New Mining Laws...

Government is all set to clear a new law, regarding the Mining industry. This law will provide the affected tribal area a large sum of money, estimated at around 1.6 billion per month for development works. This is a novel idea, but government must look into other side of this bill. If this money is not channelized properly, the very idea of this bill can go awry and, in worst case, can backfire.
First of all, keeping in view the current situation of the politics it is not hard to predict that some big scandals will soon be surfaced regarding this money. For instance, word bank had provided millions of dollars to develop the KBK zone of Odisha, but little has changed and many allegations against the responsible department and persons have kept surfacing from time to time. Simply relying on the current political and bureaucratic structure to cater to demand of development in that area will be a fool’s play. These areas are much more sensitive and any new policy or scheme can play decisive role in government’s stand in the area. At a stage when government has realized that it has a bigger role to play in naxal affected areas and when naxalism is no more a regional force, government must not pass the bucket to state governments. Historically, it is proven that naxalism is more about the state’s failure to recognize and provide the basic amenities to already underdeveloped and suppressed population and hence government must ensure that history is not repeated. Badly formed policies alienate the local population from mainstream country and government which makes them staunch supporters of the Naxalites movement.
It has been very clear that in spite of tough stand from Supreme Court and growing unrest among public, our political leaders are not doing away from corruption. Some of the biggest scams of free India took place only in 21st century, when most of the people think that Indian public is becoming much more aware towards cleaner and progressive politics. If this aid by central government fails to improve the condition of the poor people, it will surely reinforce the Naxalites position in these areas. Naxalites get support in these areas only because they are able to project the government as an inefficient system which is unable to deliver and which only exploits. If this latest step by government again fails to make discernable differences, Naxalites will get vehemently exaggerate the State failure and reinforce their position there.
Although a full proof solution cannot be guaranteed under any supervision, Central government must look beyond failed and corrupt state level politics and bureaucracy which is the biggest culprit in failing of the State mechanism in Naxal affected areas. Central must take leading role and directly monitor the welfare programs, infrastructure developments in that areas rather than adopting the conventional approach of multilevel transaction system for aide.
Put aside all allegations and charges, and start with some fresh and innovative approach. It is of no doubt that UPA-II has some of the brightest politicians this country. But certainly political discourse matters less than the humanitarian and innovative approach in this case. Losses have been innumerable on both sides and no matter who bears the brunt; it is this country which has to pay the cost.

Corruption in India

Corruption is not a kind of “out of blue” thing. Scourge of corruption has existed in human history from staring of the civilization itself. Roman and Greek history is full of corruption in one or other forms.
Corruption has always been a global scourge. Developed and abundant nations like Japan are also one of the top most corrupt countries. But for India is problem is much more serious than any other country. It may seem like paranoia, but our country is going to face serious troubles. Major issues like external securities, Naxalism, defence development, scientific research all are being ignored and whole politicians and bureaucrat (almost) are busy in making money like never before. While at one hand China is making dams and sending more satellites to space, our leaders are busy in internal issues. Sharp minds are not getting chance to perform due to this corruption.
Ok! They may say that every country is facing these problems. But this is wrong, we cannot compare ourselves with other countries, we are surrounded by arch rivals, China (in the wake of mitigating the effect of America over south Asia) will always be a threat to India.
My Dear Leaders, now it is enough, everybody is answerable to that supreme power one day. Wake up; before it’s too late, it’s not necessary that all of the leaders become Harishchandra, only 33% of the whole community will be sufficient.
Mr. PM this country is facing a precarious situation, save it. India's future generation will always take you in high spirit. We all know you are an honest man; all you need is to muster courage and take the mask off from these corrupt politicians. Set an example for others to follow....

Binayak Sen

Real cause of worry and point of investigation should be what is making such educated man supporter of this Naxalism? It is very right that Naxalites are taking a wrong route for right purpose. All people who are posting blogs filled with hatred for Naxalites cannot be blamed because most of them have never seen the place from where these Naxalites originate. I guarantee you that you people cannot live one day there. When people like A. Raza and Pawar are plundering country with both hands like never before, government has totally forgotten about the poorest people of the country. Naxalites must be punished harshly but with them should be punished these men who have contributed in making of these Naxalites, by siphoning off taxpayers money which could have been used for these poor people. Government must not punish only because you sympathise with Naxalites and also it should not let you free because other criminal are also roaming free. Act prudently otherwise country will have to face more Binayak Sens, and will have to lose more of its doctors, engineers, scholars to its own policies, who would have been a great asset for this country.
When budget is announced and government generously doles out big schemes for farmers and backwards, government thinks its role is over and basks in the glory of big schemes. But reality is far more bitter, people who are in dearth and need these schemes badly hardly get any advantage out of this high profile budgetary session.

Crawl before you Run

On 23rd July 2011 one high speed train was hit from behind by another in Wenzhou district of South China. Till the time I am writing this on 30th July 2011 death toll has risen to 40 with several others critically injured. This crash involved bullet trains which run at a maximum speed of 150km/hr much slower than the Beijing-Shanghai or Beijing-Tianjin route trains which run at a maximum speed of 300km/hr. This train accident stirred some serious discussion regarding the necessity vs. obsession with high speed mode of commutation. When India is trying to keep pace with its perceived rival’s development blitz, will it be a scrupulous move to embrace the high speed trains? And what India needs learn from the accident, which along with many remorseful feelings leaves many hidden lessons? One more thing which made news in recent time in China was the sacking of its Railway Minister which was indicted on corruption charges. Both the events frame a more meaningful and comprehensive scenario in Indian context.
In recent Railway budget of India government has put proposals for its ambitious project for dedicated freight trains corridor and high speed rails. The move was welcomed with a gung-ho in Indian media and flourishing business class. But when analyzing the situation more minutely one finds this proposal more a desperate move to keep pace with World Class Economy tag than a serious effort to develop the sound infrastructure for future demand. Although India has proved its calibre for developing and successfully running the complicated local metro rail networks for almost 9 years in Delhi Metro Project, its success in maintaining the main railways network has always been under scrutiny. The local metro and long distance high speed trains will surely differ on many fronts, which can pose serious questions not only to the safety of travellers in high speed trains but also to economic interests in operating it.
Almost at the same time when the Railway budget was announced, biggest scam in Indian history was exposed by media and public petitioners. This exposure precipitated the scams revelations one after another and exposed the vulnerability of Indian policies to corruption. Commonwealth scam, food scam, 2G scam, NRHM scam, mining scam are some of the recent reminders of failure of Indian system to keep the massive infrastructure and development projects under constant vigil. In a scenario when Corrupt Leader is more of a certificate of amassing huge wealth than a taboo for a political leader, how it can be guaranteed that crucial project such as High Speed train network development can be implemented with complete sincerity and without compromising the quality of work. Chinese Railway Minister sacking also conveys a strong message for us because when in a country like china where corruption draws very serious implications by law unfair practices were adopted by its authority for siphoning of a part of huge money allotted for rails project, how can we expect a leader in India doing its duty sincerely when he or she knows the ineffectiveness of Indian System in punishing the perpetrators.
There are more important and urgent requirements than building the high speed train links. Traditional rail network needs a massive up gradation regarding its safety as well as capacity. Building a high speed network which will be undoubtedly out of reach of common man will help some specific segment of society but on broader context this segment has other viable options with them for faster mode commutation such as air travel, whereas the traditional mode of rail Commutation is used by almost each and every Indian and its development will boost the travel and tourism industry. Last but not the least government has a lot to do on local public transport and Road transport. Indian cities trying to cater to demand of overwhelmingly increasing urban population are finding it difficult to manage its public transportation system and are choking under the immense pressure. There is no use of high speed rail road network if you cannot travel inside a city. Roads are crumbling under ever increasing vehicle counts. National highways which count 2% of total Indian Road Network accounts for 40% of traffic are under constant need of up gradation. Indian government should first work on these basic issues before going for its dream world project.
Change is always good but how much and when must be measured prudently. When all conditions are strikingly clear and workable government must not ignore these basic requirements in the name of world class development. Crawl before you walk or in this case run.

Terrorism...

It was very unfortunate that my broadband connection was out on 2nd may 2011 and i was not aware of the Bin Laden's death till one of my friend told me during dinner. My friend is one of the creature who is least interested in the national and international events, related to politics. When i say politics, i strongly convey my message that it must include terrorism, uprising in middle east and Arab world and some other hot issues, i would like to describe later. His interest in the news and discussion with me on this issue, ignited many thoughts in my usually at rest mind.
i was astounded by the way Osama's death must have affected the American public. The way it must have emotionally brought all Americans to verge of tears and the political mileage ruling party will get out of this event. I am by no mean doubting the operation carried out by the elite US force or the intentions of the Obama's "Justice has been done" historical speech. what i am doubting the unanticipated failure of the hyped astuteness of the most wanted human being after Hitler.
The man who was directly or indirectly was responsible for the devastation of at least two countries, was caught like a chicken in the coop, not easily digestive news.
when you have so much to gain or something colossal to lose, you become bold and brave. And i think that's has been done here at least from one side. someone who was being criticized at almost all fronts by the public which was till now die hard fan of his charisma, was suddenly no hero. Something need to be done to regain the status. and what could be the easier than the staged execution of the most wanted man by all Americans. a man who had no mean other than the video tape to communicate with real word and at the other hand a man who had the best media in the world on his behest. A man which can not be even believed if he is real him, and the other man has agencies which can prove a day as night. Then who will be the winner of the phony war is very clear.
It is a bless if Laden is actually dead but if he is not then this is again a well planned orchestration by a superpower, as it has always done.

Indian God: Truth or Myth

I can memorise the day i started reading English in school, but i cant memorise the day i first time heard the story of Ramayana and Mahabharata. Ramayana and Mahabharata are embed in a normal Indian life at least a north Indian life, that its hard to give a thought about it in routine life. Everything which we know is taken for granted same is the case of these epics. We were never given concrete proofs for the veracity of it. Or more correctly i must say that we never had the concrete proof to prove the veracity of these epics. What makes these great works so uncertain and makes Hindu religion's greatest writings look like a story book. Have you ever contemplated? Though i am not a research erudite but what i am going to discuss with you are my thoughts. And I, by no mean, intend to disgrace any religion. I will use some comparative reasoning for corroborating my facts that's all.
Whenever I read an article related to Bible, i wonder is it a mere story. And when i read Ramayana or Mahabharata events, i wonder is it real happening. Difference is that i doubt the very source of my own religion epics, and after discussing with my so many friends and colleges i think it is the case with most of the Hindu population or at least the youth. At least some historical evidences are present to prove the great ancient Indian culture, through stone writing and foreign royal visitors. These accounts make a thing sure that our Indian Culture was second to none in its values and richness. And these epics also depicts the same thing, but link is missing.
Link for making the chain to be intact is missing. These epics, presumably happened in the prehistoric time and maintained by the oral description depicts same story as told by foreign visitors and stone writing in thousand BC. But link which is essential to bind the scattered pieces together are hard to find.

Punish or Be Punsihed.....

State Elections for 5 states are over and so is the mystery of mandate. Some changes were premonitory and some were not. Though it was clear that DMK and Left will face damage, but the extent of the damage was unprecedented. When talking about TN and WB, plebeians have shown that they are ready to experiment and give chance to others. But TN has somewhat startling revelation. Karunanidhi and his (Family) party has kept its promises with the Tamil people, they provided them colour televisions and 2 Rs. KG rice, successful. But public was in no mood to be carried away by these appeasements.
In WB public has done a simple experiment, left party rule for last 34 years has been thrown away to acid test the promises of Mamta. But this is not the case of TN. In Tamilnadu public has not given mandate to Jayalalitha because of the promises made by her. They gave mandate anyone other than DMK to punish DMK. Punishment ??? . This punishment could not be underplayed by DMK by its rediculous free television scheme. In a national survey TN stood first in public satisfaction level from its ruling party, but it was before end of 2010. Suddenly or i must say within 10 months conditions changed drastically for DMK. Nothing could save it from the catastrophe.
This result, in one sentence "Punish or be punished."
No longer can you skip out by freebies offering, you will be held responsible for you and your party actions. Current elections are showing these trends clearly, be it Bihar, TN or WB. And days are not far when Government at central will have to pay for it did for last 10 years. You can not fool public in the name of development and keep plying dirty games besides. Everything will be judged specially your loyalty to India when Voters are going to cast down their vote. You may give them Job fairs, colour TVs, good development but then all will be measured with the same scale with the game you played behind the curtains.
Karunanidhi can tell better that he has been a victim of the public mood "punish or be punished". Had he not supported A. Raza for his biggest heist in free India History, he would have managed a decent performance in this election. Why he adhered to A Raza is other thing? Same way public is watching the congress with same rule " Punish or be punished". It will be in interest of congress to punish the guiltiest. If it thinks that CBI enquiries and then "No evidence found" tactic will save t from public wrath then be ready for the next showdown. Public is ready for its decision....

Naxalism and India

Socialism and capitalism has been always two polar ideologies. Many great philosophies have been conceptualized, to prove one theory superior to other. India has seen both philosophies working in tandem, only due to uncertainties about which model to follow, during its six decades of independence. Indian constitution states India a “Socialist” country, but Indian policies have always defended an economic model, though not fully, based on capitalist counterparts. Surely after independence, it was advisable to increase the foreign investment in the country and build up the globalised environment to survive in this highly competitive world. But at the same time government was directly accountable to fulfill the requirement of the oppressed mass, which was not even able to make the two ends meet. Government policies made good promises but failed abysmally. Naxalism is the byproducts of these government policies only. Delhi was too far to hear the poor crying of those hapless people, buried far below in the swamp of the corruption and greediness of some individuals, striving for their survival.
And when it was unbearable for those oppressed ones, they did what they had already done against English but this time at the receiving end was their own country, which by no means other than constitutional had any chord connected to them. Naxalism was born to defend themselves at any cost, no non-violence or love preaching. And soon it grew, grew so fast and gigantically that government was taken aback. We can see many reasons why government failed in containing this outlawed moment. Firstly the momentum with which it firmed up itself was so high that government was unable to formulate any concrete policy against it, quickly. Secondly and more accepted reason is that government never tried to understand the problem, and emphasized on solving it forcefully. This action of government proved fatal. More and more people supported these people physically, economically, spiritually in whatsoever manner possible. Naxalism would have not been turned into a genie out of lamp, had government worked out on the policies clearly understanding and dismantling their support structure.
21st century seems to be a special resolution millennium for Naxalites, as war against the government has been scaled up suddenly. Many leaders who have been arrested by government, revealed how they are planning to fan out their organization in urban India also. Clearly they have a bigger agenda than only opposing the government. But Government looks ready to take this menace head on and has been very active throughout previous year. Special Forces have been deployed in the afflicted areas. Packages of developments have been implemented in those areas. Certainly very much is being done, but more is needed to be done to win the confidence of the people which for decades have known nothing of Indian governance.
I am no protagonist of naxalism and advocate of their violent strategies. When you are fighting as savior of the common man, how can you justify the killing of common military man who is nothing but doing his duty, to earn a livelihood for his dependents? Atrocities by a few people cannot be made base for punishment of the whole associated mass with that group; and this argument is used by the Naxalites itself for defending the poor villagers against the government militia.
One thing which must be very clear to the Naxalites is that they cannot withstand against a sovereign country like India, at any front. Ambushing one paramilitary force company or derailing one passenger train will no way weaken a nation, and surely they are going to lose this military and fire power battle. They can seek example from the LITTE itself. Naxalites forces are no match to the LITTE. Be it organizational structure, military power, support from overseas, at all fronts Naxalites forces will be no match to LITTE. And overall Indian Government is much more capable of fighting, with 3rd largest army in the world, than its counterpart Sri Lanka. When LITTE could not withstand a powerful blow from the government, how they think can they?
May be they think that their structure is quite different from the LITTE and this is the advantage for them. While LITTE personal wore clear identity of being the LITTE militia and were outlawed by the Sri Lankan sate, Naxalites forces boast of having perpetrated deep inside the civil society and having their supporters almost at every social strata. While LITTE fought a war of race, Naxalites started their war on ideologies. Even some influential personalities are supporter of Naxalism and fiercely oppose the use of muscle power by government against them. But it is for sure that violent behavior shown by the Naxalites during recent years is going to change the mindset of most of their supporters. So one advantage Naxalites thought they were having is surely going out of their hand by their own actions.
Not so early, but government has acknowledged its blunders. After every muscle power effort failed to contain the naxalism, government has finally realized the change required in the course of action. Poverty, hunger, illiteracy and rare presence of the state machinery have been major cause for the flourishing of these Naxalites in isolated zones of country. People who get nothing from the state machinery turn towards other patriarchs i.e. Naxalites. These patriarchs in exchange of meals and clothes get the unshakable support and regard from them. Government has become proactive in all naxalism affected areas and making its presence felt. Schools are opening; PDS are being implemented like never before, jobs have been generated.
I am sure that to turn towards naxalism is last and toughest rather than first and simplest option for any person or group of person. And when they will be provided at least the same as they are being provided by the Naxalites group, they will contemplate on living a stable, smooth and fear free life. Fear of being picked up by Naxalites for being a police informer or vice versa. They will love to live like an Indian, and love to say that I proud to be an Indian.

You can't be right everytime....

When you did it first time... i thought it was by chance. When you did it second time i thought you were lucky. But when you kept on doing it again and again i think you are doing it wrong. You can not be right every time.. i don't know why, but it can not be so. No proof, no intuition nothing to fortify but i know i am right, about your being wrong.

How naxalism has affected India and what should be government course of action to mitigate this scourge of modern India?

In the midnight of 14th Aug 1947, peroration of Nehru’s famous speech was “……At the stroke of the midnight hour, when the world sleeps, India will awake to life and freedom”, and this was certainly right. Almost a thousand years long servitude was over for this country, and everyone; irrespective of it social strata; was hopeful for a better space to live and breathe. Our architects of free India did their best buy formulating a world’s largest constitution, guidelines to steer this tottering country. Bills were drafted, Policies were formed, and schemes were implemented. But it was not easy to pander to everyone’s expectations, the population which has been oppressed for more than eight centuries. Trivial imbalance in the policies at the beginning of our new journey multiplied over years and resulted in an unbalancing in the society which was never conceived by the founders of “Free India”. It’s very true that no country ever had its all resources precisely equally distributed among its citizens. Some differences are always there and also acceptable, but when these differences are exuberant then it’s not good for anyone. And this is what exactly gave birth to the Indian current scourge; Naxalism.
Poor people, who are not able to get anything from this system and are forced to make way for thriving industries and development planning, rebel against this system and refuse to follow rules and regulation which they think are meant to crush them. Naxalism has become threat to this well established system because they are teeming quickly. Naxalites find lots of supporters among the poor rural population, who are deprived of the basic needs like potable water, food, home, electricity etc. These Naxalites are posing a serious threat to the very basic of democratic society in some areas of the country. They have well established self-governance system, in which different people are allotted their individual roles. They have their own judiciary, their own militia and their own food distribution system. And then people are happy in this system, they are pandering to this system willingly. Gigantic question is why? Why people are opting for this system? Why they rebel against a sovereign state like India, and become an active member of a illegal and outlawed system like Naxalism?