Jumla vs Performance

The fact remains that India lost its opportunity to rebuild the nation in 1947 when it was set free. The British found it prudent to hand over power to a mild, non-violent and passive leader Gandhi assisted by westernised Nehru in order to firstly, get a safe passage at that point in time and secondly, to continue their control on its polity indirectly. For seven decades we were tamed to remain as passive slaves, fatalists and the world nicknamed our growth as Hindu Rate of Growth. 

With the rise of Narendra Modi, things have taken a drastic turn but you have to realise that we have lost the golden opportunity to integrate India and make it a nation. Today we have inimical forces all over the country nurtured by Congress since independence be it Tamilnadu, Kashmir, Punjab, North East or other states. To quote a Kashmiri saying the efforts made by Modi are like Yupis Shup Dyun Dole (To stop a flood with a winnow). 

We Kashmiris were not exposed to casteism in the valley but I have worked in many states and seen its dirty face. Shiv Sena's hate against lower castes in Maharashtra and against Goans in Goa, DMK's tirade against Brahmins and Hindi-speaking people followed by some political parties in Kerala, Karnataka, Andhra and Telangana, inter-tribal hate-mongering and bloodshed in North East, extinction of aborigines in Tripura by refugees from East Bengal, outwitting of Assamese by Bengali refugees and so on. Modi or Shah don't have a Staff of Moses to counter this. 

Nevertheless, what surprises me is the wrong priorities of the present government. They are wasting their energy on many trivial things to remain in power. Yes, it is a known fact that money is inducted into different channels in India like the purchase of journalists, expanding the network of subversive NGOs by vested interests to dislodge the present government and funding helpful opposition political parties. That, however, is a natural outcome of BJP's all-out efforts to ensure a Congress-mukt Bharat and follows Newton's law, "To every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction." 

I must frankly admit that I am not able to convince myself of Modi's soft corner for Adani, the escape of Neerav, Mallya and Choksi from the country, writing off loans of big tax evaders, tie-up with Mehbooba Mufti in J&K despite her soft-corner for Pakistan, the estrangement of allies like Shiv Sena and Akali Dal besides encouragement to vigilantes and lynching mobs. The main agenda of implementing the Uniform Civil Code, ban on proselytising, reduction of unemployment, harnessing price rise, eradicating corruption and taking cases of criminals to the logical end have become only election issues that have remained pending since 2014. Many cases against big guns have not been pursued vigorously for the last nine years. On the other hand, ED and CBI remain active day in and day out raiding political opponents for maligning them mostly when the elections are fast approaching. However, you cannot overlook the fact that India was visited by natural disasters like floods, land erosions in the Himalayas and the worst coronavirus pandemic which the government has successfully coped with. The people watch the government by results on the ground and benefits derived from.  

Time is going to decide the future of this country. The only thing I have faith in is that India has a culture that has withstood such vicissitudes for over five thousand years and will continue to do so. I quote Dr Mohd Iqbal;

       Unan-o-Misr-o-Roma sab mit gaye jahan see,

       Ab tak magar hai baqi nam-o-nishan hamara.

       Kuch  baat  hai  ki   hasti   mit-ti   nahi  hamari,

      Sadiyon raha hai dushman daur-e-zaman hamara.

Modi Government: SWOT Analysis

 

MODI GOVERNMENT: SWOT ANALYSIS

• Strengths:

1. Made BJP expand its base from Cow/Hindi belt to whole of India especially North East, South India & Bengal. No mean achievement.
2. Eschewed dependence on fair weather friends/Allies e.g Shiv Sena, Akali Dal, TDP and even JDU.
3. The image of BJP, hitherto considered as Upper Caste party, was totally overhauled by embracing OBC's, SC's & ST's. Focussed on their development & extended reservations to deserving groups.
4. Reduced a National party i.e Congress to nonentity under Congress Mukt Bharat campaign besides marginalising regional parties like SP, BSP, TDP, NC, PDP etc,
5. Tried to reduce corruption & nepotism in the country despite resistance by vested interests including politicians and bureaucrats.
6. Increased vigilance on internal security of the country. No major Terrorist attacks happened except in & around J&K.
7. Made special efforts to develop Indian defence system and prepare the country for any eventuality due to China-Pakistan military axis. In this effort modern fighter airplanes, tanks, guns, arsenal and clothing for defense personnel were purchased.
8. Gave up Ostrich attitude towards enemies, Stongly resisted Chinese incursions on Northern Border. Struck back at Pakistan for sponsoring terrorist activities in & around J&K. Surgical Strikes yielded expected results.
9. Integrated the country by abrogation of Art 370 & Art 35A besides separation of Ladakh UT to relieve it from Kashmiri hegemony. Kashmir Separatist leaders & their cheerleaders wearing secular masks were totally marginalized.
10. Developed a strong sense of NATIONALISM among Indians which was found lacking generally.
11. Took action against war mongering Left extremists especially Naxalites and reduced their influence on Indian minds.
12. A rethinking on writing objective history of India was initiated with a view of giving proper place to all the dynasties who ruled India from North to South and from West to East besides giving proper place to those martyrs and freedom fighters who had laid their lives in freedom struggle against foreign invaders from time to time but had been hitherto ignored by Historians with vested interests.
13. To further this aim Civilian Awards were given to deserving people working for the society in remote areas rather than celebrities who come to limelight due to media propaganda.
14. Washed away from Indian minds the much hyped Socialism and Social justice which despite 70 years hardly bore any fruit since the number of poor and illiterate increased in number. In fact it was politicians and middlemen who amassed money. As a result India remained a laggard.
15. Laid emphasis on MADE IN INDIA and gave incentives to industries and entrepreneurs in the country. Privatisation and PPP model was adopted vigorously to reduce government role in PSUs & for monetization of assets.
16. Let large industries develop without victimization in order to develop proper industrial infrastructure in India and make it globally competitive. No unnecessary coditions or controls imposed.
17. Emphasis on Skill development was an innovative idea. Youth instead of seeking unproductive degrees have now an option to equip themselves with proper employment oriented skills
18. Development (VIKAS) became the key word in India during last 7 years.
19. Initiated Digital India revolution. Substitution of Cash transactions by digital transactions was encouraged with an eye to reduce blackmarketing. Prior to that Demonetisation was done to unearth black money, one side effect of which was that new notes introduced are smaller in size saving crores to the exchequre.
20. Exemplary performance was registered in laying a network of roads connecting remotest corners of the country and rapidly developing surface transport. Besides Roads, Railways and Airports have also registered an unprecedented growth in number, speed and quality.
21. Laid emphasis on Tribal development and reached out to remote tribes.
22. Innovative schemes introduced such as Housing for poor, Banking for all, Direct subsidy to farmers, Girl child education, Ujjwala Yojana etc.
23. Introduced the much needed Triple Talaq Act and saved Muslim women from Male chauvinism and exploitation.
24. Bravely faced the biggest challenge of CORONAVIRUS pandemic, acknowledged the work of Corona Warriors and eventually brought the pandemic under control. India developed a Vaccine against the virus for the first time despite immense lobbying and pressure from MNCs of the developed world.

• Weaknesses:

1. Due to lack of belief in coexistence and coalition culture, forced their avowed friends to become their foes and even poached on them. Shiv Sena felt frightened as a result and separated their ways. So did Akalis and earlier JDU, the latter however returned back to the fold.
2. Made too many promises in the initial phase of electioneering in 2014 which were unimaginable and couldd never have been achieved. Non-fulfilment of such promises still haunts the government. Its leader is nicknamed FEKU and many people don't trust the government for promises they make.
3. Too much reliance on charisma of Narendra Modi who became a mascot for elections whether Parliamentary or for State legislatures. Regional leadership was neither created nor depended upon. Popular state leaders were stunted.
4. Too many YESMEN were encouraged and established leaders in states were sidelined in many cases. As a result elections in many states were lost to opposition. Delhi case was a classic example and so was Maharashtra. Agreements reached with the allies should have been put in black and white.
5. While luminaries like Advani, Joshi etc were eliminated, potential of stalwarts like Sushma Swaraj was never used optimally. In fact it was difficult to know who dealt with External affairs, PM or EAM.
6. In order to introduce reforms rapidly, passed several legislations in hurry especially the three farm laws which resulted in a year long sit-in strike by farmers of Northern India. Ultimately had to retrace their steps and announce cancellation of farm laws. Even application of mind in case of Demonetization and Janta Curfew during COVID was lacking.
7. Rate of growth of GDP during six years before pandemic was substantially less compared to previous six years. Reasons for eceonomic slow down were not analysed and action to invigorate economy was not taken.
8. Created an image of being captive to crony Capitalists. Such image activated poor and lower middle class, trade unions, farmers and other groups who joined hands to dislodge the government.
9. Aligned with PDP in J&K which turned out to be counter productive.
10. Qualified and Intelligent people were not chosen for dealing with finance or RBI.
11. Middle and small industries were ignored while too much emphasis was laid on large industries which resulted in slow growth in this sector besides unemployment.
12. No proper action was taken for employment generation. The target of employment announced by government was never achieved resulting in turbulence among youth especially educated youth. Worse still the pandemic further caused escalation in unemployment.
13. An atmosphere of Communalism, casteistism and sectarianism was allowed to grow unbridled which has dented the image of the government run by BJP which already has a tag of being a Hindu party.
14. There is a feeling that present government has undermined the federal character of the country. Democracy demands cooperation between Centre, State and Local Self Government institutions.

C. Opportunities:

1. Implementation of UCC and Family planning are two opportunities which need to be implemented. Instead frivolous CAA/NRC was attempted.
2. The Coronovirus pandemic has exposed the fragile health sector of India which remained neglected all through. This opportunity has been seized by the government which has initiated making many AIIMS all over India besides developing indigenous vaccine and giving incentives to indigenous Research and Development besides Drugs sector.

D. Threats:

1. India has lost neighbouring friends due to change in global scenario. China has used the opportunity to befriend them. Thus India has been encircled by hostile countries with backing of wealthier China.
2. Possibility of war by China & Pakistan cannot be ruled out though India has already taught both countries a lesson against such misadventure.
3. Hostile farmers can be detrimental to BJP and the government needs to be wary of them. Farmers is a large class without any borders of caste, religion or language.
4. Political cum Bureaucratic vicious circle has developed over last 70 years supporting each other. This is the biggest threat faced by the present government which has not been able to make any dent in fixing corrupt politicians be it National Herald case, Chit fund case or Vasooli gate.
5. Inability to restrain extreme right wing organizations from creating communal discord can become volcanic in due course and we may face a bigger problem in the country. It is better to ensure that SAB KA SATH, SAB KA VIKAS, SAB KA VISHWAS AUR SAB KA PRAYAS filters down to the lowest level in BJP in order to create a harmonious and peaceful environment in the country which is a must for growth and development.

The Effective Lokpal: Lokpal As I See It; (English)

The Effective Lokpal:

Lokpal As I See It: (English)

Having studied different points of view put forth by different groups regarding the Lok Pal, his appointment, jurisdiction and the organisational structure, I have come to the conclusion that all of us are not sincerely attempting to achieve the sole objective to root out corruption from this country. I have been witness to the functioning of bureaucracy in this country all my life and my feeling is that the bureaucrats behave more like Masters of the people rather than Public Servants. Needy people have to run from pillar to post to get even ordinary jobs done like driving licenses, passports, hard earned pensions /gratuity/ provident fund  and even withdrawing the money their deceased parents have deposited in Post offices not to speak of appointments, contracts, tenders and the rest. The environment has become so pessimistic and suffocating that there does not seem to be any escape route. Thanks Anna Hazare, the Crusader against corruption, that some light is now noticed at the end of the dark tunnel.

Lokpal vs 120 crores One question that has continuously been raised is how can single Lokpal attend to the grievances of the 120 crore people of India.(though this number does not take into consideration that most of the grievances arise from house-holds represented by the head of the familiy which brings down the effective number to only 20 crores). Hopefully children under the age of 18 do not need the help of Lokpal. Not only this, every one in India is not affected all the time by Central Government working and most of the corruption is noticed in the State government Departments for wihch seperate Lok Ayuktas have to be appointed with their own organisations assisting them. Moreover, with the help of computers and internet many things can be achieved in no time which were unthinkable in olden days.

CBI AND CVC Appointment of Lokpal  will render CVC almost redundant while the continued functioning of CBI under the government under the pretext of so called independence will leave it toothless. Strong IAS/IPS lobby will not like any change in both CVC and CBI where their career is assured but we have to swallow the bitter pill. All the government employees have to be brought under the net of one agency called Lokpal, otherwise cases where Officials of different cadres are involved will be tossed between these different agencies causing undue delay. In the event Gp C and Gp D posts are kept under CVC which remains under Government as hitherto before, the situation will remain unchanged since the percentage of Gp C and D employees form the bulk of Government Servants and their exclusion from Lokpal will defeat the very purpose for which Lokpal is sought to be made. Needless to mention that most of the corruption is indulged in and routed through GpC and Gp D who act as conduits for their bosses except in very large contract deals. The public in India are directly affected by the corrupt practices of theses Gp C and Gp D employees in their day to day dealings. It is therefore important that all employees are brought under the ambit of Lokpal and the Lokpal is provided with its own investigative agency or CBI is directly placed under it. The head of the CBI should be appointed by PM, Lokpal and Chief Justice of Supreme court. Similarly the CVC should either be disbanded completely or else brought under the ambit of Lokpal as its aministrative wing, as against investigative wing(CBI), and its responsibility will be to receive public grievances and their redressal besides Legal matters concerning Lokpal. Appointment of CVC will be the same way as in the case of Head of the CBI.

Citizen's Charter Citizen Charter  has to be prepared by the respective Ministeries, Departments and Government Offices. Lokpal is only required to effectively monitor its implementation which will not put any substantial burden on the Lokpal in any way.

Appointment Appointment of Lokpal should be for a fixed tenure of 5 years and his selection should be done on  a broader basis. Prime Minister, Leader of the Opposition, and Chief Justice of India should form the selection panel which will ensure greater weightage to the elected representatives as against the Technical expertise.
Prosecution powers The Lokpal will only be effective in case it can take up complaints independently and investigate all the complaints received against any Government servant without any interference from any quarter and in case any of the allegations is prima face established, further prosecute the said Government servant. In absence of any such powers of prosecution and non-availability of organisation for such prosecution , Lokpal will be rendered into a white elephant and will dismay the public who have entrusted it with their dreams.                                                             I only wish good sense prevails upon all the political parties to see the virtue behind the bill which is expected to help the nation progress rather than cling on to their vested interests for I am sure today they may escape but future generations will not spare them.

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