MONTH-IN-PERSPECTIVE
NEW DELHI: Supreme Court, baffled at the vanishing seized drugs in the ‘safe’ custody of police! Supreme Court, with due respect, is little too late in recognizing this dimension of our policing. It is an open secret that there could be thousands of instances of 'fence eating the grass' when it comes to police. It is an all India phenomenon. The perception among police is quite established that once the seized property is in the possession of police, no question shall be asked, and even if asked it is eminently manageable. There is an element of non-challance among policemen, when it comes to accountability of seized tangible assets, since most higher ups are hand-in-gloves in the in-house crime.
Recently there was this story of a Mumbai cop found with drugs in his personal cupboard and in contact with drug mafia. This is only a tip of the iceberg.
To illustrate a bank robbery, where robbers emptied the strong room of a co-operative bank, giving mostly loans against gold. Case registered, FIR filed and investigation starts. Cops find the robber and gold. Robbers are dumped into the prison, but what happened to the gold? Panchanama is doctored to include a small part of the gold recovered. Police are aware that there is insurance cover for the gold held by the bank. So the bank would get the gold or its equivalent in cash. The unrecorded recovered gold is allegedly distributed depending upon the rank of policemen from top to bottom. And what happens to the alcohol bottles caught in a raid on an illegal storage and sale? There are any number of stories of police machination, appearing in the media, and if Apex Court expresses shock and say it is a “serious matter” then one can only feel sorry for the lack of judicial involvement in the happenings in our public space at large. It is certainly a reflection on the judicial state of affairs.
There was this print media report “No proposal to issue Rs. 25 note”. On the face of it, this news on the ‘no proposal’ of the Finance Ministry may not raise eyebrows. Because apparently it is a mundane news. But, it is a mundane news for those, who do not realize the significance of the report.
We all know that there are currency notes of Rs 10/-, Rs 20/-, Rs 50/- & Rs 100/-. All these four, serve the purpose for which it has been printed and circulated. But one of the four currency notes is, quite frankly irrelevant. Rs 20/- has primarily no role, since 2 of Rs 10/- can substitute it easily and hence can be easily done away with. It is differently made with different ink and design. It’s a cost, the department can easily avoid. But they neither thought about it, nor is it in their radar. But then, this is how most government works with no imagination.
And comes this Ram Das Singhal, a trader in the Chandigarh grain market, who suggested to the Prime Minister, in his 'Man Ki Baat' about the need to have a currency note of Rs 25/-. The idea, according to this Singhal was to eliminate the daily problem of Rs 5/- change, which, if this Rs 25/- note comes into circulation, can greatly help the trader and even general public. Reportedly PM Modi instantly liked the idea and said ‘why not?’ but as usual, the Cash & Currency division of the department of Economic affairs has clearly stated, while responding to an RTI query that, there was “no such proposal under consideration of issuing Rs 25/- note.” This is Yeh Mera India.
While we are about it, it may make some sense to print and circulate the currency denomination of Rs. 250/- even. It too can greatly facilitate the cash dealing, if only the government thinks and acts.
There was the news in the print media “Centre to focus on rural poverty”. On the face of it, there is nothing wrong with the news. But it took 68 years of politically independent India even to recognize the issue and to focus on rural poverty. That is unfortunately an undeniable aspect of our tryst with planning & development, where 12 five yearly development plans have left a significant section of Indians untouched. That is rather very sad. 16 Loksabha elections were held to have 16 central governments in New Delhi. Every elections were fought on the promise to improve the lot of aam aadmi, but every time the election got over and the government formed, the elected representatives forgot the existence of these aam aadmis, who voted them to power. This has been happening for all the 68 years of free India.
According to the report, this year the ministry seeks to capitalize on the participatory planning processes conducted and the existance of the block planning teams to plan more comprehensively for addressing the various facets of poverty of rural families by incorporating all rural development programmes in a single participatory planning exercise. Accordingly, the Rural Development Ministry is undertaking the process under Intensive Participatory Planning Exercise – II (IPPE II) in 2532 poorer backward blocks of the country and will be launching on 2nd Oct, the Gandhi Jayanthi Day. This is sequel to the survey conducted last year by the central government in some 2500 backward blocks for the purpose of budget preparation for the MGNREGA labour cost.
Hope this initiative of the present government shall eventually draw a road map for the eventual reduction in the poverty, if not eradication, among rural population of the country.
The issue of ‘triple talaq’ has dominated the media space for far too long. But somehow it has remained a subject where the community concerned has refused to take the call. Recently, a spokes person of the community organization AIMPLB has reportedly remarked that ‘triple talaq’ is a crime. ‘But once said it will be considered complete and unchangeable’. One Maulana Syed Ather Ali has reportedly remarked divorces as ‘undesirable’ thing, and ‘talaq’ uttered successively therein is wrong. But if done, it is not retractable. If ‘triple talaq’ is a crime and wrong, why have it at all? Is it because, Quran says? According to Noorjehan Safia Niaz, a co-founder of Bharathiya Muslim Mohila Andolan(BMMA) “Their opinion that a ‘triple talaq’ cannot be retracted is based on faulty interpretation of Quran.” A report informs that a survey conducted by BMMA of Muslim women across 10 states including Bihar and West Bengal, 88% of 4700 respondents wanted the practice of quick divorce or ‘triple talaq’ to go. So why do you have them? There is so much opposition from women folks across the spectrum in the community to this ‘triple talaq’, besides there are liberal men who want to join issue with these women. Yet, they are helpless to bring about the desired change, because vast majority of men and clergy oppose the scrapping of this ‘triple talaq’. This is indeed very sad, that something that was decided by ‘whom-so-ever-concerned’ long time ago, cannot be changed with the changing times! Like Tufail Ahmad of Middle East Media Research Institution, Washington says, "On July 25, a Muslim girl refused to take pre-medical examination because it required her to remove burqua: blame the burqua, not the government, if she remain backward." Hope the community rises to the occasion to take the call when and where needed.
Uttar Pradesh: It’s bizarre to think that what happened in a village in Bhagpat district of U.P could reverberate in far away London. But then, that’s what happened. What happened in their village is not merely most condemnable but also repugnant. It’s a shame that 2 of the British Members of Parliament should have got worked-up with what they described as ‘disgusting’ and wanted their Foreign office to take it up with Indian counter parts.
Two young girls, aged 15 and 23, had reportedly fled their home in a village in Bhagpat district after village elders allegedly ordered that they be stripped naked, raped and paraded publicly after their brother eloped with a married woman.
Reportedly the sisters and their family have now appealed to the Supreme Court for protection.
Disgusted at the ruling, Nadhim Zaharri, a conservative British MP urged UK foreign office to intervene saying ‘I am revolted. No culture or religion, no human being with any humanity would condone this.”
Reacting to the request, Hillary Benn, the Shadow Foreign Secretary has urged Phillip Hammod, Foreign and commonwealth secretary of UK to make immediate representation to authorities in India to take action to protect these two sisters.
This is extremely deplorable that such incidents in UP and elsewhere does not unfortunately, attract action from our four estates of governance, the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and the media. And it is very unfortunate we need to be pulled up by British M.Ps for our monumental inaction. But how can Modi govt take action against UP government when Malayam is helping BJP in Bihar. Opportunism, Indians thought, is alien to Modi. But his calculated friendship with Sharad Pawar and playing down things in UP for electoral benefit has also exposed him and his politics of convenience. May be, instead of talking to Sushma Swaraj, if these MPs talk to Modi, out of embarrassment, he may act after all, to save these sisters on the run, to save themselves.
Maharashtra: Can you imagine, you are observing Teachers Day without teacher! But that is exactly what Prime Minister Modi has done! On Teachers day he decided to talk to students, rather than teachers. No doubt, students are certainly a very important part of any evolving society. They should always be the focal point of any educational initiative. But on a specific day like Teachers day, it is meant for felicitating teachers and to know if there is any need of intervention from authorities, so that, they can perform better as teacher.
Right enough there was this news report “Who will listen to our grievances – Teachers” in the print media date lined Mumbai.
Prime Minister Modi, is a serious person and whatever he does he does it with all seriousness. But may be his prioritization of issues needs another re-look, especially when it comes to issues involving Education and allied problems. Actually he should start with his HRD minister, who has education as part of the ministry. How in right perspective Smrithi Irani can be a minister in charge of educational activities of the country, when she is not even a graduate? There have been innumerable innuendoes making its round since her inclusion in the ministry. However, the issue here is Teachers Day. What Prime Minister needs to recognize is, if corporate leaders like Azim Premji, can invest half his fortune for creating good and competent teachers, then it is important that the country’s Prime Minister has to pay his attention to issue of creating good and competent teachers, which is indeed the need of the country. Therefore, an a day like Teachers day, it makes lot of sense that he interact with them to not only give them a piece of advice on their role as societal game changers, but also listen to them of their concerns. Of course, Teachers Day or no Teachers Day, Prime Minister of the Country can always find time to speak to teachers or their bodies in different states to have a firsthand update on the issues, and there are so many, involving teaching fraternity. Now that he has not interacted with them this year and the last, he can find some exclusive time for them. Hope he does.
By now everybody knows, when it comes to charging for services Reliance cannot be trusted. First, it was Delhi power supplies by Reliance group. Indians are privy to the agitations by Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmy Party.
Following Delhi, power pricing, huge billing by Bombay Suburban Electric Supplies (BSES) is making its news. Mumbaikars are already under tremendous pressure due to this inflated electricity billing. And BSES is controlled by Reliance.
And comes the news that, Urban Development Minister in Fadnavis government, Ranjit Patil is trying to take on the might of Reliance by statutory interventions.
Reportedly Reliance, who is the administrator of Mumbai metro, want to increase Metro fare and Maharashtra government, is in ‘no mood to succumb to the pressure.
Reliance is claiming their standard shenanigans of cost escalation. They did the same with Delhi. They would do the same with BSES. Minister Ranjit Patil has already gone on record ‘wanting to go for CAG audit of Mumbai Metro’ to ascertain the veracity of cost escalation claim. The Minister is urging the Union government to exclude Mumbai Metro from the 2009 Metro Railway Act, so that the 1886 Indian Tramways Act can be invoked, where state has the power to fix the fare, unlike the Act of 2009, which has given away the privilege of fare fixing to Reliance. We have to call the Reliance bluff. It is undeniable that Reliance always exploited opportunities to make excess money or how can they be in the fortune 500, global wealthiest?!
As a nation, we are poor learners from situations and experiences. Every set of human activity present its own set of problem, be it government, private, groups or personal. We all start an activity with an objective in mind. As we go along, we experience success and failures. We also face problems and issues, some of which can be easily managed, some managed with difficulty and some challenge our intellectual and physical strength. But each set of experiences, pleasant, unpleasant and bad, throw up its own lesson of management of men, methods, materials and machinery. More often, an effective manager learns from these experiences and tries to improve things. However there are instances when things lapse into inertia and life carries on.
Suburban railways in Mumbai, transports everyday millions of passengers. The pressures on railways have always increased in Mumbai uninterrupted. Since Mumbai is the London of Charles Dickens, the pan- Indian rush is very huge. Railways take the brunt of this pressure. So there is a huge scope for improvement in the management of these local railways. But somehow the people managing it are completely unimaginative. They may have constraints of resources, which is the usual complaint. But it is always possible to improve things as they are. After regular demands of many years, western railways have trains starting from Andheri to Virar. This has been a welcome development. However Indians being Indians, they do not allow passengers to get down in stations before Borivali, they say, 'you should not get into such train,' you must take Borivali trains.' But all trains are coming full. And since Andheri-Virar is a starting train from Andheri, it is possible to enter the train in Andheri, which is not possible with Borivali trains. After all trains were started for all passengers from Andheri to Virar, hence all should enter and exit between these stations. But the selfish Indian mindset chokes the corridor for Andheri-Borivali passengers. Many a times there are instances of passengers being carried over to next station beyond their destination. To address such a stupid situation, Double Decker trains can be the best solution with all those going beyond Borivali can go upstairs leaving the lower compartment for Andheri - Borivali passengers. This change is possible with least cost and most benefits. Despite demand for these Double Deckers for many years, railways have not applied itself. Now High Court has come in to rap railways and have asked them to act. These railway officials get huge payments but lack imaginative skills to manage recurring problems which are eminently possible with an open mind to suggestions. But as usual we are poor learners.
The infamous hit & run case involving actor Salman Khan, continues to be in news for some right or wrong reasons. There was this news in the print media, that Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea seeking cancellation of bail granted to Salman by the Bombay High Court with a remark “We are Sorry; the petitioner is permitted to withdraw the petition.” Reportedly it was the bench of Chief Justice H. L. Dattu. It was hearing a plea filed by Sushila Bai Himmat Rao Patil, the mother of the deceased body guard of Salman Khan, Ravindra Patil. It is very well known, that Maharashtra government under the R.R Patil’s home ministership, played villain, in getting justice to the victims of this Salman hit-and-run case. It took some 13 years for the Sessions Court in Mumbai to arrive at some stage of conclusion to award a jail term of 5 years. It is also true that High Court, did not take even 3 days to grant bail to Salman. During these 13 years, the star witness Ravindra Patil, who was sitting next to Salman Khan when the hit & run happened, even made to suffer interminable hardship by his own police department, obviously under pressure from the accused and his henchmen. His testimony had played a decisive role in the conviction of Salman Khan. He died in a government hospital under unexplained pathetic condition in Oct 2007. Reportedly he was hounded by his own police department under instruction from government higher ups, including arrest and dismissal from service. How can this happen? Why has this happened? Supreme Court and its chief justice HL Dattu had a golden opportunity to go into the nitty gritty of the death of a star witness. But alas they had no time to hear the anguish of a mother of a brave and honest police officer son. Probably if Harish Salve or Ram Jethmalani were to represent Ms. Patil, India’s chief Justice would have taken more time to have the plea heard in greater detail, especially when there is already a plea in the High Court in Mumbai to probe the death of Ravindra Patil. This is a sad and an undeniable dimension of justice of our Yeh Mera India.
ANDHRA PRADESH: Hyderabad, egged on by the Owaisi brand of hate politics, is slowly emerging as the centre to polarize Indian Muslims.
The recent meeting of the leaders of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has alleged ‘threat to Muslims and other faiths’. In their eagerness to ‘save the religion’, they also want to save the constitution.
Constitution will always remain a document above controversy and hence does not require the help of AIMPLB to save it. There are enough people from all sections of society to save the sacred constitution. Coming to their ‘save the religion’ call it is true that there are elements within the ruling combine and their followers, who are mouthing inanities bordering on intolerance.
They have to be undoubtedly forced to keep quite. Coming to Yoga, Surya Namaskar and Vande Maataram, it is a bit of bogie. There are any number of Muslims and even Muslim majority societies who have no issue with Yoga in its physical & spiritual part. There are number of Yoga practitioners among both Muslims & Christians who are ardent faithfuls of their respective religions. Similar is Surya Namaskar. Look at it from the energy point and not as a symbol of Hindu myth. And Vande Maataram, was sung by A R Rehman for the full house of parliament in his own inimitable way to the joy of a whole nation. Hindu puritanicals had no complaints about Rehman’s own musical score for the national song. Hence this need not be an issue.
However, another subject which AIMPLB discussed has, in a way, given away their untold agenda. Reportedly they had claimed that there are efforts to amend and change the laws, they said in a statement that these attempts may affect the Muslim Personal Laws. Thus, it is clear, it is the fear of interference in their personal laws that has prompted this ‘threat’ perception to Muslims and others.
A democratic country, while not interfering with the religious practices of its citizens, its government has every right to initiate amendments to all unfair personal laws of all communities. That said, the central authorities should work towards a common civil code applicable to all citizens pari passu, by having a dialogue with all stake holders. Period.
KARNATAKA: Editorial of a Bangalore based English daily screamed “Lifeless toddler, humanity’s shame”. Apparently editor avoided applying his mind to the issue at hand. Indeed it was very heartrending to see a toddler lying lifeless on a beach, head in the sand with his shoes still on. Editor was blaming Europe for being heartless. May be so! Even Canada refused entry to the family that perished leaving only the father alive. Canada or Europe many not be right in refusing the present migrants. But may not be wrong either! Can they be blamed for protecting their interest first! After all it was someone else’ making isn’t it?
Who is, and what is the genesis of the problem of this migration? Who is & what is causing the migration? You are clearly wonky in not being truthful.
Mr. Editor the problem has persisted only because of opportunists like you, and there are many in Indian media scene who avoid coming to terms with the reality. As long as you refuse to see the truth with your goggled eye sight, the problem will not only persist but can also grow. That’s the harsh truth.
And comes the news in the same paper a few days down, “Germany bursting at seams with migrants.” Hungery’s Prime minister has gone on record saying “Germany’s decision to relax asylum laws have caused chaos. European leaders are living in a dream world. The idea that quotas will work is an illusion. The influx is endless: from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Mali, Nigeria. If they are all going to come here, then Europe is going to go under.” Then you have an opposition view from Germany itself, “Markel’s decision to welcome migrants is a political error that will have catastrophic consequences. We have lost control. It is completely irresponsible to allow thousands of people enter. One can’t really estimate how many IS fighters are among them.” was the opposing view. Thus the duplicity of the editor is exposed. If the circulation of the paper is the target by not being truthful, then it is shortsighted. In the long run only truth shall triumph. It is true, those who want to escape the war torn Syria have to be helped. But what about Gulf countries of the immediate neighborhood! Aren’t they their Muslim brethren! Of course Germany may have its own agenda of finding young workforce for its factories with its own ageing population. That again is not a permanent solution besides, a possible ethnic tension between the locals and migrants cannot be ruled out in the future. The solution is a conflict free world. How do we get at it? This is the question the editor and his ilk have to ponder and debate.
Readers always enjoyed reading the sharp and sensible writings of T J S George while most of what he said on 30 Aug in TNS Express under Mindspace is agreeable. But there are few dimensions which need better appreciation. He was generally commenting on the recent report on the population status of India based on relegion. Growth of Muslims in India is not different from other countries. Whether it is U.K, Europe or other developed countries, there too it is increasing. Alleged poverty in India may not be there in those developed countries. The problem is the hard-line Muslims, whose number is very high as compared to hardliners among Hindus, Christians or Jews. These hardliners want their number to be increased, so that one day they become majority not just in India but all over the World. This fact, if T.J.S. say, he is not aware as he tries to explain out things, then he is simply lying or fooling himself. Then there are liberals among Muslims, sure they are many, but many of them have confessed, ‘we are afraid of the hardliners,’. So whom do we blame! We have to blame intellectuals who look the other way when it comes to take things head on. Then there are any number of Muslim men, who will not send their girls for higher education saying it is not needed. As for Hindus, there are more poor people among Hindus, than there are among Muslims. Who are the workingmen in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Countries? All of them are Hindus? Or most of them Muslims? Where does their Gulf money go? For social engineering or anti social activities? Let him ask his Malayalee friend former chief minister of Kerala A.K Antony. He will have enough & more to tell George. So please Mr. TJS George we expect at least intellectual honesty of an assertive kind from you. Don’t write to the gallery. Surely you are aware why Myanmar do not want Rohingyas, don’t you? The recent Statement in the ‘Organiser’, the RSS publication, ask a pertinent question ‘Is rise in Muslims larger conspiracy to Islamise Bharath?’ Do you want to brush aside this question? Then you have this almost anti-national Asaduddin Owaisi stating that Muslims in India will be equal to Hindus in 250 years, and Hafiz said, that lunatic Pakistani, saying “I will not rest until India is merged with Pakistan.” Mr. George, we all owe it to the time we live in to give a stable and peaceful society to Indians of all hues irrespective of their sociological difference of compartmentalisation.
World: Ever since Aug 2014, when U.S journalist James Foley was beheaded by one Jehadi John, dressed in black, from top to toe, with only opening for eyes and nose, world tried to get at him. First, they tried to analyze his voice, which had English accent in his Arabic. They tried to zero on a Kuwaiti national with similar gait and physique, studied computer programming in London. At the early stage of discovery, there were people in England, who confidently guessed then, that this man is Mohd Emwazi. Their guess turned out to be right.
As soon as the identity of this lunatic barbarian became pronounced, it went viral. In the meantime, he had already beheaded over ½ a dozen, mostly American & British nationals. He was also involved in the beheading of Syrian soldiers. As soon as the wider world came to know of the identity of this sick killer, this beast in the human form ran for his dear life. Suddenly, the Jehadi in him turned turtle, he did not want to die. He proved to be a fake Jehadi. He was not interested in killing in the name of Allah, damn the so- called larger cause of Caliphate or Allah, he vanished into the strife torn Syria. He was even afraid that his team mates, the lunatic fringe itself, might kill him, since his utility became fraught with danger for ISIS itself, once his identity became known to the world. Since he wanted to live, and enjoy life with the looted resources of ISIS, he crafted a plan. Suddenly he announced that he will return to U.K on “beheading spree of non Muslims,” with his face completely uncovered for the benefit of video shooting. May be this barbarian Jehadi thinks that all those non-Muslims in the UK are waiting to welcome him “Aa bail mujhe maar”. And comes the news “Cameron orders M16 to hunt down Jehadi John”, dead or alive.
So after all, the days of this barbarian may not be too far away to come to an end. Insha Allah it happens.
Democracy presupposes two conditions. One says I am not less than you, meaning both are equal. The other says you are not less than me, also meaning both are equal. But there is subtle difference. One is being assertive and therefore has the potential to cause unease. The other being accommodative and therefore a better representative of peace. In the global order today both situations are visible.
Emerging Super Power, ambitious of being No:1 in the global clout, China is flexing its muscles everywhere with its money power and defence capability. For fairly a long time, the issue involving the South China Sea (SCS) has been a kind of flash point between China and other countries around the SCS. China is clearly trying to browbeat and bully its smaller neighours. All global players have tried to reason out with China. But its assertive behaviour borne out of its financial power with huge balance of payment in its favour, is causing a completely avoidable unease among not only its smaller neighbours, but also Japan and India.
Now comes the warning by Australian Defense Minister severely criticizing Chinese military aggressiveness in the SCS and against any intimidation and aggression in the disputed waters. Australia appeared very concerned about the airstrip being built on Fiery Cross Reef and thereby creating an island, is clearly with hegemonistic tendencies, especially when several countries in the region including Philippines and Vietnam staking territorial claim on SCS. This is certainly not an issue, the international community will take it kindly. Hope, China tries to behave pragmatically in the larger issue of peace in the region.
Recently there was this story of a Mumbai cop found with drugs in his personal cupboard and in contact with drug mafia. This is only a tip of the iceberg.
To illustrate a bank robbery, where robbers emptied the strong room of a co-operative bank, giving mostly loans against gold. Case registered, FIR filed and investigation starts. Cops find the robber and gold. Robbers are dumped into the prison, but what happened to the gold? Panchanama is doctored to include a small part of the gold recovered. Police are aware that there is insurance cover for the gold held by the bank. So the bank would get the gold or its equivalent in cash. The unrecorded recovered gold is allegedly distributed depending upon the rank of policemen from top to bottom. And what happens to the alcohol bottles caught in a raid on an illegal storage and sale? There are any number of stories of police machination, appearing in the media, and if Apex Court expresses shock and say it is a “serious matter” then one can only feel sorry for the lack of judicial involvement in the happenings in our public space at large. It is certainly a reflection on the judicial state of affairs.
There was this print media report “No proposal to issue Rs. 25 note”. On the face of it, this news on the ‘no proposal’ of the Finance Ministry may not raise eyebrows. Because apparently it is a mundane news. But, it is a mundane news for those, who do not realize the significance of the report.
We all know that there are currency notes of Rs 10/-, Rs 20/-, Rs 50/- & Rs 100/-. All these four, serve the purpose for which it has been printed and circulated. But one of the four currency notes is, quite frankly irrelevant. Rs 20/- has primarily no role, since 2 of Rs 10/- can substitute it easily and hence can be easily done away with. It is differently made with different ink and design. It’s a cost, the department can easily avoid. But they neither thought about it, nor is it in their radar. But then, this is how most government works with no imagination.
And comes this Ram Das Singhal, a trader in the Chandigarh grain market, who suggested to the Prime Minister, in his 'Man Ki Baat' about the need to have a currency note of Rs 25/-. The idea, according to this Singhal was to eliminate the daily problem of Rs 5/- change, which, if this Rs 25/- note comes into circulation, can greatly help the trader and even general public. Reportedly PM Modi instantly liked the idea and said ‘why not?’ but as usual, the Cash & Currency division of the department of Economic affairs has clearly stated, while responding to an RTI query that, there was “no such proposal under consideration of issuing Rs 25/- note.” This is Yeh Mera India.
While we are about it, it may make some sense to print and circulate the currency denomination of Rs. 250/- even. It too can greatly facilitate the cash dealing, if only the government thinks and acts.
There was the news in the print media “Centre to focus on rural poverty”. On the face of it, there is nothing wrong with the news. But it took 68 years of politically independent India even to recognize the issue and to focus on rural poverty. That is unfortunately an undeniable aspect of our tryst with planning & development, where 12 five yearly development plans have left a significant section of Indians untouched. That is rather very sad. 16 Loksabha elections were held to have 16 central governments in New Delhi. Every elections were fought on the promise to improve the lot of aam aadmi, but every time the election got over and the government formed, the elected representatives forgot the existence of these aam aadmis, who voted them to power. This has been happening for all the 68 years of free India.
According to the report, this year the ministry seeks to capitalize on the participatory planning processes conducted and the existance of the block planning teams to plan more comprehensively for addressing the various facets of poverty of rural families by incorporating all rural development programmes in a single participatory planning exercise. Accordingly, the Rural Development Ministry is undertaking the process under Intensive Participatory Planning Exercise – II (IPPE II) in 2532 poorer backward blocks of the country and will be launching on 2nd Oct, the Gandhi Jayanthi Day. This is sequel to the survey conducted last year by the central government in some 2500 backward blocks for the purpose of budget preparation for the MGNREGA labour cost.
Hope this initiative of the present government shall eventually draw a road map for the eventual reduction in the poverty, if not eradication, among rural population of the country.
The issue of ‘triple talaq’ has dominated the media space for far too long. But somehow it has remained a subject where the community concerned has refused to take the call. Recently, a spokes person of the community organization AIMPLB has reportedly remarked that ‘triple talaq’ is a crime. ‘But once said it will be considered complete and unchangeable’. One Maulana Syed Ather Ali has reportedly remarked divorces as ‘undesirable’ thing, and ‘talaq’ uttered successively therein is wrong. But if done, it is not retractable. If ‘triple talaq’ is a crime and wrong, why have it at all? Is it because, Quran says? According to Noorjehan Safia Niaz, a co-founder of Bharathiya Muslim Mohila Andolan(BMMA) “Their opinion that a ‘triple talaq’ cannot be retracted is based on faulty interpretation of Quran.” A report informs that a survey conducted by BMMA of Muslim women across 10 states including Bihar and West Bengal, 88% of 4700 respondents wanted the practice of quick divorce or ‘triple talaq’ to go. So why do you have them? There is so much opposition from women folks across the spectrum in the community to this ‘triple talaq’, besides there are liberal men who want to join issue with these women. Yet, they are helpless to bring about the desired change, because vast majority of men and clergy oppose the scrapping of this ‘triple talaq’. This is indeed very sad, that something that was decided by ‘whom-so-ever-concerned’ long time ago, cannot be changed with the changing times! Like Tufail Ahmad of Middle East Media Research Institution, Washington says, "On July 25, a Muslim girl refused to take pre-medical examination because it required her to remove burqua: blame the burqua, not the government, if she remain backward." Hope the community rises to the occasion to take the call when and where needed.
Uttar Pradesh: It’s bizarre to think that what happened in a village in Bhagpat district of U.P could reverberate in far away London. But then, that’s what happened. What happened in their village is not merely most condemnable but also repugnant. It’s a shame that 2 of the British Members of Parliament should have got worked-up with what they described as ‘disgusting’ and wanted their Foreign office to take it up with Indian counter parts.
Two young girls, aged 15 and 23, had reportedly fled their home in a village in Bhagpat district after village elders allegedly ordered that they be stripped naked, raped and paraded publicly after their brother eloped with a married woman.
Reportedly the sisters and their family have now appealed to the Supreme Court for protection.
Disgusted at the ruling, Nadhim Zaharri, a conservative British MP urged UK foreign office to intervene saying ‘I am revolted. No culture or religion, no human being with any humanity would condone this.”
Reacting to the request, Hillary Benn, the Shadow Foreign Secretary has urged Phillip Hammod, Foreign and commonwealth secretary of UK to make immediate representation to authorities in India to take action to protect these two sisters.
This is extremely deplorable that such incidents in UP and elsewhere does not unfortunately, attract action from our four estates of governance, the legislature, the executive, the judiciary and the media. And it is very unfortunate we need to be pulled up by British M.Ps for our monumental inaction. But how can Modi govt take action against UP government when Malayam is helping BJP in Bihar. Opportunism, Indians thought, is alien to Modi. But his calculated friendship with Sharad Pawar and playing down things in UP for electoral benefit has also exposed him and his politics of convenience. May be, instead of talking to Sushma Swaraj, if these MPs talk to Modi, out of embarrassment, he may act after all, to save these sisters on the run, to save themselves.
Maharashtra: Can you imagine, you are observing Teachers Day without teacher! But that is exactly what Prime Minister Modi has done! On Teachers day he decided to talk to students, rather than teachers. No doubt, students are certainly a very important part of any evolving society. They should always be the focal point of any educational initiative. But on a specific day like Teachers day, it is meant for felicitating teachers and to know if there is any need of intervention from authorities, so that, they can perform better as teacher.
Right enough there was this news report “Who will listen to our grievances – Teachers” in the print media date lined Mumbai.
Prime Minister Modi, is a serious person and whatever he does he does it with all seriousness. But may be his prioritization of issues needs another re-look, especially when it comes to issues involving Education and allied problems. Actually he should start with his HRD minister, who has education as part of the ministry. How in right perspective Smrithi Irani can be a minister in charge of educational activities of the country, when she is not even a graduate? There have been innumerable innuendoes making its round since her inclusion in the ministry. However, the issue here is Teachers Day. What Prime Minister needs to recognize is, if corporate leaders like Azim Premji, can invest half his fortune for creating good and competent teachers, then it is important that the country’s Prime Minister has to pay his attention to issue of creating good and competent teachers, which is indeed the need of the country. Therefore, an a day like Teachers day, it makes lot of sense that he interact with them to not only give them a piece of advice on their role as societal game changers, but also listen to them of their concerns. Of course, Teachers Day or no Teachers Day, Prime Minister of the Country can always find time to speak to teachers or their bodies in different states to have a firsthand update on the issues, and there are so many, involving teaching fraternity. Now that he has not interacted with them this year and the last, he can find some exclusive time for them. Hope he does.
By now everybody knows, when it comes to charging for services Reliance cannot be trusted. First, it was Delhi power supplies by Reliance group. Indians are privy to the agitations by Kejriwal and his Aam Aadmy Party.
Following Delhi, power pricing, huge billing by Bombay Suburban Electric Supplies (BSES) is making its news. Mumbaikars are already under tremendous pressure due to this inflated electricity billing. And BSES is controlled by Reliance.
And comes the news that, Urban Development Minister in Fadnavis government, Ranjit Patil is trying to take on the might of Reliance by statutory interventions.
Reportedly Reliance, who is the administrator of Mumbai metro, want to increase Metro fare and Maharashtra government, is in ‘no mood to succumb to the pressure.
Reliance is claiming their standard shenanigans of cost escalation. They did the same with Delhi. They would do the same with BSES. Minister Ranjit Patil has already gone on record ‘wanting to go for CAG audit of Mumbai Metro’ to ascertain the veracity of cost escalation claim. The Minister is urging the Union government to exclude Mumbai Metro from the 2009 Metro Railway Act, so that the 1886 Indian Tramways Act can be invoked, where state has the power to fix the fare, unlike the Act of 2009, which has given away the privilege of fare fixing to Reliance. We have to call the Reliance bluff. It is undeniable that Reliance always exploited opportunities to make excess money or how can they be in the fortune 500, global wealthiest?!
As a nation, we are poor learners from situations and experiences. Every set of human activity present its own set of problem, be it government, private, groups or personal. We all start an activity with an objective in mind. As we go along, we experience success and failures. We also face problems and issues, some of which can be easily managed, some managed with difficulty and some challenge our intellectual and physical strength. But each set of experiences, pleasant, unpleasant and bad, throw up its own lesson of management of men, methods, materials and machinery. More often, an effective manager learns from these experiences and tries to improve things. However there are instances when things lapse into inertia and life carries on.
Suburban railways in Mumbai, transports everyday millions of passengers. The pressures on railways have always increased in Mumbai uninterrupted. Since Mumbai is the London of Charles Dickens, the pan- Indian rush is very huge. Railways take the brunt of this pressure. So there is a huge scope for improvement in the management of these local railways. But somehow the people managing it are completely unimaginative. They may have constraints of resources, which is the usual complaint. But it is always possible to improve things as they are. After regular demands of many years, western railways have trains starting from Andheri to Virar. This has been a welcome development. However Indians being Indians, they do not allow passengers to get down in stations before Borivali, they say, 'you should not get into such train,' you must take Borivali trains.' But all trains are coming full. And since Andheri-Virar is a starting train from Andheri, it is possible to enter the train in Andheri, which is not possible with Borivali trains. After all trains were started for all passengers from Andheri to Virar, hence all should enter and exit between these stations. But the selfish Indian mindset chokes the corridor for Andheri-Borivali passengers. Many a times there are instances of passengers being carried over to next station beyond their destination. To address such a stupid situation, Double Decker trains can be the best solution with all those going beyond Borivali can go upstairs leaving the lower compartment for Andheri - Borivali passengers. This change is possible with least cost and most benefits. Despite demand for these Double Deckers for many years, railways have not applied itself. Now High Court has come in to rap railways and have asked them to act. These railway officials get huge payments but lack imaginative skills to manage recurring problems which are eminently possible with an open mind to suggestions. But as usual we are poor learners.
The infamous hit & run case involving actor Salman Khan, continues to be in news for some right or wrong reasons. There was this news in the print media, that Supreme Court refused to entertain a plea seeking cancellation of bail granted to Salman by the Bombay High Court with a remark “We are Sorry; the petitioner is permitted to withdraw the petition.” Reportedly it was the bench of Chief Justice H. L. Dattu. It was hearing a plea filed by Sushila Bai Himmat Rao Patil, the mother of the deceased body guard of Salman Khan, Ravindra Patil. It is very well known, that Maharashtra government under the R.R Patil’s home ministership, played villain, in getting justice to the victims of this Salman hit-and-run case. It took some 13 years for the Sessions Court in Mumbai to arrive at some stage of conclusion to award a jail term of 5 years. It is also true that High Court, did not take even 3 days to grant bail to Salman. During these 13 years, the star witness Ravindra Patil, who was sitting next to Salman Khan when the hit & run happened, even made to suffer interminable hardship by his own police department, obviously under pressure from the accused and his henchmen. His testimony had played a decisive role in the conviction of Salman Khan. He died in a government hospital under unexplained pathetic condition in Oct 2007. Reportedly he was hounded by his own police department under instruction from government higher ups, including arrest and dismissal from service. How can this happen? Why has this happened? Supreme Court and its chief justice HL Dattu had a golden opportunity to go into the nitty gritty of the death of a star witness. But alas they had no time to hear the anguish of a mother of a brave and honest police officer son. Probably if Harish Salve or Ram Jethmalani were to represent Ms. Patil, India’s chief Justice would have taken more time to have the plea heard in greater detail, especially when there is already a plea in the High Court in Mumbai to probe the death of Ravindra Patil. This is a sad and an undeniable dimension of justice of our Yeh Mera India.
ANDHRA PRADESH: Hyderabad, egged on by the Owaisi brand of hate politics, is slowly emerging as the centre to polarize Indian Muslims.
The recent meeting of the leaders of All India Muslim Personal Law Board (AIMPLB) has alleged ‘threat to Muslims and other faiths’. In their eagerness to ‘save the religion’, they also want to save the constitution.
Constitution will always remain a document above controversy and hence does not require the help of AIMPLB to save it. There are enough people from all sections of society to save the sacred constitution. Coming to their ‘save the religion’ call it is true that there are elements within the ruling combine and their followers, who are mouthing inanities bordering on intolerance.
They have to be undoubtedly forced to keep quite. Coming to Yoga, Surya Namaskar and Vande Maataram, it is a bit of bogie. There are any number of Muslims and even Muslim majority societies who have no issue with Yoga in its physical & spiritual part. There are number of Yoga practitioners among both Muslims & Christians who are ardent faithfuls of their respective religions. Similar is Surya Namaskar. Look at it from the energy point and not as a symbol of Hindu myth. And Vande Maataram, was sung by A R Rehman for the full house of parliament in his own inimitable way to the joy of a whole nation. Hindu puritanicals had no complaints about Rehman’s own musical score for the national song. Hence this need not be an issue.
However, another subject which AIMPLB discussed has, in a way, given away their untold agenda. Reportedly they had claimed that there are efforts to amend and change the laws, they said in a statement that these attempts may affect the Muslim Personal Laws. Thus, it is clear, it is the fear of interference in their personal laws that has prompted this ‘threat’ perception to Muslims and others.
A democratic country, while not interfering with the religious practices of its citizens, its government has every right to initiate amendments to all unfair personal laws of all communities. That said, the central authorities should work towards a common civil code applicable to all citizens pari passu, by having a dialogue with all stake holders. Period.
KARNATAKA: Editorial of a Bangalore based English daily screamed “Lifeless toddler, humanity’s shame”. Apparently editor avoided applying his mind to the issue at hand. Indeed it was very heartrending to see a toddler lying lifeless on a beach, head in the sand with his shoes still on. Editor was blaming Europe for being heartless. May be so! Even Canada refused entry to the family that perished leaving only the father alive. Canada or Europe many not be right in refusing the present migrants. But may not be wrong either! Can they be blamed for protecting their interest first! After all it was someone else’ making isn’t it?
Who is, and what is the genesis of the problem of this migration? Who is & what is causing the migration? You are clearly wonky in not being truthful.
Mr. Editor the problem has persisted only because of opportunists like you, and there are many in Indian media scene who avoid coming to terms with the reality. As long as you refuse to see the truth with your goggled eye sight, the problem will not only persist but can also grow. That’s the harsh truth.
And comes the news in the same paper a few days down, “Germany bursting at seams with migrants.” Hungery’s Prime minister has gone on record saying “Germany’s decision to relax asylum laws have caused chaos. European leaders are living in a dream world. The idea that quotas will work is an illusion. The influx is endless: from Pakistan, Bangladesh, Ethiopia, Mali, Nigeria. If they are all going to come here, then Europe is going to go under.” Then you have an opposition view from Germany itself, “Markel’s decision to welcome migrants is a political error that will have catastrophic consequences. We have lost control. It is completely irresponsible to allow thousands of people enter. One can’t really estimate how many IS fighters are among them.” was the opposing view. Thus the duplicity of the editor is exposed. If the circulation of the paper is the target by not being truthful, then it is shortsighted. In the long run only truth shall triumph. It is true, those who want to escape the war torn Syria have to be helped. But what about Gulf countries of the immediate neighborhood! Aren’t they their Muslim brethren! Of course Germany may have its own agenda of finding young workforce for its factories with its own ageing population. That again is not a permanent solution besides, a possible ethnic tension between the locals and migrants cannot be ruled out in the future. The solution is a conflict free world. How do we get at it? This is the question the editor and his ilk have to ponder and debate.
Readers always enjoyed reading the sharp and sensible writings of T J S George while most of what he said on 30 Aug in TNS Express under Mindspace is agreeable. But there are few dimensions which need better appreciation. He was generally commenting on the recent report on the population status of India based on relegion. Growth of Muslims in India is not different from other countries. Whether it is U.K, Europe or other developed countries, there too it is increasing. Alleged poverty in India may not be there in those developed countries. The problem is the hard-line Muslims, whose number is very high as compared to hardliners among Hindus, Christians or Jews. These hardliners want their number to be increased, so that one day they become majority not just in India but all over the World. This fact, if T.J.S. say, he is not aware as he tries to explain out things, then he is simply lying or fooling himself. Then there are liberals among Muslims, sure they are many, but many of them have confessed, ‘we are afraid of the hardliners,’. So whom do we blame! We have to blame intellectuals who look the other way when it comes to take things head on. Then there are any number of Muslim men, who will not send their girls for higher education saying it is not needed. As for Hindus, there are more poor people among Hindus, than there are among Muslims. Who are the workingmen in Saudi Arabia and other Gulf Countries? All of them are Hindus? Or most of them Muslims? Where does their Gulf money go? For social engineering or anti social activities? Let him ask his Malayalee friend former chief minister of Kerala A.K Antony. He will have enough & more to tell George. So please Mr. TJS George we expect at least intellectual honesty of an assertive kind from you. Don’t write to the gallery. Surely you are aware why Myanmar do not want Rohingyas, don’t you? The recent Statement in the ‘Organiser’, the RSS publication, ask a pertinent question ‘Is rise in Muslims larger conspiracy to Islamise Bharath?’ Do you want to brush aside this question? Then you have this almost anti-national Asaduddin Owaisi stating that Muslims in India will be equal to Hindus in 250 years, and Hafiz said, that lunatic Pakistani, saying “I will not rest until India is merged with Pakistan.” Mr. George, we all owe it to the time we live in to give a stable and peaceful society to Indians of all hues irrespective of their sociological difference of compartmentalisation.
World: Ever since Aug 2014, when U.S journalist James Foley was beheaded by one Jehadi John, dressed in black, from top to toe, with only opening for eyes and nose, world tried to get at him. First, they tried to analyze his voice, which had English accent in his Arabic. They tried to zero on a Kuwaiti national with similar gait and physique, studied computer programming in London. At the early stage of discovery, there were people in England, who confidently guessed then, that this man is Mohd Emwazi. Their guess turned out to be right.
As soon as the identity of this lunatic barbarian became pronounced, it went viral. In the meantime, he had already beheaded over ½ a dozen, mostly American & British nationals. He was also involved in the beheading of Syrian soldiers. As soon as the wider world came to know of the identity of this sick killer, this beast in the human form ran for his dear life. Suddenly, the Jehadi in him turned turtle, he did not want to die. He proved to be a fake Jehadi. He was not interested in killing in the name of Allah, damn the so- called larger cause of Caliphate or Allah, he vanished into the strife torn Syria. He was even afraid that his team mates, the lunatic fringe itself, might kill him, since his utility became fraught with danger for ISIS itself, once his identity became known to the world. Since he wanted to live, and enjoy life with the looted resources of ISIS, he crafted a plan. Suddenly he announced that he will return to U.K on “beheading spree of non Muslims,” with his face completely uncovered for the benefit of video shooting. May be this barbarian Jehadi thinks that all those non-Muslims in the UK are waiting to welcome him “Aa bail mujhe maar”. And comes the news “Cameron orders M16 to hunt down Jehadi John”, dead or alive.
So after all, the days of this barbarian may not be too far away to come to an end. Insha Allah it happens.
Democracy presupposes two conditions. One says I am not less than you, meaning both are equal. The other says you are not less than me, also meaning both are equal. But there is subtle difference. One is being assertive and therefore has the potential to cause unease. The other being accommodative and therefore a better representative of peace. In the global order today both situations are visible.
Emerging Super Power, ambitious of being No:1 in the global clout, China is flexing its muscles everywhere with its money power and defence capability. For fairly a long time, the issue involving the South China Sea (SCS) has been a kind of flash point between China and other countries around the SCS. China is clearly trying to browbeat and bully its smaller neighours. All global players have tried to reason out with China. But its assertive behaviour borne out of its financial power with huge balance of payment in its favour, is causing a completely avoidable unease among not only its smaller neighbours, but also Japan and India.
Now comes the warning by Australian Defense Minister severely criticizing Chinese military aggressiveness in the SCS and against any intimidation and aggression in the disputed waters. Australia appeared very concerned about the airstrip being built on Fiery Cross Reef and thereby creating an island, is clearly with hegemonistic tendencies, especially when several countries in the region including Philippines and Vietnam staking territorial claim on SCS. This is certainly not an issue, the international community will take it kindly. Hope, China tries to behave pragmatically in the larger issue of peace in the region.
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