What makes a good candidate? From the electoral process it would seem that one of the most important criteria is money. Almost every candidate and his family had assets over a crore. Is money (both in terms of payments and receipts) an important criteria in these politicians getting berths in ministries?
A study of the recently held Karnataka State Elections and the reports of the manner in which people were allocated ministries paint’s an interesting picture.
To the common man it would surely seem that this is so considering how news papers report the allocation of ministries. Certain ministries like revenue, forest and transport are termed ‘lucrative’, such ministries are clubbed with others that go under the nom-de-plume of ‘plum’, ‘prominent’ and ‘much sought after’. A recent news paper report on the portfolio allocation in the Karnataka government contained “First timer to the ministry, Shobha Karandlaje, has been showered a bounty with she being placed in charge of the vast Rural Development, Panchayat Raj and Rural Water Supply”.
To anyone it would seem that the Chief Minister had given this post to her not because of her skills in Rural Development but so that she could ‘make hay while the sun shines’. This may not be far from the truth considering news reports that use terms such as “awarding some key departments” when discussing portfolio allocations.
This is not to say that the head of the government does not choose people according to their qualifications a case in point being Chidambaram. However sometimes politicians also evince interest in certain ministries because they have large businesses connected to them. Thus according to one news paper the Reddy brothers who are also mining magnets were keen to get the mining or forest portfolio. Such interests are explained by news papers as ‘eying the pie’
Though these people would like to put their hands into the coffers, the head of the government sees this as their Achilles Heel. Seat allocation is done on the basis of ‘keeping the coterie happy’, ‘checking growth’ of other politicians and finally ‘horses-for-courses’ where a suitable candidate is found for a particular ministry.
It is unfortunate that we as a public take this type of form-a-government without a whimper. It is not because we have lost faith in the political process, it is because we expect no better from these people. Robert Wright, in his book Nonzero: The Logic of Human Destiny, states “this is why leaders serve public interest; not because they are public spirited, but because neglecting the public welfare can diminish their own welfare’. He goes on to explain that this is seen more in chiefdom's where the chief lacks a monopoly on the legitimate use of force. Handing over portfolios to these politicians in a way legitimises the way they function. So like in the days of yore politicians are actually petty chiefs who gain power to hoard and then distribute largess to keep everybody happy.
Ministers in the last Karnataka government had a field day while they were in power. A news report states that assets of those in the last Karnataka government jumped manifold. The assets of one minister and his wife grew 13 times in the four years he was in power – from Rs 3.76 crores to Rs 49.72 crores. The report states tongue in cheek that in terms of CAGR, assets grew anywhere from 68.42 percent for some to 111.47 percent for others.
So what we actually have is a ménage a trios comprising greedy politicians, unconcerned media and listless public. The media humours itself as it plays with words to describe the corruption, ineptitude and blatant disregard for peoples welfare that the politicians have. The reports in the media only serve to instill a sense of decay amongst the people as they accept this form of politician to be the only one available. The politician off-course has a field day because he is beyond approach and reproach not only because he is thick skinned but also because of the power he and his party wields over everything and everybody.
This form of a ‘welfare-state’ does not work for the common person. The only welfare that occurs is that of those already rich and powerful. There should be norms and a process of vetting that needs to be laid down when ministries are allocated and the norms are not about 'keeping people happy' or 'in their place' or allocating ministries for profit. Suitability for the job should not be narrowed down to the amount that can be usurped, but should depend on the person’s educational qualifications and experience.
Forming governments is not a birthday party where birthday gifts and return gifts are exchanged. Nor is it cattle market where the highest bidder gets prime beef. It is a position of great responsibility and the only focus should be that of the welfare of the public.
Sunday, October 19, 2008
Friday, October 10, 2008
The truth behind conversions and climate change.
I have come across some documents about the whole conversion crisis. I would have liked to put this mind blowing stuff on my site but that may kinda jeopardise my future on this fragile earth. So I wont be naming names, places but will surmise this fabulous idea. I hope this will ensure I maintain my current status quo.
The whole conversion issue is actually linked to climate change. The RSS in its foresight not only saw the problems that may arise from climate change but also found its FINAL SOLUTION which they sold to others.
As anybody living on this planet of ours knows - climate change is supposed to be the gravest threat facing us. Weather patterns will change resulting in changes to the agricultural systems. Large amounts of coastal land will be submerged leading to large levels of displacement – which means that there is going to be a lot of human misery and a lot of money to be spent to deal with the situation once it befalls us.
Now there are two ways to solve a problem tackle it before it becomes one or deal it after it becomes unmanageable. To tackle the issue of climate change before it becomes a bigger problem requires changes in lifestyle and the current model of economic development which means we should not be buying those huge SUVS, building those coal fired thermal powered plants and also not promising nuclear energy to be the panacea. But that takes cojones (balls in our language) which political parties don’t have.
So all forms of secularists (pseudo and otherwise) including BJP, Congress I and everyone else came together at a secret conclave (would have liked to tell you where) with a highpriest from the RSS (name withheld for the same reason). He came up with a suggestion that everyone loved – stop people from converting to Christianity and Islam (in the case of Islam it would be ensuring a Uniform Civil Code).
Christians and Muslims are meat eaters, now it is known that the ecological footprint of meat eaters is more than non meat eaters. This is because cattle (all forms) need grass to eat - so forests are cut, also cattle fart a lot of methane a greenhouse gas.
So by reducing the number of meat eaters (christian and muslims) India would be infact killing two birds with one stone. India would still meet its growth requirements with the current coal based system, while the BJP would have reduced the populations of the Christians and Muslims.
So that is why this sudden bogey of conversion and the resulting need to burn churches, rape a few nuns and displace people and the finding of 50 bombs in trees and behind hoardings in Surat. This is all for the greater good of the country. These are being planned in such a way to ensure that India has something to show-case at the next climate meeting in Copenhagen which is the do-or-die event for all countries.
Please don’t quote me on this but the main opposition party after next years election will be the Communists.
The whole conversion issue is actually linked to climate change. The RSS in its foresight not only saw the problems that may arise from climate change but also found its FINAL SOLUTION which they sold to others.
As anybody living on this planet of ours knows - climate change is supposed to be the gravest threat facing us. Weather patterns will change resulting in changes to the agricultural systems. Large amounts of coastal land will be submerged leading to large levels of displacement – which means that there is going to be a lot of human misery and a lot of money to be spent to deal with the situation once it befalls us.
Now there are two ways to solve a problem tackle it before it becomes one or deal it after it becomes unmanageable. To tackle the issue of climate change before it becomes a bigger problem requires changes in lifestyle and the current model of economic development which means we should not be buying those huge SUVS, building those coal fired thermal powered plants and also not promising nuclear energy to be the panacea. But that takes cojones (balls in our language) which political parties don’t have.
So all forms of secularists (pseudo and otherwise) including BJP, Congress I and everyone else came together at a secret conclave (would have liked to tell you where) with a highpriest from the RSS (name withheld for the same reason). He came up with a suggestion that everyone loved – stop people from converting to Christianity and Islam (in the case of Islam it would be ensuring a Uniform Civil Code).
Christians and Muslims are meat eaters, now it is known that the ecological footprint of meat eaters is more than non meat eaters. This is because cattle (all forms) need grass to eat - so forests are cut, also cattle fart a lot of methane a greenhouse gas.
So by reducing the number of meat eaters (christian and muslims) India would be infact killing two birds with one stone. India would still meet its growth requirements with the current coal based system, while the BJP would have reduced the populations of the Christians and Muslims.
So that is why this sudden bogey of conversion and the resulting need to burn churches, rape a few nuns and displace people and the finding of 50 bombs in trees and behind hoardings in Surat. This is all for the greater good of the country. These are being planned in such a way to ensure that India has something to show-case at the next climate meeting in Copenhagen which is the do-or-die event for all countries.
Please don’t quote me on this but the main opposition party after next years election will be the Communists.
Sunday, September 7, 2008
NSG and Reservations
Today ( 7th Sept 2008) I have had my fill of India shining. Manmohan Singh stands tall after leading the charge into the cloistered confines of the NSG. While the Congress I is trumpeting their prime ministers victory, the other parties are looking for holes to bury themselves in. But this is what the Congress would have done too, if they were in opposition.
The Indian Industry sees the NSG waiver as something that is unprecedented and that will help them and the economy as a whole. There is good reason to this, which I shall come to later.
But the fact of the matter is India’s demand of the NSG highlights her Reservation mentality. I make no bones about the fact that I am a product of reservation; the only reason why the college accepted me after my disastrous high school results was because I bore a cross they recognised. Reservation is intended to give those without opportunities a fair shot at life, it is not for those (like me) who have the wherewithal and suddenly find themselves in a self made conundrum.
Over time India has become adept at demanding reservations/quotas from international bodies. This country has got an exemption from signing the Non Proliferation Treaty which is a must for any country to trade with NSG countries. By doing so it has once again destroyed the value of the NPT, not to mention its impact on The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Fissile Material Treaty (FMT) international conventions that are trying to remove weapons of mass destruction.
This kind of demand for waiver in international fora though embarrassing is not unusual for India, this country lives off Reservations. It can be seen in the horse trading that occurs amongst our politicians, it is apparent everyday when people disobey traffic rules, it is apparent when building norms are thrown into the wind, in the way we celebrate festivals and marriages that spill out into the street and inconvenience the rest. Every Indian wants to be in a special category, every category wants to be recognised not for what they bring to the table but for the benefits they can accrue.
The Indian psyche is actually a selfish one, maybe it could be called a survivalist mentality to couch it in better terms, but the fact of the matter is we don’t care about what our actions have on others.
The NPT, CTBT and FMT are international treaties made by nuclear haves to ensure that no other country got their hands on such weapons though made in good faith is also a clear case of different rules for different people. Rajiv Gandhi at the UN said “"We cannot accept the logic that a few nations have the right to pursue their security by threatening the survival of mankind...nor is it acceptable that those who possess nuclear weapons are freed of all controls while those without nuclear weapons are policed against their production. History is full of such prejudices paraded as iron laws: That men are superior to women; that white races are superior to the coloured; that colonialism is a civilizing mission; (and) that those who possess nuclear weapons are responsible powers and those who do not are not."
India did propose a comprehensive action plan for a nuclear-free world within a specific time-frame at the third United Nations Special Session on Disarmament, in 1988. Nothing much has happened after that besides India testing another set of nuclear weapons in 1998 (which was another knife into these international treaties) and finally the NSG waiver that according to the Swiss government mean that “it will be necessary to conclude that the non-proliferation regime that we know has reached its end.”
So in the last decade India has been able to single handedly destroy an international treaty that has 189 signatories – we sure have become a global superpower.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the crown jewel of Indian science and technology – the nuclear establishment is being built on a policy of reservation. Indian Taxpayers money is being poured down an abyss, everything surrounding the nuclear establishment be it financial accountability, health of the workers and people staying in that area is all cloaked in secrecy. If that is not a form of reservation then what is? The fact that norms other public utilities have to follow do not govern the Indian Nuclear establishment shows there is a publicly accepted, government sanctioned Reservation for this entity. This huge pie is what the private industry wants to get their hands on. The fact that there is no accounting, that there is no one answerable to the public, that the government disburses money without a blink is what the private industry wants, they want a pie of the reservation.
What the waiver has done internationally is nothing compared to what the Indian public are going to face. A spew of reactors all over the country will increase the threat of accidents, will provide more avenues for terrorist attacks, will also increase the amount of nuclear waste that has to be dealt with. What is more ironic is that the very industry who were against reservation for the Indian public are going to be lining up to demand their 'fair' share in the nuclear reservation.
The Indian Industry sees the NSG waiver as something that is unprecedented and that will help them and the economy as a whole. There is good reason to this, which I shall come to later.
But the fact of the matter is India’s demand of the NSG highlights her Reservation mentality. I make no bones about the fact that I am a product of reservation; the only reason why the college accepted me after my disastrous high school results was because I bore a cross they recognised. Reservation is intended to give those without opportunities a fair shot at life, it is not for those (like me) who have the wherewithal and suddenly find themselves in a self made conundrum.
Over time India has become adept at demanding reservations/quotas from international bodies. This country has got an exemption from signing the Non Proliferation Treaty which is a must for any country to trade with NSG countries. By doing so it has once again destroyed the value of the NPT, not to mention its impact on The Comprehensive Test Ban Treaty (CTBT) and the Fissile Material Treaty (FMT) international conventions that are trying to remove weapons of mass destruction.
This kind of demand for waiver in international fora though embarrassing is not unusual for India, this country lives off Reservations. It can be seen in the horse trading that occurs amongst our politicians, it is apparent everyday when people disobey traffic rules, it is apparent when building norms are thrown into the wind, in the way we celebrate festivals and marriages that spill out into the street and inconvenience the rest. Every Indian wants to be in a special category, every category wants to be recognised not for what they bring to the table but for the benefits they can accrue.
The Indian psyche is actually a selfish one, maybe it could be called a survivalist mentality to couch it in better terms, but the fact of the matter is we don’t care about what our actions have on others.
The NPT, CTBT and FMT are international treaties made by nuclear haves to ensure that no other country got their hands on such weapons though made in good faith is also a clear case of different rules for different people. Rajiv Gandhi at the UN said “"We cannot accept the logic that a few nations have the right to pursue their security by threatening the survival of mankind...nor is it acceptable that those who possess nuclear weapons are freed of all controls while those without nuclear weapons are policed against their production. History is full of such prejudices paraded as iron laws: That men are superior to women; that white races are superior to the coloured; that colonialism is a civilizing mission; (and) that those who possess nuclear weapons are responsible powers and those who do not are not."
India did propose a comprehensive action plan for a nuclear-free world within a specific time-frame at the third United Nations Special Session on Disarmament, in 1988. Nothing much has happened after that besides India testing another set of nuclear weapons in 1998 (which was another knife into these international treaties) and finally the NSG waiver that according to the Swiss government mean that “it will be necessary to conclude that the non-proliferation regime that we know has reached its end.”
So in the last decade India has been able to single handedly destroy an international treaty that has 189 signatories – we sure have become a global superpower.
It wouldn’t be wrong to say that the crown jewel of Indian science and technology – the nuclear establishment is being built on a policy of reservation. Indian Taxpayers money is being poured down an abyss, everything surrounding the nuclear establishment be it financial accountability, health of the workers and people staying in that area is all cloaked in secrecy. If that is not a form of reservation then what is? The fact that norms other public utilities have to follow do not govern the Indian Nuclear establishment shows there is a publicly accepted, government sanctioned Reservation for this entity. This huge pie is what the private industry wants to get their hands on. The fact that there is no accounting, that there is no one answerable to the public, that the government disburses money without a blink is what the private industry wants, they want a pie of the reservation.
What the waiver has done internationally is nothing compared to what the Indian public are going to face. A spew of reactors all over the country will increase the threat of accidents, will provide more avenues for terrorist attacks, will also increase the amount of nuclear waste that has to be dealt with. What is more ironic is that the very industry who were against reservation for the Indian public are going to be lining up to demand their 'fair' share in the nuclear reservation.
Saturday, September 6, 2008
The Big Asks.
It has been said that there is no such thing as a stupid question, only stupid answers. Questions are conundrums that created philosophies, lead to scientific discoveries, to revolutions, to wars and conquests. Questions have also led to more mundane human things like love, loss, desire, hope, despair, greed, jealousy, unhappiness - things that are dealt with individually or with a close set of friends and family.
For the regular human questions are usually based on worth. Worth that is a perception of the self and of the other person and that is the fount of most questions. Everything from pay to relationships is based on this – and happy is the person who sees through it all. But until then the question remains.
Though questions are a means towards fulfillment it is not easy to question or ask. Therefore the BIG ASK.
Questions by their very function can be construed as points of vulnerability. A pay-hike request could have its birth in anything from a comparison with a colleague’s salary to the feeling that the money is not commiserate to the work all could be very justifiable though indicating a reassessment of worth. Before such a question is raised a lot of internal dialogue goes on everything from how will the question be perceived to what kind of answer will it beget to the response that would be necessary for the answer. It requires a steeling up that provides the impetus for the question to be asked.
One can handle such impersonal questions, but when it comes to matters that are little more personal boy-oh-boy do things get heated? Asking a woman for her hand in marriage is scary not only because the man is in effect forfeiting all his freedom and friends, but also because she may just say no. So on the one hand his present is looking pretty unsure (before he pops the question), his future is certainly bleak.
But BIG ASKS are not only about life and bank balance altering scenarios, they are also about the smaller stuff, like wanting to get to know a person. In such cases there are many BIG ASKS, from does one really want to get to know the person, to does the individual in question want to get known and what happens if after the BIG ASK the person indicates in the negative. There is always this argument which is very British, take it on the chin and don’t behave like a child. But that is just not possible, because BIG ASKS such as these are based on hope and desire two very basic, very human and very personal emotions that though nurtured in a vacuum of singleness can only blossom in the chaos of two.
One of the results of a BIG ASK is another BIG ASK which is ‘why’ followed by the remonstrations and the hind sight. But the good thing is that in BIG ASKS one never learns from hind sight because there is no such thing as a stupid question.
For the regular human questions are usually based on worth. Worth that is a perception of the self and of the other person and that is the fount of most questions. Everything from pay to relationships is based on this – and happy is the person who sees through it all. But until then the question remains.
Though questions are a means towards fulfillment it is not easy to question or ask. Therefore the BIG ASK.
Questions by their very function can be construed as points of vulnerability. A pay-hike request could have its birth in anything from a comparison with a colleague’s salary to the feeling that the money is not commiserate to the work all could be very justifiable though indicating a reassessment of worth. Before such a question is raised a lot of internal dialogue goes on everything from how will the question be perceived to what kind of answer will it beget to the response that would be necessary for the answer. It requires a steeling up that provides the impetus for the question to be asked.
One can handle such impersonal questions, but when it comes to matters that are little more personal boy-oh-boy do things get heated? Asking a woman for her hand in marriage is scary not only because the man is in effect forfeiting all his freedom and friends, but also because she may just say no. So on the one hand his present is looking pretty unsure (before he pops the question), his future is certainly bleak.
But BIG ASKS are not only about life and bank balance altering scenarios, they are also about the smaller stuff, like wanting to get to know a person. In such cases there are many BIG ASKS, from does one really want to get to know the person, to does the individual in question want to get known and what happens if after the BIG ASK the person indicates in the negative. There is always this argument which is very British, take it on the chin and don’t behave like a child. But that is just not possible, because BIG ASKS such as these are based on hope and desire two very basic, very human and very personal emotions that though nurtured in a vacuum of singleness can only blossom in the chaos of two.
One of the results of a BIG ASK is another BIG ASK which is ‘why’ followed by the remonstrations and the hind sight. But the good thing is that in BIG ASKS one never learns from hind sight because there is no such thing as a stupid question.
Monday, July 28, 2008
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