India in mourning

India is mourning the death of the gang rape victim who had died of the injuries inflicted on her. She fought bravely, to survive but could not For 13 days  doctors had tried hard to keep her alive and they could not. Now there are candle light prayers by the same protesters who were asking their rulers, "why is there no protection to the women in India".After learning about the kind of violence that Indian women face, the blogs appreciating Indian culture are no more relevant .How can such brutal attack happen on women in India, what cruel mind could imagine such act.
Gender crimes are rising in the darker side of India. 

A meeting for planning future

National Development Council meeting took place yesterday so that the elected elite can plan for all around development of the country in terms of expenditures of the state. Ground plan for the twelfth five-year plan has begun. Elected people from all states of India were called and were given chance  to present their views. Performances of various past schemes were discussed; their performance in terms of their impact on common people was balanced with the audit of expenditures made. Growth must be shared by all, only then the nation would advance. There has been growth in industry and there has been reduction in poverty.Inclusion has been achieved. But is it sustainable? The total plan is to improve the standard of living of the common man. But contrary to this, subsidies will be reduced gradually. Outcomes were analysed in terms of productivity of investments; 25% has been invested in public sector and 75% in private sector. While analyzing  few policies had stood up to expectations. Partially implemented policies showed less progress like 6%. That was bad. Worse were there too:”policy lock jam” was reflected by many which were showing less than 5% progress. Sectors like agriculture, power, infrastructure, health, education, skill development were given highest priorities. Although half of our population is engaged in agriculture, it is lesser than 15% in our GDP now than before. By itself agriculture has improved. Agricultural growth has accelerated from 2.4% in tenth five-year plan to 3.3% in eleventh five-year plan. Manufacturing policies have not fared well as they had been planned,as the growth is not sustainable.  Many PPP (Private Public Partnerships) have been started but not finished. The ventures have halted. SEZs(Special Economic Zones) have failed. Mining industry is not faring well with strict environmental clearances. We are importing metals.In energy sector, we are importing 80% of our needs and offering it to the people at subsidized cost. It is not rational. There are regional imbalances. Some states feel they have not been given enough money for development. The backward states have done better than the national average and are progressing. Real wages of people has improved. When MGREGA(Mahatma Gandhi Rural Employment Guarantee Act) gives people work and correct wages, the demand for the workers had risen, and hence their wages. Production has increased but it has to go on to other sectors like water, sanitation, health and education. It has not.The outcome is that we need more meetings so that the central government can understand the needs of the state governments.

People want action

Our leaders know “diplomatic talk” well. So they can freely communicate with foreign leaders. But when it comes to talking with our people, they fail to connect. They know well how to “talk without concern” Till they are candidates in election, they act like “the common man” They are so "uncommitted" to the problems of the people.They do not empathize with the people.After Politicians get power, they are not concerned with the common people. The gang rape incident(December 16) has affected the minds of the people of New Delhi, they are seeking answers from the state.When so many people are continuously protesting in the streets of Delhi, politicians should come and talk to the people. And say that this won’t happen again and that we will make proper laws and change our police machinery and so on. They do not know the mood of the people or care for the welfare of the people.Young educated Indians do not know where to turn to for seeking solution. These young people have, all of a sudden, discovered that they live in an uncivilized society--women are afraid of leaving their homes.

Protesters continue to protest, and government is doing nothing.Politicians have delegated a commission of Inquiry under Commission Inquiry Act 1952(60 of 1952)to look into the state of affairs. This will take time. Protesters want something done now. So can the people make the government act fast? Within a month, we will come up with an answer for the questions which people have. 

India--Among Asian Countries

Even with several internal problems of its own, India has very good relations with its neighbours.Countries like Nepal, feel very close to India. We have implemented many developmental projects there. We have helped them modernize their government too.Countries like Bhutan also feel very happy that India helps them in every way to modernize and bring e- governance in their lands. Bangladesh feels India is helps them in every way possible.Now ASEAN (Southeast Asian)countries have made us feel important by showing how deeply India is involved with them-- we share history religion and culture. Our craftsmen had created splendid temples with intricate architecture in their lands. Their religion came from India(Buddhism). They feel deeply connected to us. They want to continue having warm cordial relationships with us. We maintain good relations and we realise that we need to make a partnership for peace.We have big plans for making a super trading bloc by encouraging trade and commerce. We share solidarity as we have one vision--growth of Asia. We have signed ASEAN Human Rights Declaration. We tried settling of debate over territorial issue in South China Sea.We are not dominant or exploitative, we are always kind and helpful.We are liked, admired and appreciated everywhere in Asia.

Unstoppable protests of citizens

Few days back the crime of gang rape was committed on a bus in New Delhi. This was magnified by newspapers/tv media and it has infuriated the educated people of New Delhi. They had protested every day for the last six days, and they have been continuously protesting. Today over 250000 people came out to protest.They want the government to respond to them. Even without a leader, they arrive in the cold Winter days and protesting in front of the President's house. Police tried to stop the building of mob by teargas,water cannons and by lathi charge(beating) When nothing worked, they physically removed the people and placed them in buses and moved them to remote parts of New Delhi.Section 144 was imposed in Delhi, in order to stop protests.People are upset because of the causal way of the police in finding the culprits. People are determined to get the accused maximum punishment. At present, it is 7 years imprisonment for rape. But people want life term or capital punishment.The accused hire best lawyers and get away easily, people want more stringent punishment. Can punishment stop this crime?
All of a sudden, the young educated people of Delhi, can see the cruelty and the meanness of patriarchal culture that rest of India is caught in. This issue has brought into light the reality of medieval mindsets. What motivates these people to indulge in gang rape? If individuals are committing this crime, we can trace their psychological background for it; but when several men are involved, we cannot see it in psychological perspective, it has to be studied as a sociological phenomena. Weak people are victimised instead of being protected like women, girl children and economically poor/weak individuals.Male domination, group psyche--like enjoying common game;all those committing it, see it as a sport.So men do not "think" while engaging in a common cruel sport? "Khap-panchyats" dictate that women should be married away early, so that this does not happen. Even minsters of Parliament who are elected from rural India recommend this as a solution.All this reflects their backward mindsets, many part of India are inhabited by these people with ancient mindsets.Only on few rapes are reported, it brings "shame " to the women. Why? Ordinary women residing in Delhi are scared, crime can happen anywhere around them, and police do not help them. There is lack of faith in Police.
To cope with this crime, drivers and conductors of buses must be sensitised to deal with the women passengers who need protection.Policemen/policewomen should become worthy of trust. So that women will approach them when they have this problem. Police must behave in a compassionate manner towards victims.Registration of these cases must be made quickly, before evidence is lost.Fast-track courts must be made, so that these cases are dealt with immediately.
When there is no seriousness on the part of the police machinery and when the courts take much time, there is no deterrent. And hence increase in rape cases.Of the registered cases only 26% of cases are convicted.Most rape cases are not reported More than 600 rape cases have been reported in Delhi this year.NCRB(National Crime Records Bureau) says that 90% of rape cases take place among known people. In a big city with anonymous citizenry, statistics cannot explain everything. The truth is gender crimes are alarmingly high, as economic pressures weigh on the individuals here.
People who are educated have become aware that they live in an insecure city, and are seeking assurance from their rulers. They should be allowed to protest.If we are a true democracy, we have a right to protest. If that is taken away, then we are making a mockery of democracy.

Regulation of Banks

50% of Indians do not have any access to banks. Even when they do have access, the credit that is kept in it is half of what is saved by Indians. Indians feel that the option to keep one's  own money in bank is not a good one. People would rather buy gold and keep as savings than keep in bank. More safe options are explored. Banking Regulation (Amendment ) Bill was passed three days ago by the Indian Parliament. This Bill was passed to put industry on the path of higher growth ladder. The Bill empowers the banking regulator, Reserve Bank of India(RBI) as it can intervene in management of banks. RBI can now make licenses conditional to the norms sited by it.
By this Bill, government has made it easy for private capital to be invested in the Indian baking sector and at the same time it has raised investor's rights. Previously, government was spending taxpayers money to expand banks. Now private banks will come about as they are allowed to. RBI will keep an eye on new banks and their activities.RBI has power to shut down"sick" banks too. Private banks are more successful for they bring in innovative technological modernisation faster(use of Internet).In management also, private banks are superior and give customer a better service.Private banks benefit by giving confidence to the lenders; and they are trusted better by the borrowers. The profit generated by lending motivates the private banks to expand. The infrastructure created by the private banking sector can be used by the government As rural India needs banks, so that the social security schemes could be promoted more effectively.Private banks will open newer markets which the government can use. The money people have would be more visible to government now.Thus government will benefit by universal banking.Largest savings will be invested in banks--ready for investment as capital.The development of economy is directly linked the banking networks we have, so we will have bigger and better networks.This way the foundation for growth will be made.  

More laws for economic reforms

New laws are made, so that there is more transparency in private companies.Yesterday,the Lower House of the Indian Parliament, gave approval for Companies Bill,2011.The existing companies Bill was made in 1956 when thee were only thirty thousand registered companies in India. Now there are 850000 registered companies doing business in India.The new law will make the directors of the companies more accountable and it would improve corporate practises.Corporate social responsibility would be "built-in" As per the new law, more power has been given to the Serious Fraud Investigation Office(SFIO). Now there will be better relationship with investigating agencies(of state and central governments),IT dept, Information Technology Ministry and the SFIO.Now technology is also helping us too.Fast track courts will settle disputes very fast, so that business can go on uninterrupted.The new law also says the 2% of profit will go towards corporate social responsibility.The independent directors of companies will have a fixed term in office.Stricter disclosures are expected. And there will be investor protection too. So India is ready for growth.Individuals have to motivate themselves for it.And laws are made for the purpose of promoting growth.

Election results awaited

In the state of Gujarat, it is election time. The state has a festive look as political parties are electioneering.Songs and speeches in mega phones....decorated streets...people are in a good mood. Huge amount of wealth is spent on electioneering. This is a huge waste, as people are aware and can see speeches on television or hear on radio. Although many parties are trying to win over the votes, one party has a charismatic leader who appeals to the spirit of the people. Since he is covering the whole state while electioneering,everyone is going to vote for him. He is extremely appealing to the people, as he speaks in the language of the people, Gujarathi. He want to bring speedy industrialisation. He projects an image of a great Gujarat. He promisses a dream to the people.Others do not stand a chance against him.
What do the people expect from the government? They do not want big things, they want good supply of drinking water, they want non-stop electricity for running their pumps in their fields, and they want good roads. These are the simple needs of the people which they ask for. Can the future politicians give them these?

Should there be reservations

Elected elite want to use vote bank politics, so they perpetuate the policy of reservations/ positive discrimination. For affirmative action, government had adopted a policy of reservations to protect the weaker sections of Indian society.Persons belonging to scheduled castes, tribes and other back ward classes were not able to perform well in academics and also in tests for employment. Job opportunities were not easy for them, till the policy of reservation was adopted. By this students from the weaker section of society have a "quota" reserved for them in academic institutions like engineering colleges/medical colleges. This can promote education amongst these weaker sections. But it had the adverse effect of demoralising the student population who felt that the deserving candidates do not get professional education which they should. Our meritocracy was lost as meritorious students got discouraged.This went on to getting government jobs, "quota system" of reservation was followed in selection of candidates. And this led to mediocrity. Persons without calibre occupied government organisations making our government organisations dull and dysfunctional.
Now the issue in our Parliament is that these persons who got jobs on the basis of "reservation" should get higher promotions on the basis of their lower position as the Scheduled Castes/Tribes. When it comes to making policies, our political elite believes in pleasing their people who vote for them..these persons from weaker castes. How did all this begin?
The British who had ruled India before India got Independence had realised that the Indians are not an united lot. Indians constantly divided themselves in an hierarchy..."I am higher and you are lower" in the caste system. So they got an idea..."we must keep the Indians divided and we can create fights within them" The Indians could not fight their common enemy(British) because they were divided among themselves.And the British divided on basis of caste and practised the policy of "divide and rule" The "caste" based inventories/registers were kept. And people became "caste conscious"
They kept reservations for lower castes.
In free India, "Protection of Civil Rights Act,1955 was made to give special attention to rights of the disadvantaged people.Untouchability (Offences) Act,1955 was passed, so that lower class people were kept safe from suppression by upper castes. Scheduled castes and tribes were protected by "Prevention of Atrocities,1989" also. All this was needed as it was social protection. Then Article 335 said that the Scheduled Castes and Tribes must be given positions in government offices so that it is balanced with efforts for administrative efficiency. Here definitions are blurred. How much administrative efficiency is sacrificed for keeping a "reservation policy".In 1992 this was not held good. Now the"efficiency" is redefined and amendment will be made to make it operational  The real solution is to find the reason for social backwardness. If the students from these backward communities need help they could be given special training to come up instead of a "reservation policy" that protects them. How far can a policy protect? There is discontentment among the student communities; there is lack of team spirit in government's offices; rewards for ability is sacrificed at the alter of reservation. When will we arise out of mediocrity caused by reservation policy?We cannot grow as a nation when we have regional affiliations to various castes and tribes which divide us. And a developing country like ours need able administrators, intelligent technocrats and top bureaucrats. That is possible when we have a meritocracy when we are aware for our abilities.When are we going to establish a meritocracy? There is general resentment among the non scheduled people and there is growing dislike for this policy. In UP state, government employees protested against all reservations two days ago.It will become our policy as soon it is passed in both Houses of the Indian Parliament.

Potentialties of Industrialization in India

By initiating many economic reforms, government is creating a favourable atmosphere for industrial growth. Our industries are encouraged to engage in international cooperation and this enhances our potentialities greatly. Government is giving incentives for developing new technologies and makes it available at lowest price. For example Internet connectivity is available at lowest costs. Mobile communication is extremely cheap. Electrification of India has taken place in a grand scale. We can be seen from space...electrified cities and industries etc.We are open to global public for business propositions.
Potentialities for development of industries in India are extremely high. Government cannot bring about all industries by itself, so it is constantly seeking ways to find others who will help in bringing about industrialisation here. We have a disciplined population.Labour force is abundant, professional, skilled, semi-skilled, and unskilled.Government is easing private companies which will grow well in India. All that we need is foreign investments which will bring together the labour force with the plentiful resources of the land. Take any important mineral--India is blessed in abundance. 188 billion tonnes of coal is available, this reserve can last for more than hundred years. Copper is plentiful. Iron is plentiful. There is lot of fertile lands which can be farmed effectively as the climate is warm all year round. And where there are no agricultural fields, minerals are bountiful.We just need a government which would take better initiatives instead of outsourcing responsibilities to foreign firms. We need a government which would care for its people. Young people will vote correctly in the future and elect such a government. India is a approaching a golden age---we have all the ingredients for a very bright future, as bright as the city lights seen in the night sky.

FDI has won

In the Upper house(Rajya Sabha) Foreign Direct Investment policy in retail has been cleared. 123 Ministers voted for FDI while 109 had voted against it. This would change many many lives. Small traders will suffer as they cannot keep up with big retail shops. Small artisans, shoe makers, tailors, carpenters cannot compete with mass produced articles produced by industries. All this had happened long ago in developed countries where industrialization had come long ago. So it is happening here too, except the people are too poor to survive on their own along with industrial giants. However good our social schemes for the poor may be we cannot help all the suffering citizens.
This land has seen many rulers who had harmed the hard working people.It is going on again and again. People are meek willing workers who know how to obey the rulers.They do not know how to think for themselves and decide accordingly.
Future of these people will be decided by the policies of their government. Ruthless game that politicians play seals our futures....let us see how events workout..if intelligent Indians make effective choices, in selection of rulers we will have bright future.

FDI voting jumbled

Today 'FDI(Foreign Direct Investment) in retail" issue was voted on in the 'Lok Sabha'(Lower House). And government's measure for 50% investment in FDI will stand and not be changed. The entire process of voting in Parliament was so jumbled up that it was unbelievable that it was passed. When two important parties had staged a "walk out" while voting was held in the Parliament. Even with fewer elected people voting for it, the issue got majority.Our elected elite are a divisive lot. Due to casual attitude, there were elected leaders who had absented themselves on this crucial voting event. There was also bargaining done by a  Parliamentarian, who had said that if policy of "reservation on promotions" was favored  she would vote on FDI. How can one bargain supporting an issue while wanting support on another issue?Those who were absent on the day of voting, have actually affected it in a big way. Those who had made big speeches against FDI should be committed to their views.While voting they were not supporting their ideas.
Of course this voting process is not final; for 30 days, it would be on the table for reconsideration. And how it is going to be treated in the 'Rajya Sabha'(Upper House of Parliament) remains to be seen. How had we elected such unruly bunch of Parliamentarians? The incongruous working of their minds  has resulted in the voting process becoming unsuccessful. Personal rivalries resulted in walkouts and even changing sides.
They do not think about the plight of the small businessmen/traders. The simple people will be most affected by this decision.What would be the future like? The land of the small farmer would be bought easily by big retail giants. We would be buying our things from big supermarkets who would be making huge profits. The few workers employed would be exploited to the fullest. Big profits would be made by the foreign retailers and resources would leave our lands, making us more impoverished than ever before.Is this what we want?Lets see, if it is passed in the 'Rajya Sabha'.

Promoting Water security

Water scarcity is coming soon to India. We cannot avert it. How are we going to save our selves?
We have to produce more food with less water. That is the biggest challenge in India today.Global Water Partnership will be meeting this week in New Delhi, to promote a water secure world. In future, we must have water if we want to live, it is a fundamental need.In cities, the demand for water is so great that water for rural India will be diverted for maintaining civic amenities here. Rural people will have to produce more for the urban population, while having lesser water, than ever before. We have water scarcity because climate change causes floods and droughts at the same time. Short outbursts of rain causes rainwater to run-off without being soaked by the ground.Before climate change had come we had long monsoons when water stagnated enough to be soaked by ground and recharge the water table levels. But now it runs off as floods before being soaked by land. Water is a limited resource now, Himalayan glaciers are melting away much faster than ever before.
We are helped by the World Bank and UNDP and SIDA. The aim is to implement Integrated Water Resources Management(IWRM) We must not compromise on sustainability of environment and its ecosystems while maximising economic development and progress. We need a water policy for South Asia and national networks, all countries are rapidly urbanising while we have big needs in terms of food security.
The Ministry of Water Resources has come up with the Draft National Water Policy of 2012 to meet the demands of water in India. State governments are also working together for this draft. The need for water framework law is felt in development of inter-state rivers and river valleys.There is need for amending irrigation Acts which are outdated(enacted in 1882).The natural flow of the river must be maintained while using part of it. In view of new climatic changes, new ways of using the river must be devised.Volume of water should be monitored, a regulatory board should be made.Local bodies like and state governments should work together. Grants should be made to the state governments so that they can design practises, to plan usage and manage water resources more efficiently and effectively.

The "should be" part sounds good. But what is the reality?Are states cooperating in sharing water resources? Southern states without good water resources need some water from others who have good supplies. They are denied, and supreme Court has to intervene to settle disputes. People protest so that water is not given to water starved states. Where will the water deficient states do? We have got to cooperate with each other and share river water otherwise we may become DESERT INDIA.

New mode of protests: plaza takeovers

Farmers are taking over plazas in cites around New Delhi and planning to block highways too, if their demands are not agreed upon. Two days ago, Bharat Kisan Union farmers met National Highway Authority of India officials and had made several demands. They wanted free passes in highways for farming related vehicles.They are already paying one-fourth, but they want free pass for they have to make several trips everyday while carrying out farming activities.They also want free passage for people living 20 KM radius around the Plaza for they had to make several trips in a day. Farmers use only 5 to 10 KM of the entire highway but they have to pay for the passage ticket of entire highway. Farmers also wanted pending payment for the compensation for the land they had given up for the construction of the plaza and the highways.National Highways Authority of India has agreed to for making over bridges and underpasses for the farmers to cross on National Highway 58.Other demands were not met.

When their demands were not agreed upon, they had brought to halt toll plaza on Daurala near the city of Meerut, day before yesterday. Yesterday, about hundred farmers had taken over Dasna toll plaza Today, it would be Saharanpur plaza. That means no toll for all vehicles which ply these highways--free rides for all! On Friday, Bharat Kisan Union plans to block Delhi-Noida highway. Seizing toll booths and blocking highways and taking over plazas are their ways of making protests.This is small clash between urban and rural India.With elections coming up, farmers' demands will not be brushed aside.