Category Archives: Democracy & Governance

मोदी हैं सपनों के सौदागर मात्र!

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मोदी सरकार के 100 दिन होने को आये. इस विषय पर तथ्यों पर आधारित आलेख को थोड़ा व्यंगात्मक लहजे में कहने का प्रयास कर रहा हूँ. भक्तगण मित्र भी उसी भावना से लें!
प्रधानमंत्री श्री नरेंद्र मोदी हमेशा से कहते रहे हैं कि मुझे सिर्फ विकास की राजनीति करनी है, मैं बदले की राजनीति में यकीन नहीं रखता. मगर उनके  प्रधानमंत्री का पद संभालने के बाद से ही जिस तरीके से यू.पी.ए. सरकार द्वारा नियुक्त राज्यपालों को चुन-चुन कर परेशान किया गया और किया जा रहा है तथा संवैधानिक पद पर बैठे व्यक्ति की मर्यादा को तार-तार किया गया, इससे तो यही लगता है कि मोदी की कथनी और करनी में कोई समानता नहीं है.

श्री मोदी कहते हैं कि वो सिर्फ विकास की राजनीति करते हैं. हां, वे विकास की राजनीति तो करते  हैं, पर आम आदमी के विकास की राजनीति नहीं बल्कि अपने दल के नेताओं का विकास करने की राजनाति में जुटे हैं. उनका एकमात्र एजेंडा है कि साम, दाम, दंड और भेद, किसी भी तरीके से अपनी पार्टी के रिटायर्ड नेताओं को राज्यपाल के पद पर आसीन करवाना, ताकि पार्टी पर उनकी पकड़ और मजबूत हो. इसके लिए उन्हें प्रशासनिक और राजनीतिक हथकंडा अपनाने से उन्हें कोई गुरेज नहीं है.

कई बार मंच से श्री मोदी ने महंगाई घटाने और भ्रष्ट्राचार मिटाने का सपना आम लोगों को दिखाया है. सत्ता पर उनके आसीन हुए 100 दिन पूरे होने को आए मगर महंगाई से किसी को भी राहत मिलती नहीं दिख रही है. रही बात भ्रष्ट्राचार के खात्में की तो उनकी सरकार भ्रष्ट्राचारियों का साथ देती नजर आ रही है. एम्स के संजीव चतुर्वेदी मामले से तो यही लगता है कि उनकी सरकार ईमानदार अधिकारियों को ही हटाने की मुहिम में लगी है. फायदा सिर्फ करीबी नेताओं और कॉरपोरेट घरानों को पहुंचाया जा रहा है (crony-capitalism).

जिन युवाओं के समर्थन से मोदी प्रधानमंत्री की गद्दी पर विराजमान हुए, आखिर कब बेरोजगार युवाओं की सुध लेंगे? देश के युवा दर-दर भटकने को मजबूर हैं पर मोदी हैं कि गुजरात के ‘विकास’ की ‘खुशफहमियों’ से बाहर निकलना ही नहीं चाहते. आखिर उन्हें कब एहसास होगा कि अब वे प्रधानमंत्री हैं, गुजरात के मुख्यमंत्री नहीं. आखिर पूरे देश को ‘विकास’ की झांकी कब दिखाएंगे!

मोदी कहते हैं कि लोकतंत्र में उनकी गहरी आस्था है. मगर अफसोस, चाहे-अनचाहे वे लोकतंत्र की जड़ें खोदने में ही लगे है. क्या बगैर विपक्ष के एक स्वस्थ लोकतंत्र की कल्पना की जा सकती है? मोदी हैं कि उन्हें विरोध के स्वर पसंद ही नहीं हैं. अपने जयकारे की उन्हें इस कदर आदत लग चुकी है कि सरकारी कार्यक्रमों में भी दूसरे दलों के मुख्यमंत्रियों की उनके सामने हूटिंग होती है और वे मौन रहते हैं.

मत भूलिए, मोदी जी! ये लोकतंत्र है. निंदक को पास रखने में ही भलाई है. शिकायत सुनने और विरोध सहने की आदत डालने होगी. वरना जिस जनता ने सर पर बिठाया है, वो गिराने में भी वक्त नहीं लगाती है. हाल के उपचुनावों के नतीजों से जनता का मूड भांप लें और जो सपना दिखाया है, उसे पूरा करने के लिए कुछ काम करें.

Coal makes the vision cloudy

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August 25,2014: The Supreme Court today declared all coal block allotment done between the years 1993 to 2010 as ILLEGAL. It says coal block allocation was done in an arbitrary, unfair and non-objective manner. Though, it has stopped short of cancelling the allotments as the apex court says more hearing is needed into the case.
Thus, the roots of this mega-scam can be traced to NDA-led BJP also. It would be hard to believe if someone says that the Coal Ministry under the Prime Minister Shri A.B. Vajpayee did not know about the unfair means of continued or continuing allocations (a total of 70 coal blocks were given away from 1993- 2005, when BJP-led NDA was in power for a part of that duration). And later, Congress governemnt totally swept over the issue. Obviously, as Prime Minister and Coal Minister, Congress’ Man Mohan Singh owes a major responsibility for this scam ( he should have resigned as PM when the scam came to light during his resign, but he persisted). It seems, the coal had clouded the vision of all our parties and politicians during those years. It also shows that the beneficiaries of such scams and financial irregularities just play it low so that they continue to reap the benefit.

The coal scam is indicative of rampant and deep-rooted corruption and opaqueness in our systems of governance. As responsible citizens, let us not get divided over party lines. Who took the beating if politicians made the loot over coal blocks? We all- the hard working citizens of India!

To read more about the judgement of Supreme Court today on this matter, please click here.

भ्रष्टाचार के खिलाफ लड़ाई का यथार्थ: An article on AIIMS CVO controversy

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 19298312My article on the issue of transfer of AIIMS Chief Vigilance Officer – Mr. Sanjeev Chaturvedi- that was published in Vir Arjun, a daily Hindi news paper on August 25,2014.  Please have a look!

Is Modi ruling the President way?

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Today’s newspapers have carried out a news that Modi’s Prime Minister Office (PMO) has taken over the process of  deciding on appointments and transfers of senior officers in the government. By doing so, the PMO has reduced Home Minister Shri Rajnath to a rubber stamp in selection process of bureaucrats. The selection of senior babus happens through Appointment Committee of Cabinet (ACC) and Home Minister has a primary role to play in this. However, now Mr. Modi will decide on appointments and as Home Minister Mr. Rajnath will simply sign at the dotted line.

It seems Mr. Modi continues to concentrate power in his hands. let us remember that we have in India what we call Westminster Parliamentary system and not the Presidential system of governance.  If Mr. Modi thinks that he can run government by Presidential system by proxy, then it would not be a healthy trend for our country.

In a parliamentary system followed in our country, the prime Minister has enormous power and privileges, but the PM must ensure that his or her several of the departments continue to be relevant.

It may be noted that I am not opposed to Presidential system of governance, though. But let us not run systems by proxy. It would tantamount to subversion of constitution also.

Here is a link to the news that appeared in newspapers.

 

Black Markets thrive in India

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How much money lies in white in India (and abroad, by Indians) and how much money lies in black?

What is BLACK money? In today’s technology-driven era, monetary or financial transactions happen 24×7. The transactions where a portion of the money should go to the government, but does not happen is a black money. For example: If sales tax is not paid, income tax is not paid or where dues or fees are not paid but go to the intermediary hands (bribery, greasing palm), they constitute black money. Who suffers if black market thrives? The treasury (sarkaari kosh/khazaana) suffers and in the process, and consequently we all suffer because development work (civic amenities like roads, bridges, schools and other govt related works) does not happen as expected.

An article published today in The Hindu says that as per latest estimates, 75 % of Indian economy could be in form of BLACK money.

It is difficult to reliably estimate how much treasure lies in black markets!  To get some idea, the UPA government led by Mr. Man Mohan Singh had commissioned the National Institute of Public Finance and Policy (NIPFP) to undertake this task. The report was submitted to the then Finance Minister Mr. P Chidambaram, but as the news reveals, he never brought it out. The file now lies with Mr. Arun Jaitely, the current Finance Minister.

The 3 sectors contributing most to black economy are: Capitation fee for higher education sector, Real estate deals, and Mining industry. For example, last year capitation fee collected in clandestine manner by private colleges was to the tune of approx. 6000 Crores. 

If the law of land is strong, if it is easy for people to do businesses in more transparent way, when financial laws are not complex and where government makes it easy for its citizens to do businesses through technology (e-governance), black markets will find it difficult to grow. But if politicians and businesses join hands to foster a mutually rewarding relationship, the interests of the the public are often ignored under such circumstances. This is called crony-capitalism.

Q: Can govt control black markets?
A: Yes, a strong government can. I mean you do not have to be physically strong. The intent to curb corruption is enough to make a headway in this direction.
Q: Do we have a strong govt at the Center?
A: Suna to yahi hai! But, does the current BJP party – even though with clear majority in the Parliament- has a clear financial integrity as its goal and objective? If its house is not in order, how can it bring semblance to the financial order of the country? 

To read the details , click to view the article here. 

Ill effects of Not having a Chief Minister!

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Delhi state has no Lokayukta (Ombudsman) at present. The vacancy has been lying vacant since the retirement of Justice Sarin several months back. Delhi has no elected government and hence the vacancy has not been filled up.  The Lieutenant Governor (LG)- since Delhi is under President rule- has no direct constitutional means to fill the vacancy.  In absence of a Lokayukta, a window of grievance redressal  and anti-corruption activism has been shut off for the citizens. It is apparent that common man continues to suffer in absence of a Lokayukta. A news paper has reported that the office of Lokayukta located near ITO has been languishing in absence of the a head.

Delhi state needs an elected government at the earliest. When Mr. Arvind Kejriwal left as Delhi Chief Minister in February, 2014, he had recommended dissolution of the legislative assembly so as to pave the way for fresh elections. However, the Lieutenant Governor did not accede to his advice and has kept the assembly in suspended animation. An assembly kept is suspended animation gives enough ammunition to play foul. The whole country has been witness to the vigorous and frenetic efforts made by BJP in last several months to try to cobble up a majority by enticing the sitting MLAs of the Congress party. In other words, horsetrading is an art that BJP has excelled in. So far, thanks to an activist player like Aam Aadmi party (AAP) that has upset BJP’s apple cart by exposing its misdeed to the public.

AAP on its part has intensified the efforts to demand elections as soon as possible. At the same time, it is asking a pertinent question: “Why is BJP running away from elections?” AAP is mobilizing public opinion on these issues. As a part of this movement, the party has planned a massive public rally at Jantar Mantar on coming Sunday,ie, August 3.

Lokayukta can play an important role in bringing transparency and accountability in the governmental departments , but, alas, the important constitutional office has been lost in the details of finding an elected government. The ill-effects of not having a Lokayukta adds another pound of burden on  the common man who is looking for respite!

It may be noted that Aam Aadmi Party believes that the existing channel of Lokayukta is not meaningful enough to curb corruption and has demanded  a more potent law called “Janlokpal Bill”.

 

 

 

 

 

Aadhaar Card has some real Aadhaar (basis)!

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The issue of Aadhaar Card is back in news. There is a report in the newspapers that Nandan Nilekani, former Chairman of Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI), recently met the Prime Minister Mr. Narendra Modi and Finance Minister Mr. Arun Jaitely and stressed upon the need to continue with the implementation of Aadhaar Card. As we know, the concept of Aadhaar cards was initiated by the UPA government and for that purpose; the Unique Identification Authority of India (UIDAI) was set up by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh. Mr. Nilekani was appointed as the first Chairperson of UIDAI. BJP had in its election campaigning opposed the UIDAI project. Per reports, the Prime Minister Mr. Modi has now shown inclination to continue with this project.

The system of allocating an Aadhaar Number (Card) has an immense value. Let every Indian be identified and allotted a number. Link it to financial account and Driving License and/or State-issued ID of the person. Then gradually scrap other means of IDs like ration card, PAN number and voter card. At the end, we shall be (in a few years, say) left with: 1. Aadhar Number and 2. A State -issued photo-identification card (eg: Driving License or Simply a Photo-ID). This would remove redundancy and bring uniformity in identifying a citizen.

USA has pretty much the same system (Social Security Number/SSN AND a state-issued DL/ID Card). A Social Security Number is a 9 digit number allotted to a person and carries until death. The concept of issuing a SSN was started in 1930s and has worked well for USA. The duo of SSN and a DL/State ID is a powerful tool to identify a person when it comes to financial accounts and dealings, admission to schools or colleges, employment (read taxes) and obviously background check (hence criminal background too). Thus, one may live in the costliest downtown of Manhattan (New York City) or the extreme border village in Alaska state ( literally touching the borders of Russia) or a remote village in the mountains of Montana state, everyone (who chooses to apply for) would have a SSN, and thus identifiable by the government.

In fact, Aadhaar Number is based upon the same concept of SSN. You get a number issued by the government and you keep it until the physical existence on earth!

Some activists have raised issues about the privacy rights and are opposing Aadhaar cards. I would say that their apprehensions are misplaced. No one should be forced to apply for an Aadhaar card and one is free to live in a vacuum.

The Aadhaar card system will work fine for us. Let us shed our doubts and take a firm path towards attaining a uniform system of identifying the citizens of the country.

They don’t pay back loan and live life Kingsize !

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According to a report published in the Times of India on July 17,2014, the top 50 Non Performing assets (NPAs) in India owe over Rs. 53,000 Crores mainly to Public Sector Banks (PSBs). Some of these defaulters have been declared “willful defaulters”. If loan amounts are recovered from them, it can help PSBs in meeting their capital requirement and avoid selling their stake in joint ventures. Mr. Vijay Mallya’s Kingfisher Airlines tops the chart of such defaulters. For years our government has been claiming that efforts are being made to recover the bad debts . It is time that Modi-led Federal Govt. takes some hard measures to get this money back into the system for nation’s development. Let us remember that due to soft-peddling of the government, the defaulters continue to dump their own failures on taxpayers’ shoulders. No business should be considered too big to fail, but if the government considers to bail out a failing company, then it must do so with a clear cut contractual obligation on the part of the company to return the money.

The readers might be thinking as to how much Kingfisher Airlines still owe to the banks? Well, it is a loan amount of 4,000 Crores that Kingfisher still has to repay to the banks. Is it okay to live life like Kingfisher even if you have defaulted on your monetary promise?

For the details of the news, please click here. 

Reliance is NOT reliable!

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July 14,2014: The BJP’s Narendra Modi-led Central Government has decided to penalize Reliance Industries for producing less than targeted natural gas from KG-D6 block. The Oil Minister Dharmendra Pradhan said that Reliance India Limited (RIL) has been slapped with a new fine of  Rs.3,500 crore  ( USD 579 million). Interestingly, if you calculate such penalties in last 4 years for RIL, it stands at a towering amount of  Rs.14,300 crore (USD 2.376 billion). This has prompted Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) to urge the government to simply shunt Reliance out. AAP’s argument is that RIL has committed so many defaults that there is a strong basis for the government to now scrap the contract. 

However, on the contrary, is not Modi government shielding Reliance?

In June of this year, Anti-Corruption Branch of Delhi issued notice asking if any penalty had been imposed for underproduction of gas. This question becomes much more relevant since a hearing in Delhi high court is due on 1st August on the basis of FIR lodged by AAP Government (in Delhi) in February,2014 against Reliance Industries.

The penalty that has been imposed today may  just be a PLOY of Modi Government to withdraw the FIR against Reliance Industries. It is time that the Modi acts tough against erring companies and sends a signal that his government means business. Acting soft on such matters gives an impression that Mr. Modi is not able to crush crony-capitalists. 

The press statement of Aam Aadmi Party in this regard can be accessed via this link.

 

White Money in Indian politics: When shall We see that?

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Only 10 % of the total donations for all the major political parties in India are from known sources. In other words, 90 % donations are from unaccounted sources which means it is a  black money for the recipient. As you may know,a political party can choose NOT to disclose the name of the donor for a donation value of less than Rupees 20, 000. The political parties have been misusing this loophole to their advantage. A major exception is Aam Aadmi Party which documents a donation of even Rs one. This way, AAP voluntarily reveals 100 percent of its monetary donations and the names of donors.

Association for Democratic Reforms (ADR) – an NGO- while analyzing the funding of political parties for the year 2012-13, noted that one of the most common source of income for the political parties is by selling “coupons”.  Well,  selling coupon is an easier way: Sell as many as you can under the value of Rupees 20,000 and no need to take pains to identify the buyer!! You may read further details in the news item by clicking here.

For the sake of records, Indian National Congress raised a bounty of Rupees 425 Crores during the fiscal year 2012, while BJP netted 324 Cr Rupees. I was surprised to see that Communist Party Marxist (CPM) was able to garner monetary donations to the tune of Rupees 126 Crores. Who would  donate for an outdated left ideology which Churchill rightly said “is a  philosophy of failure, the creed of ignorance, and the gospel of envy, its inherent virtue is the equal sharing of misery”.