For those emancipated Indian women it is a ‘life and death’ issue - Men shrug it off as a ‘ non issue’
· Yes, the Yadav chieftains are worried. If this happens then how can they find berths for sons, nephews, uncles, et all who had hoped to stand for elections and get elected. The family ties would take a knock. And so one of them said, a la Socrates style ‘ it is better to drink poison rather than………’
· For the sophisticated Indian ladies there is no issue more important than this. But as there is not much of evidence or supporting arguments for their demand, they have invoked the time honoured approach of being shrill in their arguments, which are:
(1) other countries have done it ( only scanty evidence available )
(2) it did not happen in India because we have a patriarchal society ( Yet India had women as Prime Minister, Chief Ministers, Judge of Supreme Court, Speaker of Lok Sabha and a number of Union Ministers all the time in the Union Cabinet ).
(3) Fifty percent Indian population is women whereas in Parliament they have only ten percent representation ( Same is the case with most of the religions other than Hindus ).
(4) This is a measure to emancipate Indian women from the traditional male dominated wretched life they are leading. ( It is farcical to think that by having more women MPs, the lot of Indian women would improve )
(5) In all areas and so also in Parliament, women can and will perform better than men ( almost all men openly and many women silently would disagree with this hypothesis ).
(6) Unless women have higher representation in Parliament, issues affecting women will not receive due importance in the deliberations in Parliament ( It is a most unfair statement, particularly in respect of those people, i.e., Ministers and MPs in the Parliament in the past who had strongly advocated causes of women ) .
(7) Because……….
Points to be noted:
· Women across the country have never agitated for quota for them in Parliament. The agitation now outside the Parliament and in the TV studios has been by the so called emancipated women consisting of writers, social activists, educated and well off and those consider themselves as emancipated and women libbers. During the last few days their decibel level has gone up a few notches.
· There has never been any discrimination in recruitment of women for Government jobs including the coveted IAS/IFS/IPS. Yet if their number has been small always compared to men, it is just because more women did not try to pass the exams. for entry.
· In IT segment, there is no discrimination and large number of women ( girls ) have entered the sector.
· One finds more and more women in other walks of lives also, such as doctors, lawyers, etc.,
· Since Congress, BJP and Communists ( and so also some of the other smaller parties ) have subscribed openly to this proposition, why not they agree to implement the same voluntarily without taking recourse to Constitutional arrangement ( then those parties which had not agreed to would have an edge is not a weighty argument considering that these three parties with some of their allies have captured a very high percentage of vote in the last elections ).
· Panchayats have 33% reservation for women, which is proposed to be increased to 50%. That gives more women to get elected to Panchayats. What this means is that more and more women would have an opportunity to function in the public space/place. And that would train women to successfully fight against men in polls ( for the post of MP). Then no quota would be required.
· Logically from Panchayats it is the State Assemblies. Without reservation in State Assemblies for women, why jump straightaway to Parliament.
For the above reasons, I find that I have no other option but to support the Yadavs, though their obscurantist views on many matters clearly indicate that they are out of step with the changes that are happening world over, including India.
Signing off: There was a TV debate on the subject. Two men who questioned the concept were virtually shouted down by the women speakers who were occupying various high positions in the country. My sympathies are with these two gentlemen who had a taste of wrath of women.
*****
Tuesday, June 16, 2009
Saturday, June 13, 2009
GDP
GDP GROWTH AND TRICKLE DOWN EFFECT
To businessmen, some of the economists, pundits in fourth estate and some of the Ministers and babus in Government, high GDP growth is the ‘be all and end all’ in economic development. All of them are pinning for +9% growth, if not this year, at least from next year onwards. And then they say with euphoria unmatched in respect of any other subject that such a development would take India to be the third country after USA and China with highest GDP level in 2020 or 2030.
To the awkward question as to what extent such continuous high growth in GDP would improve the living conditions of the poor, they all quote the ‘ trickle down ‘ theory.
But there is the uncomfortable fact that even after 60 years of planned economy, this country still have millions of people who are living in absolute misery, i.e., the GDP growth has bypassed them. They have not enough to eat for mere sustenance. They have no drinking water or medical facilities or a roof over their head or school facilities or assured work throughout the year. Then what is the guarantee that further growth would also not overlook them.
Out of the last twelve years, on an average there have been 10,000 suicides per year of farmers in this country in the first ten years, with last two years the figure going up to 13,000 and 15,000 respectively.
Simply put, developments plans of the past had virtually skipped a large mass of people in the rural areas. And hence migration of rural unemployed in large numbers to cities and also to other States.
‘ GDP yardstick is badly flawed as a guide to a nation’s economic well being. A nation’s well being depends on many factors ignored by GDP, such as leisure time, income inequality and the quality of the environment.’ - Economist, London
‘The way GDP is measured yields at best a very gross estimate of productive activity in the country. In spite of everyone knowing this, the slightest fluctuation in the estimated GDP becomes the basis for elaborate theses – for gloom or elation. The imperfections of measurement apart, what has grown in the reference period is almost never the object of scrutiny.’- Arun Shourie:
Aware of the limitations of GDP as a yardstick of growth, economists are often circumspect on the subject. World over, increasingly more and more ‘wise-men’ have started making contrary noise on high GDP growth, with its ill effects on ecology, fast depletion of natural resources, wastages, etc., They also point out that quite often the benefits of high GDP growth do not percolate to low income people, whereas the negative factors of such high growth will have to be borne by all people and possibly more by poor people.
( The large number of cases before the various courts in India would indicate that we are a litigant prone people. Related to the subject under discussion, processing such a large number of cases by courts, does add to the level of GDP growth, because income accrued by service rendered is included in GDP. Alcohol and cigarette consumption goes up. The same improves the level of GDP. More gossip magazines come into the market. That also adds to GDP ).
Developmental economists, foremost among them being Prof. Amartya Sen, has been emphasizing this aspect in their writings. It is in this context that the importance of various schemes announced by the Government to tackle the above mentioned problems have to be seen, though, sadly, except for lip sympathy, businessmen, educated and high salaried Indians, fourth estate, government babus have not evinced any interest in these schemes. But politicians have, primarily in their own interest ( poor people look at them for an assisting hand and also for claiming votes ). Suicide of a boy for failing in an exam. is repeatedly telecast in TV channels with lot of commentaries, whereas suicides of over thousand farmers get a few minutes of lip sympathy in both print and visual media. Hardly any of the papers / TV channels have done in depth stories on farmer suicides or come up with suggestions on how to arrest the repetition of such horrifying catastrophe. For both print and visual media, India by far means the megalopolis.
Only 2% o Indian population are involved in stock market one way or another. Yet as it is about real money, it occupies a lot of space in Indian politics and economics. GDP growth in India, particularly that area related to high tech and business growth touch 10% to 20% of the population. For another 50% or 60% of the population it is business as usual. Then there is the bottom of the pyramid consisting of the poor. 50 years of planned development had hardly touched them in the sense their lot has been as it was fifty years back. It is clear that ‘trickling down’ theory had not worked for them. If that be so, then the big ticket reforms proposed also would not touch them. So after a decade India may be counted in the big league in the comity of nations in GDP, but 10 to 20 crores of people in India would continue to live in miserable conditions.
It is in the above context one has to view the mega projects for improving the lot of those who are in the lower rung of pyramid now being undertaken by Government. There would be any number of economic arguments against the schemes. Be that it may. Such schemes are necessary to give succor to the poor.
What the Government should do is to enlist the support of all parties, State Governments and Civil Society in effectively implementing the following developmental projects announced by Government, primarily directed towards improving the lot of the poor in villages.
Agenda for/of the new Government:
A modern nation is defined by four non negotiable rights: equality of citizenship across origin and gender; secularism; liberty of speech; and economic equity ( M.J. Akbar, veteran journalist ). While in respect of the first three rights, there has been considerable advancement in the past, for a large number of people the last right has remained elusive. The projects mentioned below have to be considered in that background.
In other words, while the Governments ( including the period when BJP was in power ) in the past have been striving to achieve all the postulates on the count of economic inequity, we have yet to go far.
1. Bharat Nirman Project ( Rs. 1.74 lakh crore project )
Every village in India with over 1000 population to have an all-weather road, every habitation to have water supply, every village to have a telephone and every village to be electrified. Launched in 2005 – So far spent Rs. 1.14 crore )
2. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) ( Rs. 44,480 crores )
Launched in 2006, the Scheme provides for 100 days of assured employment per year per person per household. ( or cash payment @ Rs. 100 per day for 100 days ). Panchayats to oversee the implementation of the Scheme. The scheme has been lauded world over. The implementation level varies from State to State.
The scheme would reduce the level of migration of poor landless unemployed persons from villages to cities/towns. It is said that the Scheme had brought in lot of votes to Congress. Some of the opposition ruled states have also tried to take credit for bringing out with such a scheme. But that is not the point. Nobody disputes that the scheme has given succor to a lot of unemployed people.
Inevitable that in respect of such a scheme, there would be leakages. Further, as had happened in respect of many such welfare schemes, vested interests ( including political ) would muscle into managing the scheme.
Many an economist may argue against the concept of the scheme. Since employment has to be provided under the scheme, even non-worthwhile projects may be taken up. It would be difficult to measure the return from investment. But there can be no two opinion that the scheme would to some extent mitigate the grinding poverty many unemployed in the villages are going through. ( As could be expected, World Bank had expressed reservations on the concept while ILO had welcomed the Scheme )
3. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan ( Rs. 60,000 crores )
Launched in 2001, the scheme is to provide elementary education to all children. While enrolment aspect has been quite successful, it was found that by far a large number of children drop out at the VIIIth standard level. In the rural areas the scheme has become extremely popular.
1. Mid Day Meal Scheme ( Rs. 33,000 crores )
Supreme Court had also directed Government to implement the scheme, which was originally started in 1990 but gained real momentum during the last few years. 11.74 crore school children have been benefitted under the scheme. In fact the scheme has given a major impetus for the really poor to send their children to schools.
2. National Rural Health Mission ( Rs. 31,000 crores )
Launched in 2005 to build a healthcare delivery system the entire rural population. What is lamentable is that the States have been able to spend so far only Rs. 20,000 crores under the scheme.
6. Total Sanitation Campaign ( Rs. 5,100 crores )
This is a scheme which has been in operation for long but not very successful. The Scheme was to build toilets in rural areas. Lack of water and habit of using open places as toilet have been cited as reasons for the lacklustre performance of this scheme. Civil society and social workers have a major role to play in successful implementation of the scheme.
7. Integrated Child Development Services – (Rs. 32,000 crores )
The Scheme provides nutiritional supplements, health check-ups and immunization coverae to children up to the age of 6 years to reduce mortality and disease. It also provides nbutritional supplements to pregnant and lactating mothers.
8. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission ( Rs.7500 crores )
The Scheme is to build basic infrastructure, improve governance and provide basic facilities to the urban poor in 63 cities over seven years.
9. Polio eradication ( Rs. 9000 crores )
A Scheme in respect of the above was launched in 1994 which helped in reducing polio cases and India was to become polio free. But a few pockets are now showing resistance to immunization. Hence this Project.
Concluding remarks:
· Yes, there would be leakages and project implementation could be delayed. Having seen that such schemes could work, Government of India is placing all out emphasis on the projects. In political circles also there is awareness on the need to efficiently managing these schemes.
· But where is the money to be found – naturally that would be the second question. From high GDP growth which would bring in more revenue to Government.
· Once the funds earmarked for the projects are spent, there would renewed demand from all quarters to further extend the schemes and also for bringing in more such schemes. And Governments ( whichever party is in power ) must accede to such demands.
*****
To businessmen, some of the economists, pundits in fourth estate and some of the Ministers and babus in Government, high GDP growth is the ‘be all and end all’ in economic development. All of them are pinning for +9% growth, if not this year, at least from next year onwards. And then they say with euphoria unmatched in respect of any other subject that such a development would take India to be the third country after USA and China with highest GDP level in 2020 or 2030.
To the awkward question as to what extent such continuous high growth in GDP would improve the living conditions of the poor, they all quote the ‘ trickle down ‘ theory.
But there is the uncomfortable fact that even after 60 years of planned economy, this country still have millions of people who are living in absolute misery, i.e., the GDP growth has bypassed them. They have not enough to eat for mere sustenance. They have no drinking water or medical facilities or a roof over their head or school facilities or assured work throughout the year. Then what is the guarantee that further growth would also not overlook them.
Out of the last twelve years, on an average there have been 10,000 suicides per year of farmers in this country in the first ten years, with last two years the figure going up to 13,000 and 15,000 respectively.
Simply put, developments plans of the past had virtually skipped a large mass of people in the rural areas. And hence migration of rural unemployed in large numbers to cities and also to other States.
‘ GDP yardstick is badly flawed as a guide to a nation’s economic well being. A nation’s well being depends on many factors ignored by GDP, such as leisure time, income inequality and the quality of the environment.’ - Economist, London
‘The way GDP is measured yields at best a very gross estimate of productive activity in the country. In spite of everyone knowing this, the slightest fluctuation in the estimated GDP becomes the basis for elaborate theses – for gloom or elation. The imperfections of measurement apart, what has grown in the reference period is almost never the object of scrutiny.’- Arun Shourie:
Aware of the limitations of GDP as a yardstick of growth, economists are often circumspect on the subject. World over, increasingly more and more ‘wise-men’ have started making contrary noise on high GDP growth, with its ill effects on ecology, fast depletion of natural resources, wastages, etc., They also point out that quite often the benefits of high GDP growth do not percolate to low income people, whereas the negative factors of such high growth will have to be borne by all people and possibly more by poor people.
( The large number of cases before the various courts in India would indicate that we are a litigant prone people. Related to the subject under discussion, processing such a large number of cases by courts, does add to the level of GDP growth, because income accrued by service rendered is included in GDP. Alcohol and cigarette consumption goes up. The same improves the level of GDP. More gossip magazines come into the market. That also adds to GDP ).
Developmental economists, foremost among them being Prof. Amartya Sen, has been emphasizing this aspect in their writings. It is in this context that the importance of various schemes announced by the Government to tackle the above mentioned problems have to be seen, though, sadly, except for lip sympathy, businessmen, educated and high salaried Indians, fourth estate, government babus have not evinced any interest in these schemes. But politicians have, primarily in their own interest ( poor people look at them for an assisting hand and also for claiming votes ). Suicide of a boy for failing in an exam. is repeatedly telecast in TV channels with lot of commentaries, whereas suicides of over thousand farmers get a few minutes of lip sympathy in both print and visual media. Hardly any of the papers / TV channels have done in depth stories on farmer suicides or come up with suggestions on how to arrest the repetition of such horrifying catastrophe. For both print and visual media, India by far means the megalopolis.
Only 2% o Indian population are involved in stock market one way or another. Yet as it is about real money, it occupies a lot of space in Indian politics and economics. GDP growth in India, particularly that area related to high tech and business growth touch 10% to 20% of the population. For another 50% or 60% of the population it is business as usual. Then there is the bottom of the pyramid consisting of the poor. 50 years of planned development had hardly touched them in the sense their lot has been as it was fifty years back. It is clear that ‘trickling down’ theory had not worked for them. If that be so, then the big ticket reforms proposed also would not touch them. So after a decade India may be counted in the big league in the comity of nations in GDP, but 10 to 20 crores of people in India would continue to live in miserable conditions.
It is in the above context one has to view the mega projects for improving the lot of those who are in the lower rung of pyramid now being undertaken by Government. There would be any number of economic arguments against the schemes. Be that it may. Such schemes are necessary to give succor to the poor.
What the Government should do is to enlist the support of all parties, State Governments and Civil Society in effectively implementing the following developmental projects announced by Government, primarily directed towards improving the lot of the poor in villages.
Agenda for/of the new Government:
A modern nation is defined by four non negotiable rights: equality of citizenship across origin and gender; secularism; liberty of speech; and economic equity ( M.J. Akbar, veteran journalist ). While in respect of the first three rights, there has been considerable advancement in the past, for a large number of people the last right has remained elusive. The projects mentioned below have to be considered in that background.
In other words, while the Governments ( including the period when BJP was in power ) in the past have been striving to achieve all the postulates on the count of economic inequity, we have yet to go far.
1. Bharat Nirman Project ( Rs. 1.74 lakh crore project )
Every village in India with over 1000 population to have an all-weather road, every habitation to have water supply, every village to have a telephone and every village to be electrified. Launched in 2005 – So far spent Rs. 1.14 crore )
2. National Rural Employment Guarantee Scheme (NREGS) ( Rs. 44,480 crores )
Launched in 2006, the Scheme provides for 100 days of assured employment per year per person per household. ( or cash payment @ Rs. 100 per day for 100 days ). Panchayats to oversee the implementation of the Scheme. The scheme has been lauded world over. The implementation level varies from State to State.
The scheme would reduce the level of migration of poor landless unemployed persons from villages to cities/towns. It is said that the Scheme had brought in lot of votes to Congress. Some of the opposition ruled states have also tried to take credit for bringing out with such a scheme. But that is not the point. Nobody disputes that the scheme has given succor to a lot of unemployed people.
Inevitable that in respect of such a scheme, there would be leakages. Further, as had happened in respect of many such welfare schemes, vested interests ( including political ) would muscle into managing the scheme.
Many an economist may argue against the concept of the scheme. Since employment has to be provided under the scheme, even non-worthwhile projects may be taken up. It would be difficult to measure the return from investment. But there can be no two opinion that the scheme would to some extent mitigate the grinding poverty many unemployed in the villages are going through. ( As could be expected, World Bank had expressed reservations on the concept while ILO had welcomed the Scheme )
3. Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan ( Rs. 60,000 crores )
Launched in 2001, the scheme is to provide elementary education to all children. While enrolment aspect has been quite successful, it was found that by far a large number of children drop out at the VIIIth standard level. In the rural areas the scheme has become extremely popular.
1. Mid Day Meal Scheme ( Rs. 33,000 crores )
Supreme Court had also directed Government to implement the scheme, which was originally started in 1990 but gained real momentum during the last few years. 11.74 crore school children have been benefitted under the scheme. In fact the scheme has given a major impetus for the really poor to send their children to schools.
2. National Rural Health Mission ( Rs. 31,000 crores )
Launched in 2005 to build a healthcare delivery system the entire rural population. What is lamentable is that the States have been able to spend so far only Rs. 20,000 crores under the scheme.
6. Total Sanitation Campaign ( Rs. 5,100 crores )
This is a scheme which has been in operation for long but not very successful. The Scheme was to build toilets in rural areas. Lack of water and habit of using open places as toilet have been cited as reasons for the lacklustre performance of this scheme. Civil society and social workers have a major role to play in successful implementation of the scheme.
7. Integrated Child Development Services – (Rs. 32,000 crores )
The Scheme provides nutiritional supplements, health check-ups and immunization coverae to children up to the age of 6 years to reduce mortality and disease. It also provides nbutritional supplements to pregnant and lactating mothers.
8. Jawaharlal Nehru National Urban Renewal Mission ( Rs.7500 crores )
The Scheme is to build basic infrastructure, improve governance and provide basic facilities to the urban poor in 63 cities over seven years.
9. Polio eradication ( Rs. 9000 crores )
A Scheme in respect of the above was launched in 1994 which helped in reducing polio cases and India was to become polio free. But a few pockets are now showing resistance to immunization. Hence this Project.
Concluding remarks:
· Yes, there would be leakages and project implementation could be delayed. Having seen that such schemes could work, Government of India is placing all out emphasis on the projects. In political circles also there is awareness on the need to efficiently managing these schemes.
· But where is the money to be found – naturally that would be the second question. From high GDP growth which would bring in more revenue to Government.
· Once the funds earmarked for the projects are spent, there would renewed demand from all quarters to further extend the schemes and also for bringing in more such schemes. And Governments ( whichever party is in power ) must accede to such demands.
*****
Monday, June 8, 2009
DYNASTY DEBATE IN RESPECT OF
Hydra-headed, the subject matter gets propped up to debating area in respect of Indian intelligentsia and fourth estate, whenever occasion arises to bash up the Indian political system. Latest is the election of Ms. Meira Kumar, daughter of late Babu Jagjivan Ram, as the Speaker of Lok Sabha. Dynasty politics, in a derogatory manner is referred to in respect of Nehru family also. So also about Abdullas of Kashmir and Karunadhi of Tamil Nadu.
But consider the following:
1. Semi educated and management deficient progenies of businessmen could overnight assume high and important posts in the family managed ( which is euphemistically termed by the businessmen as ‘ family owned’ ) business organization, despite the fact that the entity has public money of shareholders and banks, besides employing a large number of people. This is accepted as a normal feature of business and hence taken for granted, despite the fact that inefficient running of the organization would affect banks and livelihood of employees.
2. The same, i.e., son inheriting and subsequently managing, applies to most of the small time commercial activities, be it chawl type tea shop, barber shop, cycle repair shop.
3. During the British times, it was the normal practice to give job to the son of Indian retiring from the service of the company.
4. For a long time in respect of Government jobs, unsaid preference was given to sons/daughters of people who are or have worked in Government.
5. Even in religious bodies, temple management more often than not is passed on from father to son.
6. Even in fourth estate this has been happening, despite print/visual media, making fun or chastising such development in the political arena. The son takes up the position of chief from father. And some times the son even changes the tilt of the entity.
7. Dynasty or no dynasty, the fact has to be noted that a person has to win an election to be eligible for the post of Minister. There may be immediate reaction that a person can partially circumvent this condition by coming through Rajya Sabha. Yet there is also election. Just because a person is son of a Minister he cannot claim entitlement for a ticket.
8. For a long long time India was ruled by kings. At one time there were over 500 kingdoms. The accepted principle was for the eldest son to occupy the throne or for any reason the king ( father ) is not favourably disposed off towards the eldest son, then may be the second or third son is made the king.
9. The above position was the case more or less in respect of most of the countries in the world. It still continues in Arab countries. Both England and Japan have kings as titular heads in whose case also the position is hereditary.
And lastly, what about House of Lords in U.K.
King’s father has to be king, but Minister’s father need not be Minister.
End note: Despite all these cogent arguments, the fourth estate may still say that this does not happen in America. For the fourth estate, mesmerized as it is by USA, all the wisdom can be found in what America is doing. Forget the meaningless war and resultant killings of thousands of Vietnamese or annihilating Japan by Atom bombs by Americans.
*********
But consider the following:
1. Semi educated and management deficient progenies of businessmen could overnight assume high and important posts in the family managed ( which is euphemistically termed by the businessmen as ‘ family owned’ ) business organization, despite the fact that the entity has public money of shareholders and banks, besides employing a large number of people. This is accepted as a normal feature of business and hence taken for granted, despite the fact that inefficient running of the organization would affect banks and livelihood of employees.
2. The same, i.e., son inheriting and subsequently managing, applies to most of the small time commercial activities, be it chawl type tea shop, barber shop, cycle repair shop.
3. During the British times, it was the normal practice to give job to the son of Indian retiring from the service of the company.
4. For a long time in respect of Government jobs, unsaid preference was given to sons/daughters of people who are or have worked in Government.
5. Even in religious bodies, temple management more often than not is passed on from father to son.
6. Even in fourth estate this has been happening, despite print/visual media, making fun or chastising such development in the political arena. The son takes up the position of chief from father. And some times the son even changes the tilt of the entity.
7. Dynasty or no dynasty, the fact has to be noted that a person has to win an election to be eligible for the post of Minister. There may be immediate reaction that a person can partially circumvent this condition by coming through Rajya Sabha. Yet there is also election. Just because a person is son of a Minister he cannot claim entitlement for a ticket.
8. For a long long time India was ruled by kings. At one time there were over 500 kingdoms. The accepted principle was for the eldest son to occupy the throne or for any reason the king ( father ) is not favourably disposed off towards the eldest son, then may be the second or third son is made the king.
9. The above position was the case more or less in respect of most of the countries in the world. It still continues in Arab countries. Both England and Japan have kings as titular heads in whose case also the position is hereditary.
And lastly, what about House of Lords in U.K.
King’s father has to be king, but Minister’s father need not be Minister.
End note: Despite all these cogent arguments, the fourth estate may still say that this does not happen in America. For the fourth estate, mesmerized as it is by USA, all the wisdom can be found in what America is doing. Forget the meaningless war and resultant killings of thousands of Vietnamese or annihilating Japan by Atom bombs by Americans.
*********
Saturday, June 6, 2009
ENGLISH PRINT/VISUAL MEDIA’S
If the English media is to be believed that for all inactions of Government in the past, the blame squarely lies with communists. Forget the fact that Government could not go ahead with reservation of seats in Parliament for women mainly because of objection of two Yadav chieftains. Except in respect of Nuclear deal, closer relation with US and some of the fiscal reforms ( dilution of public sector holdings, more freer flow of FDI, disinvestment, pension reforms ), communists had whole-heartedly backed Government in respect of various welfare oriented schemes, which had not been the case with some other parties or the English media.
Now that Government has announced mega programmes, the qualifying statement of media has been that this or that programme can be implemented because communists cannot block the same or that the Left is out of the way.
The second prejudice or, say, confusion of the media is that they are echoing business class when giving all round importance to GDP growth. This is not to minimize the importance of GDP growth. But for a country with millions of people down and under, GDP cannot be the sole or most important criteria for development. Past GDP growth has left behind a large mass of people, i.e., their lives are not touched by GDP growth. For instance landless labourers in the rural area. But they have found some succor in the schemes of 100 days employment and supply of lower priced food-grains. The point is that even if the Government undertakes all the economic reforms, i.e., the agenda of the business and fourth estate, with trickle down theory not operational in respect of unemployed and destitute, their lot would remain the same as it has been in the past. Rural unemployed migrate in large numbers to cities and towns because there is nothing in villages for them to make a bare living.
The idyllic village life is largely a myth, contrary to what poets/story writers/ films say or depict. And hence the villagers in droves are turning to the cities for living. Some of the experts in such matters predict that the flow of village folk to cities for a living will become unmanageable in the times to come, unless they can be persuaded to stay put through some of the welfare measures. This is particularly true of landless unemployed in villages.
Hence the main focus of Government has to be to ensure that the big ticket social welfare measures are implemented effectively, with minimum leakage. If required the allocations for such programmes have to be enhanced. Making available drinking water, bare medical facilities, reasonably good education, assured income for two bare meals, etc., should absolutely take precedence over other activities. Yes, GDP is important and yet it is not an all important factor. Two meals, water, power and school/medical facilities are far more important.
It is said that the massive vote for Congress in the last election was caused primarily on account of the social welfare measures, particularly 100 days employment. It is also said that some of the opposition ruled States had tried to take credit for these measures. Be that as it may. Who gets the credit is not important. That the downtrodden are uplifted is to be ‘the be all.’
Now that Government has announced mega programmes, the qualifying statement of media has been that this or that programme can be implemented because communists cannot block the same or that the Left is out of the way.
The second prejudice or, say, confusion of the media is that they are echoing business class when giving all round importance to GDP growth. This is not to minimize the importance of GDP growth. But for a country with millions of people down and under, GDP cannot be the sole or most important criteria for development. Past GDP growth has left behind a large mass of people, i.e., their lives are not touched by GDP growth. For instance landless labourers in the rural area. But they have found some succor in the schemes of 100 days employment and supply of lower priced food-grains. The point is that even if the Government undertakes all the economic reforms, i.e., the agenda of the business and fourth estate, with trickle down theory not operational in respect of unemployed and destitute, their lot would remain the same as it has been in the past. Rural unemployed migrate in large numbers to cities and towns because there is nothing in villages for them to make a bare living.
The idyllic village life is largely a myth, contrary to what poets/story writers/ films say or depict. And hence the villagers in droves are turning to the cities for living. Some of the experts in such matters predict that the flow of village folk to cities for a living will become unmanageable in the times to come, unless they can be persuaded to stay put through some of the welfare measures. This is particularly true of landless unemployed in villages.
Hence the main focus of Government has to be to ensure that the big ticket social welfare measures are implemented effectively, with minimum leakage. If required the allocations for such programmes have to be enhanced. Making available drinking water, bare medical facilities, reasonably good education, assured income for two bare meals, etc., should absolutely take precedence over other activities. Yes, GDP is important and yet it is not an all important factor. Two meals, water, power and school/medical facilities are far more important.
It is said that the massive vote for Congress in the last election was caused primarily on account of the social welfare measures, particularly 100 days employment. It is also said that some of the opposition ruled States had tried to take credit for these measures. Be that as it may. Who gets the credit is not important. That the downtrodden are uplifted is to be ‘the be all.’
Thursday, June 4, 2009
ENGLISH PRINT/VISUAL MEDIA’S
If the English media is to be believed that for all inactions of Government in the past, the blame squarely lies with communists. Forget the fact that Government could not go ahead with reservation of seats in Parliament for women mainly because of objection of two Yadav chieftains. Except in respect of Nuclear deal, closer relation with US and some of the fiscal reforms ( dilution of public sector holdings, more freer flow of FDI, disinvestment, pension reforms ), communists had whole-heartedly backed Government in respect of various welfare oriented schemes, which had not been the case with some other parties or the English media.
Now that Government has announced mega programmes, the qualifying statement of media has been that this or that programme can be implemented because communists cannot block the same or that the Left is out of the way.
The second prejudice or, say, confusion of the media is that they are echoing business class when giving all round importance to GDP growth. This is not to minimize the importance of GDP growth. But for a country with millions of people down and under, GDP cannot be the sole or most important criteria for development. Past GDP growth has left behind a large mass of people, i.e., their lives are not touched by GDP growth. For instance landless labourers in the rural area. But they have found some succor in the schemes of 100 days employment and supply of lower priced food-grains. The point is that even if the Government undertakes all the economic reforms, i.e., the agenda of the business and fourth estate, with trickle down theory not operational in respect of unemployed and destitute, their lot would remain the same as it has been in the past. Rural unemployed migrate in large numbers to cities and towns because there is nothing in villages for them to make a bare living.
The idyllic village life is largely a myth, contrary to what poets/story writers/ films say or depict. And hence the villagers in droves are turning to the cities for living. Some of the experts in such matters predict that the flow of village folk to cities for a living will become unmanageable in the times to come, unless they can be persuaded to stay put through some of the welfare measures. This is particularly true of landless unemployed in villages.
Hence the main focus of Government has to be to ensure that the big ticket social welfare measures are implemented effectively, with minimum leakage. If required the allocations for such programmes have to be enhanced. Making available drinking water, bare medical facilities, reasonably good education, assured income for two bare meals, etc., should absolutely take precedence over other activities. Yes, GDP is important and yet it is not an all important factor. Two meals, water, power and school/medical facilities are far more important.
It is said that the massive vote for Congress in the last election was caused primarily on account of the social welfare measures, particularly 100 days employment. It is also said that some of the opposition ruled States had tried to take credit for these measures. Be that as it may. Who gets the credit is not important. That the downtrodden are uplifted is to be ‘the be all.’
Now that Government has announced mega programmes, the qualifying statement of media has been that this or that programme can be implemented because communists cannot block the same or that the Left is out of the way.
The second prejudice or, say, confusion of the media is that they are echoing business class when giving all round importance to GDP growth. This is not to minimize the importance of GDP growth. But for a country with millions of people down and under, GDP cannot be the sole or most important criteria for development. Past GDP growth has left behind a large mass of people, i.e., their lives are not touched by GDP growth. For instance landless labourers in the rural area. But they have found some succor in the schemes of 100 days employment and supply of lower priced food-grains. The point is that even if the Government undertakes all the economic reforms, i.e., the agenda of the business and fourth estate, with trickle down theory not operational in respect of unemployed and destitute, their lot would remain the same as it has been in the past. Rural unemployed migrate in large numbers to cities and towns because there is nothing in villages for them to make a bare living.
The idyllic village life is largely a myth, contrary to what poets/story writers/ films say or depict. And hence the villagers in droves are turning to the cities for living. Some of the experts in such matters predict that the flow of village folk to cities for a living will become unmanageable in the times to come, unless they can be persuaded to stay put through some of the welfare measures. This is particularly true of landless unemployed in villages.
Hence the main focus of Government has to be to ensure that the big ticket social welfare measures are implemented effectively, with minimum leakage. If required the allocations for such programmes have to be enhanced. Making available drinking water, bare medical facilities, reasonably good education, assured income for two bare meals, etc., should absolutely take precedence over other activities. Yes, GDP is important and yet it is not an all important factor. Two meals, water, power and school/medical facilities are far more important.
It is said that the massive vote for Congress in the last election was caused primarily on account of the social welfare measures, particularly 100 days employment. It is also said that some of the opposition ruled States had tried to take credit for these measures. Be that as it may. Who gets the credit is not important. That the downtrodden are uplifted is to be ‘the be all.’
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
बिज़र्रे - विथ instalment
19. INNOVATIVE WAYS OF BAG LIFTERS
A lady Professor had gone for lunch with her friends to a posh hotel when a woman, in the garb of attending to her baby who was near the chair occupied by the Professor where the Professor’s bag was kept, bent down and walked away with the bag and child. Since the Prof. had no clue on where her bag had gone, she asked for the hotel’s CCTV footage. The Prof. said ‘ I had kept the bag under my chair. Two women alongwith a toddler were sitting behind us. In the CCTV footage I saw that the toddler came near my feet and one of the two women in the pretext of picking up the child, took away both the child and my bag also.’
My comments: In almost every walk of our lives we like and applaud innovation. It is innovation of electrical gadgets that have made our life easier and less tedious. Be it cell phone, TV. Air conditioner, car or aeroplane, it is innovation that has led to progress. But then why should we assume that innovation will be limited to pluses only. Thieves are also becoming innovative.
20. THIEF CAUGHT SLEEPING ON THE JOB
A stationary shop owner opened his shop to find that all the costly items were packed in cartons and cash was missing. Realising that a burglary had been attempted, he wondered why the thief had left without taking the booty, when he heard a sound from the rear of the shop and spotted the thief snoring under a cot, police officials said. The thief was woken up and was stunned to find the shopkeeper and the police surrounding him. Admitting that he had broken into the shop, he was, however, at a loss to explain how he fell asleep, police said.
My comments: It is not unusual for watchmen to sleep. That we take for granted. In the case of many a child, the movement in the early night when he opens the school book, he feels sleepy. There are many who are regular sleepers in the office. In the instant case, the thief after breaking into the shop and packing the stolen goods, would have been tired and thought of closing his eyes for a few minutes. But then his body needed longer rest and so the incident happened.
24: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Recently this award was given to Machhli. Machhli is a tigress of 12 year age. She has given birth to nine cubs. She has given darshan to over 100 million people. And for all this, she has been given the life achievement award. Machhli was born in Ranthambore National Park. Julian Mathews, Chairman and Founder of the UK based non profit body Tour Operators for Tigers, on behalf of the Foundation while giving away the award stated ‘ Machhli was selected for the award on the basis of several factors. She has been spotted by over 100 million tourists. She has been captured on camera, allowing tens of millions more to watch her on television. And the revenue generated has greatly benefited the sanctuary.’
My comments: We human beings ( who should really be labeled as inhuman beings ) are always surprised to hear news like this. We think it is the prerogative of human beings to get awards. ‘ What can the tiger do with the award?’ that would be the comment. Some would sneer at the peccadilloes of the foreign guys. Our care, appreciation and recognition of animals never go beyond a line we have drawn up with this side the higher and glorious (!) human beings and on the other side the junglees. It is time that we change our attitudes.
25. GROOM AND RELATIVES THASHED FOR ASKING HIGHER DOWRY THAN SETTLED EARLIER
This happened in Haryana. The bride groom and his family had earlier agreed to a Maruti car as dowry from the side of the bride. This was agreed to as the bride’s father wanted his daughter to marry somebody educated and the groom was studying in Jamia Milia Islamia. Everything was fine and the nikaah was performed with all pomp and show. However, when the time came for ‘bidaai ‘ and bride’s father went to hand over the key of Maruti Alto to the bridegroom, the latter refused to take it. The Groom said that he would not accept anything less than a Scorpio and Rs. 15 lakh in cash.
Since this was going back on the understanding, a fact known to the villagers who were present at the nikaah, the bridegroom and his father were not only beaten black and blue by the villagers, but they also took 25 baraatis hostage and tonsured head of the groom and his father. Later in the night, a village panchayat was called and it pronounced the decision that the family of the groom would have to pay Rs. 8 lakh to the bride’s family, which according to the Panchayat was the money spent by the girl’s family since engagement, if the groom, his family and the baraatis wanted to get released. Left with no other option the groom’s family agreed to pay the money. Then they were released. The marriage was called off and the groom was forced to divorce his wife even before the ‘bidaai’ as he did not ‘ deserve her.’
Meanwhile, the police chose to keep away from the spot. A senior police officer defended the move saying that in cases like this, panchayat takes its own decision.
My comments: I applaud the action of the girl’s parents, the village folks and that of the Police. In many places in India, particularly in Kerala, this pernicious dowry system is vanishing. Yet in large parts of the country, mainly in rural areas, the custom is in tact. It is not that the parents of the girls happily give away dowry. They do it because it is the custom. Often they are forced to sell part of their land or give away part of their savings or borrow money, with the indebtedness making their subsequent living miserable. Yet individually parents of the girls cannot oppose the system, because that would result in the girls not getting married. Social workers have to take the initiative. Educated and employed boys and girls will have to stand up against the system. The Panchayat has to take the initiative, as in the instant case. But the Panchayat referred to in the instant case did not oppose payment of the dowry but only intervened when the groom’s parents showed their arm twisting methods to get more dowry than agreed to. And once such a movement starts, then there is no stopping.
A lady Professor had gone for lunch with her friends to a posh hotel when a woman, in the garb of attending to her baby who was near the chair occupied by the Professor where the Professor’s bag was kept, bent down and walked away with the bag and child. Since the Prof. had no clue on where her bag had gone, she asked for the hotel’s CCTV footage. The Prof. said ‘ I had kept the bag under my chair. Two women alongwith a toddler were sitting behind us. In the CCTV footage I saw that the toddler came near my feet and one of the two women in the pretext of picking up the child, took away both the child and my bag also.’
My comments: In almost every walk of our lives we like and applaud innovation. It is innovation of electrical gadgets that have made our life easier and less tedious. Be it cell phone, TV. Air conditioner, car or aeroplane, it is innovation that has led to progress. But then why should we assume that innovation will be limited to pluses only. Thieves are also becoming innovative.
20. THIEF CAUGHT SLEEPING ON THE JOB
A stationary shop owner opened his shop to find that all the costly items were packed in cartons and cash was missing. Realising that a burglary had been attempted, he wondered why the thief had left without taking the booty, when he heard a sound from the rear of the shop and spotted the thief snoring under a cot, police officials said. The thief was woken up and was stunned to find the shopkeeper and the police surrounding him. Admitting that he had broken into the shop, he was, however, at a loss to explain how he fell asleep, police said.
My comments: It is not unusual for watchmen to sleep. That we take for granted. In the case of many a child, the movement in the early night when he opens the school book, he feels sleepy. There are many who are regular sleepers in the office. In the instant case, the thief after breaking into the shop and packing the stolen goods, would have been tired and thought of closing his eyes for a few minutes. But then his body needed longer rest and so the incident happened.
24: LIFE TIME ACHIEVEMENT AWARD:
Recently this award was given to Machhli. Machhli is a tigress of 12 year age. She has given birth to nine cubs. She has given darshan to over 100 million people. And for all this, she has been given the life achievement award. Machhli was born in Ranthambore National Park. Julian Mathews, Chairman and Founder of the UK based non profit body Tour Operators for Tigers, on behalf of the Foundation while giving away the award stated ‘ Machhli was selected for the award on the basis of several factors. She has been spotted by over 100 million tourists. She has been captured on camera, allowing tens of millions more to watch her on television. And the revenue generated has greatly benefited the sanctuary.’
My comments: We human beings ( who should really be labeled as inhuman beings ) are always surprised to hear news like this. We think it is the prerogative of human beings to get awards. ‘ What can the tiger do with the award?’ that would be the comment. Some would sneer at the peccadilloes of the foreign guys. Our care, appreciation and recognition of animals never go beyond a line we have drawn up with this side the higher and glorious (!) human beings and on the other side the junglees. It is time that we change our attitudes.
25. GROOM AND RELATIVES THASHED FOR ASKING HIGHER DOWRY THAN SETTLED EARLIER
This happened in Haryana. The bride groom and his family had earlier agreed to a Maruti car as dowry from the side of the bride. This was agreed to as the bride’s father wanted his daughter to marry somebody educated and the groom was studying in Jamia Milia Islamia. Everything was fine and the nikaah was performed with all pomp and show. However, when the time came for ‘bidaai ‘ and bride’s father went to hand over the key of Maruti Alto to the bridegroom, the latter refused to take it. The Groom said that he would not accept anything less than a Scorpio and Rs. 15 lakh in cash.
Since this was going back on the understanding, a fact known to the villagers who were present at the nikaah, the bridegroom and his father were not only beaten black and blue by the villagers, but they also took 25 baraatis hostage and tonsured head of the groom and his father. Later in the night, a village panchayat was called and it pronounced the decision that the family of the groom would have to pay Rs. 8 lakh to the bride’s family, which according to the Panchayat was the money spent by the girl’s family since engagement, if the groom, his family and the baraatis wanted to get released. Left with no other option the groom’s family agreed to pay the money. Then they were released. The marriage was called off and the groom was forced to divorce his wife even before the ‘bidaai’ as he did not ‘ deserve her.’
Meanwhile, the police chose to keep away from the spot. A senior police officer defended the move saying that in cases like this, panchayat takes its own decision.
My comments: I applaud the action of the girl’s parents, the village folks and that of the Police. In many places in India, particularly in Kerala, this pernicious dowry system is vanishing. Yet in large parts of the country, mainly in rural areas, the custom is in tact. It is not that the parents of the girls happily give away dowry. They do it because it is the custom. Often they are forced to sell part of their land or give away part of their savings or borrow money, with the indebtedness making their subsequent living miserable. Yet individually parents of the girls cannot oppose the system, because that would result in the girls not getting married. Social workers have to take the initiative. Educated and employed boys and girls will have to stand up against the system. The Panchayat has to take the initiative, as in the instant case. But the Panchayat referred to in the instant case did not oppose payment of the dowry but only intervened when the groom’s parents showed their arm twisting methods to get more dowry than agreed to. And once such a movement starts, then there is no stopping.
Monday, June 1, 2009
Bullying / Ragging in colleges
Intense ragging resulting in deaths and high level of trauma in the case of some students were widely reported in the press and there was total condemnation of ragging by society. What was sadder is that the public conscience is outraged only now that the media has bombarded us relentlessly with this news. Did events like this not occur earlier? Were our schools and colleges safe havens prior to these incidents.
Ragging is more of an initiation rite practiced in colleges. In earlier times everybody could differentiate between ragging ( mild form of humiliation of new students ) and bullying ( physical/mental torture of the new students ), though many may not have been able to precisely define the difference. But now ragging is becoming synonymous with bullying.
Most colleges allow ragging in the name of tradition. Managements of most colleges are aware and so also parents of wards sending boys/girls to these institutions that slowly ragging has got converted to bullying and unless something is done the situation may worsen as times goes by. Over a period of time sadistic practices are shrugged off by teachers and parents, largely as an aberration and not a disease to be dealt with.
It is wrong to assume that most of the bullies come from unhappy homes. In fact many come from perfectly normal and happy home/family backgrounds. So how has the problem gone out of gear. One, over a period of time society and particularly youngsters in the society, started admiring macho behaviour, to some extent on account of depiction of such macho characters as heroes in Indian films. Secondly, we are quite simply a nation prone to bullying. Our caste system is perhaps the most sophisticated attempt at legitimizing bullying. Children learn to bully servants from a very early age and parents not only condone this behaviour but tacitly give their approval. If we happen to occupy position of authority or influence or wealth, we encourage our children to flout rules, and flaunting of our authority when they are caught in the act.
So the point is that can many parents claim honestly that they are the right role models for their children when it comes to behaviour towards people much below them, be it in the shape of caste or position of authority. Second point is that unless there is a complaint, most of the parents just close their eyes to the ragging/bullying indulged in by their wards in the Colleges. Teachers are not capable of dealing with such hooliganism. And if the police is to do the job, then they would not touch students who come from families of influence of position. This is applicable to teachers also. Hence unless parents change their behaviour in the homes, many a child would grow up with the perception that he could torment somebody who is weak.
Ragging is more of an initiation rite practiced in colleges. In earlier times everybody could differentiate between ragging ( mild form of humiliation of new students ) and bullying ( physical/mental torture of the new students ), though many may not have been able to precisely define the difference. But now ragging is becoming synonymous with bullying.
Most colleges allow ragging in the name of tradition. Managements of most colleges are aware and so also parents of wards sending boys/girls to these institutions that slowly ragging has got converted to bullying and unless something is done the situation may worsen as times goes by. Over a period of time sadistic practices are shrugged off by teachers and parents, largely as an aberration and not a disease to be dealt with.
It is wrong to assume that most of the bullies come from unhappy homes. In fact many come from perfectly normal and happy home/family backgrounds. So how has the problem gone out of gear. One, over a period of time society and particularly youngsters in the society, started admiring macho behaviour, to some extent on account of depiction of such macho characters as heroes in Indian films. Secondly, we are quite simply a nation prone to bullying. Our caste system is perhaps the most sophisticated attempt at legitimizing bullying. Children learn to bully servants from a very early age and parents not only condone this behaviour but tacitly give their approval. If we happen to occupy position of authority or influence or wealth, we encourage our children to flout rules, and flaunting of our authority when they are caught in the act.
So the point is that can many parents claim honestly that they are the right role models for their children when it comes to behaviour towards people much below them, be it in the shape of caste or position of authority. Second point is that unless there is a complaint, most of the parents just close their eyes to the ragging/bullying indulged in by their wards in the Colleges. Teachers are not capable of dealing with such hooliganism. And if the police is to do the job, then they would not touch students who come from families of influence of position. This is applicable to teachers also. Hence unless parents change their behaviour in the homes, many a child would grow up with the perception that he could torment somebody who is weak.
Right to Information Act ( RTI ):
RTI has become a craze in cities and towns. Yes, many of the cases filed are frivolous. However, the empowerment through this Act, one and all, even the lowly persons, to question the mighty Government, to make the Government squirm and sometimes to rectify an injustice done, et all are welcome developments. Yes, many of the retired Government people with a grouse against the erstwhile Departments in which they served, would be raising many a question, not always for redress of this or that grievance, but to assert their right. It is also a heady time passing activity for many who may have nothing much to do. Yes, their activity would occasionally lead to correcting a wrong. But only rarely. Because bureaucrats, even when their actions do injustice to somebody, are capable of covering their tracks smoothly.
RTI Act has been widely acclaimed as a right step, both from the points of view of rectifying some mistake done by Government, and also unmasking Government action / information, which were hitherto largely shrouded in secrecy.
But there is a down-side to this development. Increasingly time of babus in some of the Government Departments is spent in furnishing the information sought and more than that on obfuscating the truth by vague replies. This is similar to Parliament Questions, on which bureaucrats spend lot of time in preparing clever replies. In both cases, bureaucrats spend much time in determining what information should be given. Information has to be brief, truthful but at the same time revealing as little as can to get over the situation. The position can be succinctly explained by the following example. A Minister, traveling with the Secretary in car in a village lost the way. The Minister stopped the car and asked the villager walking on the road, ‘ where am I.’ The villager replied, ‘ You are in your car.’ The Minister turned to his Secretary and said that ‘the answer is in best Parliamentary tradition. It is truth, it is brief, and it is not giving away any information.’ Both in respect of Parliament questions and information to be given under RTI, alas, the above would be the approach of bureaucracy. But my point is that since giving information under these two routes would take precedence over any other activity of the bureaucrats, they would have still less time to attend to other matters of importance.
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RTI Act has been widely acclaimed as a right step, both from the points of view of rectifying some mistake done by Government, and also unmasking Government action / information, which were hitherto largely shrouded in secrecy.
But there is a down-side to this development. Increasingly time of babus in some of the Government Departments is spent in furnishing the information sought and more than that on obfuscating the truth by vague replies. This is similar to Parliament Questions, on which bureaucrats spend lot of time in preparing clever replies. In both cases, bureaucrats spend much time in determining what information should be given. Information has to be brief, truthful but at the same time revealing as little as can to get over the situation. The position can be succinctly explained by the following example. A Minister, traveling with the Secretary in car in a village lost the way. The Minister stopped the car and asked the villager walking on the road, ‘ where am I.’ The villager replied, ‘ You are in your car.’ The Minister turned to his Secretary and said that ‘the answer is in best Parliamentary tradition. It is truth, it is brief, and it is not giving away any information.’ Both in respect of Parliament questions and information to be given under RTI, alas, the above would be the approach of bureaucracy. But my point is that since giving information under these two routes would take precedence over any other activity of the bureaucrats, they would have still less time to attend to other matters of importance.
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