It is unfortunate that the Railway Budget is to to be received in mourning in more than one sense. Madras-bound Coromondal Express derails near JK Road. 15 are reported dead and more than 100 injured with casualities likely to go up.
The other reason is that the budget is by a Bihari about Bihar and for Bihar.
There was a Group discussion arranged by ETV in which some top ex-Administrators, Union leaders and others participated yesterday. It was an exercise in lament. Some Highlights of the budget (not included in the budget speech) as brought out in the group discussion are as under:-
1. 2,00,000 vacancies in Railways. The saving on these vacancies shown as incrased earnings!
2. Projects for Bihar and surveys/feasibility studies for other states.
3. We are talking of bullet trains (projected speed 350 kmph) when we are not able to run trains even at 150 kmph.
4. An existing train running via Sec'bad to touch Kacheguda. This is a new achievement!
5. Approved pojects in previous budgets get no allocation or token allocations. But new surveys/studies announced. Example Kakinada-Pithapuram line, total cost estimated around 50 crores. Mooted for execution almost 60 years ago. Mr.Pallam Raju our Hon'ble MP from Kakinada and MOS(defence) can cite this as his achievement when he seeks re-election.
6. Fares cut by 2%. But lion-share of accommodation set aside for Tatkal for which charges are twice as normal.
7. General bogies reduced and reserved bogies increased. Poor people have to pay more.
8. All catering contracts to a cartel from Bihar. You dont get local ethnic fare. You have to eat Bihari samosas everywhere.
9. A train which reaches its destination say after 12/15 hours reduces its running time by 5/10 minutes. Made superfast and additional levy extracted.
10. Lalu may be comfortable in his Saloon. But paying passengers have to squeeze themselves in the third side berth.
11. A new train beetween Secunderabad to Patna. This will serve Bihari labour in hyderabad. you know how many Andhras live in patna.
12. No dedicated freight corridor for south.
South Central Railway contributes around 30% of Railway revenues. Congress is in power in Centre and AP. AP has around 45 MPs in Lok sabha. will they create a ruckus in parliament? Will they throw budget papers? will they walk out? Will they resign en masse? Will they whimper?
...ponder
Friday, February 13, 2009
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
Small Men Big Shoes
Terrorism is serious business. The safety and security of the Nation and its people are ever vulnerable. The need of the hour is to close ranks and project a single-minded determination and sense of purpose to the enemy.
This is neither the time nor the excuse to play to gallery for petty ends like votes. If this applies to Antulay and Karunanidhi, it equally applies to Modi too.
When our government is struggling to marshall world opinion against terrorism in general and Mumbai attacks in particular, off-the-cuff reference to alleged internal assistance gives a handle to the enemy. Pakistan gleefully grabbed it. Chidambaram is right in chiding him.
Modi is occupying a very responsible position and not unlike any ordinary citizen, any information he has should be shared with appropriate authority and not the gallery or the media. If he is speculating, he should avoid same, as his utterances need to be given due importance.
He is reputed to be a go getter and is said to have wroght wonders in administering Gujarat and in its development. But any day, he cannot win a popularity contest. He should stick to his strengths and avoid his weaknesses. He should remember that he is yet to get an American visa despite trying.
Mimicking is no excuse. Sagacity and statesmanship are needed.
...ponder
This is neither the time nor the excuse to play to gallery for petty ends like votes. If this applies to Antulay and Karunanidhi, it equally applies to Modi too.
When our government is struggling to marshall world opinion against terrorism in general and Mumbai attacks in particular, off-the-cuff reference to alleged internal assistance gives a handle to the enemy. Pakistan gleefully grabbed it. Chidambaram is right in chiding him.
Modi is occupying a very responsible position and not unlike any ordinary citizen, any information he has should be shared with appropriate authority and not the gallery or the media. If he is speculating, he should avoid same, as his utterances need to be given due importance.
He is reputed to be a go getter and is said to have wroght wonders in administering Gujarat and in its development. But any day, he cannot win a popularity contest. He should stick to his strengths and avoid his weaknesses. He should remember that he is yet to get an American visa despite trying.
Mimicking is no excuse. Sagacity and statesmanship are needed.
...ponder
Friday, February 6, 2009
Needless Diversion
Pranab Mukherjee is juggling three responsibilities now. In addition to his External Affairs, he is also handling Prime Ministerial job and also the Finance Ministry. This vetern Congressman, who was disgraced by Congress Party, for aspiring exactly for this role in the wake of Indira Gandhi assassination, is admirably handling his present unique assignments. I think he is also handling Bengal Congress affairs.
But coalition politics and compulsions will not leave him alone. He has to go to Sri Lanka at a most un-diplomatic juncture just to mollycoddle Karunanidhi. It is another thing that the President of that country politely found time for this big brother despite engaged in a most decisive military exercise after Bangladesh War.
This poking of our nose in the internal affairs of a neighbouring country with the Kashmir problem already in our lap is just shooting one's own leg. If Pakistan raises hue and cry over the fate of Kashmiris, it is interference in our internal affairs. But same is not the case when we talk of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Double standards!
Though his timing was undiplomatic - when war is raging in its climax - his utterances were diplomatic enough. He might have even privately congratulated Sri Lanka.
Also contrast the present stance of our government with that of immature Rajiv Gandhi, who was led the garden path by the wily Jayawardane and India had to lose face by the rout that IPKF suffered then.
Sonia is better than Rajiv, Coalition politics and Karunanidhi not withstanding.
...ponder
But coalition politics and compulsions will not leave him alone. He has to go to Sri Lanka at a most un-diplomatic juncture just to mollycoddle Karunanidhi. It is another thing that the President of that country politely found time for this big brother despite engaged in a most decisive military exercise after Bangladesh War.
This poking of our nose in the internal affairs of a neighbouring country with the Kashmir problem already in our lap is just shooting one's own leg. If Pakistan raises hue and cry over the fate of Kashmiris, it is interference in our internal affairs. But same is not the case when we talk of Tamils in Sri Lanka. Double standards!
Though his timing was undiplomatic - when war is raging in its climax - his utterances were diplomatic enough. He might have even privately congratulated Sri Lanka.
Also contrast the present stance of our government with that of immature Rajiv Gandhi, who was led the garden path by the wily Jayawardane and India had to lose face by the rout that IPKF suffered then.
Sonia is better than Rajiv, Coalition politics and Karunanidhi not withstanding.
...ponder
Tuesday, January 20, 2009
OBAMA's Election - Lessons for India
Mr.Obama has taken over as American President, the most-powerful, responsible and lonely position in this world. Welcome Sir. All the best to you, your great country and this world of ours. Your thoughts, words and deeds will have profound effect on almost every facet of world affairs for the next four years and may be beyond.
As far as India is concerned, we have some apprehensions (outsourching, kashmir, military aid to Pakistan, etc.) and a lot of expectations. I am sure that the new President will be inspired to think, speak and act, not merely in American's interests but towards ensuring justice and peace to Indian too.
India can draw a few lessons from the election of Mr.Obama, especially our intellectuals and political class provided. they are willing to jettison some pet baggage.
Obama won the Democratic nomination against a powerful opponent and eventually won the election against a candidate who, on the surface, represented the majority (whites) and entrenched elite. He won handsomely and his victory, throughout the campaign, was never in serious doubt. This despite the fact, he was perceived to be handicapped by the colour of his skin, his being just a second generation American, his origins spread over vast geography wirg almost no roots within America.
His victory was not due to any positive discrimination or condenscending affirmative action. In Indian lingua not due to reservation. Cutting across various barriers, he won the popularity contest merely on his credentials and the hope he generated in the minds of Americans.
In India, there is a lot of talk and dependency on factors like Region, Language, Minority, Downtroddenness, etc. and till today no worthwhile leader in any party could emerge as leader without these crutches or cards except in the initial days of Independence euphoria. Even such stalwart like Indira Gandhi had to contest from Chikabalapur or Medak not sure of her own win from traditional constituency.
Especially the whining we hear from Secularists, Minorities, persons belonging to certain communities, on their percievred discrimination should introspect why no one could emerge from their ranks with a pan-Indian appeal. Jagjivan Ram contested election after election from Sasaram, a reserved constituency, and left it a more impoverished area than when he first represented it, thought he was Prime Ministerial Material.
There is none from these ranks who has even an iota of ambition of leading this country let alone be a serious contender on their own. One or two like Sonia Gandhi or Mayavati bank on not thier worth or popularity but on the wily political culture of our country.
For the sake of our country, for the sake of cleaner politics, for the sake of empowerment of vast masses, this mindset should change. But the present form of Government may not be conducive. Presidential form may be more suitable. I dont think Obama would have made it in an indirect election.
...Ponder
As far as India is concerned, we have some apprehensions (outsourching, kashmir, military aid to Pakistan, etc.) and a lot of expectations. I am sure that the new President will be inspired to think, speak and act, not merely in American's interests but towards ensuring justice and peace to Indian too.
India can draw a few lessons from the election of Mr.Obama, especially our intellectuals and political class provided. they are willing to jettison some pet baggage.
Obama won the Democratic nomination against a powerful opponent and eventually won the election against a candidate who, on the surface, represented the majority (whites) and entrenched elite. He won handsomely and his victory, throughout the campaign, was never in serious doubt. This despite the fact, he was perceived to be handicapped by the colour of his skin, his being just a second generation American, his origins spread over vast geography wirg almost no roots within America.
His victory was not due to any positive discrimination or condenscending affirmative action. In Indian lingua not due to reservation. Cutting across various barriers, he won the popularity contest merely on his credentials and the hope he generated in the minds of Americans.
In India, there is a lot of talk and dependency on factors like Region, Language, Minority, Downtroddenness, etc. and till today no worthwhile leader in any party could emerge as leader without these crutches or cards except in the initial days of Independence euphoria. Even such stalwart like Indira Gandhi had to contest from Chikabalapur or Medak not sure of her own win from traditional constituency.
Especially the whining we hear from Secularists, Minorities, persons belonging to certain communities, on their percievred discrimination should introspect why no one could emerge from their ranks with a pan-Indian appeal. Jagjivan Ram contested election after election from Sasaram, a reserved constituency, and left it a more impoverished area than when he first represented it, thought he was Prime Ministerial Material.
There is none from these ranks who has even an iota of ambition of leading this country let alone be a serious contender on their own. One or two like Sonia Gandhi or Mayavati bank on not thier worth or popularity but on the wily political culture of our country.
For the sake of our country, for the sake of cleaner politics, for the sake of empowerment of vast masses, this mindset should change. But the present form of Government may not be conducive. Presidential form may be more suitable. I dont think Obama would have made it in an indirect election.
...Ponder
Sunday, January 11, 2009
People's Representatives
Amar Singh announced that Sanjay Dutt will be SP's candidate from Lucknow constituency for the forthcoming general elections. As Sanjay Dutt is a convicted person in a terror case and whose appeal is pending in Hon'ble Supreme Court, doubts have been raised whether his nomination will be accepted as per the electoral code. Promptly, Amar Singh comes out with the name of Manyata, the wife of Sanjay Dutt, as the alternative choise. I wish her all the best.
Choosing a contestant by a political party is its own business and one cannot dispute that.
But some questions still linger.
1. We merely talk of eligibility but what about suitability?
2. Are they capable of really representing the citizens residing in that constituency? Do they reside there? Are they accecible easily to the voters? Do they experience the problems peculiar and particular to that state,district,constituency?
3. What is their contribution to the Nation, Country and Civil society, as a public person, to make them an MP ?
4. What is their experience/qualification which will enable them to function as an MP doing full justice to the onerous responsibilities that go with that position. Are they equipped to participate in any debate, appreciate the contents of plethora of papers they will receive from Lok Sabha Secretariat? Do they possess the potential to become a sub-committee member on any important issue or a member of Standing Committees like PAC, BAC, etc.
5. Why should capable,experienced, qualified, hard-working card carrying party members be ignored? What is the incentive for working up from grass roots?
6. All MPs of ruling party do not become ministers. Likewise all MPs of opposition also do not become prominent spokespersons of Opposition. Definitely, back benchers are needed to beef up numbers. But are they expected to perform only barraging, walkouts, raising hands, etc and otherwise remain silent?
There should be a system of democratically electing a party candidate before he/she attempts to get democratically elected as a People's Representative. This will also end the evil of a widow/widower or offspring of a deceased MP getting nominated automatically reducing the democratic process to dynastic succession.
In this context the talk of making Rahul Gandhi being made PM by no less than our incumbant PM and our unsuccessful bidder for that post, Pranab Mukherjee, makes depressing reading. Rahul Gandhi's winning election from Amethi is itself doubtful and there is talk is in the air of giving him Medak seat in AP as a safety net
.
Congress is steeped in nomination culture (also papered over as 'consensus') from pre-independence days. Remember how Subhash Chandra Bose was hounded out after he dared to win against Pattabhi Sitaramayya despite Mahatma Gandhi. Nomination culture provides for the undeserving, less-talented, less-popular, less-experienced to jump over others. Unfortunately, other parties too follow in Congress' footsteps.
Result is people 'do not get the government they deserve' thanks to the way electoral laws have been made and are flouted.
...ponder
Choosing a contestant by a political party is its own business and one cannot dispute that.
But some questions still linger.
1. We merely talk of eligibility but what about suitability?
2. Are they capable of really representing the citizens residing in that constituency? Do they reside there? Are they accecible easily to the voters? Do they experience the problems peculiar and particular to that state,district,constituency?
3. What is their contribution to the Nation, Country and Civil society, as a public person, to make them an MP ?
4. What is their experience/qualification which will enable them to function as an MP doing full justice to the onerous responsibilities that go with that position. Are they equipped to participate in any debate, appreciate the contents of plethora of papers they will receive from Lok Sabha Secretariat? Do they possess the potential to become a sub-committee member on any important issue or a member of Standing Committees like PAC, BAC, etc.
5. Why should capable,experienced, qualified, hard-working card carrying party members be ignored? What is the incentive for working up from grass roots?
6. All MPs of ruling party do not become ministers. Likewise all MPs of opposition also do not become prominent spokespersons of Opposition. Definitely, back benchers are needed to beef up numbers. But are they expected to perform only barraging, walkouts, raising hands, etc and otherwise remain silent?
There should be a system of democratically electing a party candidate before he/she attempts to get democratically elected as a People's Representative. This will also end the evil of a widow/widower or offspring of a deceased MP getting nominated automatically reducing the democratic process to dynastic succession.
In this context the talk of making Rahul Gandhi being made PM by no less than our incumbant PM and our unsuccessful bidder for that post, Pranab Mukherjee, makes depressing reading. Rahul Gandhi's winning election from Amethi is itself doubtful and there is talk is in the air of giving him Medak seat in AP as a safety net
.
Congress is steeped in nomination culture (also papered over as 'consensus') from pre-independence days. Remember how Subhash Chandra Bose was hounded out after he dared to win against Pattabhi Sitaramayya despite Mahatma Gandhi. Nomination culture provides for the undeserving, less-talented, less-popular, less-experienced to jump over others. Unfortunately, other parties too follow in Congress' footsteps.
Result is people 'do not get the government they deserve' thanks to the way electoral laws have been made and are flouted.
...ponder
Wednesday, December 31, 2008
Divine Miracles
St.Bernadette is said to have died 122 years ago in Lourdes, France and was buried; her body was only discovered 30 years ago. After church officials decided to examine it they thay are supposed to have discovered Her body is still fresh until today and if one goes to Lourdes , France one can see in the church in Lourdes. Her body isn't decomposing because during her lifetime, the mother of Jesus is said to appear to her and give messages and advice to all mankind on the right way to live on this earth. Many miracles are said to have taken place in this place of Lourdes and belif is, still do until today.
For the believers, this establishes the presence of divine force, even if it eludes the grasp of scientists as of now. Modern scientists have open mind to investigate such phenomenan if allowed. A similar such (of Xavier , I believe,) church displaying the demised saint's body, from which blood still oozes on certain auspicious days, exists in Goa, India.
Scientists are baffled (did they have access to the body?) because this defies the laws of nature. Instead of a foul smell of a dead body, a fragrance of flowers is said to be experienced when the coffin is opened. Some say they have experienced this by just being near to the coffin. One can visit the Church of Lourdes, France to verify the authenticity of this and to see a living(?) miracle of our times provided the body is available for scientific scrutiny and not shrouded in mumbo jumbo.
We dont know whether it is power of divinity or power of technology. There is one more body,that of Lenin preserved in Kermlin, Moscow. Nothing divinity about it atleast. In Srirangam Temple, India, the body of Saint Ramanujacharya is on display hundreds of years after his death. In Mangalagiri temple near Guntur, AP, India, exactly half the panakam (jaggery water) poured into the mouth of the idol is gurgled out. Tears flow from the statue of Mary at Lourdes, France. Sunrays fall exactly on the idol's feet on Radhasaptami Day at Suyanarayanaswamy temple, Arasavilli, Srikakulam, AP, India. There are thousands of such miracles attributed to various places/persons in all religions.
I, personally, am sceptical. Laws of nature can be overcome, like defying gravity, only through science/technology. From times immemorial certain wisemen harnessed superior knowledge to impress lay people in matters of religion which is nothing but subjugation into belief. May be with the good intention of ushering in discipline and social order. However, I dont pass judgement. True spirituality needs no proof other than one's own adherance to truth and righteousness.
There are ther minor miracles attributed to human beings like producings watches, gold coins, ashes, etc from thin air. Rationalists routinely demonstrate that these can be performed by anyone with some practice. But it is a fact that nobody produces an object that cannot be held in a palm e.g. a football or a pumpkin.
One thing is there for all to see. These miracles have no tangible value whatsoever. They dont quench thirst nor sate hunger. I am yet to hear about a miracle where rice or wheat or any edible stuff is miraculously generated freeing the needy from hunger. A dead body throwing fragrence has no meaning to a hungry mouth. Does it stop wars? Does it prevent frauds, murders, crimes?
But yes it is a miracle. It sustains local economy. It encourages tourism and generates economic activity.
The bigger miracle is people believe in miracles.
...ponder
For the believers, this establishes the presence of divine force, even if it eludes the grasp of scientists as of now. Modern scientists have open mind to investigate such phenomenan if allowed. A similar such (of Xavier , I believe,) church displaying the demised saint's body, from which blood still oozes on certain auspicious days, exists in Goa, India.
Scientists are baffled (did they have access to the body?) because this defies the laws of nature. Instead of a foul smell of a dead body, a fragrance of flowers is said to be experienced when the coffin is opened. Some say they have experienced this by just being near to the coffin. One can visit the Church of Lourdes, France to verify the authenticity of this and to see a living(?) miracle of our times provided the body is available for scientific scrutiny and not shrouded in mumbo jumbo.
We dont know whether it is power of divinity or power of technology. There is one more body,that of Lenin preserved in Kermlin, Moscow. Nothing divinity about it atleast. In Srirangam Temple, India, the body of Saint Ramanujacharya is on display hundreds of years after his death. In Mangalagiri temple near Guntur, AP, India, exactly half the panakam (jaggery water) poured into the mouth of the idol is gurgled out. Tears flow from the statue of Mary at Lourdes, France. Sunrays fall exactly on the idol's feet on Radhasaptami Day at Suyanarayanaswamy temple, Arasavilli, Srikakulam, AP, India. There are thousands of such miracles attributed to various places/persons in all religions.
I, personally, am sceptical. Laws of nature can be overcome, like defying gravity, only through science/technology. From times immemorial certain wisemen harnessed superior knowledge to impress lay people in matters of religion which is nothing but subjugation into belief. May be with the good intention of ushering in discipline and social order. However, I dont pass judgement. True spirituality needs no proof other than one's own adherance to truth and righteousness.
There are ther minor miracles attributed to human beings like producings watches, gold coins, ashes, etc from thin air. Rationalists routinely demonstrate that these can be performed by anyone with some practice. But it is a fact that nobody produces an object that cannot be held in a palm e.g. a football or a pumpkin.
One thing is there for all to see. These miracles have no tangible value whatsoever. They dont quench thirst nor sate hunger. I am yet to hear about a miracle where rice or wheat or any edible stuff is miraculously generated freeing the needy from hunger. A dead body throwing fragrence has no meaning to a hungry mouth. Does it stop wars? Does it prevent frauds, murders, crimes?
But yes it is a miracle. It sustains local economy. It encourages tourism and generates economic activity.
The bigger miracle is people believe in miracles.
...ponder
Thursday, December 25, 2008
India - its importance
In the context of 26/11, observe the following:
All options are on the table - Pranab Mukherjee
War is not the issue. Do no raise war hysteria - Man Mohan Singh
Karkare's killing is linked to Malegaon. Probe it - A.R.Antulay
To err is human. This issue is closed - Man Mohan Singh.
Kasab is from Faridkot, Pakistan - nawaz sherief
Kasab's identity is yet to be proved - Nawaz sherief
Pakistan's complicity in Mumbai carnage beyond doubt - FBI
Arms package worth billions afresh for Pakistan - American Administration
JuD banned, its leaders under house arrest - Pak Govt.
No ban on JuD. No house arrests - Media reports
Terrorist groups lying low in Pakistan - reports
We will fight alongside Pakistan against India - Taliban.
Zardari is in saddle.
Kiyani says his Army will respond in minutes.
Mullen visits Pakistan.
The tone and tenor of Pakistan changes from apolegetic to belligerence.
Hand over 40 terrorists - Indian demarche.
Dawood is not important, Azhar is - Pranab Mukherjee.
...ponder
All options are on the table - Pranab Mukherjee
War is not the issue. Do no raise war hysteria - Man Mohan Singh
Karkare's killing is linked to Malegaon. Probe it - A.R.Antulay
To err is human. This issue is closed - Man Mohan Singh.
Kasab is from Faridkot, Pakistan - nawaz sherief
Kasab's identity is yet to be proved - Nawaz sherief
Pakistan's complicity in Mumbai carnage beyond doubt - FBI
Arms package worth billions afresh for Pakistan - American Administration
JuD banned, its leaders under house arrest - Pak Govt.
No ban on JuD. No house arrests - Media reports
Terrorist groups lying low in Pakistan - reports
We will fight alongside Pakistan against India - Taliban.
Zardari is in saddle.
Kiyani says his Army will respond in minutes.
Mullen visits Pakistan.
The tone and tenor of Pakistan changes from apolegetic to belligerence.
Hand over 40 terrorists - Indian demarche.
Dawood is not important, Azhar is - Pranab Mukherjee.
...ponder
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