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Wednesday, November 25, 2009
The cost of a slow judicial process
Cost of keeping Kasab alive: Rs 31 crore and counting
Why is this case being dragged for so long? How many witnesses are needed, if all that they have to say is the same? And, most strangely, why were the NSG personnel asked to testify?
Someone is having a whale of a time basking in public attention. Unfortunately, it has to be footed by the public.
My view of this case is that it is a needless exercise. Just a couple of witnesses who say the guy shoot and kill should be enough. And the case should not last more than a few weeks,and the execution conducted immediately after. No need for us to host the likes of terrorists and treat them above the lowest of our law abiding citizens - like the ex-PM Rajiv Gandhi killers.
Why is this case being dragged for so long? How many witnesses are needed, if all that they have to say is the same? And, most strangely, why were the NSG personnel asked to testify?
Someone is having a whale of a time basking in public attention. Unfortunately, it has to be footed by the public.
My view of this case is that it is a needless exercise. Just a couple of witnesses who say the guy shoot and kill should be enough. And the case should not last more than a few weeks,and the execution conducted immediately after. No need for us to host the likes of terrorists and treat them above the lowest of our law abiding citizens - like the ex-PM Rajiv Gandhi killers.
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Sunday, November 22, 2009
Let them watch the common wealth games
Poor water sanitation in India root cause of 4 billion annual cases of diarrhoea
1600 crores that could have saved so many lives, being spent on running and jumping.
And the people remain silent.
1600 crores that could have saved so many lives, being spent on running and jumping.
And the people remain silent.
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Wednesday, November 11, 2009
Need of the hour
Spain 'goes 50% wind powered' - in the small hours
Alternative power technologies are not receiving the kind of support that they deserve. In a country like India, where still many people go without electricity, this oversight is unpardonable.
It is critical for us to become less reliant on petrol supply from foreigners, and from this strategic perspective, as well as climate conservation, there needs a govt thrust in alternative energy generation. As PM I intend to make it compulsory for new building and any construction to reduce reliance on the utility power supply by using solar panels. Wind power in my view has one issue that is not properly answered. The impact on rain bearing clouds. Since the wind turbines will slow down the wind that rotates them, the reach of low flying rain bearing clouds could be reduced. Therefore rainfall will not reach those areas that are farther away from the coastline. Solar seems to be the only zero side effect technology
Alternative power technologies are not receiving the kind of support that they deserve. In a country like India, where still many people go without electricity, this oversight is unpardonable.
It is critical for us to become less reliant on petrol supply from foreigners, and from this strategic perspective, as well as climate conservation, there needs a govt thrust in alternative energy generation. As PM I intend to make it compulsory for new building and any construction to reduce reliance on the utility power supply by using solar panels. Wind power in my view has one issue that is not properly answered. The impact on rain bearing clouds. Since the wind turbines will slow down the wind that rotates them, the reach of low flying rain bearing clouds could be reduced. Therefore rainfall will not reach those areas that are farther away from the coastline. Solar seems to be the only zero side effect technology
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Monday, November 9, 2009
The empathy of a woman
Sheila defends parole for Jessica killer
I would have liked to believe that only judges had the right to allow convicts to roam the streets freely.
While it is unpardonable for anyone to allow convicted murderers to return to free society, even briefly, nothing beats the apathy shown by the CM, a woman, who recommended freedom for a woman killer.
Sad indeed.
Laws need to be made stricter so that such questions on granting freedom do not arise, at all. As PM, I intend to make laws stict, cops and judges numerous and independent.
I would have liked to believe that only judges had the right to allow convicts to roam the streets freely.
While it is unpardonable for anyone to allow convicted murderers to return to free society, even briefly, nothing beats the apathy shown by the CM, a woman, who recommended freedom for a woman killer.
Sad indeed.
Laws need to be made stricter so that such questions on granting freedom do not arise, at all. As PM, I intend to make laws stict, cops and judges numerous and independent.
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Thursday, November 5, 2009
The unending vulgar display
Commonwealth Games budget doubled
It brings tears of shame and anger to read that 1620 crores are going to be spent on such frivolous activities when there are so many Indians who do are dying due to lack of basic necessities.
I am surprised that there has not been a single PIL questioning this splurge.
As PM I can assure you that your money (collected as tax) will not be spent on a single event that does not directly improve the lot of our people.
It brings tears of shame and anger to read that 1620 crores are going to be spent on such frivolous activities when there are so many Indians who do are dying due to lack of basic necessities.
I am surprised that there has not been a single PIL questioning this splurge.
As PM I can assure you that your money (collected as tax) will not be spent on a single event that does not directly improve the lot of our people.
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Wednesday, November 4, 2009
Mea culpa
Tribals victims of systemic exploitation: PM
To treat a malaise, it first needs to be identified.
We have taken the first step, quite belatedly, hopefully the second step will be much faster.
To treat a malaise, it first needs to be identified.
We have taken the first step, quite belatedly, hopefully the second step will be much faster.
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+1 to Opensource
Indian Judiciary get tough on corporate SW piracy
I only hope that this strictness will encourage more folks to try out opensource alternatives.
I only hope that this strictness will encourage more folks to try out opensource alternatives.
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Indian servility, another example
NASSCOM Foundation facilitates free access to Microsoft Windows 7 for NGOs across India
I am not sure of the motive behind this move, but would not be surprised if Microsoft was involved as a puppetmaster.
As the market of the future, Indians are kings. NASSCOM unfortunately led by it's shortsighted leadership would rather prefer to keep us tethered, like slaves.
I wonder what NASSCOM has done on a similar scale that could encourage people to use or atleast try opensource alternatives to Windows and Office. We are unfortunately too proud to be code writers to western software makers than create our own stuff. The fact that for a country that boasts the largest code writer pool we have almost no contribution worth mention in the opensource world is an indicator of the lack of leadership qualities among our IT companies, who are too busy churning code for short term gain.
From personal experience, I can affirm that Linux and Openoffice would be adequate for over 90 percent of people who presently use Windows and Office. This and the fact that most Indians are just starting off in the IT arena make Linux the right choice for us.
As PM, I intend to ensure that Opensource initiatives are followed with govt aid. There is a need to introduce OS products, customised for Indians at a govt level so that on a national scale the same application can be used - with an interface customised for every language. Opensource is what India needs, and the sooner we recognise the burden of using propreitary stuff the easier it will be to do as we please with our data - as computerisation of govt functioning is just starting off.
It is true there is an opensource cell somewhere in the govt's IT department, but it's purpose and presence are poorly known all over the country.
I am not sure of the motive behind this move, but would not be surprised if Microsoft was involved as a puppetmaster.
As the market of the future, Indians are kings. NASSCOM unfortunately led by it's shortsighted leadership would rather prefer to keep us tethered, like slaves.
I wonder what NASSCOM has done on a similar scale that could encourage people to use or atleast try opensource alternatives to Windows and Office. We are unfortunately too proud to be code writers to western software makers than create our own stuff. The fact that for a country that boasts the largest code writer pool we have almost no contribution worth mention in the opensource world is an indicator of the lack of leadership qualities among our IT companies, who are too busy churning code for short term gain.
From personal experience, I can affirm that Linux and Openoffice would be adequate for over 90 percent of people who presently use Windows and Office. This and the fact that most Indians are just starting off in the IT arena make Linux the right choice for us.
As PM, I intend to ensure that Opensource initiatives are followed with govt aid. There is a need to introduce OS products, customised for Indians at a govt level so that on a national scale the same application can be used - with an interface customised for every language. Opensource is what India needs, and the sooner we recognise the burden of using propreitary stuff the easier it will be to do as we please with our data - as computerisation of govt functioning is just starting off.
It is true there is an opensource cell somewhere in the govt's IT department, but it's purpose and presence are poorly known all over the country.
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Boxed in
India-Iran to discuss Pakistan sponsored terrorism
I doubt if Iran is really keen on chatting about Pak terrorism, especially since it is just a newcomer on the list of states effected by the Pak menace.
But, what would be interesting is the fate of the Iran - Pak pipeline that was to be extended to India. Now that Iran has a first hand experience with Pak's forte, it would understand what India was trying to put across - that only oil that successfully reaches Indian territory will be paid for. This could mean it assenting to the Indian clause , ofcourse unless the entire project is under jeopardy due to the terror strike in Iran.
I doubt if Iran is really keen on chatting about Pak terrorism, especially since it is just a newcomer on the list of states effected by the Pak menace.
But, what would be interesting is the fate of the Iran - Pak pipeline that was to be extended to India. Now that Iran has a first hand experience with Pak's forte, it would understand what India was trying to put across - that only oil that successfully reaches Indian territory will be paid for. This could mean it assenting to the Indian clause , ofcourse unless the entire project is under jeopardy due to the terror strike in Iran.
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Tuesday, November 3, 2009
The Begging tendency
Rs 80 crore aid to Madhya Pradesh to fight malnutrition: British High Commissioner
It could probably be the widespread presence of beggars in all metros that even govts don't cringe before seeking alms.
I am appalled to read this bit of news, especially when juxtaposed with the expenditure on the Commonwealth games and the UP govts expenditure on erecting statues.
It could probably be the widespread presence of beggars in all metros that even govts don't cringe before seeking alms.
I am appalled to read this bit of news, especially when juxtaposed with the expenditure on the Commonwealth games and the UP govts expenditure on erecting statues.
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Reward and Recognition
Lead India winner's dream taking shape in a dairy farm - India - The Times of India
More people like Mishra who are relatively anonymous to Indians need exposure and support. There are many people involved in tasks that improve the lives of those around them, but for lack of media coverage their acts go unrecognised.
Media channels have to play a significant role to correct this bias towards easy metro reporting. Even in this case, the only reason Mishra's activities have received coverage is because the prize was sponsored by a media company.
The fact that even 60 years after being the master of our destiny so many of us are leading a pathetic life is proof enough that the govt is incapable of serving the entire country. What is needed is for people closest to the problem to take the initiative and do the needful. These acts need to be widely covered in media so that ordinary INdians overcome their hesitation to voluntarily take steps to improve their neighbourhoods, without waiting for the state machinery to rumble into action.
As PM, I intend to change the tax laws making it easy for people spending money on social causes to get a complete tax waiver on the money spent. This way, more people will be willing to contribute for local causes, which will ensure that the country as a whole is improved much faster than if a centralised mechanism were adopted.
More people like Mishra who are relatively anonymous to Indians need exposure and support. There are many people involved in tasks that improve the lives of those around them, but for lack of media coverage their acts go unrecognised.
Media channels have to play a significant role to correct this bias towards easy metro reporting. Even in this case, the only reason Mishra's activities have received coverage is because the prize was sponsored by a media company.
The fact that even 60 years after being the master of our destiny so many of us are leading a pathetic life is proof enough that the govt is incapable of serving the entire country. What is needed is for people closest to the problem to take the initiative and do the needful. These acts need to be widely covered in media so that ordinary INdians overcome their hesitation to voluntarily take steps to improve their neighbourhoods, without waiting for the state machinery to rumble into action.
As PM, I intend to change the tax laws making it easy for people spending money on social causes to get a complete tax waiver on the money spent. This way, more people will be willing to contribute for local causes, which will ensure that the country as a whole is improved much faster than if a centralised mechanism were adopted.
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Where are the Indians?
Shell Foundation Supports Power Project for 2000 Off-Grid Villages in Bihar
It is shameful that for a project that benefits Indian villages, no Indian private or public organisation has come forward to support. I do not see the reason for this negligence, especially since the venture is not a not-for-profit one, and the investment can therefore be recovered.
It is the for the people of the country to consider such issues when they are out spending on non essential goods. Enriching movie stars by handing out small sums as cinema entrance fees, or spending money on junk food, seems snooty when 40% of us do not have a permanent electricity connection, still. Shameful. The same extends to companies that rake in crores, and hand out obscene sums as compensation to executives, but do not have funds to directly improve their neighbourhoods.
There needs to be an attitudinal change towards social duty of individuals and organisations.
It is shameful that for a project that benefits Indian villages, no Indian private or public organisation has come forward to support. I do not see the reason for this negligence, especially since the venture is not a not-for-profit one, and the investment can therefore be recovered.
It is the for the people of the country to consider such issues when they are out spending on non essential goods. Enriching movie stars by handing out small sums as cinema entrance fees, or spending money on junk food, seems snooty when 40% of us do not have a permanent electricity connection, still. Shameful. The same extends to companies that rake in crores, and hand out obscene sums as compensation to executives, but do not have funds to directly improve their neighbourhoods.
There needs to be an attitudinal change towards social duty of individuals and organisations.
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More than Guilty
Facing I-T heat, Koda hospitalized
It is hard to imagine that young folks are not easily empathetic to the plight of the marginalised. Worldwide, it is the youth that are drawn to socialist ideology, and as they mature the conviction slowly diminishes.
Koda, the ex CM of one of the worst Naxal hit, and most poverty stricken and tribal populated states is just 38 now. He would've been about 32 when he took office as CM. A prime age and situation when people feel energetically committed, willing and capable to uplift the needy.
And yet, he managed to illegally accumulate wealth and property worth, approximately and allegedly, the equivalent of the entire state's annual budget. Obviously, all this could have improved the lives of so many downtrodden, and probably nipped the Naxal issue in his state - 4000 crore can permanently improve the lives of so many people.
Koda is not only responsible for accumulating wealth illegally, but also of aggravating the Naxal problem by misusing funds. To only prosecute him for enriching himself, does not focus on the entire issue - he should also be held guilty of aiding and abetting the Naxals since it is his actions that allowed more people to align with the violent struggle.
It is hard to imagine that young folks are not easily empathetic to the plight of the marginalised. Worldwide, it is the youth that are drawn to socialist ideology, and as they mature the conviction slowly diminishes.
Koda, the ex CM of one of the worst Naxal hit, and most poverty stricken and tribal populated states is just 38 now. He would've been about 32 when he took office as CM. A prime age and situation when people feel energetically committed, willing and capable to uplift the needy.
And yet, he managed to illegally accumulate wealth and property worth, approximately and allegedly, the equivalent of the entire state's annual budget. Obviously, all this could have improved the lives of so many downtrodden, and probably nipped the Naxal issue in his state - 4000 crore can permanently improve the lives of so many people.
Koda is not only responsible for accumulating wealth illegally, but also of aggravating the Naxal problem by misusing funds. To only prosecute him for enriching himself, does not focus on the entire issue - he should also be held guilty of aiding and abetting the Naxals since it is his actions that allowed more people to align with the violent struggle.
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Wakey Wakey
Bengal to spend Rs 1,600cr on Naxal-hit areas
It is interesting to postulate why the govt chose this moment to invest in these areas. No doubt it is the unrest and the real physical danger that the naxals now pose to the govt and the party workers. It seems very obvious that if this is the reason, then it is a shining example to all those people who feel ignored by the govt to start violent campaigns against govts to get their voices heard.
I believe there is a need to legally question the govt delay in investing in these areas which has ultimately led to destruction of property and life. It is a clear case of deriliction of duty.
It is interesting to postulate why the govt chose this moment to invest in these areas. No doubt it is the unrest and the real physical danger that the naxals now pose to the govt and the party workers. It seems very obvious that if this is the reason, then it is a shining example to all those people who feel ignored by the govt to start violent campaigns against govts to get their voices heard.
I believe there is a need to legally question the govt delay in investing in these areas which has ultimately led to destruction of property and life. It is a clear case of deriliction of duty.
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Great idea
"Sanjha Chulha" (community kitchen) scheme launched in Madhya Pradesh for eradicating malnutrition
I am hoping that similar schemes already exist in other states. If not, such eateries are a priority. Places where healthy food can be had in a clean environment go a long way in ensuring a healthy population. And having a stomach full means vulnerable people do not resort to illegal activities like petty crimes and drug consumption to survive.
And such services need not be free - should not be free - since people do not mind paying a small sum for "earning" their food. Subsidies, of course will be needed.
I am hoping that similar schemes already exist in other states. If not, such eateries are a priority. Places where healthy food can be had in a clean environment go a long way in ensuring a healthy population. And having a stomach full means vulnerable people do not resort to illegal activities like petty crimes and drug consumption to survive.
And such services need not be free - should not be free - since people do not mind paying a small sum for "earning" their food. Subsidies, of course will be needed.
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And there was a revelation.....
Countering Naxals: PM focuses on tribal Welfare
Better late than never.
Better late than never.
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Sunday, November 1, 2009
Deserving reward and recognition
City youngsters play good Samaritans to Karnataka flood victims
It is heartening to note that such youngsters exist in this country. They deserve all praise and prize that a govt can muster.
It is heartening to note that such youngsters exist in this country. They deserve all praise and prize that a govt can muster.
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Immature
Govt vs Maoists: No middle ground?
The solution to any violent mass movement is rarely military. There has to be a middle ground, and it will involve the govt improving facilities for its forgotten citizens.
Ofcourse, as in most violent organisations, it would be hard for the top brass to make a quick enough change to non violence. So there will be some blood letting. Unfortunately, it won't be of those people who are really responsible for this mess - the folks running the govt.
The solution to any violent mass movement is rarely military. There has to be a middle ground, and it will involve the govt improving facilities for its forgotten citizens.
Ofcourse, as in most violent organisations, it would be hard for the top brass to make a quick enough change to non violence. So there will be some blood letting. Unfortunately, it won't be of those people who are really responsible for this mess - the folks running the govt.
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Not enough
Dinakaran's name for elevation effectively put on hold
So the judge couldn't cause more damage at a higher level, but that still leaves unanswered the damage that he has already done at his present post.
It would logically seem proper to suspend the judge from his present office as well, till the investigation is completed.
So the judge couldn't cause more damage at a higher level, but that still leaves unanswered the damage that he has already done at his present post.
It would logically seem proper to suspend the judge from his present office as well, till the investigation is completed.
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What the Sports ministry should be for
Stars run with Delhi at the Half Marathon
The distinction between sportspersons and sports is quite evident here. India spends a lot of money on sportspersons. But from a national perspective, the money is a waste since it does not further the cause of the nation as a whole, only a handful of people.
What is needed is for the Sports Ministry to stop the wasteful practice of setting up athletic academies, and handing out govt jobs to athletes, and sponsoring a contingent to different international meets. The funds saved as a result should be used to hold such open for all marathons, with prizes for the winners - especially Indians. DOing so will ensure that more people will train more regularly, and take part in healthy exercise which has a direct bearing on the health of the nation as a whole. Having cash prizes, and also some form of certificate which would have some weightage when appearing for govt job tests (fitness certificate is any way a must for such jobs) are ideal inducements for people to take up the activity. Such marathons should be held every week, and in every possible district headquarters. Only then will the ministry have served it's purpose.
The distinction between sportspersons and sports is quite evident here. India spends a lot of money on sportspersons. But from a national perspective, the money is a waste since it does not further the cause of the nation as a whole, only a handful of people.
What is needed is for the Sports Ministry to stop the wasteful practice of setting up athletic academies, and handing out govt jobs to athletes, and sponsoring a contingent to different international meets. The funds saved as a result should be used to hold such open for all marathons, with prizes for the winners - especially Indians. DOing so will ensure that more people will train more regularly, and take part in healthy exercise which has a direct bearing on the health of the nation as a whole. Having cash prizes, and also some form of certificate which would have some weightage when appearing for govt job tests (fitness certificate is any way a must for such jobs) are ideal inducements for people to take up the activity. Such marathons should be held every week, and in every possible district headquarters. Only then will the ministry have served it's purpose.
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Strange bed fellows
Chidambaram slams CPM for calling Naxals friends a year ago
Opportunism is the corner stone of Indian politics. This is not good for the country as a whole. But, as a vibrant democracy, there isn't much that can be done.
As a ruler of a state continuously for the past 25 years, and a party that espouses the socialist ideology of equality, it is shameful that the Commies of WB have been unable to meet the expectation of the people. There is little hope for other states, where the CPM is barely recognised, if this is the state in WB. Ofcourse, the alternative reason for the state of WB could be that the govt has long left it's ideals behind, and joined the ranks of the capitalists.
Opportunism is the corner stone of Indian politics. This is not good for the country as a whole. But, as a vibrant democracy, there isn't much that can be done.
As a ruler of a state continuously for the past 25 years, and a party that espouses the socialist ideology of equality, it is shameful that the Commies of WB have been unable to meet the expectation of the people. There is little hope for other states, where the CPM is barely recognised, if this is the state in WB. Ofcourse, the alternative reason for the state of WB could be that the govt has long left it's ideals behind, and joined the ranks of the capitalists.
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