Debate over projecting IAS officer as CM candidate in Tamil Nadu

One young IAS officer by name U.Sagayam who had been responsible for the exposure of a big granite scam in and around Madurai town involving thousands of crores of rupees and benefitting many officials and nonofficials in the recent past in the state of Tamil Nadu is being tipped for the post of CM by a section of socitey in the coming elections in 2016. Follow up action on his voluminous report is awaited on the directions of Madras high Court in the days to come. His boldness in the job and simple living at the home front have earned him a good reputation in the last 5-6 years. The manner in which the political parties have conducted in the last 3-4 decades have forced the majority of voters to think in terms of an alternative party well suited for correcting the malady that has set in the governmance and administration of Tamil Nadu State. Hence the cry for an IAS officer to serve as the CM of Tamil Nadu like Arvind Kejriwal (an IRS officer) in Delhi.  

 

A mixed reaction both in favour and against an individual being projected for the post of chief minister has been discussed in detail by taking the opinions of former civil servants and a professor of Madras University in the Hindu edition dated December 27,2015. It was even quoted therein that honest and committed individuals like M.S. Udayamurthy, a social worker and R.Nallakannu, a CPI leader have failed to ensure success in the hustings at last.

 

Indian democracy is yet to mature and permit a group of highly qualified and  experienced with no family liabiltities to carry conviction with a workable agenda promising a clean and efficient government so that the present set up can be thrown away and the rule of law can be established for the general welfare and impartial administration. Officers like Sagayam should continue in service and serve as responsible and conscious Secretaries and chief secrtaries in the state in the days to come.

 

A group of experienced and committed officials either sitting or superannuated can collect themselelves for a common cause, form a political party and serve the state for a term as the founders and leave the mantle to the youngsters in a democratic way to rule this state for 2-3 decades and enable the state to regain its primacy in several fields of economic and social sectors.

Cheap popularity and damning strategy among the masses

It all started in 1967 in the state of Tamil Nadu ( previously called Madras state in the Republic of India ) when the DMK party headed by C.N.Annadurai ( a great scholar, writer, orator and an honest soul to the core and his early demise in office was a great loss to Tamil population) snatched the political power from the Congress party by promising distribution of rice at one rupee a measure (equivalent to about one and a half kilograms) to the ration-card holders. The first non-congress government came to power on the basis of such a promise on the eve of elections. As usual the election manifesto did hardly throw light on the financial as well as the possible adverse impact on the expenditure towards creation and maintenance of basic infrastructure ( at a great opportunity cost ) needed for economic development. The said promise was partially implemented but the original author of the scheme passed away very soon leaving the mantle of responsibility to his successor chief ministers both in DMK and AIADMK parties till date. The legacy of such freebies normally being announced on the eve of general elections has not only broadened in their sweep and numbers in the state of Tamil Nadu but also got extended to other parts and states in the country thereafter.

The budget for basic infrastructure and other economic services got reduced over a period of time with mounting deficits beyond the repaying capacity of those states as also serving the interests of their own employees growing in Lakhs and Lakhs. For instance no irrigation dam worth-noting came in existence in the state of Tamil Nadu in the last fifty years after the exit of K.Kamaraj, the C.M of repute in every sense  of the term. The result, the state has not developed like Singapore but has remained a poor developing economy still.

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Democracy means decentralisation of powers

It is unfortunate that even in the offices and institutions of Indian democracy, the powers and decision-making initiatives of authorities - both among elected and permanent executives have not been decentralised yet satisfactorily even after 68 years of independence from the British. It is certainly against the will of freedom fighters and the common man in the street. Any amount of justification to prove  the contrary will not hold good in the days to come. People can hardly be fooled forever.

The job of a Station House Officer (sub inspector / inspector of a police station) is done by the Superintendent of Police (the police chief of a district / county). The duty of a district police chief is performed by the chief of state police. Similarly the function of a Tahsildar is expected to be ensured by the district collector ( the civil / administrative head of a county). We painfully make a note of the fact that the collector's work is executed by the head of a state government (chief minister). Initiative of the concerned officials is no more visible with the result the welfare of the citizen is no longer the responsibility of the said person and the general public suffers in the end.

A platoon of officers and the staff are on the enrolment but in times of emergency the requisite relief and remedy are not forthcoming on time and in adequate measure. The educated and the elite in public service remain silent spectators to what is going on in the system of administration.  Survival and promotion of self interest alone have become the main motto of the entire government machinery. The biggest price paid by the Chennai citizens in recent floods during the first week of December, 2015 due to indecision or delayed decision or over-centralisation of powers at the apex level of state administration is the latest and costliest example. 

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Beauty

      

Beautiful thought on beauty comes only in late sixties

Can any one define beauty easily in absolute terms?

Can it be defined sans basing the same on an object

Beautiful look comes from a pleasant object in front.

Beauty is a thing which one beholds front and forth

But for beauty, poets and artists lose essence of life

Beauty is in the eye of the beholder, they rightly say

Beautiful object is a source of attraction for all ever

Beauty may be seen in an infant of human or animal

Beauty attains progress as the object grows in stages

Beauty of a female is definitely a better picture to see

Beauty of a woman mesmerises even a saint in sleep

Taste of an individual on the job increases with beauty

Waist of a female figure is neatly chiselled by sculptor

Haste of a human being hurts one on the false identity

Tartlet to starlet everyone knows the value of beauty! 

Dr.P.Raghavan,

Raipur (India)

26-04-15

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Role of MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly in Tamil Nadu)

R.K. nagar is the constituency of Ms J.Jayalalitha, the CM of Tamil Nadu. The residents have complained that their areas ( V.O.C.Nagar) are flooded with sewage mixed with rain water for more than a month, but no action has been taken by the authorities. Hence a protest on the main highway forcing the police force to intervene. 

Sorry state of affairs. Despite the grievance expressed several times, no action! Residents are crying for help while their representative in the state Assembly has no time  to extend help in times of emergency. What will happen in other constituencies?

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Cumbum farmers record bumper paddy yield

 Early onset of monsoon, timely release of water from Periyar Dam for irrigation and adoption of modern agriculture practices, including the System of Rice Intensification have helped farmers in Cumbum valley get a bumper yield in the first cropping season (Kuruvai) this year. 

Highest yield in Theni district of Tamil Nadu State was 10072 Kgs per hectare as reported by Joint Director of Agriculture department. Farmers are happy, the traders have made on-the-spot procurement minimising the post-harvest loss. 

It is quite heartening to note that the Farmers are quite progressive in this area in using machines for transplantation, weeding, spraying fertilisers and harvesting.

One would wish the farmers all over the country follow this example. Sooner the better!

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ASSOCHAM Study:

Considering deficit in rainfall for 2015-16 pulse production in India might decline and decrease to 17 million tonnes (against 17.2 million tonnes in 1014-15), a total of 10.1 million tonnes of pulses might have to be imported. 

For per capita consumption of 21.8 (against 20.8 in 2011-12) kgs and monthly per capita consumption expenditure of Rs 158.8 (against Rs. 96.00 in 2011-12) the total consumption demand would be around 27.1 million tonnes in 2015-16. Hence the expected demand for imports to that extent.

Any planning done and remedial measures undertaken by the Maratha leader Mr Sharad Pawar as Union Agriculture Minister  during UPA regime under the economist PM Dr. Manmohan Singh? Not visible and notable by the way!

What is the guarantee that the present establishment at Delhi would ensure dramatic steps for the better in the days to come? No one knows really, I say!

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ASSOCHAM Study:

Considering deficit in rainfall for 2015-16 pulse production in India might decline and decrease to 17 million tonnes (against 17.2 million tonnes in 1014-15), a total of 10.1 million tonnes of pulses might have to be imported. 

For per capita consumption of 21.8 (against 20.8 in 2011-12) kgs and monthly per capita consumption expenditure of Rs 158.8 (against Rs. 96.00 in 2011-12) the total consumption demand would be around 27.1 million tonnes in 2015-16. Hence the expected demand for imports to that extent.

Any planning done and remedial measures undertaken by the Maratha leader Mr Sharad Pawar as Union Agriculture Minister  during UPA regime under the economist PM Dr. Manmohan Singh? Not visible and notable by the way!

What is the guarantee that the present establishment at Delhi would ensure dramatic steps for the better in the days to come? No one knows really, I say!

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Nobel Lessons

To really improve its welfare policy, India needs improved data and accountability - look at the winner of the 2015 Nobel Prize for economics, Angus Deaton, who has had a long professional association with India. And various lessons from his work are quite relevant to Indian public policy today, for example the lesson about measurement being the key to enforcing accountability. Deaton was a pioneer in devising ways to measure consumption, which led to a better understanding of poverty and ways to fight it. India, unfortunately, falls short when it comes to measurement.

For an India audience, the Nobel is a welcome development as his work has been of particular relevance to our challenges. We spend over Rs 3 trillion annually on subsidies and welfare measurers but make slow progress in poverty reduction, with almost a third of the population still poor. India’s fight against poverty, however, has benefitted from Deaton’s body of work and will continue to gain from his relentless drive to understand the way things work.

As a matter of fact India is a land of opportunity and the source of inspiration to scholars and economists to fathom more and more  and come to findings that could fetch awards and prizes.

Story & History

Hardly any difference between the story and the history if you look closely at the so called history books written by the so called scholars who too were subject to whims and fancies unless corroborated by two-three sources which I am afraid is not the case with many facts and figures of any history book - world history or Indian history. I consider the epics Ramayana and Mahabharata are parts of history only in bits and pieces narrated and interpreted for ages and millenniums.

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The disturbing trend of empty galleries (The Hindu, November 6, 2015)

Legendary players like Sachin Tendulkar too would feel depressed if they happen to be performing n front of empty gallery. Mohali test is the latest example where empty galleries were watching and laughing at the test players!

I would say it is a good sign. It augurs well for other active and manly games like hockey, football and athletics etc. to pick up. In fact Cricket, like golf, was a stately game played by the English lords and their servants  in those days. Initially they were wasting a number of days by playing  such a low paced game.

Precious mandays of active workers and their hard-earned money should not be invested in such games in a developing nation like ours for some more time. 

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Devils at work

Sadistic pleasure born out of cultural vandalism or vindictive vengeance gets definition from acts such as blasting of the ruins of Syria's ancient Palmyra on Monday, August 31, 2015 by the Islamic State group -  thus effecting damage to the West Asia' s most treasured heritage sites. 

Are they the true descendants of earlier demons destroying the work of humans without knowing their value and importance in ancient days?

God knows their true intention and concomitant action!

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Hats off to Vladimir Putin!

ISIS is in for deep trouble, thanks to the determined will of Russian supremo to dismantle ISIS's foothold from the map of Syria, the stronghold of this terror outfit.

Violence and terror let loose by this terror organisation need to be countered by a strong hand like Russia only - effectively and quickly so that the world can live in peace. Syria and its citizens have suffered enough - two lakh people have lost their life and the people in a similar number have migrated as refugees to the neighbouring countries. Enough is enough. Let the Russian troops complete their task with the sufficient and efficient warheads at their disposal, - in the process exhibiting and testing their own military strength.

Great. Keep it up.

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Ramlila in Naogaon in Chhattarpur district of Madhya Pradesh State

1. Ramlila is being observed and celebrated with usual interest and preparation in this small township for the last 111 years at a stretch. The beauty of this year's Ramlila is that the local MLA (Member of Legislative Assembly of Madhya Pradesh) is acting in the role of Janak Maharaj, the celebrated father of Maa Sita, the wife of Raja Ram.
2. Look at the devotion of villagers and their representatives in preserving the tradition and heritage of this area and community. Great. We should be proud of such happenings in this country.

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Faith of Faithfuls

Faith is the source of unity in any group or the party
Faith is the connecting device among the devotees
But for faith religious congregation isn't a possibility
But for faith prayer and puja may never be a reality

Faith drives humanity to collect and fight for a cause
Faith varies from place to place and from time to time
Small gods and goddesses attract a few in the vicinity
Small & varied virtues are attributed towards the gods

Early men and women worshiped trees and mountains
Even they were in awe towards all five major elements
Earthen species did pay a tribute to rulers for protection
Earthly life compelled those to venerate nature for good.

Chennai,
01-04-14

How does one derive pleasure and happiness?

By possessing sufficient wealth and income ensuring mundane and material comforts for making a decent and wholesome living.

By reducing, discarding or even sacrificing the unwanted and under utilised items and goods badly needed by the underprivileged sections of our society in the neighbourhood.

By utilising the time in such actions and avocations that result in job satisfaction, peace of mind & mental equilibrium.

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Land Bill of NDA Government at the Centre.

One of the best attempts made by Modi's Government at the centre namely 'land bill' through ordinance route thrice has ended without any fruitful result. Unfortunate.

Absolute majority in Lok Sabha was not sufficient to rush through the major legislation on land acquisition matters, as a part of 'Team India's efforts to implement 'Make In India' dream. A little more serious homework from PMO could have handled this issue more successfully without losing face. I am sure the GOI would try to achieve its objective in the coming winter session of Parliament after seeing the report of Parliamentary committee on this subject and getting the support in a joint session (sitting) of both the Houses of Parliament. 

What is needed is a bold and open debate in public forums and the media on the importance of the bill with practical solutions to the interests of farmers of this country. On the other hand it is better to leave this issue permanently to be handled by the states as it has resulted right now.

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What is happening in this country?

No tolerance towards dissent and no defender of human beings facing the risk of murderous attempts? Public is a mute witness to the wrongdoings in our society unfortunately. See the example of Mohammed Akhlaq's killing by a mob in Dadri.

Politicians are playing dirty politics as alleged by his son Sartaj.

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Renaming of a road in the capital city of new Delhi

The New Delhi Municipal Council has substituted the name of Aurangazeb road with that of APJ Abdul Kalam. It has been questioned by a lawyer before the Delhi High Court.

The powers of the municipal body in this regard are not questionable although the same are subject to a judicial review. But the naming of a structure or a facility after a high dignitary living or dead within the last 50 or 100 years is normally not to be encouraged, however esteemed or revered a person may be by the public. A good convention could be the naming of an individual at least 100 years after his / her expiry. The nation and its history is not short of great names any way for this purpose.

This could be either decided by the Parliament or adjudicated by the Supreme Court of India.

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'Good governance has become a casualty'

"Transfers and postings were some ways in which the bureaucracy was made compliant. Today government servants are used to cushy postings which is a gift of the political bosses. Transferring of officials is not and should not be the prerogative of political bosses. It is a potent weapon by which one can control the honest bureaucrat or reward a dishonest one. I strongly believe that the power of transfer should b vested with the bureaucracy itself and politicians should not have any role to play in it."  -- said N. Santosh Hegde, former Supreme Court judge and former Lokayukta of Karnataka State while delivering the 12th Nani Palkivala memorial lecture in Mumbai on Tuesday, September 1, 2015.

One should agree with his observation and await the day when politicians would realise this truth and voluntarily surrender their right as we desire. I would go a step further and argue that the promotions and punishments too should not be left in the hands of politicians although there is no guarantee that the senior bureaucrats too would be impartial in their conduct. Rather a panel of expert-seniors drawn from other cadres should be given this task for a fair and free disposal of such activities. Till then only psychopaths and selfish officials and politicians would spoil the atmosphere and ruin the administration permanently. We are no doubt fast moving in that direction both in the states and the centre. We certainly need a stern direction and ruling in that direction from the Supreme Court at any date in future!

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A deserving judge is the new Maharashtra Lokayuka

Sometimes we are lucky to have dignified and talented people who reach high positions in the government. Judge M.L.Tahaliyani, who conducted the year-long trial of the 26/11 Mumbai terror attacks case and sentenced Mohammad Ajmal Amir Kasab to death was sworn in as the new Lokayukta of Maharashtra on Monday, August 24, 2015. 

It is worthy of note that the Supreme Court of India described him as "a true flag-bearer of the rule of law in this country".

Rule of law largely exists for certain individuals under certain circumstances. Many a time it is not in the reach of majority of the population due to the wrong and undeserving persons getting such jobs. Under this scenario an individual like Tahaliyani will be an asset to the people of Maharashtra. We hail his appointment.

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Stock Markets

As Chinese Dragon sneezes on August 24, 2015, the world economy esp. The stock markets all over the globe including India shivers!

Indian stock market (BSE) too suffered a set back by siphoning  off some 700000 crore of rupees worth of shares in value!

Well Indian elephant is too strong, it can withstand the shocks as usual. The indian PM Narendra Modi too claims that India would take it as an opportunity to make progress!

A bold approach!!

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PM's address from the Ramparts of Red Fort in New Delhi

PM Narendra Modi was seen with a typical Rajasthani-style headgear when he arrived for 69th Independence Day celebration in Red Fort. Very impressive style of his own indeed although some might mistake him for a smart and attentive guard at the main entrance of a five star hotel in any major city of India. Made a very long speech - sometimes the audience getting restive over too much of a narration on each topic of his choice inasmuch as they were expecting a spirited speech like last time.

His new announcements like "Start up" and " Stand up" were intended to reiterate his resolve to industrialise the nation quickly and effectively with the extension of assistance to the youths from Adivasi and Dalit communities duly sponsored @ one person each by 1.25 lakh bank branches spread all over India. Such a slogan would have carried much conviction provided he elaborated simultaneously on the steps taken by his government in implementing " Make in India", "Digital India" or "Skill India" so far. So the audience on the spot or theTeam India of 1.25 billion people would now expect him to deliver on what he promises in the days to come. A much more chivalrous applaud and admiration are awaited from the citizens in the next Day.

Corruption was an issue touched by him with earnestness and determination by quoting a larger figure of prosecution cases dealt with by CBI during the last one year and adoption of transparency in GOI functioning by public auction of natural resources like coal, spectrum etc. He was boastful of his ministers being non-corrupt so far. What happens to the corruption faced by the common man in the streets of cities, towns and villages of this country in their day to day contact / affairs with the government and semi government agencies for goods and services? The PM has no answer or probably not felt the necessity of doing something in this regard with the help of the CMs ruling BJP- led governments to begin with. No such road map was unveiled during his address this time. Let us hope he does it next time surely. 

Similarly he could have dealt with the follow up action initiated and ensured on several MOUs signed in his presence by India and a dozen countries he had visited so far. People were certainly entitled to know the extent of action taken on "Swatch Bharat" , Development of Varanasi City, Model Village Campaign adopted by the MPs of Indian Parliament etc. etc...

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Logjam in Indian Parliament

The monsoon session of the Parliament has been thoroughly disturbed by the opposition parties esp. The Congress Party so far. Some 25 MPs of the Congress in Lok Sabha were suspended from the participation of proceedings for five working days last week. Many important pieces of legislation are pending for discussion before their passing. The adamant posture of the main opposition in dismissing the Union Foreign minister Ms. Sushma Swaraj, Rajasthan CM Vijaya raje Scindia and Madhya Pradesh CM Shivraj Singh Chawhan for their corrupt roles in the recent past has created a stumbling block in Parliament.

May be the Congress is showing its anger and annoyance towards the BJP in retaliation to the unruly behaviour and noncooperation displayed by the BJP in its earlier avatar as the main opposition party in the last regime. Tit for tat?

Well, who is the victim of such behaviour on the part of responsible political parties ruling this nation and also trying to become a super power and surpass China in economic and military sectors soon. We are certainly not on a right track. 

Our law makers should set good standards not only in law making but also in maintaining the decency and decorum in conducting the business of the Houses of Parliament as well as not wasting the public money and their valuable time. Public is watching and wondering what happened to our legislators. Why are they fighting like street urchins? Can't they set high standards and be a role model to the state assemblies in the process?

As the normal citizens of this country we can only plead before our leaders and parties to be responsible towards their jobs and duties.

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From the pen of a well-wisher:

Avoidable controversies to be avoided for next 5 years

It would be better if BJP leaders avoid giving controversial statements on issues connected with religion and such other sensitive matters and necessitating counter statements by other leaders in the government. Example: issue of "secularism". It would unnecessarily erode the confidence of the people in the party and create an impression that there is no coherent thinking and unity in policy making and approach in its implementation. Unity of purpose both in the short term and long term alone can build the party's prospects on a permanent footing. Otherwise it would be like any other party known for time-serving and self-seeking butch of individuals enjoying the perks of office after a handsome victory at the hustings unwittingly and certainly testing the patience of voters and volatile young generation with a high expectation from the ruling class.

Pl. focus on economic issues like development, socially justifiable investment,  unemployment, inflation, infrastructure etc. 

Prime Ministers like Rajiv Gandhi and Manmohan Singh spent most of their time outside the country with little contribution directly to the general welfare of Indian citizens.

Karma yogi Narendra Modi would do well if he can avoid the ' moah ' for foreign visits and concentrate fully on the burning issues of India. Very few visits would of course be needed for FDIs and establishing good will in the international community.

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Three Stalwarts

P.C.Alexander, the bureaucrat,

M.S.Swaminathan, the agriculture scientist,

A.P.J.Abdul Kalam, the space & nuclear scientist.

All the three were great personalities in their own ways. All the three were loyal and obedient public servants of the establishment in their respective fields. They were pretty close to the Prime Minsters of the day. They tried their level best to excel in their fields and enter the office of the President of India. Luck and circumstances enabled Dr Kalam only to occupy the post for five years although he was willing to serve a second term but the change of ruling party at the centre ensured his replacement by a pure politician.

In the case of Dr Kalam, the advantage was, he was a bachelor devoted to the science of military weaponry, space research and nuclear research, the latter two parts of which were very dear to the then Prime Minister Mr. Atal Bihari Vajpayee, another bachelor, by the way. It also ensured the award of Bharat Ratna to this true Indian from Muslim Community. His devotion to the national cause through his consistent attempts, talks and writings earned the warmth of one and all and overwhelming connect with the student community till he breathed his last.

Of course as an administrator I too had a chance to find fault with his approach in certain matters. As the President of India he failed to dispose of the mercy petitions pending before him. He was a positive man with no desire to see the other side of the coin. Even his successor Ms. Pratibha Patil proved better in her assignment as the President. India needs doer and not a shirker on any ground whatsoever. Good or bad, you have to perform the duty. On one or two occasions he had to sign the bills sent by the Union Cabinet after his sending them back for reconsideration. As a citizen I expected him to resign on moral grounds rather than approving the same, looking to his stature and calibre. Well that was not to be. You need to have a very strong personality to say no to a wrong and unconvincing situation. Secondly I never saw him pursuing his pet theories and projects as a people's President with the chief ministers of this country whom he kept in high esteem and for whom he made PPP in person on the economic and social projects and programmes meant for those states in particular. It was very unfortunate of course.

No one could beat him however in 21st century so far in time utilisation for the welfare of this nation. May his soul rest in peace.

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Jails in UP, Madhya Pradesh, Chhattisgarh most crowded

UP alone contributes to overcrowding by close to 32000 prisoners ( against a capacity of 47518 inmates) while the country's figure is around 42000. 

Prisons in C.G are crowded by 8930 inmates i.e 14780 in all as against a capacity of 5850.

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Dr. Kalam

Dr Kalam was a storehouse of knowledge and wisdom and a powerhouse for motivational talks and writings.

Probably he had nearly 14 hours a day for this purpose in the last 10-12 years, it seems. The most successful man in time utilisation in the absence of any family commitments and bad habits like others in the society!

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Lee Kuan Yew

A law student from Cambridge, otherwise born into the third generation middle class Chinese family in Singapore in 1923, had the opportunity to form the People's Action Party  in 1954 and win the elections in 1959. Lee became the Prime Minister. After an initial merger with Malaysia, Singapore parted the way after two years and started its forward march under his rule since 1960. 

In the next three decades he transformed a tiny and sleepy fisherman island into an economically powerful city nation. Now the per capita income in Singapore is around  U S. dollar 55000/. 

Reason for success:

Enterprising and dedicated leadership

Incorruptible and strict government

Control on freedom of speech and media

Single party rule for 3-4 decades with no opposition

People's cooperation with the government

Is it possible in India to repeat that system given the constitution of India, diversity in race, religion, language, culture, history, geography etc? Not really.

A disciplined democracy, with press freedom subordinated to national goals, pronounced and practised by selfless individuals at the apex level and supported by a bureaucracy committed to the Constitution of India and the socialistic pattern of Indian society alone can pave the way for transformation of India into a world class nation developed in all aspects.

Can the Modi's role and rule be expected to usher in such a transformation in India?

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Do or die

A big battle is expected in Bihar during the ensuing Assembly elections between BJP under Narendra Modi and others under the leadership of Nitish Kumar.

BJP National President Amit Shah has started the campaign today with 160 raths from Patna. Caste factor may or may not work in anybody's favour this time. Powerful oratory skills would be deployed by the PM.

Nativity in Nitish would be tested for his sincerity and honesty with which he has worked as CM so far  in the state. It is a political battle worth watching in the days to come.

The PM would  take this election in a much more serious way after the debacle in Delhi. If he wins this time, nobody can challenge him easily for the next ten years. If he fails it would be a big blow to his stature and hard work.

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Tamil Nadu

It is supposed to be a progressive state in India but the report of a number of places / villages not having road connectivity during rains in Krisnagiri district is disturbing. What is the use of distributing freebies to the voters when road network, the basic infrastructure, is still missing.

Hardly a day passes without a report of theft of gold ornaments from middle class families in some part of the state or other. Where is the fear of law? Who is to ensure rule of law and peace of living among the common citizens?

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Early impression having ever-lasting impact in life

As the child grows in age, lots of impressions are made in his/her mind which seem to have a lasting impact and not likely to change even if there is an improvement in one's perception of things and events later on. Such is the nature of impact in life. We do come across several such cases in which the man or woman behaves and acts on the basis of that impression gained during the childhood. Well, that is the fact of life!

An example: After the death of Puttaparthi Saibaba we came to know that several mundane articles like silk saris and dhotis, mangal sutra made of gold, costly cosmetics, plenty of cash, gold and silver utensils were found in his possession inside his bedroom. The man seems to have had a poor background in childhood and therefore wanted to acquire and enjoy those things in his life. 

A man or woman is half or fully made even while growing as a child. Hence the statement: "A man/woman is made of his / her own desires and actions". That is what we learn from the life stories of certain celebrities.

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Cleaning of Ganga

It is Swami Vivekanand who said: " Give me 100 young Indians, I would transform India"

Ganga drains out not only the water received by melting of snow from Himalayan glaciers but also the rain waters collected along its entire route depending on the season and monsoon from time to time. This activity goes on for ages. The human beings and the animals survived on its banks for innumerable years. It's intrinsic quality and religious significance need no elaboration for an Indian citizen.

Till at least one hundred years back, the activities of the human settlements along its course had not created any major sources of pollution luckily, thanks to the limited use of water and the resultant sewage. Although the human numbers multiplied and the quantum of usage of water increased tremendously over the last few decades, the citizens failed to protect the clean waters from high doses of pollutants. Things have really taken a very bad shape the moment industries sprang up  in and around the river Ganga  and started adding their own share of polluting agents beyond one's imagination. It's major tributary Yamuna too carries tons and tons of sewage and chemical wastes and joins Ganga near Allahabad making things worse. Along with these unending sources of pollution the human corpses floated along the waters after the funeral rites near the Varanasi Ghats complete the cycle of total pollution  to the famous river Ganga making it unusable by any scientific and hygienic standards.














The BJP government led by PM Sri Narendra Modi has rightly taken up the project of Ganga-cleaning in right earnest. Probably a team of officials from concerned ministries and departments have been pressed into service. The top team from Delhi would be able to earmark funds and equipments and also put in place a typical model of development but there is no guarantee  that it won't end up like the previous attempts in the past.

The alternative approach which I envisage would comprise the following components for proper execution of Ganga Project:

Two major teams -



1) one is to cover the stretch of river Yamuna from Delhi to Allahabad
2) and the other is to cover river Ganga from Allahabad to Varanasi.

Like Swami Vivekanand, I too seek the help of 100 young Indian officers to test my ability  to clean Ganga with the full support of the Prime Minister.

Each team to comprise of 50 IAS officers and 50 engineers - selected from across the country on a voluntary basis and put under two highly qualified and committed officials with rich experience (around 50 -65 years in age) both physically and mentally fit for leading the projects for at least next five years.




Process of implementation:

Make a survey of all the effluents and identify their intensity and quantum of flow into the river for six months at least including a monsoon.

Take steps to divert them to a comparatively longer distance already selected and kept ready for the intake and permanent treatment. It would simultaneously involve construction of permanent drains on a massive scale throughout the length and breadth of the towns on the banks with large scale investment of funds.

Take the help of religious leaders and create alternative cremation grounds near Varanasi and provide for the cremation with Ganga water -to satisfy Hindu belief and tradition without spoiling the river waters.

Widening of the lanes and roads leading to the Ghats with proper alternative accommodation provided for the occupants by erecting multi-storied apartments and condominiums in the neighbourhood.

Strictly closing down the polluting industrial units near the river and shifting them to alternative sites partly compensated by the state for their rehabilitation.

Offer for voluntary service

I am willing to relocate myself and settle down on the banks of Varanasi Ghats for a period of five years - to lead a team of officials put in charge of Varanasi town with Re. One as monthly honorarium and a small accommodation of two-room tenement/apartment for stay with a chauffeur driven car for mobility at government cost.

Qualifications:

"Shramdan in laying of kutchha roads and cleaning of drains in dalit colonies with the help and manual work (scavenging) of ladies and gents from Lions Club and Rotary Club on Gandhi Jeyanti days when I was collector in two districts and the divisional commissioner in Sagar revenue division.

Cleaning of Sagar lake twice  -- once as collector (1979-82) and next as revenue divisional commissioner ( 1990-92) at Sagar on the basis of shramdan  due to nonavailability of paid labour even during the drought conditions ( labour easily engaged in bidi-making)

Received an award from international Rotary Club Movement for public service at Sagar.

Dr.P.Raghavan,
A senior citizen and a former civil servant,
A Visiting Fellow to Oxford University during 1993-94,
An economist and a columnist for articles on economic and social issues,
A social reformer and a whistle blower in the existing system of governance,
A poet with the publication of " Travails and Thrills of Third World Nations (India)"
A planner and experimentalist of alternative style in governance in all the posts held over 30 years (1972-2006)
A sincere advisor to the ministers and chief ministers at the cost of one's career.

095844362334
p_raghavan47@yahoo.co.in

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Reforms by Judiciary.

Madras High Court has made it compulsory for the riders of two-wheelers to wear helmets from July 1, 2015. A welcome direction to the concerned people. 

Of late we invariably find the high courts and the Supreme Court of India stepping in to introduce and implement certain welfare measures that are needed in public interest although the same measures could have been thought of and implemented by permanent executives or the elected functionaries like ministers. Well the legislative wing and executive wing have lost their prominence in such activities. The judiciary has taken over this job very successfully.

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The Job Market

The lack of skilled workforce remains a major cause of concern. To meet this challenge, experts advocated a stronger partnership between the government and the industry to skill-train the youngsters.

Great days ahead for the job market, but patience is the watchword now. Unfortunately the growth of unemployment is not going to wait as one would wish. Given the scale of efficiency and dedication among our government employees and the captains of industry, it is difficult to expedite or speed up the scale of cooperation among the government, industry and educational institutions for the purpose at hand. Herculean efforts are needed right now.

According to a survey conducted by global HR major Manpower Group, 58 percent of Indian employers are finding it difficult to fill positions, while globally 38 percent of the employers face talent shortage.

Let us wait and watch the speed of implementation!

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Radha's love for Krishna in mythology.

This love was eternal and developed in childhood. Radha was 10 years elder to him. I think such eternal and extraordinary love between two lovers  transgresses the boundaries like age, marital status etc in fulfilment of that sublime and salutary effect on body and soul for sometime. That moment of joy and ecstasy felt in union of such lovers has no parallel in human relationships. 

Radha and Krishna represent such a union of body and soul with unique pleasure and fantasy commonly or rarely found in human beings.

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Hard work bears fruit in an arid land

 Four Sikh families have come from Moga in Punjab to Vallandhai in Ramanathapuram district of Tamil Nadu and developed 300 acres of fallow land into an orchard.

This patch of land falls in Kamudhi block , one of the driest parts of Ramanathapuram district where Akal Farm has been developed by Himachal Pradesh-based Kalgidhar Trust.

They took three years to remove the shrubs since 2007 and develop the area for plantation of superior variety of guava, mango, cucumber & pumpkin, watermelon by digging 15 bore wells and using drip irrigation method. Timber tree is also grown over five acres.

A perfect method of land development and horticulture as strongly advocated by the author in a research conducted during 1988-92, of course, mainly keeping the economics of small and marginal farmers in Madhya Pradesh.

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Five lakh litres of milk per day being thrown on the streets of Tamil Nadu

This type of protest is going on for about a week now with a request and threatening that they would try to march towards the state secretariat, Chennai. The farmers and other labourers were helped by the bankers to buy the milk-yielding cows and buffaloes and sell the milk through the cooperative milk Societies. 

But alas! The Societies have refused to procure milk on the ground that they have no facilities to process it and sell through their retail outlets.

Prime Minister keeps talking to the farmers over radio network promising all sorts of help. The state governments encourage the people to increase their income through dairies but with no planning to help them in marketing.

Who is at fault? Who has failed to ensure succour to those self-employed people in the agrarian economy? Why such a gap between promise and performance. It is sickening that the government machinery seems to be quite insensitive to such an issue.

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Minimum Wage in the richest land!

Thousands of demonstrators, including many fast-food workers and child care staff protested in New York demanding a minimum wage of 15 US dollars an hour to escape poverty in America's largest city.

The minimum wage at the moment in New York is Dollar 8.75 ( around 63 indian rupees to a dollar ) an hour and due to rise to Dollar 9 in 2016.

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Rich is becoming richer!

Not only individuals but educational institutions as well!!

The assets of the 40 wealthiest institutions in USA, led by Harvard University, have increased 50 per cent over the past five years , according to a report released by Moody's Investors Service, the New York bond rating company ( TOI, April 17, 2015).

Any equivalent in India?
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Shia Genocide

Around 1000 people killed in two years. In Pakistan many social groups are in danger now, reports Fatima Bhutto.

A sad commentary on the situation prevalent in our neighbourhood. People kill other people in the name of religion? What is the use of such a religion in 21st Century? Only their God can reform such individuals and organisations!

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India is on the move!

Urbanisation is in full swing all over India. The people from countryside keep migrating to metros, class one cities, class two towns mainly in search of employment, safety and security, privacy in life, urban amenities etc.

Even villages in South India appear to have pucca houses, better road connectivity and communication facilities. It is a good development we should feel proud of. Cleanliness and sanitation is of course not cared for by any citizens unfortunately so far. Hope things should improve on this front too soon.

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Lee Kuan Yew

A law student from Cambridge, otherwise born into the third generation middle class Chinese family in Singapore in 1923, had the opportunity to form the People's Action Party  in 1954 and win the elections in 1959. Lee became the Prime Minister. After an initial merger with Malaysia, Singapore parted the way after two years and started its forward march under his rule since 1960. 

In the next three decades he transformed a tiny and sleepy fisherman island into an economically powerful city nation. Now the per capita income in Singapore is around  U S. dollar 55000/. 

Reason for success:

Enterprising and dedicated leadership

Incorruptible and strict government

Control on freedom of speech and media

Single party rule for 3-4 decades with no opposition

People's cooperation with the government

Is it possible in India to repeat that system given the constitution of India, diversity in race, religion, language, culture, history, geography etc? Not really.

A disciplined democracy, with press freedom subordinated to national goals, pronounced and practised by selfless individuals at the apex level and supported by a bureaucracy committed to the Constitution of India and the socialistic pattern of Indian society alone can pave the way for transformation of India into a world class nation developed in all aspects.

Can the Modi's role and rule be expected to usher in such a transformation in India?

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Rule of Law in Punjab?

A 14-year old girl is ill treated and pushed out of the running bus along with her mother. The girl dies and the mother is in a serious condition undergoing treatment. The bus involved belongs to the chief minister P.S Badal and his reaction to the incident appears to be quite irritating and irresponsible. If a mother and a girl are not safe in C.M'bus, where is law and order in Punjab?

Money and muzzle power enable a family to rule the state. Who will have the guts to question the wrongdoings of such a powerful political family there?

Indian democracy seems to have not matured still!

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Monitoring at the apex level!

Status of Executives at the grassroots

A down to earth practical approach  was adopted by PM Narendra Modi by sending top bureaucrats to the places where they initially started their career and worked 30-35 years ago to find out the status of implementation of schemes at the grassroots. A top-down goal fixation and target implementation is normally beset with many teething troubles due to varied assets and capacities enjoyed by the executives in the field. 

The internal report in six pages consolidated and placed before the PM indicates that all is not well in the field despite encouraging aggregate numbers achieved and reported by the bankers at the apex level. No wonder in the last 10-20 years thousand and thousand crores of rupees budgeted, allocated and released from the Centre in the name of several schemes seem to have achieved comparatively little progress when the cost-benefit analysis is attempted and assembled at the end of the day.

Good beginning by the Centre under the leadership of a dynamic PM! But the aspirations and expectations for gainful employment and self employment to the millions of youths are certainly a daunting challenge to the PM and his government. The whole government - top to bottom - has to realise the magnitude, work out a strategy and strive hard to achieve the goals in a definite time-frame.

All the best to one and all in the arena!

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River Pollution

Central Pollution Control Board (CPCB) has noted that the number of polluted river stretches in the country increased from 150 to 302 in the past five years, indicating how rivers other than Ganga too are victims of constant neglect.

A total of 532 towns / cities fall along the polluted stretches of different rivers across the country. In comparison the Ganga river basin states of Uttarakhand, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar, Jharkhand and West Bengal have 118 such stretches. 

March 27, 2015
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Modi & his team.

Ratan Tata: (Friday, April 17,2015)
"Don't get disillusioned, support Modi. 

"Let's Bake in India First" says Chetan Bhagat, a columnist-writer by expressing concern over the increasing number of suicides by farmers and makes out a case for opening up the agriculture sector to global players to help our farmers and our economy in contrast to "Make in India" slogan raised for manufacturing sector by the PM (Saturday, April 18,2015 in TOI).

Many promises made to the voters, but the time and the existing human resources for their execution severely limited, PM's and his team of workers are under watch!

Kim Jong-un reinstates ‘pleasure troupe’ harem

North Korean dictator Kim Jong-un has ordered a new “pleasure troupe” of young women to entertain him. Kim, 32, whose country is notorious for its allegedly widespread and horrific human rights abuses, is reportedly drawing up lists of a new generation of female companions, The Daily Telegraph reports.

The “pleasure troupes” were a practice introduced by Kim’s grandfather, North Korea’s founding father; the ‘Eternal President’ Kim II-sung. Government officials would conduct searches of the countryside for the most attractive young women, typically taking 30 to 40 every year; who would become maids, singers, or dancers following an interview with the leader: The prettiest would be expected to become the leader’s

concubines, eventually passed on – or “retired”- to high ranking military or government officials after they reached their mid-20s.

What a world we live in now in 21st century with the rulers still practising the feudal features like harem in Asia? As reader of India's Mogul history where I learnt the working of harems in the forts of Mogul Emperors like Akbar and Jahangir in 15th and 16th centuries, but shocked to know similar trends in North Korea. The used and enjoyed by the rulers, the ladies in mid 20s were passed on to the officials at the end. What a spoils system in place?

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