EDITORIAL

Friends
Among the joys of life is a sense of perspective looking back over the shoulder the labyrinth you journeyed to cover the distance. The completion of 9th year of our continuous publication is indeed a matter of great satisfaction to all of us here at ISSUES & CONCERNS. Yes, this month represents the beginning of 10th year of our journey in the world of print media. As one of our very supportive admirer had said some years ago "I do hope and pray ISSUES & CONCERNS will continue to march to its own sane and sensitive beat". That we shall live up to her hope and prayer is an unconditional promise to all our readers, patrons, friends and well wishers as we usher into the new year.
Month began with the news of UPA government’s ‘operation quite burial’ of giving the notorious Bofors scandal an official death certificate. It is indeed shameful for any government worth its name to do what is patently unthinkable only because, ostensibly the CBI ‘managed’ to fail to fix the fugitive Italian businessman Ottavio Quottrocchi, the kingpin of the scandal. For over two decades since the Swedish Radio claimed in one of its bulletins in April 1987 with a story "Kroners for cronies" (Kroner is Swedish currency) that Indian politicians were paid kick-backs to secure the deal, the Bofors has been a ghost that never left the Congress backyard. For all the 22 years, most of it Congress ruled and Congress supported, governments never appeared serious about unearthing the truth, while CBI appeared unwilling to pursue the leads, especially on Italian fugitive Quottrocchi. No wonder, in the wake of UPA government’s expression of intent to close the "Q" case, the CPI (M) sharply reacted. "The decision to withdraw the case against Quottrocchi comes in the wake of prolonged efforts to scuttle the case. With this latest act, the cover up of the Bofors bribery case is now complete," was the party response. Thus it is extremely unfortunate that the most infamous of all scandals, although not very big by to-days standard, just Rs 64 crores, shall in all probability be buried for ever. That the Q(uestion) of Q(uottrocchi) shall remain a Q for all times to come. Someday it may even become part of history of Modern India. That shall indeed be very sad end to the 22 years old saga. By hindsight, wouldn’t this decision to withdraw all cases against Ottavio Quottrocchi leave the cleanest Prime Minister Manmohan Singh with a black mark for life? Why he always took a path of least resistance when it came to save himself?
That the boat carrying some 80 tourists sank in Thekkady lake and that some 40 have died, need not surprise Indians. Don’t we remember the Kumbakonam school inferno where some 90 children died? In both cases, it was the human avarice that caused the completely avoidable accident. According to available report the Joint Director of Forensic department of Kerala Police Academy has declared that the boat in question ‘has failed the water worthiness test’. The test report further stated that, it had serious structural defects, it was unstable, had a rightward inclination besides the fibre used for the construction was of poor quality. Reportedly, the boat was not cleared for water worthiness before being deployed by KSTDC. Like in the Kumbakonam accident, it was government officials who allowed and cleared the school buildings without any fire safety measures. They saved the money for the private school owners and made some for themselves. Damn the children! Similar was the Kerala case. KSTDC got cheaper boat at higher price. Supplier made his money, so were KSTDC officials. So what, if 40 have died! Yes, corruption and greed make people mercenaries and Kerala is no different, despite being ‘GODS OWN COUNTRY’!!
Mob attacks women and parade them naked and police in Lahore registered an FIR against these hapless women. What do we call this? At least Chief Justice of Lahore High Court called it ‘outrageous’ and called Police ‘incompetent’. ‘Outrageous’ for registering the FIR and ‘incompetent’ for their failure to arrest the perpetrators of the inhuman act of parading these women naked.
Accusing these women of being involved in prostitution, a group of people attacked their house, dragged them out, disrobed them and forced them to walk naked. Taking the ‘suo motu’ notice of the incident Chief Justice Khwaja Mohd. Sherif acted with exemplary alacrity. In 48 hours he set the record straight by asking the police to squash the FIR and arrest the people involved in the heinous act. The incident happened on 27/09/2009 and judge acted on 30/09/2009. Indeed very commendable. These judicial activism give hope in hopeless Pakistan. Besides, isn't there lessons for Indian police and judiciary as well!
Keeping the promise of Obama administration that there will be gradual reduction in troop deployment in Iraq, U.S. has already ear-marked the reduction of 4000 troop by the end of Oct 2009 giving hopes that sooner than expected, U.S. might leave Iraq. That is indeed a good sign. Obama gives an impression of being a dependable leader who can be trusted as somebody who is keen to address the issue of conflict anywhere with seriousness. Thus, its just not rhetoric but an objective statement of serious intention. That he is a kind of pacifist was always heard in all his recorded utterances during all those years before election to White House as well as after his incredible victory as first Afro American president of USA.
No wonder, he became the surprise winner of Nobel Peace Prize for 2009. "Only very rarely has a person to the same extent as Obama, captured the attention and given its people hope for a better future", the Nobel committee had stated in its citation. They obviously took note of Obama’s honest intentions rather than wait for the day when intentions are realised at a future date. This recognition shall only spur him to improve his own lofty standards, as he rightly reacted "I will accept this award as a call to action" Yes, Nobel committee needs to be congratulated for this imaginative selection. Indeed Nobel Peace Prize for Obama is an investment in hope.
Is China testing waters of India’s capability to appropriately respond to its intermittent show of chickenery? Otherwise what was the need to start a fresh row of issuing Chinese visas to Kashmiris on a separate sheet rather than their Indian passport? And then protesting the visit of prime minister Manmohan Singh to Arunachal Pradesh, filled the cup of India’s diplomatic patience. After playing down repeatedly the Chinese intracigency, India gave a fitting snub by asking China to keep off POK and not to fish in the troubled waters by engaging in projects there. Pranab Mukherjee, the former external affairs minister insisted that "PM Manmohan Singh has every right to visit Arunachal" while SM Krishna, the MEA, reiterated "The Prime Minister does not need visa from China to visit Arunachal Pradesh". In a move which may not be liked by China, India has made it clear, that it will no more give business visas to Chinese people. This move was necessitated because, all these Chinese who came to the country on business visa ended up working somewhere in India. So finally Indian diplomacy has come on its own.
Natures fury is natures fury, there is little man can do to stop it, if it’s the non-stop-incessant rain. Its been rather very bad for both North Karnataka and parts of Andhra. There have been hundreds of death and loss of property has been very huge running into thousands of crores. Leadership of both states have been appealing to the centre for help. As usual, accusation of politics in reaching out have been heard, especially from Karnataka, allegedly because, it is the opposition ruled state. Hope its not true, and Prime Minister Manmohan Singh keeps his promise of genuine help. However, it is to the credit of state politicians that they managed to collect large sums of money-hundreds of crores-from public and corporate contributions. While these leaders and politicians were going around for contribution, an MLC close to the Chief Minister was suggested "why not all MLAs, MLCs, Ministers and Senior officers like Secretaries, donate a months salary to the relief fund and set an example to the country?". For what ever the reasons, no response came from the MLC, who other wise never fails in responding to Mobile SMS. However a report in the media about an MP’s gesture was indeed heart warming. Siddeshwara, an MP from Davangere not only took charge of the life of two boys including their schooling, who lost their parents to the flood, but also announced that he is contributing his one full year’s salary to the Chief Ministers relief fund. Hope Chief Minister and his cabinet follow this exemplary gesture. These are sparkles that light up dark days.
October is the month in which four great Indians were born, of them
only one is generally remembered, more in letter, rather than in spirit. Of course our 24X7 media is mainly responsible for this national amnesia. Besides, our academic contents in the books provided to schools also have failed to keep alive the memory of these great men. Mahatma Gandhi is generally remembered because there is a holiday, and others do not have and therefore are conveniently forgotten by the media and people alike. By hind sight it can safely be said that, if there is no national holiday, Mahatma too would get into a state of forgetfulness. This brings in, our twitter minister Shashi Tharoor, who had reportedly stated ‘why a holiday on Mahatma’s birthday? It’s a good question. After all Mahatma was a workaholic and we must celebrate by working more. There has to be a national debate how the day should be observed rather than giving a holiday, which only make the well heeled to have a date with fun and frolic. Yes, the remaining three great Indians are Lal Bahdoor Shastri, Jaya Prakash Narayan and Sardar Vallabh bhai Patel. Yes, there are many Indians who would know that Shastriji was born on the same day as Mahatma. But the other two are firmly into the unknown. On 11th October, there were electronic medias who had covered to a significant extent, the birthday celebration of a mere cinema star-a big one-and print media carried the story the next day. Yes, our media and by extension, our people remembered Amitabh Bachchan and there wasn’t even a passing reference to another great Indian of all time, Loknayak Jaya Prakash Narayan also born on the same day. Its indeed sad that entire media was deafeningly silent on the memory of the most selfless politician this country produced. The irony is, print media even had time, space, patience and of course the knowledge about the quirk of the fate that film star Rekha, another lover of Amitabh Bachchan, was born on 10th, the previous day. What do we make of this insolence of media, the nation and of course its people. This is indeed Yeh Mera India, Mera Bharath Mahan.
‘Peace for Mother’s Sake!’ was the front page opening head line of an English news paper from Mumbai. As usual its chasing celebrities and big money. Or else what’s the real news value for an average Indian that two warring Ambani brothers, only for a bigger share of the pie, are bringing in their mother. Aren’t they the chip of the same block? Father Ambani broke every law of the land in making RIL the biggest industrial house of the country. Sons are only following the footsteps of their father of aggrendasing wealth at all cost. And we have an obliging government taking side as it suites them. For news channels and news papers therefore they are not just news they are news makers. Paise ka bhol bhaala. Yeh Mera India.
"Maoists mow down 16 villagers in Bihar", "Maoists blow up rail links in Jharkhand, Bengal" "Maoist behead police officer in Jharkhand", "Maoists kill 17 in Gadchiroli". These four headlines appeared in the print media in just 7 days from 2nd Oct to 8th Oct. These acts are dastardly. Many who have died are absolute innocents. What do they want? And how do they believe that they will get what they want by killing innocent people? They may have legitimate grievances, but violence simply cannot solve their problem, it can only complicate it. Its almost like a war on the Indian state. How long can state tolerate it? And what if the Union government does really go ahead with deploying IAF to hunt the Maoists, despite denial by PM and HM? What chances can there be for the Maoists to be heard, in such an event? The intellectuals who got together to write to the media expressing apprehension about the thinking of using IAF against Maoists, why shouldn’t they ask these Maoists to stop violence and start talking? No, these Maoists simply cannot win against the state by violence. In the
event of state using IAF as a last resort, and Maoists coming cropper, they can lose all sympathy. Then even the legitimate grievance may have difficulty in being redressed and addressed. We have taken it up in Focus along with the relevance of Mahatma Gandhi in the context.
Problem in Afghanistan and Pakistan is becoming increasingly complicated for both U.S. and the leadership in Pakistan. If Afghanistan is suffering due to its own internal problem, the presence of U.S. forces has not really helped it improve. As is the intelligence input, more than 2/3rd of Afghanistan is not in the control of the government and hence its writ is not running there.Prsidential election recently held is apparently rigged in parts and U.S. is supporting the man who rigged it. So, how an average Afghan would like to accept U.S. role in his country? As former president Bill Clinton has told early this year to CNN correspondent Larry King that "Afghanistan has the potential of becoming Obama’s Vietnam". If the people of the country do not want you, you simply cannot succeed, is the message. Thus Obama administration has to have a strategy change that they get out with least damage to themselves and Afghans, while ensuring that terrorism is stamped out from Kabul.
Coming to Pakistan, it is difficult to really guess what can happen. But the increasing realisation that the monster-chicken that they supported to keep pricking India in its policy of "bleeding India with thousand cuts" has after all come home to roost. Hope they do learn lessons in co-operative co-existence by taking India’s help in handling militant and terrorist outfits for the good of both countries. So that both countries can enjoy the fruits of development better. Hope good sense and pragmatism prevails on the Pakistan leadership. It can be very safely said, that any government that shall rule Delhi, shall do its best to help Pakistan if ‘Pakistan genuinely desires' with transparent sincerity and asks for India’s help. That’s the bottom line.
Lokayukta in Karnataka keeps on hitting the headlines with his raids on dens of corrupt officials. But as usual it only ends up as news and his views on powers needed for follow up action some how does not make any headway despite the right noises the Karnataka Chief Minister is making. The reason why the ‘well intentioned’ CM does not equally push the need for power to Lokayukta is not far to seek. The apprehension is palpable. They all live in glass houses, including the honorable C.M. The latest Lokayukta exploit has trapped forest department officers. It is a well known source of unearned income. In fact Lokayukta must have the whole department of forest under its surveillance. If not all, majority, not very far from 100%, should be under scanner. In the above raid according to the report, right from the forest guard to the DCF, all of them had money in excess of what they could account for.
There was this, interesting judicial intervention in Maharashtra assembly polls, which took place early this month. In its judicial activism, Bombay high court had asked the Election Commissioner to allow a candidate to contest despite the rejection of his nomination papers. Rightly aggrieved, the Election Commission had moved the apex court challenging the High Court order, which had asked it to allow one Suryavanshi, a candidate of Janasurya Shakti Party (JSP) from Omergaon near Latur in Maharashtra.
Election Commission took a stand that court has no locus standi to interfere in any electoral process and this is like Laxman Rekha prescribed by the constitution itself. Appropriately Supreme Court has rejected the High Court ruling saying interference in the election process is beyond the perview of any court, and there is a constitutional bar to this effect.
This JSP is a registered political party but still not recognised to run for election. Hence, as is the norm, it had to submit the names of 10 voter proposers. However one of the proposer’s voter serial number was wrongly mentioned. Of course, Election Commission could have
overlooked this small human error, but they didn’t, going purely by the letter of the rule rather than the spirit. However Supreme Court’s ruling has only established the convention that court has no role in the electoral process, which is, prima facie, correct, and in the process has guaranteed the independence of Election Commission. It is good to see judicial activism, but it is better to see its checked, where checking is needed. Thus far no farther, is the dictum.
Recent assembly elections have seen the confirmation of Congress revival. However, it has allowed the dynastic dimension of our political ambitions to flourish. One of the winner is Rajendra Shekhawat, the Indian President Pratibhatai’s son, against the sitting-Congress turned rebel-MLA and minister in the outgoing cabinet. He has won despite the entire Congress leadership of Amravati and surrounding areas going with the rebel candidate. This shows, it’s the brand Congress rather than the candidate that has won the day. Of course the official candidate is little high profile, being Indian President’s son. Despite protestations that this was not another case of dynastic promotion within Congress, in all probability this Rajendra Shekawat may end up as a minister in Maharashtra cabinet. Yes, in India all are equal but some are more equal than others. This is an established principle of political promotion in India. Only Communists are free from this disease. BJP was free of this malaise until recently, but the party with the difference is slowly proving itself that it is also ‘no different after all’ So, its Jai Ho! Dynastic politics!!
Professionalism and professional qualification is a complementary concept in Indian context. If you are professionally qualified, say an Engineer, a Doctor or a Chartered Accountant etc., the person and his family members, beside a majority of such qualified people, think that they are professionals. This is a very Indian dimension. Unfortunately to be a professional, in one’s approach to issues and people around, one need not, in a strict sense, be an Engineer, Doctor or a ‘Chartered Accountant. In fact professionalism does not have a finite definition. It is infinite in its reach and reach out and hence difficult to limit it with a definition. Subroto Bagchi, a well known IT man and author recently stated "When I started travelling outside the country 30 years ago, I found that there was a real gap between us as nation of professionals and the world. Indian professional had to develop the quality of working unsupervised like their western counter parts and the ability to certify the completion of their own work. It is neither professional qualifications nor professional experience that makes a true professional." In the context of IIT professors going on hunger strike, and Kabil Sibal, the HRD minister sticking to his guns and not yielding has proved the above point candidly. Mr Bagchi rightly observed "Indian Professionals are too focused on fat cheques". Isn’t he damn right?!
Attack on Indian Embassy in Kabul-the 2nd one in less than a year-is apparently ISI handiwork, according to the Afghan ambassador to the U.S. Even the last year’s attack was blamed on ISI. As usual Pak has denied as is their wont. But Pakistan is clearly unhappy that Indian influence is increasing in Afghanistan. But what it fails to realise is, that the influence is more on humanitarian infrastructural development rather than millitary involvement. India, unlike China, does not have hegemonistic view of the neighbourhood. Such attacks only make Pakistan a villain in the average Afghan’s point of view and alienate Pakistan.
Justice Dinakaran issue is getting murkier by the day. The latest in the series of wrongdoings is the illegal construction of a floor in their commercial building property in Chennai and non payment of stamp duty and the legal clearence of the illegal construction. To what depth, judiciary can come like a common criminal? and Dinakaran is the Chief Justice of Karnataka High Court and slated for elevation to the Supreme Court! In the larger interest of Justice, per se, he should put-in his papers and call it quits. Atleast that can enhance a bit, his eroding credibility. God save judiciary from such ‘luminaries’!
Austerity talk is making its silly rounds. Austerity is basically mind driven rather than situation driven. There are any number of people who practice austerity despite being traditionally rich, or has acquired riches in ones own life span, some early some not so early. Showing off one’s financial clout is always in poor taste. All cannot be Mahatma Gandhis, or Jayaprakash Narayan’s but their memory can surely inspire us to learn and practice some of their ways of life. Yes, while it is true that there are people who practice frugal life styles despite
riches, there are lots of people who want to show off and live life on fast lane without adequate means to support their life styles. "Aamdanni Athanni Kharcha Rupaiyya Nateeja Tan Tan Gopal" is a time tested rhyme to describe such characters. All these practice of austerity has to be a MUST for public servants and politicians. Anybody who has come into politics should necessarily live a life of thrift, because you are spending public money. All must travel ‘cattle class’ of Shashi Tharoor. Earning in dollars, flaunting comes naturally. Now that he is into the rough and tumble of Indian politics, perforce he should lead by example. May be for all elected representatives and all senior government functionaries they should have a soul search and Dr. Manmohohan Singh, should lead them, why it is necessary for these ladies and gentleman to live an inexpensive life styles. Ofcourse Prime Minister has reportedly told Corporate biggies. No move to curb CEO’s salary? While PM is only being democratic, the fact remains that ‘Vulgar Pay & Perks’ in the Corporate World is a subject of serious concern. Especially in the Indian Context, where flagrant inequity is the order rather than exception. Isn’t there food for thought?!
There had to be a severe flood In North Karnataka for the government in Bangalore to realise that trucks destroying the roads and highways, need to be imposed with legally sanctioned toll. The ordinance passed recently to mop up some Rs. 2500 crores, to provide for the budget expenditure to repair of roads which were damaged by flood but earlier damaged by these heavily laden iron ore, granites and timber trucks. If this measure was put in place some years ago, the repair of highways, serious damages to bridges and all these arterial road networks could have been far less and saved the expenditure multiplier effect. Anyway, better late than never, and government should make it a continuous affair to not only earn more revenue but also to discipline road users.
Sycophancy in the media to sing paens to party in power is not new. But this should take the cake. Rahul Gandhi, the son of Sonia Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, great grandson of first Prime Minister Nehru, and grandson of former Prime Minister Indira Gandhi has been in news for some time now. These news about him has been steadily increasing because, we all Indians are made to believe that he is destined to rule India, courtesy Congress Party and their media ‘friends and well wishers’. His most important qualification is that he is son of Rajeev and Sonia Gandhi. All other details of his own worth is mostly unknown to Indians. Of course, he gives an impression of being a good human being. The saying that "It is nice to be important but more important to be nice" does apply to Rahul Gandhi. In the Indian context it is more important to be good than to be intelligent. However, for an English news paper to say "Rahul speaks his mind on Arunachal, Congress finds, its voice" gives an impression that they are trying hard to please somebody.
"Musharraf Booked in Murder Case" was another news that world has to know about the machinations, the former president of Pakistan has been indulging in. In fact the killing of Balochi Leader Bugti, in Aug 2006, by the army in a massive military operation, was allegedly at the behest of the then president Musharraf, and Balochistan High Court had asked Musharraf to appear in the Court some time ago, which he had ignored. Even an Interpol alert was being considered, since he is not in Pakistan. Story of Pakistani presidents’ getting involved in questionable action is not new. Probably every past president has done something similar to survive the seat of power. Law must take its course for Pakistani’s to know what their leaders are upto-both past and present. And what about we Indians. Isn't there lessons to learn!?
The news that "Karnataka Government cuts renewable energy project fee" has not come a day too early. Anybody with an iota of common sense and welfare of state would have openly encouraged any power projects into the state, especially the renewable types. These projects involve hundred of crores of capital investments, and to pay 1% of the capital as processing fee, is to put the cart before the horse. This is an attitudinal problem with these babus and politicians without the above the shoulder independent think tank of their own. This only reminds of what Gurucharan Das had to say on the role of babus in industrial stagnation in the country. In his book 'India Unbound' he had stated that "An IAS officer has no idea of what is business and industry but has the power to destroy it". It puts succinctly the situation in Karnataka energy ministry. When would people with power use it with responsibility and responsiveness?
As mentioned earlier Focus shall be on Naxals and Gandhi or vice versa. Hope readers shall have their own take on the issue and revert with your inputs. Do kindly revert. Rest of the issues are as usual.