INDIA BECOMING POORER?

STILL IN HOPE OF BETTEMENT

S.D.Tendulkar, the former chairman of Prime Minister’s economic advisory council has prepared a report, according to which India has 38 % population below poverty line (BPL). At present Planning commission of India’s 2006 figure is only 28.5%. of the population is under BPL.

If Tendulkar’s report is accepted officially by the Govt and the Planning commission, there shall be an addition of about 11 crore populations in the exiting number of people living BPL. In India, since 1972, Poverty is being calculated in terms of calories. 2100 calories for Urban and 2400 calories for rural areas are the yardsticks to measure poverty in India.

Tendulkar has used different methodology for this survey and took education, health, sanitation, nutrition and household income etc into account while calculating Poverty, the definition of which has always been a point of difference amongst economists and experts. Many experts, economists and rights activists believe, and they give some convincing arguments also to support their views, that poverty measurement formula in India is not satisfactory, there are actually more people below BPL, they argue.

Efforts has had been made earlier also by the government in order to find a broader consensus on the definition of poverty. One N.C.Saxena committee was formed by government in June this year which suggested that 50% people are under BPL. In 2007, Arjun Sengupta, associated with National commission for enterprises in unorganised sector, said that 77% of Indians are in BPL.

Only a couple of years ago, NSSO, the national sampling govt organisation, has thrown a figure in the public domain that about 70% of populations in India don’t even spend 20Rs/- a day on them. Whereas in this country itself, there are people who gifts 700 crores plane to his wife on birthday. The number of HNI in India is increasing with galloping speed and it has crossed one lakh figure till date. What a contrast and irony in deed!

Nitish Kr, CM of Bihar, only a couple of years ago, organised one ‘Global Seminar’ at Patna for evolving a unanimous definition on poverty. It was attended by a plethora of luminaries from across different fields ranging from economy to science and from NGO to government functionaries. The seminar deliberated upon ‘Poverty’ and consensus was arrived at that the definition of poverty should be made ‘broad based’. Kumar had called on the union government to reconsider the determinants to define the poverty. The report of Tendular has vindicated the stand of Nitish kumar.

FALL OUT ON PROPOSED NATIONAL FOOD SECURITY ACT- the union government is to come out with a historic bill on food security in the next session of parliament. The proposed legislation is historic in the sense that it would guarantee availability of at least 25 Kg of grains to one BPL families per month @ 3 Rs/-. The proposed legislation would incur an additional 9500 crore rupees on the subsidy of the grains. At present government is incurring 37,010 crore rupees on the subsidy of the food meant for BPL families.

Chanda Kochar makes debut in Forbes

DESIRE TO FLY AT MORE HIGHER ALTITUDE

Chanda Kochar, Chief Executive of ICICI, made debut in the list prepared by Forbes Magazine, of world’s powerful women for the year 2009. Sonia Gandhi continued to occupy 13^th Position in the list prepared by this Magazine. Besides this, among newcomers in the list, prominent are Michelle Obama, the wife of American President, Barrack Obama and Sheikh Hasina Wajed, Prime minister of Bangladesh came on number 40 and 78 respectively.

Angela Markel, the chancellor of Germany, continues to be on the top of the list for successive years. She has emerged more powerful due to her strong political clout and unmatched diplomatic manoeuvring. Some people believe that sometimes she outsmarts her counterparts in UK and USA also. Under the Global Financial Crisis (GFC), Markel managed her country’s economy in much better way and kept contagion somewhat less virulent.

Indira Nooyi, the Chief Executive of Pepsi Co, an Indian American ranked 3^rd in the list. She has become CEO of an American company despite being an Indian in origin. This perhaps brought for her lots of praise and admiration.

Forbes is a reputed Magazine and publishes list of, among other things, most powerful women of the world every year. They look at hundreds of women who are on the top in fields like business, politics, and non-profit organisations like social services etc. Melinda Gates, for instance, the wife of Bill Gates, the founder of Microsoft, could find a place at 34^th position due to her contribution in Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation. This organisation works globally for eradication of diseases like AIDS, Kalazar etc from the world.

This is the sixth year in a row that such list has been published. Over years, the publication of this list has become a very popular event which many people ecstatically watch. People across the world wait the publication very curiously as appearance of names in this list add additional feathers in their cap.

Sonia Gandhi continues to maintain her position because she has been arduously keeping the pivot of power around her. The 10 Janpath, the official residence of Sonia, the congress president and chairperson of UPA, the alliance in power at centre, has become symbol of power in India and perhaps it is due this reason she is stealing the show. Her name is revered because she voluntarily and willingly refused the post of Prime Minister of Indian, unheard in politics. She was equated with Gandhi by many in the rank and file of congress because no one except Gandhi has made so huge sacrifice, many among them feel.

The list of some names for 2009 is as below-

1	Angela Markel	Germany	Chancellor
2	Sheila Blair	USA	Chairman federal deposit insurance corporation
3	Indira Nooyi	USA	Chief executive pepsi
4	Cynthian carroll	UK	Chief Executive, Anglo American
5	Ho ching	Singapore	Chief Executive Temasek
6	Irene Rosenfeld	USA	Chief Executive krafts food
13	Sonia Gandhi	India	President INC
20	Chanda Kochar	India	Chief Executive ICICI

STUDENTS TORCHED TRAINS; WHY TRAINS?

AFTER ALL WHOES PROPERTY IS THIS?

Running trains through Bihar is becoming dangerous day by day. Four compartments of two more trains were torched by the so called students at Bihta railway station, some 35 km away from state capital Patna on 18^th August. Sramjeevi express and Samghmitra Express trains become targets of the student’s and anti-social element’s wrath. Reports reaching out to the police headquarters at Patna suggest that some students entered into AC compartments of the ill fated trains at Arrah station without a proper ticket. They were reportedly carrying monthly season passes (MSP) which are meant for general bogeys of the trains and not for reserved or A/C compartments. When they were asked to get down from the AC compartments, they infuriated and a scuffle took place between them and RPF and GRP. Some police men beaten up the students leaving one of them injured.

Since they were in less numbers, they could do nothing but they informed some fellow men at Bihta and when the train arrived at Bihta station, large number of students mixed with anti-social elements gheraoed the train and started searching the constable responsible for the incident. In the meantime the crowd gathered in huge number and after asking the occupying passengers to leave the compartments, they set four A/C compartments ablaze leaving at least four bogeys completely burnt. Railway officials however said that no RPF was involved in the ticket search operation and scuffle took place with GRP only. An estimated 3.20 Crore worth property has been damaged.

On the other hand, some eye witnesses said on condition of anonymity that GRP were indulged in extortion and when they were asked to stop this, the policemen got infuriated and beaten up the student leaving him seriously injured.

In a separate incident, an unruly mob torched railway station of Lakshisarai in Munger division. They were angry over the death of a railway employee allegedly murdered by some criminals. In recent times, railway stations and trains have become soft targets of agitations and anti-social elements have made railway property an easy prey. Even on trivial issues unconnected with railways, criminals and anti-social elements resort to arson and looting of railway properties. The translucent division of rights and duties between RPF and GRP is said to be the main reason for police not to take firm actions. RPF is a railway’s own police force and is expected to perform only under RPF Act, whereas; GRP is state government police. Law and order being the state subject as per Article 246 of Indian Constitution, such incidents are to be prevented and prosecuted by GRP, but like previous incidents this time also the blame game has started. The new DGP has taken serious note of it and has asked for video footage on the basis of which, he said criminals would be indentified and speedy trial would be launched against them.

Election in Afghanistan; hope for world

The war ravaged and terror infested country Afghanistan will go to polls on 20^th August, 2009 to elect its President and members of Provincial Assemblies. According to Constitution of Afghanistan which was enacted and adopted on 4^th January, 2004, only an afghan, born out of an afghan parent can participate and become President of this country.

The future of this country and prestige of NATO, especially the USA and the UK is involved in this election, which is going to be a major challenge for them in view of threats of disruption and violence given by Taliban.

The poll will be held on 20^th August, 2009 between 7:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs of the local time and results would be declared on 17^th September, 2009 if the winning candidate secures at least 50% of the votes polled which is mandatory as per Article 61 of the Constitution.

There are 17 million out of an estimated 30 million Afghans registered to vote in 7000 polling stations spread across the country in all 34 provinces.

41 candidates are fighting for the presidency, whereas as many as 3000 candidates are in fray for 420 seats in 34 provinces.

1. Security situation and elections- the security situation in the war ravaged country is far from satisfactory. NATO headquarter was stormed on the eve of elections leaving some soldiers and civilian dead. Presidential Palace has also been hit by rockets. Out of 34 provinces, Karzai’s government has control over only a very few. Some independent sources suggest that the writs of the govt do not run outside the Kabul. Provinces like Kandahar, Nimruz, Daykundi, Herat, Nurestan, Gor, Ghazni Orunzgan Panjshir etc are virtually not under the control of the government and the writs of Taliban is the final decree. The Taliban has issued warnings on loudspeakers openly in public places and mosques that any body found with indelible ink on his/her thumb, their hands would be chopped off. Such warnings cannot be ignored in Afghanistan and nobody will like his hands chopped off. This does not mean however that nobody will come out and cast vote, after all how could so many candidates including some women dared to file nominations despite Taliban’s opposition.

2. Prospects of peaceful, free and fair election- Article 156 of Constitution of Afghanistan provides for establishment of an Independent Election Commission to conduct election. In pursuance of it, Election Commission has also been constituted, but to what extent a free, fair and peaceful election it would be able to conduct, is yet to be seen. Azizollah Ludin, the head of Election Commission, has complained about calibre of some candidates. He has alleged that his recommendations with respect to change in certain election rules have not been enacted by Parliament and the government has not taken note of it. The main contesting candidates in the presidential fray are the sitting President Hamid Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah, and former finance minister Asraf Ghani. There are about 350 women candidates in the fray for Provincial council polls. Women candidates are also in the fray for presidential seat. Frozen Fana and Shahla Atta are most important among them.

As far as peaceful elections are concerned, the chances are bleak. The rocket attack on Presidential palace and suicidal attacks on defence and police establishments, well in the heart of Kabul, the fortified city, suggest that all is not well in this country. In the mean time some rights groups like Human Rights watch (HRW) have expressed apprehension on elections in Afghanistan. The return of ex -war lord Abdul Rashid Dostum just on the eve of elections have raised eyebrows of many who believe that Karzai might use his clout in his favour.

In the meantime reports are coming in that large numbers of voter’s ID cards are being sold for money and therefore rigging and bogus voting may take place. This matter has been brought to the notice of the Election commission and the officials connected to it has assured of taking some remedial measures for this also. It remains to be seen that in what manner elections are conducted in remote rural areas of the country where communication and other administrative infrastructure are far from satisfaction.

3. Observers and Media- as many as 67 observers from 25 different countries are expected to be present in different parts of Afghanistan to oversee election. International media, despite all hazardous, has made its huge presence felt. This election is under watch and USA and UK will leave no stone unturned to see that it is held in a peaceful manner at least. In the meantime there is a huge conglomeration of media to cover this event which has been talk not of the town but of the world today.

4. Significance for India- Although India is formally not included in US’ ‘much talked but little done’ war against terror, it has been playing major role in Afghanistan. Afghanistan for US and other NATO courtiers may be a laboratory; India has not used or using this country in this way. India’s billion rupees have been so far spent on infrastructure projects like road construction, hospital building, school building etc. Except Taliban, most of the Afghani people have great faith and respect for Indians. Hamid Karzai’s ties with India is deep rooted and so is the cultural and historical relations of common Afghanis; therefore peace and normalcy blended with democratic taste is a well come step in this country of rich cultural heritage and old civilizational importance. The success of this election and subsequent formation of a popular government at Kabul would usher in a new era of hope, peace and prosperity, for which common Afghanis are thirsty of. The restoration of normalcy and return of NATO led foreign troops, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), from Afghanistan will improve the situation in the region.

If a heavy turnout is made in this election, it will be the victory of Afghanis and hopefully Taliban will also understand the futility of this endless war. It is however a utopian and hypothetical situation but if you don’t see dreams and that too big dreams, how you can achieve it. Formation of a popular government in Afghanistan is of immense strategic and diplomatic importance. If in Afghanistan a popular government takes oath, it will not allow its territory to be used by terrorist in the manner they are using today.

5. Terrorism in India and Afghanistan- Afghanistan today is known for two things in the world. Firstly it has turned into a heaven for terrorist around the world and secondly wholesale supplier of opium. Terrorist organisations like Laskar-e-Toiba, JeM, Jammat, etc receives parental care from Al-Qaeda and Taliban. Osama’s hatred for India is well known. The supply of arms, ammunition and training to terrorists in the camps operating from Pakistan is too obvious to be discussed. The nexus of ISI and Terrorism in Pakistan has become chronic for India. We can hit this nexus with the help of a popular democratically elected govt at Kabul and that is why this election is of utmost importance for India. The Pakistan’s nefarious design can then be thwarted with active support of Afghanistan.

The Al-Qaida and Taliban under Osama and Mullah Muhammad Omar respectively have become source of strength and inspiration of almost all terrorist organisations across the world. This umbilical cord needs to be cut so that terrorism can be prevented from expansion and infection in remaining part of globe.

In this backdrop the successful completion of this election as well as victory of common people’s aspiration over fundamentalists and terrorists is a precondition so that a better world is created to live in peace and harmony.

The war ravaged and terror infested country Afghanistan will go to polls on 20^th August, 2009 to elect its President and members of Provincial Assemblies. According to Constitution of Afghanistan which was enacted and adopted on 4^th January, 2004, only an afghan, born out of an afghan parent can participate and become President of this country.

The future of this country and prestige of NATO, especially the USA and the UK is involved in this election, which is going to be a major challenge for them in view of threats of disruption and violence given by Taliban.

The poll will be held on 20^th August, 2009 between 7:00 hrs to 16:00 hrs of the local time and results would be declared on 17^th September, 2009 if the winning candidate secures at least 50% of the votes polled which is mandatory as per Article 61 of the Constitution.

There are 17 million out of an estimated 30 million Afghans registered to vote in 7000 polling stations spread across the country in all 34 provinces.

41 candidates are fighting for the presidency, whereas as many as 3000 candidates are in fray for 420 seats in 34 provinces.

1. Security situation and elections- the security situation in the war ravaged country is far from satisfactory. NATO headquarter was stormed on the eve of elections leaving some soldiers and civilian dead. Presidential Palace has also been hit by rockets. Out of 34 provinces, Karzai’s government has control over only a very few. Some independent sources suggest that the writs of the govt do not run outside the Kabul. Provinces like Kandahar, Nimruz, Daykundi, Herat, Nurestan, Gor, Ghazni Orunzgan Panjshir etc are virtually not under the control of the government and the writs of Taliban is the final decree. The Taliban has issued warnings on loudspeakers openly in public places and mosques that any body found with indelible ink on his/her thumb, their hands would be chopped off. Such warnings cannot be ignored in Afghanistan and nobody will like his hands chopped off. This does not mean however that nobody will come out and cast vote, after all how could so many candidates including some women dared to file nominations despite Taliban’s opposition.

2. Prospects of peaceful, free and fair election- Article 156 of Constitution of Afghanistan provides for establishment of an Independent Election Commission to conduct election. In pursuance of it, Election Commission has also been constituted, but to what extent a free, fair and peaceful election it would be able to conduct, is yet to be seen. Azizollah Ludin, the head of Election Commission, has complained about calibre of some candidates. He has alleged that his recommendations with respect to change in certain election rules have not been enacted by Parliament and the government has not taken note of it. The main contesting candidates in the presidential fray are the sitting President Hamid Karzai, Abdullah Abdullah, and former finance minister Asraf Ghani. There are about 350 women candidates in the fray for Provincial council polls. Women candidates are also in the fray for presidential seat. Frozen Fana and Shahla Atta are most important among them.

As far as peaceful elections are concerned, the chances are bleak. The rocket attack on Presidential palace and suicidal attacks on defence and police establishments, well in the heart of Kabul, the fortified city, suggest that all is not well in this country. In the mean time some rights groups like Human Rights watch (HRW) have expressed apprehension on elections in Afghanistan. The return of ex -war lord Abdul Rashid Dostum just on the eve of elections have raised eyebrows of many who believe that Karzai might use his clout in his favour.

In the meantime reports are coming in that large numbers of voter’s ID cards are being sold for money and therefore rigging and bogus voting may take place. This matter has been brought to the notice of the Election commission and the officials connected to it has assured of taking some remedial measures for this also. It remains to be seen that in what manner elections are conducted in remote rural areas of the country where communication and other administrative infrastructure are far from satisfaction.

3. Observers and Media- as many as 67 observers from 25 different countries are expected to be present in different parts of Afghanistan to oversee election. International media, despite all hazardous, has made its huge presence felt. This election is under watch and USA and UK will leave no stone unturned to see that it is held in a peaceful manner at least. In the meantime there is a huge conglomeration of media to cover this event which has been talk not of the town but of the world today.

4. Significance for India- Although India is formally not included in US’ ‘much talked but little done’ war against terror, it has been playing major role in Afghanistan. Afghanistan for US and other NATO courtiers may be a laboratory; India has not used or using this country in this way. India’s billion rupees have been so far spent on infrastructure projects like road construction, hospital building, school building etc. Except Taliban, most of the Afghani people have great faith and respect for Indians. Hamid Karzai’s ties with India is deep rooted and so is the cultural and historical relations of common Afghanis; therefore peace and normalcy blended with democratic taste is a well come step in this country of rich cultural heritage and old civilizational importance. The success of this election and subsequent formation of a popular government at Kabul would usher in a new era of hope, peace and prosperity, for which common Afghanis are thirsty of. The restoration of normalcy and return of NATO led foreign troops, the International Security Assistance Force (ISAF), from Afghanistan will improve the situation in the region.

If a heavy turnout is made in this election, it will be the victory of Afghanis and hopefully Taliban will also understand the futility of this endless war. It is however a utopian and hypothetical situation but if you don’t see dreams and that too big dreams, how you can achieve it. Formation of a popular government in Afghanistan is of immense strategic and diplomatic importance. If in Afghanistan a popular government takes oath, it will not allow its territory to be used by terrorist in the manner they are using today.

5. Terrorism in India and Afghanistan- Afghanistan today is known for two things in the world. Firstly it has turned into a heaven for terrorist around the world and secondly wholesale supplier of opium. Terrorist organisations like Laskar-e-Toiba, JeM, Jammat, etc receives parental care from Al-Qaeda and Taliban. Osama’s hatred for India is well known. The supply of arms, ammunition and training to terrorists in the camps operating from Pakistan is too obvious to be discussed. The nexus of ISI and Terrorism in Pakistan has become chronic for India. We can hit this nexus with the help of a popular democratically elected govt at Kabul and that is why this election is of utmost importance for India. The Pakistan’s nefarious design can then be thwarted with active support of Afghanistan.

The Al-Qaida and Taliban under Osama and Mullah Muhammad Omar respectively have become source of strength and inspiration of almost all terrorist organisations across the world. This umbilical cord needs to be cut so that terrorism can be prevented from expansion and infection in remaining part of globe.

In this backdrop the successful completion of this election as well as victory of common people’s aspiration over fundamentalists and terrorists is a precondition so that a better world is created to live in peace and harmony.

Why Shahrukh then did not return?

UNROBED BUT EVEN THEN DID NOT RETURN

The frisking of Shahrukh Khan at Newark airport in USA and humiliating treatment meted out to him by immigration authorities has triggered a debate in India as to why US authorities do such condemnable acts against Indians and many others non Americans and non Europeans. It is not the first instance and perhaps not the last one also. Many Politicians including Former President A.P.J Kalam and the veteran socialist leader and former Defence Minister George Fernandese and many others have so far been subjected to such humiliations in the past.

The question is not that why the Americans do all such things, the more perturbing question is that why then we, the Indians, give them preferential treatment to the Americans when they come to India. Our leaders, officials and stars go all the way to the apron to receive them on red carpet at airports. Remember, when Bill Clinton came to India, as President of USA, we created media hype to such a magnitude that every newspaper and TV channel was flooded with news unconnected with his official programs. We relish reading things like what Bill robe and eating, where and in which room he retires etc. the madness was such that some TV channels and Newspapers published photographs of rooms in which he stayed and the bed on which the couple slept even after his departure from India. The height of sycophancy is such that we start praising Americans on the issues we do understand. We start holding debates on their dress, food, etiquettes etc without understanding their American background.

Security checking at airports for security reasons under prevailing condition is good and should be cooperated with, but doing in a disproportionate magnitude is deplorable and condemnable. If USA and other western countries resort to such practices, why do we not adopt uniform and standard operating procedure (SOP) for such visits?

It, in a way, betrays our inferiority complex and colonial vestiges. After all why Shahrukh Khan did not return back instantly in protest against, what he called, humiliating treatment meted to him? He should have told the organizers after that, it is due this, what he called, unprofessional and inhuman attitude and behavior of the American officials at airport, he decided to return back and did not do performance before the audience. He did not do it and perhaps he would go again to US if heavy amount is paid for any program. After all, why are so many hue and cries among us? It is high time to ponder in a more professional and non emotional way. We can adopt similar professional approach towards them. It however does not mean that we also humiliate them and feel them hurt, but we can make them understand that look here is this country which can not tolerate humiliation of its citizens. It seems that our disrespect and utter neglect to our ideals and our heritage has allowed the situation to take such ugly shape, after all what explains that ‘Raj Ghat’ the Samadhi of Mahatma Gandhi, our Bapu, was allowed to be inspected by American dogs to make it sanitized for the US President to pay homage.

We must learn to respect ourselves before seeking respect from others. Mind it there is difference between hospitality and flattery.

WHEN SUU KYI WILL COME OUT?

YETTAW IS RELEASED; WAITING FOR HER TURN

John Yettaw 53, the American who swam across the lake and reached into the house of Aang San Suu Kyi, wherein she was undergoing house arrest, leading to prosecution of latter and subsequent award of 18 months imprisonment, is to be released. John Yettaw along with suu kyi was prosecuted and was charged with three offences namely violation of immigration law, swimming into non-swim area and meeting a person in Jail. He was awarded 7 years rigorous imprisonment.

Yettaw’s release could be made possible by American senator Jim Webb who is on a private visit to Burma. Webb met Than Shwe, the supreme leader of Military Junta and held talks with him for more that 45 minutes. He also met Suu kyi, who has been languishing in Jail (house arrest) for 14 out of the last 20 years. Burma is under military rule since 1962 and elections held in 1990 were thwarted by this junta by putting Suu Kyi, the leader of NLD, the party which won in the election, in Jail. Jim Webb could secure release of his compatriot but couldn’t do the same with Suu Kyi. It is ironical that the person due to whom the 62 years old lady, who has become icon of freedom and democracy, was jailed and punished, is being released but not she.

Although every sensible human being would hail this release but will ponder also that why international community is not strong enough to secure release of a lady whose only offence is that she loves her country and believes in ideals of democracy?

Although Jim Webb was on private trip, he had enjoyed the support of Barrack Obama. This diplomatic victory of America, though through backdoor diplomacy, has made many experts of foreign policy think that perhaps this diplomatic gesture marks the change in US policy towards Burma. There is a strong sense of opinion prevailing in US and also in some Western European countries that economic embargo and political seclusion of military ruled Burma will not work because the Military Junta hardly bothers about the plight of its countrymen caused due to ongoing economic blockade.

Mizzima, the news agency formed in India by Burmese in exile, has cautiously welcomed the decision of release of Yettaw but has expressed apprehension that Burmese military leaders might use this gesture as a tool to propagate that they respect international community and international law. They deplore and condemn the treatment being meted out to Suu Kyi and expressed dismay on the kind of actions and steps being taken to secure her release by international community.

It is also not out of context to mention here when Ban Ki Moon, the Secretary General of UNO, was denied meeting with Suu Kyi, why a simple senator was allowed to do the same? Is it due to the fact that Military Junta was apprehensive of any wrath of USA, because Yettaw was an American and if America can send its charmer former President, Bill Clinton to North Korea to secure release to journalists, it can resort to some other punitive actions against Burma also. If it is so, the world community must think in terms of some tougher measures also against military Junta, after all how can a modern and democratic world afford such discriminations and injustice?