand for probably 200 more MPs and their astronomical expenses from tax payers monies. This will lead to even more expenses during electionioring and so on. Who is paying for this? What are they delivering? What relief have they given to the bottom 300 million of India who are getting impatient after a long wait for sixty years? How can the Prime Minister parrot platitudes to the masses and suggest living style to the true wealth generators but say nothing to the 'wealth destroyers' and simultaneously create an imagined rift between the haves and havenots? Where is the equity from this intellectual?

Please pass this message on your family, friends, colleagues, well wishers and true Indians. Let us build a citizens opinion on this and reach a concensus on how tax payers monies are spent and how outcome is delivered to the impatient millions.

RBI press release

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Sat, 10 May 2008 18:52:00 +0000

BANKNOTE MISUSE

I am amazed at the press release: 2007-2008 / 1186, that the RBI has issued on Wed. 12^th March 2008 concerning the defacement of bank notes, making of garlands of notes, using them for decoration of pandals, etc. This can be read at their website: http://rbidocs.rbi.org.in/rdocs/PressRelease/PDFs/83436.pdf

It is further reported by the print media that RBI have stopped all banks from stapling of bank notes, making notations thereon and other similar defacement. Now the RBI wants to target private defacement saying that bank notes should be respected as they are symbol of sovereign India. I believe they have even tried their hands at screening short films with this theme. All this is for the general good and should normally call for felicitation of the RBI. However I am amazed that they feel that a few such attempts will get the job done. Obviously they lack the basic marketing skills of the private sector and knowledge of levering the TV media. This current press release shows that they have no intention of improving on their skills to reach the masses in India.

I wish the RBI could first get the large nationalised banks to abide by such decent behaviour. I have attached here a picture showing the SBI has issued a bundle of Rs. 100 denomination notes, with the date stamp of 15^th April 2008 which is very obviously defaced with large size multiple staples. This is still a very common practice in smaller towns as the same picture shows The Shirpur Peoples' Coop Bank Ltd. doing the same thing. How's that for effort on part of the RBI?

If the RBI after years of effort, cannot even get SBI to follow common sense principles and, the Bank Employee / Officers Unions who are so eager to strike work for imagined loss of stature, cannot enforce such basic discipline, how is this world renowned national institution expecting to make headway with the 'ignorant' masses in India?

It is obvious that the RBI has to spend millions of tax payer's money, to print millions of currency notes. Could they not spend some of these millions to make a long term professional marketing plan to reach the people all over India? I am sure some of the leading advertising and media agencies, could give them a 'cut rate' for this social responsibility plan. Take a reality check RBI, the tax payers of India desire accountability.

Another issue. The extensive website of RBI has lots of snail mail details, lots of reports and bulletins, lots of web links and even some phone codes. All this is sharing information one way, top-down approach, one way traffic. Has it occurred to the top honcho's that two way streets are quicker? Could I hope to see some email ids of executive officials whereby public who is so enabled can reach out with their responses, without going thru the laborious method of typing out letters? I could not find any email id at the RBI website, hence this note to the print media for publicity.

Praful Vora. praful.vora@rediffmail.com 10^th May 2008.

MAHATMA GANDHI'S TALISMAN

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:49:00 +0000

"I will give you a talisman.
Whenever you are in doubt, or when
the self becomes too much with
you, apply the following test. Recall
the face of the poorest and the
weakest man / woman whom you
may have seen, and ask yourself, if
the step you contemplate is going to
be of any use to him / her. Will he / she
gain anything by it? Will it
restore him / her to a control over
his / her own life and destiny? In
other words, will it lead to swaraj for the hungry and
spiritually starving millions?

Then you will find your doubts and
your self melt away."

(One of the last notes left behind by Gandhi in 1948, expressing his deepest social thought).

SAD DAY

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Thu, 20 Mar 2008 13:13:00 +0000

Taslima had to leave.
India the home to the Bhagawat Geeta, Hindus, Jains, Buddhists
Which accepted people from all over the World
The Jews, the Christians, the Parsees,
The invading Mongols and Muslims
Even the Portugese, French and English.
This India has no home for Taslima.
Today India has gone away from the road of Dharma and Reet.

CHANGING RULES

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Fri, 14 Mar 2008 06:14:00 +0000

The last few days, a lot of attention has been focused by the Lok Sabha, Rajya Sabha, print media and the TV talk shows on the farmer debt waiver proposed by the Finance Bill for FY09. A consensus seems to be being arrived at that, the off-budget sum of Rupees Sixty Thousand Crores, if and when used to provide relief to some cultivators, is at best a palliative but not a cure for the persistent agri-crisis facing India for many years now. The basis issues causing the crisis have not been addressed in the last four years of this current government, and at the last moment (last year before national elections), it seems a 'cash for forgiveness' is being offered.

A lot of heart burn has been caused to many cultivators who feel left out of this governmental largess. All those who were regular in discharging their debts, those who had to manage loans from the money lenders and those who suffered due to volatility in cash crop prices, are out in the cold. Basically, it is not easy for the FM to accurately determine or find a unique measure to target the indebted cultivator who is really in a desperate condition. It is clear now that the ceiling of 2 hectare is at best a rather poor measure, especially if farmers of Punjab and Maharashtra are analysed. Dry farming seems to have escaped the relief net.

In this regard, I feel, all cultivators who have a total income below Rs. 100,000 per year could be classed as poor and so entitled to relief, irrespective of their land holding, quality of land, farming methods or crop. The easy method to determine the annual income would be to encourage them to file their annual income-tax returns and provide them with PAN cards. As of now, so many citizens are required to obtain their PAN cards and file 'returns' even if they do not have to pay any tax. So why not our about 12.4 million cultivators? Eventually, the rich farmers will be separated from the needy one's so that targeting of all kinds of relief is better managed. I wonder if any Constitutional amendments are needed for data gathering through existing systems. The Kisan Credit Card would not serve the purpose since it did not assess the income.

In the current situation, the existing information with the Dist. Collectors and Gram Panchayat could be used for better targeting of the needy cultivators. Over a period of five years, the IT data will be very useful for all kinds of social allocations too. Do our elected representative have the gumption to change the rules without getting emotional as always?

Jai Kisan.

MODERN LOAN MELAA ...

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:05:00 +0000

This new Finance Bill FY09 has presented the unthinkable in populist policy … proposing to write off up to rupees 60,000 crores in farmer 'bad debts' without even a fig leaf of budgetary support.

Writing off farmer 'bad debts', reminds me of an earlier era. During PM Indira Gandhi's time, one of her Ministers: Janardhan Poojari, would go about arranging 'loan melaas' and distribute money (actually loans which were to be treated as ‘grants’), and garner votes. This was considered a great socialist move and praised such that 'Indira became synonymous with India'. She outdid her father the great Jawaharlal who abdicated on 'market compensation' for 'land nationalization'. She is remembered for 'prince purses abdication', bank nationalization', 'collieries nationalization' and the 'emergency'. Lest we forget, all these constitutional amendments were passed by the majority of then parliamentarians. We citizens are still enjoying the fruits of these great deeds. It seems there is no shortage of fools, right from Md. Bin Tuglak's time, who gave away gold coins for copper. These 'gigantic personalities' are revered-reviled, even today.

This single proposal (being already treated as a given), announced by FM P. Chidambaram, has dealt a body blow to financial prudence. Now the farmer will always think that a 'loan' after delinquency becomes a 'grant'. In some ways, this has been going on every few years but in small measure. Note, he has no thought for the farmers who PAID ON TIME or who borrow from money-lenders (India's banking system reaches about 20% of households in the rural areas and only 66 million Kisan Credit Cards have been issued to 127 million Cultivators-2001 census). He has not realised that in Maharashtra where farmer suicides have been going on for some years now, poorer farmers in Vidharba have more than 2 Hectares but are worse off than farmers in Madya-Maharashtra who while having less than 2 hectares make more money due to 'grape' and cash crops. Yet the new proposal gives hand outs to the better off Madhya-Maharashtra farmers and nothing to the desperate Vidharba farmer, due to the land limit of 2 Hectares. How's that for justice?

A prudent policy would have been to reduce interest rates to 1% retroactively, grant a five year period to pay off amount thru EMIs, allow fresh loans to be permitted, again at lower rates. After all farm sector has required a boost for the past ten years. Why was this delayed for so long? The FM could allow 'market' driven economy for farm products, provide supply-delivery chains free of state borders, better seeds and technology free to the marginal farmers, and also tax the rich farmers who earn more than Rs. 3 lakhs per year. Force the 28 states to fall in line, by denying their farmers the above benefits. The marginal farmers are bound by laws of economics to remain marginal for perpetuity and thereby be a major burden on society. So most important, encourage thru fiscal measures, marginal farmers to combine with other littoral one’s so that their joint holdings reach 100 hectares, which will allow economies of scale. Such cooperatives to be like village panchayats, keep all politicians and boffins out of it. Dissolve all politician driven farm cooperatives by denying them tax deductions and subsidies of any kind.

Such reforms are pragmatic and create permanent traditions, yet our FM has no heart for it for the past five years. Giving a fish instead of teaching how to fish, ensures that the target group remains enmeshed in poverty to be then browbeaten every election year. I am certain this FM will join the other 'gigantic personalities' mentioned before and be revered-reviled for ages to come. Jai Hind.

(Abridged version published in 'The Hindustan Times, Mumbai, Mon. 03rd Mar. 2008, page-4).

GENERATE ELECTRIC POWER FOR FREE ... revisited.

noreply@blogger.com (Praful Vora) — Sun, 02 Mar 2008 14:30:00 +0000

This is about my first essay of 19th Feb.'08 about the same subject.
I have received some feedback from friends and wish to make sure that I have been understood about why it is of paramount importance for each of us to save energy and power in our daily lives at home and work. I have tried to respond to the issues raised so far.

... WHY ARE THE AUTHORITIES NOT DOING ENOUGH?

1. This is not about what the individuals in Govt. can do. Ours is an 'elephant economy' ... slowly plodding along, with the priority being to somehow stay in power.
2. This is not about who has been negligent and incompetent at their jobs. Our well make plans are approved and implemented piece meal, so often do not reach the intended goal.
3. This is not about politicos pandering and appeasing niche groups to garner valuable votes to stay in power. Free power, flat rates, priority connections are some of the means of causing humongous losses.
4. This is not about state administration ignoring the huge theft of power by most slums, some industry, some power looms and some commercial establishments. The vigilance and police probably make good money out of these issues on a continuous basis.

No friends ... issues such as above are understood by the intelligent and the thinkers. I say ... discount all this. After knowing the above flaws in India, what can we do to mitigate and then improve the situation. My essay is about this.

I am thinking about the 85 million households (out of a total of 192 million total) who do not get electricity as per the 2001-census and I am thinking about the 0.62 million households who have NO MEANS of lighting at all. Since each household is average of 5.3 persons, you can calculate the number of citizens who belong to the Bharat part of India, who are living in the 'stone-age' already. They deserve some solace and attention from those who are better off. So my essay is for them. Let us and our neighbours do a small thing that costs us nothing. Let us bring 'light' into their lives by not wasting it in ours. At least the twelve hour power cuts will reduce for some of them.

Now ... think carefully about human nature. The 'have nots' hear about Radio, TV, Mobiles, Theatres, fast cars, good clothes, fine restaurants, Clubs and Malls, where lights burn day and night, from their relatives and friends who visit them twice a year from the towns and cities. They are undergoing a slow burn of anger. Some support or join the Maoists, the Naxals and the fanatic fringe groups. Some of them believe the injustice can only be removed by revolution, not evolution. They will not wait any longer for the 'trickle down effect', after all it is sixty years since political independence. They rush to the cities with a huge chip on their shoulders and we all face a 'situation' as the police call it. The kinds of citizens who are currently causing the rapid urbanization are often from this category. They want more and they shall have it, legality be damned. This fact of life should motivate the better off citizens to do what ever is in their power to reduce the 'anger' of the 'have-nots'. My essay is also for them.

... WHY CANNOT MORE BE SPENT ON RnD AND EFFICIENT PRODUCTS?

As of now, India is not in a position either to make 'heavy investment' in developing 'energy efficient products' or setting up the RnD facilities for the same. These things happen in 'developed societies' where citizens do not suffer from the deficiency syndrome. Those who
have such technology want an arm and leg for it ... a short sighted policy I say since it affects global resources which can only reduce with time and affect the greedy too. India needs to work hard to feed the undernourished 50% of the national children, educate them to make them employable and provide health care to about 500,000 villages, all this in spite of the 'leakages' in the system. India needs to urgently provide irrigation, roads, ports, cold chains, etc. to allow movement of goods and farm products from factory-farm to table. Funds are short for research and expensive technology in spite of consistent rapid growth in GDP. In fact proposed budgetary allocation is much below the individual ministry expectations. Remember the 'leakages' in our system are caused by Indian's and nobody else ... due to their persistent deficiency syndrome. The 'have-nots' are easily corrupted and propagate corruption too. Once their life, health, family and work is secure, corruption and leakages reduce drastically. Example is the Swedish countries.

... WHY NOT LET MARKET FORCES DECIDE PRICES TO CONTROL DEMAND?

The USA has prices fairly close to market rates, they are the best example of market driven economy. Yet, you will not find any 'reduction' in consumption of resources like water, electricity, energy, materials, etc. More Hummers and SUVs are sold and more bathtubs and
showers and home appliances are installed in homes, more food is wasted. People don't mind running three income jobs, but have difficulty in trying to reduce their spends. They prefer to run 'wholly debt homes' and have no cash in hand. They continue to run a national trade deficit of almost USD 1.7 billion per day and just print paper money to cover it. On a smaller scale the same situation exists in Euroland. So market prices will not work in a growing economy ... it will feed on itself and cause a runaway inflation as in Brazil and Indonesia and even China as per the latest reports.

... WHAT CAN THE ANGRY HAVE-NOTS DO?

The ignorant and the abject poor don't care which hell they reach. "Freedom's just another word for nothing left to lose"...Jonny Cash in 'Me and Bobby McGee'. While they riot and die and their families learn, the rest of the nation suffers terribly and thus evil spreads. Lack of fulfilment of basic desires, breeds anger, which leads to inappropriate action and thus violence and evil spreads. Excellent examples: Sudan, Kenya, Somalia, Pakistan, Afghanistan and so on.

... TACKLE THE ROOT CAUSE FIRST?

This is now being addressed by the federal politicos, since we have parliament election coming up within twelve months. Even with 80% implementation, some 62,000 MW of new power will be generated (in the current five year plan for 2007-2011), and then 32 million households will have electricity. Global statistics indicate that up to 10% of the population, that is up to 20 million households, will probably remain unreachable for various reasons. The 2001 census data talks of 85 million household without electricity, this figure will probably be some 15 million lower by end-2007. Thus some 18 million households will have to suffer the humiliation and therefore anger for another five years. What do you think they will want to do? I expect serious law and order issues.

... MY CONCLUSION!!

Indian energy statistical data has been analysed by global consultants and it is determined that up to 25% energy CAN be saved by better management. If we target this then 122 billion electrical units can be saved per year, thereby bringing electricity to another 4 million households. As more electricity is generated, the 25% saving statistic will enable more households to receive electricity and the continuous 'power cuts' may recede. This will create hope among the 'have-nots' and hopefully enable them to be economically fruitful in their home areas and thus prevent them from rushing to the cities to live like slaves and create 'situations' for all citizens. Further, the backward districts will begin to prosper.

I therefore repeat, saving makes sense if only to protect our way of life and simultaneously help others improve theirs. The greatest innovations and solutions have throughout history always come from 'concerned citizens' and private groups ... never by waiting for government to take corrective actions.