Notes for Votes

The Wikileaks revelations regarding cash for votes during vote of confidence in Indian Parliament does not describe anything new about the working of UPA Government that we are not aware of. For the past almost one year we have been learning about the scams, frauds and conspiracies that the Government functionaries have been immensely involved in. It is like Scam of the day headlines that people of the country daily read in the News Papers and watch on the visual media The Government has totally become immune and insensitive to these charges since they control the investigating agencies and also realise the ineffective opposition parties. It is not the first time that money power has been used to stay in power.Starting from the Shibu Soren episode it has been a continuous. Modus operandi to cling to power.

2. What is perturbing the Indian masses is the fact that these unprecedented scale of corruption cases are happening under the steward ship of Dr. Manmohan Singh who carries the tag of impeccable integrity. How long this tag can stick to him is a question of time.What is preventing him to step aside from the coterie of corrupt if he is not able to control them. He has seen enough power and corruption under his feet and has now become ineffective to govern and should abdicate gracefully.

Laptops, Grinders and Mixers for Votes

It is distressing to learn that during the election rallies in Tamil Nadu, both major political parties in the State are luring the voters with promises to give Lap Tops. Mixer, grinders etc. If voted to power. It is am unhealthy and unethical trend in a democratic system which can contaminate the entire country's election process in due course if not checked early.

2. One wonders how this form of corrupt practice is being ignored by the Election Commissioner. Offer of cash or in kind to solicit undue favours is normally punishable under the Corruption Act. There may be a legal lacunae in the strategy being followed by these politicos to escape the hand of law but the fact remains that morally it is an act of corrupt practice and merits punishment. There is an urgent need to take suitable measures to curb this practice and amend the law, if necessary. When such parties come to power and wish to meet half of these promises the common man will be grinded to pay double the cost of these freebies by way of taxes.

Mayhem in Libya by U.S.A..

The revolutionary movements starting from Jasmine Revolution in Tunisia that spread in countries ruled by Despotic regimes in Middle East has regrettably taken a heavy toll of human lives. In all these countries there were voluntary uprisings by the masses suppressed by autocratic and brutal rulers for a long time. There was no direct or indirect support from outside forces. The human sacrifices in independence struggles are an integral part of such movements.

2. However, the situation in Libya has taken an ugly and dangerous turn. Col.Gadaffi has been clinging to power for more than forty years and has beaten all records of atrocities and brutalities inflicted on his people. The Libyan people inspired by the freedom movements in their neighbourhood picked up courage to revolt. They very clearly and vehemently declared that it was their struggle and no outside support was required. When the Gadaffi unleashed extreme force to suppress the movement to the point of genocide. United Nations Security Council passed Resolution 1973 authorising limited force to enforce "No fly Zone" to save human lives. The U.S.A. the self styled Policeman of the world declared that it will not participate in military action in the region. However, the facts are now transparent. The loss of human life in Libya in two days as a result of Air attacks by U.S. and allied forces is much more than Gadaffi could have in two months.

3. The question arises as to who has authorised U.S.A. to interfere in the internal affairs of the independent countries in the world. It seems no lessons have been learnt from Iraq and Afghanistan. The people in USA are reeling under worst economic crisis and can ill afford these types of misadventures. It is not impossible that people there will some day start a mass movement against their Government and its policies. Also there will be global condemnation leading to emergence of new blocks.USA and its allies should keep this in mind.

Time to Quit Mr. Prime Minister

Weikileaks revelations about purchase of Members of Parliament in 2008 during "No Confidence" motion against the Governmentdoes not describe anything new about the working of UPA Government that we are not aware of. For the past almost one year we have been learning about the scams, frauds and conspiracies that the Government functionaries have been immensely involved in. It is like Scam of the day that people of the country read in the News Papers and watch on the visual media every day The Government has totally become immune and insensitive to these charges since they control the investigating agencies and also realise the ineffective opposition parties. It is not the first time that money power has been used to stay in power.Starting from the Shibu Soren episode it has been a continuous. Modus operandi to cling to power.

2. What is perturbing the Indian masses is the fact that these unprecedented scales of corruption cases are happening under the steward ship of Dr. Manmohan Singh who carries the tag of impeccable integrity. How long this tag can stick to him is a question of time.What is preventing him to step aside from the coterie of corrupt if he is not able to control. He has seen enough power and corruption under his regime and it is in his best interest now to step aside. His proverbial silence and statements that he was not aware do not convince any one.

Lack of Governance

The Supreme Court's rebuke to the Government's for in action in proceeding against the notorious Stud Farm owner for stashing black money to the tune of $ 8 Million in a Swiss Bank is a well deserved rap on its knuckles. It is in a series of continuous cases of Scams, Frauds and Corruption where the UPA II Government has been turning a Nelson's eye but the vibrant Media and vigilant judiciary has to intervene. The Government machinery has remained unmoved even after these exposures became public. It is evident that Enforcement Directorate has been put into a state of hibernation and the CBI has been made a robot to go after only the opponents. It is indeed a sad period in the history of the country.

2. There have clinching evidences of corruption against persons like Ottavio Qutrocchi, Lalu Prasad, Maya Watt, Mullayam Singh Yadav,Madhu Koda but the nation is aware about the soft paddling for political reasons. Then we are submerged in series of Scams like CWG, Adarsh Society and 2 Scam. The king pin of CWG Scam is roaming free and raids in his lockers etc. are being conducted year after he was accused, A.Raja who was given a clean chit earlier is getting VIP treatment in Jail and information is still being collected against Mumbai Congress Chief Kripashankar Singh.If the Government and its agencies cannot probe and prosecute these cases, let these functions be out sourced to private agencies. Similarly, Swiss Banks may be permitted to open Branches in the country for Tax Free deposits, at least the money will remain in the country.

3. Lastly, is it a Coalition Dharma or the Corruption Dharma that restrains. Unfortunately, Prime Minister is losing credibility to govern as personal integrity is not a substitute for ineffective governance.







The Budget & Aam Aadmi

The Budget proposals announced by Pranab Mukherjee our veteran Finance Minister are disappointing to the common man. Although our Prime Minister has patted the back of Fiance Minister for his proposals he has kicked at the back of the common man. The greatest concern of the common man at present is the dragon of inflation and black money and both these seem to have been ignored deliberately.The reason advanced is that inflation is inevitable for growth and the common man squeezed by surging essential commodity prices, low income and unemployment rightly questions "whose growth"? The rulers have perhaps, revised the definition of common man and have lost contacts with realities of life. It is possible to have growth with low rate of inflation by following appropriate fiscal measures and matching the conceptual and implementation of programmes.

2. It is a pro-corporate Budget with emphasis on industrial growth. Although it is being claimed that rural sector is being given financial assistance by way of low rate of interest on loans to boost agriculture production, it is a shallow claim. It is an established fact that agriculture in India is a gamble in rains and the Government has little role to play. It should have made sufficient allocations for storage of food grains that are lost every year to pests and rodents as well as exposure to natural elements.

3. The Budget has also deliberately ignored the Black money and corruption plaguing the country. The estimated 500 lakh Crores of money stashed in foreign banks, if brought back skillfully can turn our budget from deficit to surplus and escalate our GDP. But considering the impending elections in four states where use of black money is an essential ingredient it was not the appropriate time. A scheme of voluntary disclosure has has also been set aside.

4. The lollypop of raise in Income Tax for salaried employees and senior citizen is illusory as it will be neautralised by inflation and increased expenditure in diagnostic and hospitalisation charges which have been subjected to hike in taxation. The estimates of expenditures proposed are also unreliable as every Government has far exceeded the same. To sum up,the budget does not take care of the majority of citizens who have voted it to power to take care of their essential requirements of food,fuel and consumable items.
The sponsored Analysists appearing in the visual Media and in Print Media paying tributes to the Budget proposals do not impress any one except their sponsors.









Rape=Pay compensation=Escape=Perverse Judgement

The decision of a Bench of Supreme Court in letting off three accused convicted of rape on a so called compromise formula by paying Rs.50,000/- each to the victim has shaken the conscience of nation and cast doubts about the nature of judgements that are jumping the framework of established laws of the country. It is obviously a perverse judgements that is equating rape with prostitution. How can one tag a monetary price to the most vicious crime of rape which the victim suffers from life long trauma and stigma. Even the life imprisonment in such cases cannot restore the dignity and confidence of the victim in herself and in the society.

2. It is not understood under which provision of the Cr Pc or IPC the learned judges pronounced this judgement. Is it a pre=cursor of similar judgements in offences of murder, robberies and moral turpitudes and depravity. Or an inspiration has been drawn from the practice of Blood Money paid to the kins of murdered person prevalent in some countries like Pakistan? In any case in a civilised society and country like India this is not acceptable and should be challenged.

Chief Justice not above laws of the land

The untenable stand taken by Shri K.J.Balakrishnan former Chief Justice of India to give his consent to the Income Tax authorities for disclosure of his Income Tax Returns for the period he was in Office to an RTI applicant does not conform to the standards of the highest Office he had held. His arguments of invasion of his privacy and the exposure of Pan Card number are frivolous. Even a teenager can find out his Pan Card Number on line which does not require any special technical knowledge.

2. On the contrary his reluctance to disclose the details will give rise to suspicions about his assets particularly in the context of allegations of corruption against his nearest kins viz. two son-in-laws, brother and nephew who are being investigated. The Chief Justice is expected to be fountain head of justice, integrity and honest with a transparent life. If he has furnished the true information about his income and assets to the Income Tax authorities, what scares him to share it with public? He had held a public Office and public is entitled to have the Information about his assets etc.for the period he held the Office. It will be in public and more so in his own interest that he gives his assent for parting with the information before the controversy blows out of proportion.

Phone Bugs

It was an incredible and shocking news revealing that Reliance Communications the Network Service Provider tapped phones 1.5 lakh times in just three months on the orders of Government authorities. Besides Reliance Communications there are other Service providers like Airtel,Vodafone,MTNL etc. etc. Who would have also been utilised by the authorities for similar purpose. This is appalling and suggestive of the authorities having gone crazy.

2. The power to bug the phones is intended to track the hard core criminals, anti national activities, smuggliers and drug peddlers etc. Etc. It is not to be used against political adversaries or critics of the Government or its agencies. However, the scale of bugging is suggestive of its gross misuse and possible abuse. Are we living in a democratic set up where every citizen except the criminals are under scanner. Because if the criminals were being scanned, there would not be continuous sharp increase in crime rate.

Governance & Ethical Deficit

The honest admission of Home Miniser P. Chidambaram that there has been an Governance and ethical deficit in the country restraining the growth and development deserves appreciation as well calls for remedial measures. Unfortunately the opposition parties are trying to make it a political issue. It is a national issue which should be viewed in broader prospect and not a stick to flog the ruling party. The deficit has not grown suddenly but has been widening over a period of time whether it was Congress rule or BJP rule. In fact it can be traced to social malice which has afflicted our society from which our politicians emerge.

2. The gradual decline in moral standards and insatiable greed for power and money has been distracting the politicians, bureaucrats and corporate pillars from keeping in mind their social responsibilities. Otherwise, there will not be brazen corruption, soaring crime and neck breaking inflation. What is required is a national effort by all political and non-political organisations to evolve a strategy to combat these maladies to save the country from anarchy rather than indulge in blame games.

White Rose Revolution in Egypt

The historic public struggle against the despotic and corrupt rule of Egypt President Hosni Mubarak culminating in his surrender to public wishes within 18 days is is a lesson for all dictators of the world. Egyptian people deserve unflinching praise for strengthening the maxim "Voice of the people is the voice of God". Unfortunately, there were 300 casualties in this mass movement but considering the scale of one million people gathered in the Tahrir Square this sacrifice was perhaps minimal under the circumstances.

2. The revolution in Egypt is a follow up of theJasmine revolution in Tunis and can be aptly described as White Rose Revolution. We have to learn many lessons from the way people conducted themselves by generally remaining non-violent and sparing the public property from damage. It was an amazing display of solidarity, maturity, patience, rectitude and determination. The Army also played a people friendly role for which they deserve gratitude. The things would have been different in any other country under similar circumstances. Let us hope and pray that democracy will soon be restored in Egypt.

3. At the end of day it is a wake up call for all despots and Dictators of the world to heed to the aspirations of the people and give up their avarice for money and power as the winds of change will throw them out, if they don't relent.

Don't degrade the institution of CVC- QUIT

The obdurate conduct of P.J. Thomas from stepping down from the Office of Chief Vigilance Commissioner has lowered the dignity of high Office. CVC is the apex authority to monitor,decide cases of corruption and impose penalties on the erring officials of the Government and semi Government organisations. He is, therefore, expected not only be a person of impeccable integrity but is expected to also appear to be so. In the light of accusations against him he does not fulfill the latter criteria. It may be stated for the information of general public that one cannot be promoted even to the post of Lower Division Clerk in Government Office if he is facing a charge sheet. Mr. Thomas has ignored this fact in his Affidavit before the Supreme Court in odious comparison with M.P.s.Well, it is said that Devil can cite scriptures in his defence.


2. Mr. Thomas has fully completed his term in Government and should have gracefully retired. But it seems that insatiable greed and lust for power has overtaken him. A few years more in his pursuit for power will not matter much but will do more harm to the institution of CVC. This raging controversy has already lowered the image of the prestigious Office as well as Mr. Thomas. It will be shameful precedent if he is not made to relent from his obduracy or alternatively forced to quit.

Put GPS Anklers on American Officials

The American claims of a democratic country following principles of equality and natural justice are hollow and dubious when seen in the context of its dealings with developing countries citizens. A couple of recent incidents have exposed their racist attitudes and arrogant behaviour towards Indian citizens. Not only ordinary visitors but even the diplomats were subjected to humiliation at Airports. Instead of tendering apologies for their unbecoming Behaviour the U.S. Administration has tried to justify the despicable actions of its Officers.

2. A number of Indian Students lured by a con Tri Valley University had to spend lakhs of Rupees to pursue their higher studies in America. They were granted valid Visas by the American Mission in India which are normally very difficult to obtain even in emergency situations. After they reach American soil they are told that the said University is bogus and they have been duped. Now they apply their strange code of justice by making the victims as accused and putting GPS Collars to their ankles which are to animals in the Wild Park. There could not be more uncivilized practice in the twentieth century than this. To add insult to the injury an American diplomat in India justified it by comparing these with silver anklets worn by Indian women and saying that these are better than red jumpsuits in prison. Two students who refused to wear these anklets have been sent to prison. The actions of U.S. Authorities and their statements are shocking and prejudicial to Indo American relations.

3. The common man is bewildered as to why Indian Government is not acting firmly with anti Indian policies of U.S. Administration which is pouring money and material to the terror infested Pakistan and sparing no opportunity to malign our nationals. They are setting up an ugly precedent of GPS collars as American citizens will face similar situations in Africa, Arab and other countries hostile to American policies.

Jasmine Revolution Knocking on your Door

The so called Jasmine revolution in Tunisia which suddenly erupted like a volcano following a despotic rule, extreme corruption, unemployment, rising prices of essential commodities and a huge gap between haves and have nots is spreading like a wild fever in the adjoining African States. In this age of modern technology viz. Visual media and Internet, the world has become a global village and people under similar circumstances derive instant inspiration to follow suit. Such movements unfortunately are mob movements full of violence, plunder and lead to untold misery for the weak and innocents.

2. As the news indicate, Egypt is in the grip of similar move against the ruling family, Jordan, Yemen and Algeria are also indicating symbols of simmering discontent. The factors leading to this are the same everywhere i.e. Unemployment, rising food prices and polarization of wealth in the society. History has been witness that whenever the greed of some and the misery of majority touches extreme limits a hurricane follows. We have the examples of French Revolution and revolution in Russia.

3. It is an Alarm signal for all developing nations who under the garb of growth and industrialisation are ignoring the need for equitable distribution or to ensure narrow gaps of wealth between different sections of the society. China and India both being propounded as the most emerging economies of the world outwardly but at the grass root level people in general are suffering under similar circumstances as in Tunis. In India we have the the case of Billions of Dollars stashed in Swiss Banks by a few and majority have no roof over their heads. Similar situation prevails in China. It is right time for the rulers to take cue from the happenings abroad and take remedial steps rather than remain busy in confrontation politics.

Divisive Provocation

The UPA Government has embroiled itself in many avoidable and unpopular controversies many of which are of its own creation. It is not clear whether these are deliberate actions or incidental but the fact remains about there negative impacts. The Government's dilly dallying in proceeding against A. Raja, justifying closure of case against Quatrocchi , mysterious standstill approach in bringing to book Suresh Kalamadi for his plunder during hosting of Common Wealth Games has destroyed the respect, confidence and faith of common man in the Government controlled and run by the Congress leaders.

The recent visit of Sonia Gandhi to see the paintings of infamous M F Hussain during the Art Gallery exhibition held in Delhi has hurt the feelings of the majority community. It is viewed as a challenge to the majority community of the country and its traditions. Hussain had been injuring the sentiments of Hindu community again and again by painting its Gods and Godesses in a most despicable manner till it exceeded the limits of tolerance and he had to move out of the country. He did not paint similar pictures of saints of his own religion which exposed his mischievous intent. Any person howsoever great and famous has no right to make mockery and caricature of any religion.

It is not understood what message Sonia Gandhi wanted to convey to the nation first by allowing these paintings to be displayed and then by personally visiting to see them and giving publicity about her visit. Is it not divisive politics and damaging communal harmony?

March Forward - Not Backwards

The controversy generated by hardliners ulemas of Deoband against the statement of the new Vice Chancellor of the Seminary that Muslims were prospering under Narinder Modis's regime in Gujarat is unnecessary and retrograde.Maulana Ghulam Mohammed Vastanvi is a highly learned man of letters in Islamic studies with a liberal outlook which is the essence of Islam. If we continue to look backwards and ignore the present realities of life we will remain isolated and backwards. There is no denying the fact that Muslims in Gujarat are more prosperous and educated than Muslims in other parts of the country, a fact admitted by Gujarati Muslims openly. Nitish Kumar in Bihar is following the same path and earning goodwill and praise of every one. No doubt the events that followed Godhra carnage have left many deep scars but we have to move on.

Unfortunately, India has a long history of communal carnages at the hands of foreign raiders, Mughal emperors like Aurangzeb, partition in 1947, massacre of Sikhs in 1984 to quote a few facts. But sanity follows after some time and people march forward. We have Aurangzeb Road in Delhi, Refugees of 1947 have become the rulers and a vast majority of Sikhs are members of Congress party. We should not hesitate to praise a man for his good work. The fundamentalist approach will create and widen the walls in a multicultural society of which we are proud and appreciated throught the world for ages. Let us hope and pray that Maulana Vastanvi leads the community towards a liberal, tolerant and progressive society.

Review Recruitment Policy for Bureaucrats

The recent disgraceful incidence of Mr. Anil Verma an I.A.S Officer on diplomatic assignment to U.K. accused of assaulting his wife has caused great embarrassment not only to the nation but also disrepute to our administrative services. Media has so far projected the version of Mrs. Verma for her physical abuse but the statement of her husband which provoked his unbecoming conduct is still awaited to fully appraise the situation. Nevertheless. It is a most unbecoming conduct of a person in a very high position particularly representing India in a foreign land. An Officer of I.A.S. Is trained and entrusted to prevent and prosecute persons accused of such incidents in the areas under his charge. If he himself indulges, he is not fit to hold the office.

The Administrative Services of India once reputed to be the steel frame and cream of the society are gradually degenerating in their conduct and performance in recent times. It is pertinent to point out that these Officers are selected through a most stringent process of academic and personality tests as well as verification of their character and reputation. After this they are subjected to rigorous training in administrative and field areas. The IFS, I.A.S and IPS Officers thus evolved are expected to be role models of personal character,integrity and justice.

It is therefore, disturbing to see these days, IFS Officers accused to embezzelments,rape,IAS Officers of corruption and misconduct etc. And high ranking IPS Officers jailed for murders, rape and corruption. It is a very dangerous trend facing the the future of the country. It calls for a quick and elaborate review of the recruitment and training policies for Administrative Services so that we are provided clean and efficient rulers.

2G Spectrum Scam & Kapil Sibal

The UPA Government which is riddled with a multitude of scams and misgovernance is fumbling in its efforts to save its face. The latest being the crude attempt of Kapil Sibal, Honourable Minister of Telecommunication trying to prove that there is no fraud and bribery involved in the allocation of 2-G spectrum. He has try to prove that Accountant General has no technical knowledge and his conclusion are wrong. The institution of CAG is a constitutional authority which submits its reports to Parliament and it is not the first time that it has given its findings on a technical matter. Moreover, Mr. Sibal has committed a gross act of misconduct and breach of privilege of Parliament besides contempt of the Office of CAG by his action. It is another matter that he is a reputed Advocate trained to prove a Murder accused innocent and vice versa. The PAC has not yet started proceedings on the report but Mr. Sibal has given his verdict.
If what he is defending is right then one wants to know why CBI is interrogating A.Raja the former Minister of Telecom and other Officers of the Ministry. Is it to defame CBI whose credibility has eroded grossly.Will it file another closure report following the indicators thrown at it by a Minister of the Government.

The UPA Government and its Ministers have lost directions on all national problems and are engaged in defence of their misdeeds only.The reaction of Finance Minister to highest rise of inflation rate to18.32% was that he will wait for month's data instead of immediate remedial action is a classic joke. Are the people to be fed by statistics?

Ghost of Bofor

It is once again that the ghost of Bofors scandal has been resurrected. This time by an unrelated agency viz. Income Tax Administrative Tribunal claiming Income Tax on commissions received by Ottavio Qutrochi and Win Chaddha two brokers in the infamous deal. It is quite interesting in the context of CBI investigations into this case which exonerated both the accused and filed a closure report of the case. So the basis on which the Tribunal has given its decision is mysterious.

2. The entire nation is aware of the development of this case,prime actors involved and the misuse of government machinery to help and protect the corrupt.The Italian accused in the case was not only provided protection,made to flee the country and our Attorney sent to London to de-freeze his two accounts in London Banks. This was the beginning of unhindered corruption at the highest level which set a trend being followed now. It also started the process of degeneration of the image of premier investigation agency viz. CBI as an independent and efficient wing of the State. Today it has become a stooge of the political masters and helps protect the corrupt instead of prosecute and specialises in closure reports.

3. Now the list of Scams and frauds is alarmingly high and multiplying. But the Government is least bothered as nothing substantial has been done or is being done whether it is a CWG probe or 2 G scam or Adarsh Society scam. Raja and Kalamadi are roaming free and can been seen in defiant mood in the visual Media. CBI is awaiting a signal from the Masters to file closure reports in these cases.

4. It is said that if you cannot convince, confuse. This is what the present rulers are doing with the masses. It appears that the Income Tax Tribunal's verdict is a well designed and stage managed strategy to deflect attention from the recent scams by flogging a dead horse of 20 years.How Income Tax Tribunal assumed the role of investigation agency is another mysterious question.

Education Reforms- Need of hour

The proposed revised norms of Technical education in the country will bring radical changes in education field.. This is a welcome move which if implemented with sincerity and honesty will revolutionize the Indian economy in the near future. Because of our closed mindset we have a misplaced concept that anything liberal erodes quality

2. So far the domain of higher education particularly the technical and medical education has been mainly been cornered by the elite class. The mainstream is deprived because of financial constraints and lack of proper education standards to compete and qualify for entrance tests. The students who come out successful after completion of their courses immediately try for overseas jobs. The country is, therefore, a loser after having invested so much in their training etc.

3. The revised norms will fulfill the aspirations of millions and add to the national talent treasury. This category of Engineers and Technicians will be more motivated to serve in the country and contribute to the industrial and national growth. Since it is a survival of the fittest in this age, those not coming up to mark will be automatically eliminated in the race. In a democratic and free society the controls of any kind frustrate the achievements. By now we have have learnt this in financial and economic fields after remaining under a Quota/Permit Raj for decades.

4. So let us expand our fields in all directions to meet the aspirations of teeming millions of the country