In our society, the fate of 90 percent of people is being determined by the accident of
birth and economic conditions. A mere 8 per cent of people have access to highereducation.
The poor are being compelled to pay heavy amounts even for primary education. In spite of large out-of-pocket expenditure most poor children have no real opportunities to fulfill their potential.
Lok Satta Government will completely transform this situation and will ensure that everyone has access to high quality education.
Lok Satta government will ensure that the governance apparatus and the political process will
revolve around delivery of basic entitlements such as quality education.
It will strive to build a non-discriminatory and caste free society by ensuring access to quality education for every child irrespective of caste, gender and economic status.
18. Quality Education for All
Government and Private Education to be on Same Level
• Lok Satta government will guarantee that government and private schools will be on the same level in terms of medium of instruction, quality of education, examination pattern and basic facilities.
19. Modern Facilities for All Schools
• Lok Satta government will ensure that every school will have necessary classrooms, teachers, teaching equipment, computers, broadband internet and assured power supply.
20. Teachers to Become Stakeholders
• Lok Satta government guarantees that teachers will be partners in the educational system and school administration.
21. Higher Education for Everyone
• Lok Satta government guarantees that every young person who is deserving and desirous shall have access to quality higher education such as engineering, medicine, computers, all professional courses and university education.
Lack of financial resources shall not become a cause for discontinuing the pursuit of higher education.
22. Ten Percent Bonus Marks for Students from Rural Areas and Poorer Sections
Poor to Compete on Level Playing Field with Rich Students
• Irrespective of caste and religion, all children and youth from poor families will be given 10% bonus marks at the time of entrance examinations, higher education and employment.
• Special efforts to ensure that benefits of reservations are reaped by the poor of all castes.
• This means that students belonging to poorer sections and rural areas 60 marks will be added as bonus marks for 600 marks. This policy will allow poor students to compete on equal terms with students from wealthy families.
Thursday, July 31, 2008
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Loksatta Guarantee: 1000 SMALL TOWNS in Andhra Pradesh
Large numbers of people are migrating to big cities in search of employment and basic amenities/facilities such as hospitals and quality schools.
On an average 5000 people per day migrate to cities in our state, and a large number of them end up in slums.
Due to the absence of basic infrastructure in rural areas, villagers are forced to commute to distant cities for even the smallest problems.
In order to address these problems Lok Satta government will develop 1000 small towns, which will result in integration of rural areas with urban economy. Migration to urban areas will be prevented by creating modern facilities, employment opportunities, and good living conditions in the rural areas.
16) Small Towns will be Developed
On an average 5000 people per day migrate to cities in our state, and a large number of them end up in slums.
Due to the absence of basic infrastructure in rural areas, villagers are forced to commute to distant cities for even the smallest problems.
In order to address these problems Lok Satta government will develop 1000 small towns, which will result in integration of rural areas with urban economy. Migration to urban areas will be prevented by creating modern facilities, employment opportunities, and good living conditions in the rural areas.
16) Small Towns will be Developed
- A town within a radius of 10 km of every village will be developed by Lok Satta
government with all necessary infrastructure at a cost of Rs. 25 crores.
- Lok Satta government guarantees access to quality urban amenities and services to all villages.
Loksatta Guarantee: ‘Surajya’ in Towns and Cities
In our cities, basic amenities, such as clean drinking water, proper sanitation, roads and
other public services, are in decrepit condition.
Absence of quality public transport, traffic problems, land grabbing, settlements, illegal constructions, theft, and kidnappings have ruined city life.
Lok Satta party will focus on these problems and usher-in good urban governance.
12)Guaranteed Civic Amenities
To ensure quality living conditions Lok Satta government will guarantee:
For a population of 1 lakh, the municipality will receive Rs. 10 crores as an additional
grant.
Similarly, for a population of 10 lakhs, the corporation will receive 100 crores as
an additional grant.
other public services, are in decrepit condition.
Absence of quality public transport, traffic problems, land grabbing, settlements, illegal constructions, theft, and kidnappings have ruined city life.
Lok Satta party will focus on these problems and usher-in good urban governance.
12)Guaranteed Civic Amenities
To ensure quality living conditions Lok Satta government will guarantee:
- Clean and safe water supply (you will not need to depend on water bottles from private
suppliers). - Stress-Free public transport (public transport as convenient as private vehicles, and far
more affordable) - Quality Sanitation (no more heaps of garbage and contaminated water)
- Ward government for local services (people will not have to run around government
offices) - Citizen Charter for all public services (accessing services without becoming a victim of
corrupt practices)
For a population of 1 lakh, the municipality will receive Rs. 10 crores as an additional
grant.
Similarly, for a population of 10 lakhs, the corporation will receive 100 crores as
an additional grant.
13) Establishing Ward Governments
- Lok Satta government will guarantee an elected ward government will be created for
every ward. Rs. 500 per capita will be granted by the Lok Satta Government to each ward
government to immediately address the needs of people.
- Lok Satta government will guarantee a dependable and efficient public transport
system.
- Lok Satta government will guarantee rigorous measures to combat crimes such as theft,
robberies, and kidnapping. Lok Satta government promises safe cities for all - Lok Satta Government will operationalise Community policing
Loksatta Guarantee : Government at Our Doorstep
Many districts in Andhra Pradesh are bigger than nearly 100 countries in the world.
There is no reason why people in a district should come to Hyderabad to get their
problems solved.
This negates the very notion of self-governance.
In order to bring governance closer to people, every district will have a District Government with all necessary powers.
All local governments will be empowered with funds, functions and functionaries.
Lok Satta government will bring in an institutional revolution by ensuring a Citizen centered governance process that will establish the link between taxes and services.
1) Elected District Governments
access to basic amenities, such as clean drinking water.
Absence of basic infrastructure and minimal delivery of services have made living conditions miserable.
To compound this misery, corruption, nepotism, and favoritism are preventing common people from reaping the benefits of various government programmes.
Lok Satta government will take concrete steps and measures to create basic amenities and proper living conditions for all.
5) Funds for Villages
There is no reason why people in a district should come to Hyderabad to get their
problems solved.
This negates the very notion of self-governance.
In order to bring governance closer to people, every district will have a District Government with all necessary powers.
All local governments will be empowered with funds, functions and functionaries.
Lok Satta government will bring in an institutional revolution by ensuring a Citizen centered governance process that will establish the link between taxes and services.
1) Elected District Governments
- Lok Satta government will guarantee the establishment of a directly elected District
Government for each district of the State.
- Lok Satta Government will guarantee the empowerment of district governments,
panchayats and municipalities with full decision-making and implementation powers on
subjects that fall within their purview.
- Lok Satta Government will guarantee that 50 % of the State’s annual planned budget
will be transferred to district governments.
- Lok Satta government will guarantee that people will be direct participants in the
functioning of the local governments.
access to basic amenities, such as clean drinking water.
Absence of basic infrastructure and minimal delivery of services have made living conditions miserable.
To compound this misery, corruption, nepotism, and favoritism are preventing common people from reaping the benefits of various government programmes.
Lok Satta government will take concrete steps and measures to create basic amenities and proper living conditions for all.
5) Funds for Villages
- Lok Satta government will guarantee funding of Rs 1000 per-capita per year for
developmental activities to every Panchayat (this is in addition to existing funding).
- Lok Satta government guarantees establishment of water treatment plants in all villages
to ensure clean and protected water supply.
- Reverse-Osmosis and De-Mineralization plants will be established in all villages that are
suffering from high fluoride and excessive salt content in water.
- Lok Satta government will guarantee continuous, uninterrupted 24 hour power supply to
all villages.
- Lok Satta government will guarantee a toilet with a septic tank to every house.
- Lok Satta government will guarantee high quality all weather roads connecting villages
to nearby towns.
- Bus services to every village will be operationalised by Lok Satta government.
Complete list of Loksatta Party's 50 Irrevocable Guarantees
Government at Our Doorstep
1) Elected District Governments
2) Empowered Local Governments
3) Substantial Funds for District Governments
4) Public Participation in Governance
Gram Swarajya
5) Funds for Villages
6) Safe Drinking Water for Every Village
7) 'Jala Raksha'
8) hour power to every village
9) No more Public Defecation
10) Villages Connected by Roads
11) Bus Service to Every Village
'Surajya' in Towns and Cities
12) Guaranteed Civic Amenities
13) Establishing Ward Governments
14) Quality Public Transport
15) 'Bharosa' for Lowering Crime
1000 SMALL TOWNS in Andhra Pradesh
16) Small Towns will be Developed
17) Urban Amenities in Rural Areas
Education
18) Quality Education for All
19) Modern Facilities for All Schools
20) Teachers to Become Stakeholders
21) Higher Education for Everyone
22) Ten Percent Bonus Marks for Students from Rural Areas and Poorer Sections
Skills and Employment for Youth
Guidance for Youth
23) Provisions for Employment
24) Employment Opportunities in Government
25) Development Brigade
Health for All
26) Quality Health Services
27) Free and Universal Health Care to All (Aarogyaraksha)
28) Public .Private Partnership in Health Services (Ubhayatarakam)
Agriculture
29) Quality Power Supply to Farmers
30) Agri-Clinics . Prosperity to Farmers ('Rytusiri')
31) 'Akshaya' . Credit to Farmers and Tenants
32) Farmer Controlled Market Yards ('Rythe Raju')
33) Agro-Industries to Guarantee Crop Prices
Rigorous Liquor Control
34) Ban on Private Liquor Shops
35) Removing Belt-Shops
36) Ban on Public Liquor Consumption
37) Powers to Panchayat
JUSTICE FOR ALL
38) Police for Public Service
39) Speedy and Accessible Justice
Combating Corruption
40) Special Courts to Combat Corruption
41) Transparency and Accountability
42) Social Security for All
43) Social Security for one Crore Families
44) Security for Vulnerable Sections
Abolishing Caste
45) Abolishing Caste within One Generation
Reforming the Functioning of State Legislature
46) Standing Committees
47) Reforms to Functioning of Assembly
Removing Regional Disparities
48) Removing Disparities in Regional Development
Right to Vote
49) Correction of Voter Rolls
Land Records and Stamp Duties
50) Land Record and Stamp Duties
Monday, July 28, 2008
Loksatta Manifesto: IRREVOCABLE GUARANTEES
Lok Satta to usher in a new society With 'irrevocable
Guarantees'
The Lok Satta Party unveiled its vision of a new society and a blueprint to accomplish it in five years flat, if it is elected to power in the 2009 Andhra Pradesh Assembly elections. Hardly two years old, the Lok Satta Party pledges itself to bring about a total transformation in the living conditions and livelihood opportunities in both rural and urban areas by providing innovative and offbeat solutions to innumerable ills plaguing contemporary society.
The Lok Satta Party today released a booklet titled, "Silent Revolution," incorporating a series of "irrevocable guarantees" it makes to the public. The party displays immense confidence and competence in delivering on them.
Lok Satta Party President Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan describes the guarantees as constitutionally correct and financially feasible.
The citizen-centric manifesto promotes economic growth of both the individual and society by harmonizing conflicting interests.
The guarantees will form part of the party's manifesto to be released later.
The Lok Satta Party visualizes district governments as the pivot of the far-reaching reform program in governance.
The citizen-centric manifesto promotes economic growth of both the individual and society by harmonizing conflicting interests.
The guarantees will form part of the party's manifesto to be released later.
The Lok Satta Party visualizes district governments as the pivot of the far-reaching reform program in governance.
Although India attained freedom from the British more than 60 years ago, Indians have not become independent because there was only a change of players without real powers being transferred to the people.
By ushering in district governments, the party promises to transfer powers, responsibilities and resources to people's governments at the grassroots level.
There is no reason why people in a district should come to Hyderabad to get their problems solved.
By ushering in district governments, the party promises to transfer powers, responsibilities and resources to people's governments at the grassroots level.
District GovernmentsThe party points out that many districts in Andhra Pradesh are bigger than nearly 100 countries in the world.
There is no reason why people in a district should come to Hyderabad to get their problems solved.
- The Lok Satta Party plan envisages each district having a directly elected premier, and ministers in charge of various portfolios.
- The district collector will act as the chief secretary.
- The Government will devolve 50 percent of Plan funds on district governments, which in turn transfer them to local governments.
- The local governments will be responsible for providing safe drinking water, sanitation and drainage, roads, housing and all other facilities.
- In addition, a per capita grant of Rs.1000 will be made to both villages and towns. A town with a population of one lakh will get a grant of Rs. 10 crore in addition to funds under all normal schemes. The district government program associates people in the implementation of schemes by providing for elected committees at the ward level armed with both funds and powers.
Small TownsThe Lok Satta Party points out that like political power, economic power too is concentrated in big cities and towns, leading to the languishing of small towns and rural areas. The party will resolve this problem once and for all by developing 1000 small towns with a massive investment of Rs.25,000 crore.
- All urban amenities, opportunities and quality life will be provided in the small towns.
- Local roads, transport, water supply, drainage, parks, libraries, education, healthcare, and training industries will be encouraged making these small towns economic hubs and magnets for local migration.
- The Lok Satta Party seeks to transform villages by guaranteeing safe drinking water in every village, 24-hour power supply to domestic consumers, quality power to the farm sector, a septic tank in every house at Government cost, a blacktop road to the village and assured bus services.
- A village with a population of 10,000, for instance, will get a grant of Rs.1 crore in addition to funds under normal Government schemes.
- Panchayats will be fully empowered to curb liquor, ensure safe water supply and prevent public defecation, and will be held accountable.
- The Lok Satta Party pays special attention to imparting job skills to the youth and guaranteed employment by establishing ultra modern training centers.
- The youth will be paid a monthly stipend of Rs.1500 as they undergo the year-long training. About 10, 00,000 trained youth will be assured jobs though placement Programmes in private sector and government.
Development BrigadeThe Lok Satta Party will launch an army of young people who are committed and willing to work for the State's development for two years.
- It will recruit and train not less than 100,000 people a year to ensure that there are at least 200,000 workers in the field at any time.
- They will be paid a stipend of Rs.3000 per month for the two years they render service.
- Their services will be utilized in the implementation of schemes in education, health, agriculture etc. and in the war against corruption and alcoholism.
Social SecurityFor the first time in the history of the country, the party commits itself to providing social security to one crore families and liberate them from livelihood fears.
- It covers all families in the unorganized sector, who earn a monthly income of less than Rs.5000.
- The beneficiaries will include small farmers and agricultural workers, small traders and artisans engaged in traditional occupations, hamalis and workers in the construction sector, drivers of autos, trucks and taxis, employees of private establishments like schools, shops and nursing homes and women.
- Under the scheme, a family that saves Rs.400 a month will receive an equivalent matching grant from the Government so that in seven years it will have accumulated Rs.100,000 including interest.
- The corpus will enable the family to take up any economic activity of its choice and lead an honorable life without any crutches.
- This is eminently feasible in the context of the Lok Satta Party promising to provide free quality education and health care to all.
- The Lok Satta Party promises free and quality education to all up to Class XII.
- The Government will enable every poor student who is eligible and desirous of higher education including engineering and medicine at its cost.
- Every student from poor and rural families, irrespective of caste or religion, will be given 10 percent bonus marks in competitive examinations for higher education or jobs.
- The party will make available quality health care to every citizen in a hospital of his choice at its cost. 600 more 50 bedded public hospitals will be built throughout the state.
- In addition, the Government will associate 3000 small private hospitals with its health care scheme and pay them for their services on behalf of patients.
- The party reiterates its stand on restricting liquor consumption by reducing the number of licensed shops to less than 1000, banning belt shops, prohibiting liquor consumption in public, and empowering panchayats to enforce liquor policy.
Massive Agricultural AssistanceThe Lok Satta Party pledges to revolutionize agriculture and rural economy.
- A computerized agri-clinic will be established for every 3,000 acres to inform farmers of market demand, provide daily extension services, facilitate supply of quality inputs at reasonable prices, and help direct marketing to retail chains.
- All farmers will get direct access to loans, and usurious practices will be prohibited.
- Villages will be guaranteed 24-hour power supply through decentralized distribution.
- Stable voltage and quality power will be guaranteed, and farmers will get compensation for motors burnt on account of voltage fluctuations.
- All market committees will be managed by elected committees of farmers, and pledge loans will be guaranteed on stored produce.
- Processing industries will be established in every market, and perishable commodities will get guaranteed minimum price.
Regional DisparitiesLok Satta pledges to create regional development boards and give them constitutional status under Art 371-D, with ample powers and funds.
- There will be district-wise allocations in the state budget.
- The party government will constitute and independent statutory commission for allocation and distribution of river waters within the state among various regions and districts.
War on Corruption
- It will wage a war on corruption by constituting a special court in every district to try charges against elected people's representatives and officials.
- providing for confiscation of their ill-gotten wealth and appointing special public prosecutors to pursue the cases.
- The party promises to constitute a local court in every mandal to dispose of small cases within 90 days.
- Crime investigation will be made completely independent of partisan control.
- Every district will have a well-equipped forensic laboratory and prosecution will be independent of government.
- Law will be applicable to all uniformly.
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Tuesday, July 22, 2008
Justifications: "Nuclear deal: Does Advantages of the deal outweigh the fears??"
The blog
http://loksattafocussed.blogspot.com/2008/07/nuclear-deal-does-advantages-of-deal.html
was on the basis of my previous article on the same subject
http://loksattafocussed.blogspot.com/2008/07/nuclear-deal-what-is-it-all-about-what.html
This is a huge subject with loads of possibilities.
My focus was basically on, whether this deal is worthy enough to go for confidence motion?
First and foremost, the deal is not discussed on its merits or demerits either in parliament or with the public.
This is not the way, it should have been done.
Having said that, If it really means to go for confidence motion without discussions, it is clear that Nuclear deal is a better option than without it.
My first blog(on the same subject), and many of my posts on orkut communities have been unbiased and more about putting both sides on the fore.
After my own research on the subject, I became pretty sure that it is a good deal for India.
Now
@rangadu's questions
1) Every type of resource has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The general impression is, if we go for the nuclear deal, the renewable sources are not considered.
I dont understand this logic.
Its synonymous to investing only in mutual funds and nothing on real estate or any other funds. The point is, nuclear deal and other options are not mutually exclusive.
I think nuclear energy is just one of the many sources of energy for future.
Infact I am a big fan of solar energy, We have solar lamps and solar water heater in my home since last 12 years in Bangalore!!(To point that I am not biased on "nuclear only", actions speak more than words!!)
2) Nuclear Reactors safety is one of the biggest concerns, and the technology to handle these concerns is also sophisticated.
India will get help on this issue from few of the NSG countries.
The second part,
I dont agree that western countries rely only on 10% for nuclear energy.
Please tell me the source of this info.
please see this link
http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/nuclear_statistics/worldstatistics/
France depends on it by 76.8 % and US itself is not even in top 10.
Also see this link for state wise nuclear energy generation in US
http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/nuclear_statistics/usnuclearpowerplants/
3) To get original text of the deal
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/aug/90050.htm
I agree that UPA should have discussed more about educating Indians.
Well we can equally blame both Communists(Left) and BJP(Right) for this.
Each one is sticking to its own prejudicial agendas and means
"Left" says all americans are cruel
BJP says its not a great deal, but was it a less deal to not to discuss on the house??
And Congress thinks, aam admi cant understand, so why bother teaching them!!
All second rated politics!!
@ Tarun,
There is no question that all the countries are looking forward to a major break through in optimally and realistically switch to renewable and green sources.
India needs to invest heavily in this sector, it is investing heavily too.
It is giving tax break for solar companies
http://www.eetindia.co.in/ART_8800471042_1800008_NT_5d3f4644.HTM
Over $7 Billion would be invested in hyderabad alone by solar companies..
Ok, Now for more info
Please see this link, to know where do we stand
http://www.itpi.co.in/Resources/Renewable_energy/2004_World_Energy_Sources.jpg
Please see how much India is dependent on oil for energy
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/ene_oil_con-energy-oil-consumption
For more info on where we stand compared to rest of the world see
http://www.itpi.co.in/Resources/Renewable_energy/Renewable_energy.htm
Finally I would like to conclude with this link
http://www.worldaffairsboard.com/south-asian-defense-topics/45678-apolitical-view-nuclear-deal-indias-energy-security.html
Tell me if you need more!!!
:)
Aditya
http://loksattafocussed.blogspot.com/2008/07/nuclear-deal-does-advantages-of-deal.html
was on the basis of my previous article on the same subject
http://loksattafocussed.blogspot.com/2008/07/nuclear-deal-what-is-it-all-about-what.html
This is a huge subject with loads of possibilities.
My focus was basically on, whether this deal is worthy enough to go for confidence motion?
First and foremost, the deal is not discussed on its merits or demerits either in parliament or with the public.
This is not the way, it should have been done.
Having said that, If it really means to go for confidence motion without discussions, it is clear that Nuclear deal is a better option than without it.
My first blog(on the same subject), and many of my posts on orkut communities have been unbiased and more about putting both sides on the fore.
After my own research on the subject, I became pretty sure that it is a good deal for India.
Now
@rangadu's questions
1) Every type of resource has its own advantages and disadvantages.
The general impression is, if we go for the nuclear deal, the renewable sources are not considered.
I dont understand this logic.
Its synonymous to investing only in mutual funds and nothing on real estate or any other funds. The point is, nuclear deal and other options are not mutually exclusive.
I think nuclear energy is just one of the many sources of energy for future.
Infact I am a big fan of solar energy, We have solar lamps and solar water heater in my home since last 12 years in Bangalore!!(To point that I am not biased on "nuclear only", actions speak more than words!!)
2) Nuclear Reactors safety is one of the biggest concerns, and the technology to handle these concerns is also sophisticated.
India will get help on this issue from few of the NSG countries.
The second part,
I dont agree that western countries rely only on 10% for nuclear energy.
Please tell me the source of this info.
please see this link
http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/nuclear_statistics/worldstatistics/
France depends on it by 76.8 % and US itself is not even in top 10.
Also see this link for state wise nuclear energy generation in US
http://www.nei.org/resourcesandstats/nuclear_statistics/usnuclearpowerplants/
3) To get original text of the deal
http://www.state.gov/r/pa/prs/ps/2007/aug/90050.htm
I agree that UPA should have discussed more about educating Indians.
Well we can equally blame both Communists(Left) and BJP(Right) for this.
Each one is sticking to its own prejudicial agendas and means
"Left" says all americans are cruel
BJP says its not a great deal, but was it a less deal to not to discuss on the house??
And Congress thinks, aam admi cant understand, so why bother teaching them!!
All second rated politics!!
@ Tarun,
There is no question that all the countries are looking forward to a major break through in optimally and realistically switch to renewable and green sources.
India needs to invest heavily in this sector, it is investing heavily too.
It is giving tax break for solar companies
http://www.eetindia.co.in/ART_8800471042_1800008_NT_5d3f4644.HTM
Over $7 Billion would be invested in hyderabad alone by solar companies..
Ok, Now for more info
Please see this link, to know where do we stand
http://www.itpi.co.in/Resources/Renewable_energy/2004_World_Energy_Sources.jpg
Please see how much India is dependent on oil for energy
http://www.nationmaster.com/graph/ene_oil_con-energy-oil-consumption
For more info on where we stand compared to rest of the world see
http://www.itpi.co.in/Resources/Renewable_energy/Renewable_energy.htm
Finally I would like to conclude with this link
http://www.worldaffairsboard.com/south-asian-defense-topics/45678-apolitical-view-nuclear-deal-indias-energy-security.html
Tell me if you need more!!!
:)
Aditya
Monday, July 21, 2008
Nuclear deal: Does Advantages of the deal outweigh the fears??
This blog is an edited version of
Missing the wood for the trees
http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/19/stories/2008071954661000.htm
Never in the history of Indian democracy have we politically fought on one single issue, to the extent that we have to go through floor testing.
Not even issues like Godhra carnage get this much of importance.
Is it really worth this privilege?
UPA did give a fairly impressive performance in its rule.
1) Economy on an average grew at 9%
2) pro poor policies like
---a) National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
---b) Farm Loan waiver(lets not get diverted into debate on this)
3) Initiatives in Education and Health
4) Improved transparency in govt
---a) Right To Information Act
But lately its been plagued by inflation issue.
Now, if we look at the nuclear deal and if we take a call on it. Its very hard to understand that it is worth risking the govt.
Now, lets turn the question around. Is it worth an issue, for which we can put the present inflation crisis behind and plunge the govt? Is it really so scary that we can put common man into difficulties by taking of the support to govt?
We have hardly had discussed the pros and cons of the deal in the parliament
CPI and other left parties just say no to anything thats american. So each one was biding their time. It was a case of "who blinks first"
So UPA did blink and got SP from backdoor. As mayavati was having SP for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they had better support the UPA.
Again there is hardly any need for any party to discuss the details of the deal, as each one is looking for "What we gonna get if we support or not support?"
1) impact on the country’s energy needs: the factors:
a) high oil prices touching $140 and more a barrel
b) maintaining high growth rates into the future
c) The national nuclear programme has been functioning in isolation for the last three decades.
--- so there is slow technological progress because of denial of knowledge.
d) non-availability of uranium
e) generation capacity even now remains at a little over 3,000 MW as against the target of 10,000 MW set for 2000
f) Uranium shortage has become so serious that even the low installed capacity is being operated at just 40 to 50 per cent
g) The target set for 2020 is 20,000 MW
h) Not only US but other countries such as Russia, France and the United Kingdom could supply us uranium
2) India gains access to high technology:
a) larger capacity reactors
b) monitoring and safety technology
c) The nuclear establishment will be able to participate in international collaborative research on thermonuclear reactors and the new fourth generation reactors
d) the three stage nuclear programme will get benefitted by plentiful resources of thorium for power generation and access to foreign technology
e) the civilian reactors would be placed under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards
f) strategic nuclear weapons programme would remain separate and outside the safeguards regime
1) closer strategic partnership with the U.S. which would mark a departure from the independent foreign policy.
a)But closer ties with US could be essential for the economic growth of the nation
b)In any case India is a huge market for US too, hence they are also dependent on the India to accelerate their slowly crawling GDP growth
c) other countries like Japan too are dependent on US strategically, but still their foriegn policy is independent. India with its huge muslim population, cannot back US on all its policies. thats the reality
d) deal with the U.S. is an essential first step towards diversifying cooperation and entering into similar deals with other nuclear suppliers such as Russia, France and the U.K.
2) the second objection: the deal will compromise India’s strategic autonomy and it will become virtually impossible to carry out another nuclear explosion
a) As of now, the government is committed in the deal to continuing with the policy of voluntary restraint on further nuclear explosions
b) the military program can continue as its being continued now.
c) the govt can build up the reserves in the event of sudden stoppage, so this is also not something that is different from what we are doing now. That is we are trying to build reserves even now.
advantages overwhelmingly outweigh any threat or flaw and it is as good a deal as any government can negotiate
Missing the wood for the trees
http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/19/stories/2008071954661000.htm
Never in the history of Indian democracy have we politically fought on one single issue, to the extent that we have to go through floor testing.
Not even issues like Godhra carnage get this much of importance.
Is it really worth this privilege?
UPA did give a fairly impressive performance in its rule.
1) Economy on an average grew at 9%
2) pro poor policies like
---a) National Rural Employment Guarantee Act
---b) Farm Loan waiver(lets not get diverted into debate on this)
3) Initiatives in Education and Health
4) Improved transparency in govt
---a) Right To Information Act
But lately its been plagued by inflation issue.
Now, if we look at the nuclear deal and if we take a call on it. Its very hard to understand that it is worth risking the govt.
Now, lets turn the question around. Is it worth an issue, for which we can put the present inflation crisis behind and plunge the govt? Is it really so scary that we can put common man into difficulties by taking of the support to govt?
"Deal was never really discussed"
We have hardly had discussed the pros and cons of the deal in the parliament
CPI and other left parties just say no to anything thats american. So each one was biding their time. It was a case of "who blinks first"
So UPA did blink and got SP from backdoor. As mayavati was having SP for breakfast, lunch and dinner, they had better support the UPA.
Again there is hardly any need for any party to discuss the details of the deal, as each one is looking for "What we gonna get if we support or not support?"
Now on the impact
1) impact on the country’s energy needs: the factors:
a) high oil prices touching $140 and more a barrel
b) maintaining high growth rates into the future
c) The national nuclear programme has been functioning in isolation for the last three decades.
--- so there is slow technological progress because of denial of knowledge.
d) non-availability of uranium
e) generation capacity even now remains at a little over 3,000 MW as against the target of 10,000 MW set for 2000
f) Uranium shortage has become so serious that even the low installed capacity is being operated at just 40 to 50 per cent
g) The target set for 2020 is 20,000 MW
h) Not only US but other countries such as Russia, France and the United Kingdom could supply us uranium
2) India gains access to high technology:
a) larger capacity reactors
b) monitoring and safety technology
c) The nuclear establishment will be able to participate in international collaborative research on thermonuclear reactors and the new fourth generation reactors
d) the three stage nuclear programme will get benefitted by plentiful resources of thorium for power generation and access to foreign technology
e) the civilian reactors would be placed under International Atomic Energy Agency safeguards
f) strategic nuclear weapons programme would remain separate and outside the safeguards regime
objections raised by critics
1) closer strategic partnership with the U.S. which would mark a departure from the independent foreign policy.
a)But closer ties with US could be essential for the economic growth of the nation
b)In any case India is a huge market for US too, hence they are also dependent on the India to accelerate their slowly crawling GDP growth
c) other countries like Japan too are dependent on US strategically, but still their foriegn policy is independent. India with its huge muslim population, cannot back US on all its policies. thats the reality
d) deal with the U.S. is an essential first step towards diversifying cooperation and entering into similar deals with other nuclear suppliers such as Russia, France and the U.K.
2) the second objection: the deal will compromise India’s strategic autonomy and it will become virtually impossible to carry out another nuclear explosion
a) As of now, the government is committed in the deal to continuing with the policy of voluntary restraint on further nuclear explosions
b) the military program can continue as its being continued now.
c) the govt can build up the reserves in the event of sudden stoppage, so this is also not something that is different from what we are doing now. That is we are trying to build reserves even now.
advantages overwhelmingly outweigh any threat or flaw and it is as good a deal as any government can negotiate
Saturday, July 19, 2008
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
orkut archives: Aditya: political reforms
1) Is changing the system simple?
Everyone is saying that we have to change the system.
What is this change?
is it something that is very complicated?
Well, nothing is complicated if we make some simple but critical changes.
We have to make the right changes.
Rest of the things will be done automatically, as a part of evolution.
In a dynamic eco-system, only the strongest will survive.
Right now the strongest survivor is a selfish and unethical group of people: criminals, Dons, corrupt politicians.
This is acceptable if the original intent was to create such people in our country.
But thats not what we set out to do, isnt it?
Even though, Nehru and Gandhi thought better for the country.
Their vision never got fulfilled.
So, there is a need for 2 simple but critical fundamental changes in the game.
So, in that sense, political system is giving good service to its customers, isnt it?
------
Changes
1) Decentralized govts and district level.
2) Preferntial vote/poularity vote at state level and national level.How these will solve our problems?
Well we can discuss on that too. If you are willing for such a discussion.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) There is no system which is 100% fool proof.
The question is which system has more chances for being successful in the long run
1) Autocratic\Dictatorship: One person is the king. Everything depends on what he wants, or how he achieves. There are so many examples where it is proved to be fatal. right from roman empire to hitler
2) Communist: Well we have 1 china, but we have many Burmas and Combodias.
3) Democratic: select or elect; but we have a choice.Again the question is how do we make democracy to deliver results and bring change.
There are lots of theories. And many of them are practical. We have to just adopt the best working models around the world. We can make delibrate changes so that it suits us.
Lets not try to re-invent wheel, just use the wheel, add more lines, increase the rubber content to suit us...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) biggest paradox
@"so ppl should change or government should plan sumthing for d ppl who wants deir work getting done easily and can take more money from dese ppl"
So u mean to say that ppl should change the govt or govt should plan something.
Now business communities, real estate agents and criminals invest alot in the political parties, so that when their party comes to power they can get things sanctioned in their favor illegally.... or in other words, legalising the illegitimate activities.
I agree that if they invest in parties transparently, there is no problem. but most of the money is black
Now all the political parties have to do, is take advantage of people's problems like, their weakness to liquor, clothes, color TVs, free rice, etc.
which will never exactly attack their main root cause.
they divide ppl in terms of religion, community, language, region and locals vs outsiders... all these emotional issues.... they do emotional black mailing.
for example if you invest in reliance, dont u expect return from that investment ?
Politicians make money because of loopholes in system, thats the reason they keep lopholes open. They dont want to close it.
People find it hard to understand why loksatta needs money?
it clearly means that if people invest in loksatta it will give u back return in the form of clean and reformative politics. or else u have every right to raise ur voice. and demand! just like u scold airtel customer care!!
---------------------------------------------------------------
3) @I have many questions to be answered?
1.Q) A common man still feels that loksatta is a party of intellectuals.I feel mass appeal is missing.
Ans) I will divide my answer into two topics
first:If you give some thoughts to each and everything that Loksatta is fighting for, it is for the commonest man
--> Free + quality Education for all: whom will it benefit most??
--> Free + quality Health: whom will it benefit most ??
--> Job-oriented Higher Education: will it not benefit your younger brother ??
--> Decentralised govt:
-------> we will elect people who maintains our town's infrastructure(MLAs can only recommend the local muncipality... did u know that
---------> Local police will handle trivial crimes
---------> more complicated things will be handled to higher levels depending on complexity
---------> independent crime investigation(politicians have no influence,as they dont need salute these As**oles
dearest friends will it not affect us?
Second:
--->Mass wants color tv. only then they will appreciate is it?
--->people want short term happiness, they are happy to spoil themselves with liquor and also spoil their children's future.
---> isnt loksatta striving for you to understand
----> still you say loksatta is not a mass party?
2Q) Whats the loksatta party stand on telangana?Make it clear.
I want to ask this question back to you
how many pieces you want india to be divided into? if each dstrict becomes a state will it solve all our problems?why is it such an important question? the problem is not whether telangana is in AP or not. the problem is the present political system gives incentives for cheating others.
3Q)Whats its stand on reservation?i know that its against reservation based on castes?but how u r going to educate the people?
Lets approach this problem differently
--> My watchman earns Rs3000, but he is spending 2500 every month for his son's hostel fees and other expenses
-----> what is the chance that he son will be employable after completing B.Com?
-----> how many ppl are competing for govt jobs? how many ppl have influence and corrupt means of getting his job?
------> what is the chance that his son will able to pay loans of his father?
-------> if he gets a good seat through reservation, will he be able to cope with high demands of a proffesional course after coming from telugu medium
---> if we understand all his problems, the solutions are clear
--------> help must be provided for the students who are really interested
---------> the present reservation system is giving students false security, they will always be dependent on reservation, even after completing education. because if they dont work hard, they will not be employable
.---------> ultimately education must provide you job and independence
---------> that is the reason LSP said it will provide 10marks extra.
we will see how this will tackle the issues raised in the above analysis
-------------> if my watchman's son gets 60% doesnt he deserve 70%? for all the hardships he has taken?
-------------> if he gets 30%, he will get 40%. will it make him an attractive student during an interview or higher studies? NO
-------------> so he will work hard and there-by he will start learning to stand by himself.
-------------> remember education should provide u a job and independent thinking capacity. this system solves both!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
4) WE MUST ADDRESS THIS FRUSTRATION BEFORE ITS TOO LATE
I can see frustration in maruti raghuveer's heart.
But we will not take arms to show our frustration.
Naxals are also frustrated about this skewed society.
And they think that blod shed is the only way.
Tomorrow we might enter into a civil war, if this not addressed at this crucial juncture.
We are standing at the turn of the tide.
The country is ready, we have significant no of educated people.
Independence struggle was started by a group of Lawyers.
Cant we stand and fight for equality and progress now!!
Ask the right questions, As maruti said, we have to ask for basic amenities, education and jobs.
not hindu-muslim,
not backward-upward caste
not marathi and hindi
not color tv and gold coin
------------------------------------------------------------------
Everyone is saying that we have to change the system.
What is this change?
is it something that is very complicated?
Well, nothing is complicated if we make some simple but critical changes.
We have to make the right changes.
Rest of the things will be done automatically, as a part of evolution.
In a dynamic eco-system, only the strongest will survive.
Right now the strongest survivor is a selfish and unethical group of people: criminals, Dons, corrupt politicians.
This is acceptable if the original intent was to create such people in our country.
But thats not what we set out to do, isnt it?
Even though, Nehru and Gandhi thought better for the country.
Their vision never got fulfilled.
So, there is a need for 2 simple but critical fundamental changes in the game.
The citizen should be the consumer and the political system has toRight now, the Industry bigwigs, real estate mafiasos, and criminals are the direct customers while citizens are indirect customers and political system is service provider.
become service provider.
So, in that sense, political system is giving good service to its customers, isnt it?
------
Changes
1) Decentralized govts and district level.
2) Preferntial vote/poularity vote at state level and national level.How these will solve our problems?
Well we can discuss on that too. If you are willing for such a discussion.
-----------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) There is no system which is 100% fool proof.
The question is which system has more chances for being successful in the long run
1) Autocratic\Dictatorship: One person is the king. Everything depends on what he wants, or how he achieves. There are so many examples where it is proved to be fatal. right from roman empire to hitler
2) Communist: Well we have 1 china, but we have many Burmas and Combodias.
3) Democratic: select or elect; but we have a choice.Again the question is how do we make democracy to deliver results and bring change.
There are lots of theories. And many of them are practical. We have to just adopt the best working models around the world. We can make delibrate changes so that it suits us.
Lets not try to re-invent wheel, just use the wheel, add more lines, increase the rubber content to suit us...
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------------
2) biggest paradox
@"so ppl should change or government should plan sumthing for d ppl who wants deir work getting done easily and can take more money from dese ppl"
So u mean to say that ppl should change the govt or govt should plan something.
These both can never happen with the present system.
Now business communities, real estate agents and criminals invest alot in the political parties, so that when their party comes to power they can get things sanctioned in their favor illegally.... or in other words, legalising the illegitimate activities.
I agree that if they invest in parties transparently, there is no problem. but most of the money is black
Now all the political parties have to do, is take advantage of people's problems like, their weakness to liquor, clothes, color TVs, free rice, etc.
which will never exactly attack their main root cause.
OR
they divide ppl in terms of religion, community, language, region and locals vs outsiders... all these emotional issues.... they do emotional black mailing.
The people are satisfied for that moment, and without thinking,When politics are run like business, they are only concerned about their return of investment, nothing else....
they vote.
for example if you invest in reliance, dont u expect return from that investment ?
Politicians make money because of loopholes in system, thats the reason they keep lopholes open. They dont want to close it.
Hence corruption is here to stay.
People find it hard to understand why loksatta needs money?
it clearly means that if people invest in loksatta it will give u back return in the form of clean and reformative politics. or else u have every right to raise ur voice. and demand! just like u scold airtel customer care!!
---------------------------------------------------------------
3) @I have many questions to be answered?
1.Q) A common man still feels that loksatta is a party of intellectuals.I feel mass appeal is missing.
Ans) I will divide my answer into two topics
first:If you give some thoughts to each and everything that Loksatta is fighting for, it is for the commonest man
--> Free + quality Education for all: whom will it benefit most??
--> Free + quality Health: whom will it benefit most ??
--> Job-oriented Higher Education: will it not benefit your younger brother ??
--> Decentralised govt:
-------> we will elect people who maintains our town's infrastructure(MLAs can only recommend the local muncipality... did u know that
---------> Local police will handle trivial crimes
---------> more complicated things will be handled to higher levels depending on complexity
---------> independent crime investigation(politicians have no influence,as they dont need salute these As**oles
dearest friends will it not affect us?
Second:
--->Mass wants color tv. only then they will appreciate is it?
--->people want short term happiness, they are happy to spoil themselves with liquor and also spoil their children's future.
---> isnt loksatta striving for you to understand
----> still you say loksatta is not a mass party?
2Q) Whats the loksatta party stand on telangana?Make it clear.
I want to ask this question back to you
how many pieces you want india to be divided into? if each dstrict becomes a state will it solve all our problems?why is it such an important question? the problem is not whether telangana is in AP or not. the problem is the present political system gives incentives for cheating others.
3Q)Whats its stand on reservation?i know that its against reservation based on castes?but how u r going to educate the people?
Lets approach this problem differently
--> My watchman earns Rs3000, but he is spending 2500 every month for his son's hostel fees and other expenses
-----> what is the chance that he son will be employable after completing B.Com?
-----> how many ppl are competing for govt jobs? how many ppl have influence and corrupt means of getting his job?
------> what is the chance that his son will able to pay loans of his father?
-------> if he gets a good seat through reservation, will he be able to cope with high demands of a proffesional course after coming from telugu medium
---> if we understand all his problems, the solutions are clear
--------> help must be provided for the students who are really interested
---------> the present reservation system is giving students false security, they will always be dependent on reservation, even after completing education. because if they dont work hard, they will not be employable
.---------> ultimately education must provide you job and independence
---------> that is the reason LSP said it will provide 10marks extra.
we will see how this will tackle the issues raised in the above analysis
-------------> if my watchman's son gets 60% doesnt he deserve 70%? for all the hardships he has taken?
-------------> if he gets 30%, he will get 40%. will it make him an attractive student during an interview or higher studies? NO
-------------> so he will work hard and there-by he will start learning to stand by himself.
-------------> remember education should provide u a job and independent thinking capacity. this system solves both!!
---------------------------------------------------------------------
4) WE MUST ADDRESS THIS FRUSTRATION BEFORE ITS TOO LATE
I can see frustration in maruti raghuveer's heart.
Yess we have to be frustrated, if not now when more?
But we will not take arms to show our frustration.
Naxals are also frustrated about this skewed society.
And they think that blod shed is the only way.
WE MUST ADDRESS THIS FRUSTRATION BEFORE ITS TOO LATE.
Tomorrow we might enter into a civil war, if this not addressed at this crucial juncture.
We are standing at the turn of the tide.
The country is ready, we have significant no of educated people.
Independence struggle was started by a group of Lawyers.
Cant we stand and fight for equality and progress now!!
Ask the right questions, As maruti said, we have to ask for basic amenities, education and jobs.
not hindu-muslim,
not backward-upward caste
not marathi and hindi
not color tv and gold coin
------------------------------------------------------------------
Monday, July 14, 2008
First LOKSATTA meet in ATLANTA
The FIRST ATLANTA LOKSATTA meeting was convened on July 12,th ,Saturday,2008.The Honorary guest speakers on this occasion were Mr Srinivasa Rao Katari, -Vice President, Loksatta, Mrs Lakshmi Datla, Gen.Secretary, Loksatta and Mr Rohit Parasa, Treasurer, Loksatta .The Session kicked off with the felicitation of the dignitaries of the dais by the TAMA(Telugu Association of Metro Atlanta) acting President D.Sreedevi.The attendees of the convention registered their details with the party.They were provided with the LOKSATTA literature(Phamphlets,flyers explaining the aims and objectives of LOKSATTA).
After a brief introductory session and a welcome note by Mr.TARUN KAKANI,the host of the event,Mr.Srinivas Rao Katari spoke about the party, it's principles and his experiences as a LOKSATTA MLA contestant from Khairatabad in the recent by-elections. Mrs. Lakshmi Datla, explained how Women were being given a prominent role in LOSKATTA and how they could contribute their administrative skills for the party. Mr.Rohit Parasa, defined the expectations of the meet.
The entire session was very interactive with the audience actively posing good and sensible questions to the dignitaries.
After the meeting there was a fund raising Lunch for the party and the Atlanta wing raised a good amount of contributions despite the fact that the meeting's location and information was given at a short notice. We would like to thank the TAMA President D.Sreedevi for her support to organize the meet,Hotel KRISHNA VILAS (Mr.Musunuri) for sponsoring the food for the event, NTR Trust President Mr. Narendra Surapaneni and Mr.Venu Polisetty for the coverage of the program.Last but not the least, the audience and the donors who are the life of the session and to LOSKATTA as such are appreciated with warm regards.
The Atlanta Loksatta executive body was elected and following are the details.
President-Mr. TARUN KAKANI
Vice-president-Mrs.Sreedevi Dadithota
General Secretary -Mr. Parameshwar
Treasurer -Mr.Dheeraj Goverdhanam
Joint Secretary - Mr. Raj Chivukula
Office Bearers: Sushma Vadlamudi,Donthipudi Shyam Sundar Rao
The newly formed executive body would chalk out a solid strategy to take LOKSATTA into the people and help in co-ordinating events .Please visit www.loksattapartyusa.org for LOKSATTA US trip details,contributions,registering etc.
We would like to thank everyone for making the event a memorable one.
"Little Sparks Ignite Great Fires"Nuclear deal: What is it all about? What is hyde act?
Many of us dont know whats the actual deal about.
But recently there were few articles on this exact topic in "The Hindu".
I would like to draw your attention to one of the simplest(simply worded) of them.
I have brought out the significant points of the article, here.
"Judge the nuclear deal on facts, not convictions"
1) Hyde act
----a) If India performs the nuclear test, then the deal is over
----b) The quantity of Nuclear fuel supply to india is restricted to "Normal Operating Conditions" of all our nuclear reactors
---c) Strongly opposes India building its own reserve supplies, ie., India must be entirely dependent on fuel supply by USA
---d) Even if India do build its own reserve, it should not be enough to conduct a nuclear test, if US terminates the deal
---e) India must give a "specific future date" after which India will not produce "Weapon Grade Plutonium" even from our own unsafegaurded reactors.
---f) India must agree to follow "Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty" (FMCT)
---g) Furthermore, US will call for stricter guidelines for India with NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group)
---h) Also, India must have a foreign policy in concordant with US govt. This means, India has to even apply sanctions to Iran.
2) 123 agreement
---a) Full nuclear co-operation for Indian Civil Nuclear Program; Covers entire cycle from making uranium fuel to reprocessing spent fuel to extract plutonium.
---b) US does not supply technology and technical facilities; The 3 main steps are "uranium enrichment", "heavy water production" and "reprocessing"
---c) In the "reprocessing" step, we have to use our own technology and facilities only.
---d) we must provide all detailed drawings and other technical documentation, data, calculations, and so on to the International Atomic Energy Agency to review and clear.
---e) India has to accept a whole range of “arrangements and procedures” stipulated by the U.S. to run our own national plant
---f) India must sign another agreement under section 131 of US.Atomic Energy Act.
---g) There is no arbitration clause; ie., US or India can ditch the deal any point they like.
3) To operationalize the deal
---a) The reprocessing plant is estimated to cost us Rs 10,000 crores
There is a beautiful analysis in this article as to how these points affect.
There are other 2 articles which goes into depth of the deal too.
The 3 articles in The Hindu recently are
1) Parsing the India-specific safeguards agreement news analysis: On July 12th 2008 http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/12/stories/2008071254991000.htm
2) Does the IAEA agreement hide us from the Hyde Act?: On July 14th 2008 http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/14/stories/2008071455431000.htm
3)Judge the nuclear deal on facts, not convictions : On July 15th 2008
http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/15/stories/2008071555200900.htm
But recently there were few articles on this exact topic in "The Hindu".
I would like to draw your attention to one of the simplest(simply worded) of them.
I have brought out the significant points of the article, here.
"Judge the nuclear deal on facts, not convictions"
1) Hyde act
----a) If India performs the nuclear test, then the deal is over
----b) The quantity of Nuclear fuel supply to india is restricted to "Normal Operating Conditions" of all our nuclear reactors
---c) Strongly opposes India building its own reserve supplies, ie., India must be entirely dependent on fuel supply by USA
---d) Even if India do build its own reserve, it should not be enough to conduct a nuclear test, if US terminates the deal
---e) India must give a "specific future date" after which India will not produce "Weapon Grade Plutonium" even from our own unsafegaurded reactors.
---f) India must agree to follow "Fissile Material Cut-off Treaty" (FMCT)
---g) Furthermore, US will call for stricter guidelines for India with NSG (Nuclear Suppliers Group)
---h) Also, India must have a foreign policy in concordant with US govt. This means, India has to even apply sanctions to Iran.
2) 123 agreement
---a) Full nuclear co-operation for Indian Civil Nuclear Program; Covers entire cycle from making uranium fuel to reprocessing spent fuel to extract plutonium.
---b) US does not supply technology and technical facilities; The 3 main steps are "uranium enrichment", "heavy water production" and "reprocessing"
---c) In the "reprocessing" step, we have to use our own technology and facilities only.
---d) we must provide all detailed drawings and other technical documentation, data, calculations, and so on to the International Atomic Energy Agency to review and clear.
---e) India has to accept a whole range of “arrangements and procedures” stipulated by the U.S. to run our own national plant
---f) India must sign another agreement under section 131 of US.Atomic Energy Act.
---g) There is no arbitration clause; ie., US or India can ditch the deal any point they like.
3) To operationalize the deal
---a) The reprocessing plant is estimated to cost us Rs 10,000 crores
There is a beautiful analysis in this article as to how these points affect.
There are other 2 articles which goes into depth of the deal too.
The 3 articles in The Hindu recently are
1) Parsing the India-specific safeguards agreement news analysis: On July 12th 2008 http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/12/stories/2008071254991000.htm
2) Does the IAEA agreement hide us from the Hyde Act?: On July 14th 2008 http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/14/stories/2008071455431000.htm
3)Judge the nuclear deal on facts, not convictions : On July 15th 2008
http://www.hindu.com/2008/07/15/stories/2008071555200900.htm
Friday, July 11, 2008
Thursday, July 10, 2008
Tuesday, July 8, 2008
Being Good is considered weak, or even foolish!!
Many times we find that by being good, law abiding and disciplined could irritate others or induce reaction as though we are silly and foolish to being brashly arrogant . Or for that matter you might even be laughed at
1) live for another day
There are situations when I am invariably in a big confusion.
I will have 2 choices
- for following rules and regulations
- Standing against corruption
- Having civic sense.
1) live for another day
There are situations when I am invariably in a big confusion.
I will have 2 choices
- To listen to my Heart.
- To listen to my Mind.
Many times when we are in this situation, it would be something that is related to temptation.
when I was a kid, my heart tempts me to watch one more Over of cricket match atleast. My mind knows my heart, it knows that I will end up watching the whole match instead of studying.
Ok, in these kind of situations you know that mind is a better bet.
But, my dillema here is the opposite. Whenever I approach a traffic signal, these thoughts clog me down.
My heart says, I have to follow the traffic rules, I being a responsible citizen, being an educated guy, I who hates when ppl violate traffic rules and ppl with arrogant driving habits. how can I not stop down when the signal is RED, or just move on when the signal is Green!!
My Mind knows that, here all that matters is whether u can get past the signal safely, or even sometimes sneeking past the signal. It knows that no one follows rules, so u better not follow too, or else u would have hospital bed to rethink about principles of life!! My mind knows that, if i do slow down, there would be invariably a speeding cab or a autowallah who doesnt know what breaks are for, so if i do slow down he is going to RAM me. What the heck, there are no police out in that signal, who the hell cares. Even if there is a police babu, he would definetly know hyderabadis dont require any policing. We hyderabadis are self-regulating well oiled automatic traffic busters, who dont really require policing.
Even if I do follow my heart and stop at the green signal. I am sure there would be a raise noise levels as ppl honk ur ears out u would have to hear a mouthful of swears.
People also know that you are a saadhu type who stops at red at signals. There is a high chance that such people could even be considered gullible.
2) comfortable living vs loss of face
Put yourself in a govt official's shoes. Invariably you would have job of signing a few sheets of papers, put your important little stamp on the paper. Definitely your salary isnt that great. But it is just enough to put ur children in school, have a little bit of ration thats just enough for 1 mth. you are definitely under the burden of a loan, you have old parents to look after. you dont have a house of ur own, u r a good tenant and pay ur owner regularly and hope that he does not increase the rent next mth.
The only option that is left to increase your income would be to get promotion by serving your higher authorities(customer? who is that?). you are ready to do anything to get that little recommendation from ur boss for your next promotion after 5 yrs. You are also sure that your job is as safe as that post office saving that you do.Your only aim is to survive and u dream is to get that little luxury after you are done with long service.
Now, what do you do if you are in such a position from where you can accept bribe for the same job to do more quickly, or just ignore the details of the letter that you are supposed to accept and approve?
If you follow the path of easiest way, then you are swimming along the current. your subordinate accepted the bribe before u, ur boss might accept bribe after you too.
Now you must be silly and foolish to not accept bribe isnt it? if u follow the rules and regulations that is in your heart. u have to face lots of resistance, you would not get promotions, you would get transfered to some extremely remote places, or worst case is u could be framed, and surely u cud even be defamed and debarred. whats even worse is u being living on shoe lace margins. how can u concentrate on surviving?
u have to choose between comfortable living or loss of face both in society and your own family. you will take bribe!!! or else you must be silly, foolish or downright egoistic person
3)Taking the Right option only if it is ALSO an Easier option.
We always have a choice in our lives to take an easier option or a right option.More often than not they both are in opposite direction. If so, what do we do? There are many instances in our daily life where taking the right option might not be damaging for us personally, while taking the easier option might cause damage for others(others might include ourselves too, but we might be ignorant or even arrogant)
a) Imagine you have bought yourself a packet of chips and you are having fun with your friends in a park. What would you do when you finish your packet of chips, would you throw the cover on the ground, or you would put a few steps across and put in the dustbin? Ok, I've seen some of my friends who make it a point they would throw it in a dustbin only. If there is none around, they would put in his/her handbag/purse and surely put it in a dustbin.
Is it right thing to do, to put your litter in a dustbin? Plastic is non-bio-degradable, it pollutes the soil, if it is not handled properly. Forget about that, do we not keep our houses clean? do we spit on walls on of our home ? NO? Dont we have to have little civic sense? On top of that, plastic can poison the soil, all the plants that grow on such a soil are polluted. If our farmers cultivate on such a land, then whom will it affect? We have a counter thought, my one deed of good will not save the world, so I might as well dirty it! No Matter, But What will it cost you? will cost you any money or great effort? If we do find such ppl, we will silently laugh at them. We think this person is stupid.
But, We dont do such things when we are in US or singapore. We will put even the bubblegum in our pockets than pay a fine, isnt it? WE WILL DO THE RIGHT THING ONLY IF IT ALSO THE EASIER THING.
b) Many a time, we keep the tubes glowing and fans running even though we are not exactly making use of it. We would also keep the TV showing its programs to chairs and walls. We would keep the mobile chargers on even when we are not charging. Yeah, it would not really make a difference to our pockets. Again, when we find people who try to enforce such things or advice, we either hate them or ignore(or just think this person might be mad) them respectively. But surely, it does make a difference collectively. We might actually save a few MW of energy if it is only properly used within a small town. In a city as big as bangalore and hyderabad we can actually save a days power every month. We talk big about our energy policies, we blame the filthy politics each time there is an increase in charges. But when we ourselves are ignorant, and arrogant, when we are not willing to do a little bit, in our own small way. How can we expect that from the ppl who we have elected? Looks like, again the rule of "right thing becoming the easier thing" becomes true, we will not follow it...
There are loads of instances similar to these in our daily lives. It all depends on the choice we take to. Atleast we can take the right path (no matter if it is easier or not) in small little trivial things that dont cost us much, isnt it?
Monday, July 7, 2008
Consolidated Ideas and Strategies from these blogs
Since we discuss so many things on these blogs, we need to keep track of ideas we come across.
So we have this blog will be used as consolidated list of ideas, strategies, etc.
So we have this blog will be used as consolidated list of ideas, strategies, etc.
- Cross-fertilization of ideas in universities
- Integrity and survival in public office are compatible
- Economic help for meritorious students irrespective of their origin of birth.
- Reservation once used by a person, should not repeated
- RESERVATION.A boon or bane?: comment: maruti raghuveer
- State Govts should encourage Industries:
- RESERVATION.A boon or bane?: comment:Kishore
- Research future needs, and develop skills of students accordingly
- RESERVATION.A boon or bane?: comment:Kishore
- Sacrifices by certain sections of people might be necessary for inclusive growth
- RESERVATION.A boon or bane?: comment:
- Thrust on Trade ties with neighbouring countries(south asian)
- Asian Highway
- Increase business ties with Nepal could pave way for Co-operation to fight Naxalism together
- Need to take long-term perspective rather than short term solutions when dealing with neighbouring countries(trade)
- Increase trade with central asian countries, ASEAN and China
- Outward looking, export promoting economic policies
- Dismantle Monopoly of public sectors
- Encourage foreign investment in indian industries
- Focus on execution rather than just sticking to ideologies
- LSP must focus on students to inspire rest of the people
- How we are still a developing country ??: maruti raghuveer
Dr. Jayaprakash Narayan at CII Young India Summit-2: transcript
youtube link: http://youtube.com/watch?v=uxzs9xscBCAThe real issue is not “Abroad”, (I am sure swamiji must have told you that in the first session in his Vedanta lecture) but, ultimately we must look into inward. If you want to conquer the world we must first set your house in order.
What is our Unique Selling Proposition? What is the single biggest factor that changes the perceptions and reshaped
That is the educated Man-Power, people like Prof. Khanna, they went and conquered, they proved to the world that they are in no way secondary to anybody in the world. Infact, we claim that we have world’s second or third largest technical man-power pool.
But, let’s be truthful and realistic. We have the potential to have the world’s second or third largest technical man-power pool. In reality, we are grossly under-performing. Our higher education is in a mess, let alone literacy. But our higher education is in a state of collapse. A few world class management institutes and IITs do not constitute a world class infrastructure for entire country and its future if you really want to play a global role.
There is no conception of education. I am not in bother of trivia like IIM fee and things like that. I am looking at the university system.
It’s a disgrace.
We take some of the brightest youngsters and convert them into monkeys in a few years time.
And there are a few of non-monetary inputs (you don’t have to think of some hi-tech rocket science), simple non-monetary inputs. As I understand, no Harvard scholar can go back to Harvard and be a teacher immediately after his masters or his doctorate. MIT or Stanford and many others don’t allow this incestuous academic activity. They want cross-fertilization of ideas. But simply to adopt this practice does not require money. It doesn’t really require genius, it requires common sense.
I remember seeing a
I remember a professor in biological sciences telling me sometime back in of these Indian universities; that he was in a small little country called Eritrea (many of you might even not remember where that wretched place is). I said “how is it there?” He said “there is no comparison”. I said “is it so bad?” “No it is so wonderful compared to Indian universities”.
Eritrea Damn it?!
The second example of educational …… for instance, the system of electives was started in Harvard some 130 years ago by Charles Elliot. Even today when you go to undergraduate, postgraduate schools in this country, I am sure many of you all have gone, you have this pre-fabricated set of academic curricula: CBZ, Bi-PC and some of the nonsensical combination without a perception of anything that matters, without adding value and making new decision makers and without making new wealth creators in the true sense of the term.
Or take the examinations, all that matters is
- ignore the last years question paper,
- mug-up 3 preceding years question papers and their answers
We have to significantly alter the nature of education because that is our unique-selling-proposition and future is going to be shaped by education.
And ofcourse healthcare; the regional inequality; take the state of bihar, its per-capita-income is already under 1/4th of India’s richest state among major states and that is Maharashtra. And this ratio is going to be 10:1 in next 8-10 years at current rate. We cannot afford that.
Population: happily some states are showing the way through a few strategic initiatives, notably the states of Tamil Nadu and Andhra Pradesh in recent times. We can do it, but we have to do it across the country.
But finally, can a modern economy co-exist with medieval polity?
Some 25 years ago, in an American journal was talking about American medicine came out with a wonderful expression “doing better and feeling worse, is this an apt description of American medicine?”
Well that may or may not be, but I think that’s an apt description of what Indian is doing today. We are certainly doing better but we also are feeling worse in many respects. We don’t deserve to, we don’t need to.
We can make a difference only if there is a significant political reform because economic reform is absolutely necessary but not sufficient.
Corruption has come down in some areas like telecommunication, railways and many other sectors. The range of goods has expanded, the choices are greater, and the prices are stable. We are happy.
But, corruption has shifted to more dangerous areas; take the telgi’s stamp paper scam, take Sachindra Dubey’s murder in
This issue is not about corruption, the issue is about
shifting corruption from economic areas of decision making to sovereign spheres of decision making,from where the state cannot be rolled back.
That can and must be addressed, but only through significant political and governance reforms. If we really care for economic growth, if we want to be global champions, if we want to be among six global powers that Kissinger predicted, then we have to set our house in order. And one of the most ingredients is going to be the way that our polity is shaped.
We must make sure that our integrity and survival in public office are compatible.
Some 15 years ago in the then soviet union, similar conditions prevailed. There was a very popular story in those days; I believe in
We will make a substantial impact on the world in next 50 years. This century could well be
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