Under the Rainbow: News and politics

Reservation rumpus

Fri, 11 Apr 2008 11:12:32 GMT

My first ever blog was about caste-based reservation proposed by the Indian government. I wrote it at a time when the supreme court had ordered a stay on the reservation quota implementation and had demanded the government to explain why seats should be reserver in super-speciality courses and why 1931 census was being used as a basis to implement the same.

Now, here is my second blog. This time the supreme court has upheld the government proposal. Arjun Singh feels vindicated. Ofcourse, this means a guaranteed ticket from Congress next year. This also means the vote bank may sway towards the Congress in the next election. Obviously all political parties have welcome the decision. But then I wonder, why wouldn't they? I mean, thier children/grand-children always study is the hippest of international schools. Thier highr education invariably happens in the USA, UK, Australia, or anywhere but our dear motherland. They can't be the sore one out when all other parties are supporting, they'll lose votes, remember? Sigh!

But the court has also said that the 'creamy layer' doesn't get the benefit. Should I say something is better than nothing? Now what the court means by 'creamy layer' is explained below

Simply speaking, the following would be excluded from the reservation quota benefits.

children of constitutional functionaries including the President, judges of the Supreme Court and High Courts, members of the Union Public Service Commission, Groups A and B
children of Class I or II officers of the All-India Central and State services and public sector employees
children of armed forces and paramilitary personnel in the rank of colonel
children of professionals such as lawyers, chartered accountants, doctors, financial and management consultants, engineers, film artists, authors and playwrights
children of all OBCs, whose gross annual income is more than Rs. 2.5 lakhs

As I read it. it appears to me that the real criteria is the gross annual income of Rs 2.5 lakhs 'coz I understand that the constitutional functionaries certainly earn more than the line. Central and State services officers will lie above the line, now with the pay comission hike and all. The colonels and above get a higher salary, thier children are also covered under the defence quota. And the professionals also touch the line, with varied sources of income.

So, it really boils down to money. Now, here's my question. If money was the criteria, why bring up caste? What about children from 'upper castes' whose parents earn less than 2.5 lakhs? If you are saying that they are covered under IIA, IIIA, IIIB, etc, then why not club the new reservation quota with them and may be, increase the percentage? Besides, most transactions these days require a PAN number. Hence, it is tougher to cheat on the income than the caste. It is really easy to walk in to an office and get a caste certificate, wouldn't you agree?

I mean, if the government really wanted to cash in on this, they could have just made this a 'pro-poor' propoganda just like the annual budget 2008. Why dishevel the caste issue? Why divide an already diverse and divided nation?

Maniacal about Sonia

Thu, 10 Apr 2008 04:14:49 GMT

Is Indian politics only about families now? I mean, look at the Nehru-Gandhi family, the Gowda family and the Karunanidhi family. I am sure there are many more but these have been the most prominent in shaping India's modern history. Yeah yeah, I agree in all professions and trades, there are families involved. We have families of farmers, doctors, engineers, actors, et. al.,. But that's different 'coz there you are really serving the people and/or earning your bread. In case of politics, you are running a nation or a state. There is no guarantee that the son is going to be as (in)efficient as the father. Its all the more risky because there are a billion (or proportionate) people involved, thier furture and thier monies.

Alright, for a moment, let's assume that the son has father's genes and hence he will as good as his father. But what about the wife/daughter-in law? Can she be as competent as her husband or in-laws just by being a part of the family? No no, I am not getting into the saas-bahu (mother-in-law/daughter-in-law) argument here, but I am just trying to think logically.

Because I do not understand how an entire political party can rest of the delicate shoulders of a woman? (Please, I am not questioning the capabilities of 'women' in general or even 'the woman'.) Or any single person for that matter? The oldest party of the biggest democracy in the world? The party that fought for the independence and unity of this nation? Why her? Because she married into 'the' family? Because her family has a history of being victimised by terrorists? Because she has a sympathy wave in her favour because her husband met a violent death? I mean, this is the grand old party. Are they trying to say, there is no one else? Thats like the Indian cricket team sometime back. It would collapse the moment Sachin Tendulkar got out.

There is absolutely no doubt that Sonia Gandhi is playing the king-maker. What with her 'sacrifice' of the prime-minister's post and all? It made me cringe to see all those party workers getting there 30 seconds of fame by 'begging' Sonia Gandhi to change her decision and lead the nation. And this was broadcast on national television (sic). She makes Manmohan Singh the PM (a good choice, may I add here, only if he wasn't remote controlled) and he promptly goes and greets/thanks her soon after taking the oath. She makes Pratibha Patil the first woman president. (Personally, I would have preferred Kiran Bedi, if 'woman' was the criteria). And now, six new ministers are being inducted and she gets the credit there too. If this isn't remotely running the government, what is? Jyotiraditya Scindia, who was one of those recently inducted had this to say in a recent debate

Beginning the debate, Scindia said, “Age is not the only factor to determine effectiveness of one’s job. It has to be a combination of age and experience. Agreed that the country has a large young population but we cannot ignore the experienced. I am thankful to Sonia Gandhiji, the PM and Rahulji for giving me this opportunity. But the jury is still out on the age factor. Dipstick polls are not the done thing in this regard.”

Whats the point? Like, he wouldn't have been a minister hadn't she 'influenced'? For God's sake people, she is leading a party, not heading a nation. Let her do just that. And regarding dynastic politics, in the same debate he says

Refuting charges that Indian politics has now become a family business, Scindia added, “There are many examples of dynastic politics in India but there are also many who come from political families but they still did not make a mark. This happens across the board and not only in this country but across the world.”

Right, absolutely. Of the 60 years of independent India's prime ministers, for 49 years (over 80%) the Indian National Congress has been in power. Of that, 37 years have been ruled by the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, the remaining by Lal Bahadur Shastri, PVN Rao and the incumbent Manmohan Singh. I might still agree with a family in politics, but a family of prime-ministers. Now, thats not right, is it?

By the looks of it, Rahul Gandhi will take over the mantle as the PM of the nation in the next-to-next election if not next year itself. After all, he has established his credibility by 'refusing' a ministerial berth in the last expansion (Like mother, like son? For a while, I guess). And this is going to continue as far as I see it.

Frankly, I don't have a problem with hierarchies in the same family ruling the nation as long as they are capable and have earned it like others. Otherwise, we might as well declare monarchy and make Sonia Gandhi the reigning queen (Queen Elizabeth style). No?

PS: Using the 'father-son' phrase 'coz it comes naturally to us. You know, we are a male dominated world. But that applies to mother-daughter and any combinations between two generations of a family

Welcome back, Mr. Krishna

Thu, 06 Mar 2008 18:07:28 GMT

I am one of your many fans waiting eagerly for your return. I am one of those who felt you certainly deserved a second innings in 2004. I am one of those who believed that had the rain Gods not betrayed you or had you gone to the elections at the scheduled time in November (instead of April), you would have certainly won. And we would have seen much more progress and avoided all the unnecessary coalition and father-son drama.

I think the development work you took up in Bangalore is praise worthy. You did what you said. The Hebbal underpass was completed in the promised two years. Your Bangalore Agenda Task Force led by former CEO of Infosys Mr. Nandan Nilekani addressed issues like traffic, solid-waste management, public health and sanitation and property taxes, bus shelters, toilets and ring roads. Corporate citizens came forward o invest their time and money to clean up the city and you backed them whole-heartedly. You are an action oriented man.

Of course, you have an urbane image. That's probably because you are well educated, speak good English with the media and they have portrayed you as a city person - some what alien to the villages. You walked and worked with the corporates and that showed you as a person detached from the real India. Whatever else you did for the state has been sidelined because your work for the city was publicized too much. That is very unfortunate.

They blamed you for the fall of Congress and ultimately the Congress-JD(S) combination government formation in 2004. They couldn't find a suitable position for you here and so the high command packed you off to Maharashtra as the governor as if it were a promotion. Once you left, all that you had done fell flat. And we had a chief minister who cared zilch about the city and was interested only in the vote bank in the villages. This is not a voice against village upliftment. This is about finding the right balance that your successor conveniently turned a blind eye to. Your developmental initiatives were rewound and brought back to ground zero.

Now that it is imminent that the state elections would be held in a couple of months, the high command thinks your services are needed back in Karnataka. They do concede there is no other leader in the party to match your charisma or can boast of the kind of achievements you have. Whatever the reason, I am happy you are back to active politics. Please do not rule out the possibility of becoming the ruling the elected government again if your party comes to power. I would like to see your ideas implemented. I want to see Bangalore back on development track. Then again Mr. Krishna, beware of your high command and dear madam. If your charm fails to work this time, they'll ensure that everyone forgets you ever existed.

All the best.

Growing mob mentality

Thu, 30 Aug 2007 06:32:45 GMT

I am getting to read every about mob violence. And somehow I think the occurrences are becoming more frequent and the reasons more common. This slideshow shows mob violence is three different towns in the country in the proximity of a couple of days.

I am surprised why a mob would turn violent on their demigod Superstar Dr. RajKumar's funeral. BMTC Bus mows down a man and a mob gathered shouting slogans against the corporation and pelting stones on the bus and setting it on fire. A peaceful demonstration condemning the assassination of Saddam Hussain turned violent when some Hindu groups removed Pakistan flags that were hoisted. In retaliation, the Muslim groups obstructed the Hindu Mahasamavesh held a couple of days later. Mosque demolition in Ayodhya in Dec 1992 led to numerous riots across the country, justice is still being awaited. How can we forget the many lives lost in Godhra riots?

I have often wondered what could incite a group of people into killing their own fellow men, causing mass destruction. Part of the answer may be found here.

India may be really shining for a select few. But there are others who are yet to make ends meet. As the population increases, so does the dearth of employment opportunities. The rich are getting richer and the poor can't find a decent meal a day. Corrupt bureaucracy, insensitive government, lack of education and healthcare are leading to increasing frustration among the citizens of the nation. You want to file a complaint, you need to warm the hands of the cops. You want your pension money, you've got to give a share to the bank in-charge. For every single thing that involves the government or its officials you have got to give, at times much more than you get. The road is dug up for years just to lay a pipe. People are losing their lives due to this irresponsible act and no one cares. Instead, the victim is blamed for not being cautious.

People are fed up. There is no ear to their complaints. The frustration and anger is building up. They need a way to vent their anger. Small events where a group gathers is enough to kindle a fire which goes on to become a wild fire. Of course, there are vested interests always adding fuel.

So, why would one be part of a mob? Remember, if one is part of a mob, it could cause him as much harm as to other external entities. The reason is, if you commit a crime alone, you are recognized, caught, punished and penalized. A mob has no face. A mob has no mind or rationale. The thought is, everyone is committing a crime, so why not be a party? No one is going to recognize me, commit and flee. What is the big deal, anyway? The accused in the Bombay bomb blasts of 1993 have been convicted but the seed to the act - the Bombay riots of 1992-93 has not seen much action. Any amount of preparation to handle a riot situation would be insufficient because you never know how a mob would act and react.

The effect - loss of life, loss of property, loss of livelihood, irreparable damage to the psyche.

To err is human

Wed, 29 Aug 2007 04:42:26 GMT

I wanted to write this blog yesterday but couldn't because the battery in my laptop had run out. And when I was articulating my thoughts, I was thinking what would be the consequence of this incident. As cliched as it may sound, I really thought that this would take a communal connotation and political parties would blame each other. And look what has happened.

I was reading this incident where a pickpocket caught in the act of snatching a gold chain was beaten up, kicked, tied to a motorbike and dragged around town. And who was leading all this? A police sub-inspector Ram Chandra Yadav and constable L B Singh (sic). Your heart must be stone to see this video and feel this was the right thing to be done to Salim, the thief.

We are country that preaches 'forgive your enemy'. It makes me wonder, is this the country of Mahatma Gandhi and Gautam Buddha? Have we become so insensitive and cruel? We have a history of dacoits, thieves transformed into good people serving the society. Have we forgotten the story of Angulimala? What about the great emperor Asoka? A more recent example - the victim turned bandit turned politician - Phoolan Devi. Ofcourse, hers is a sad story where revenge took its toll.

I absolutely believe in the saying 'As you sow, so shall you reap'. In this case, Salim tried snatching the victim's chain. Was caught, beaten, the chain was retrieved and returned to the rightful owner. Worst case, file a complaint, put him in jail for a few days, put the fear of law in his mind. Instead what did the police do? Encouraged the mob to beat him, tied his hands and a leg to the motorbike and dragged him around town.

And what did they (police) achieve? They sent Salim to the hospital in a critical condition. They gave him wounds on his mind that will never heal. He will probably never be able to walk on his two feet independently. And you know what? They successfully raked the Hindu/Muslim issue again. Muslims have another reason to allege they are not treated equally in thier own country. It was a Hindu officer who beat up a muslim boy. Almost caused a political upheaval with Lalu crying foul on Nitish Kumar accusing him of letting the state fall into communal realms. This led to riots. They ensured thier police stations were stoned by the angry (Muslim) mob. They were responsible for destruction of public property. Remember, part of my salary paid as income tax is (supposedly) used in construction, mainetnance and use of these public structures. And the town, Bhagalpur, is still tense. Wow! Way to go.

So, who is the one that has really erred here? And what have they reaped? A suspension and a show-cause notice. Maximum, a dismissal? Thats it? Thats it for almost killing a person? Thats ot for inciting riots? Thats it for destroying public property? Thats it for creating panic and fear in the minds of innocent people? Thats it for sowing the beans of communalism and hatred? This is not a one off case where officers in uniform, people with authority take undue advantage of thier position penalising the local public who have none to look to for help. Why let off these officers so easily? Why not show them a hint of thier own punishment?

But the question remains? What about people like Salim, the pickpocket? He may have his reasons for stealing things but that doesnt give him the liberty to steal. And if not caught and taught, he will continue to do so because that is the only way he knows to live.

I am a very non-violent person at heart. I have faced similar situations and my way of dealing with it is mild instant humiliation. Like the time when a guy was trying to steal the stuff in my bag while I was boarding a crowded bus. I created a scene, called a cop and got the guy warned by the cop. The entire janta stopped to see what was happening and gave him ugly, nasty, i-know-the-likes-of-you, you-junkie stares. He had to stand there taking all the humilation for five minutes. He was waiting for the slightest chance to run from the scene. But he had to take it, all in his face.

The anthem controversy

Wed, 11 Apr 2007 14:23:20 GMT

Declarations first:

- This is a reply to a blog by Mr D P Satish

- I am and Indian and a Kannadiga

- I am an ex-Infoscion but this post has nothing to do with my previous employment. I would have written this had I not been one

- I do not think what NRN said is right

Questions to Mr D P Satish and those who chorus with him (and call themselves 'patriotic'):

- How often do you sing the national anthem? Republic day and Independence day?

- Do you care to stand up when the national anthem is being played/sung? I am sure you do when you are in an outdoor crowd (Oh! how can you 'look' unpatriotic). What about those times when you are alone/with a close (family/friends) circle in your drawing room?

- Did you study in a Kannada medium government school? If No, why not?

- If yes, would send your children there or any other Kannada medium school? If No, why not? Because you want them to be engineers (mostly software) or doctors and earn handsomely?

- Having studied in an English school, is anything/anyone stopping you from speaking Kannada or contribute to its culture and literature?

- Given a form in English and Kannada, which language would you fill it up in?

- When you go out shopping on Commercial Street/Central/Garuda malls, do you talk to the shop keeper in Kannada?

- How often do you read Kannada literature?

Ok, now some questions about NRN and Infosys specifically because of the following comment.

"But at the same time, he is just another businessman who created an empire. Infosys is in no way different from the other money-focused corporations of the world."

Mr D P Satish:

- Have you heard of Infosys foundation?

- Do you know that every single computer that is no longer being used in Infy is being used in a rural school (that teaches Kannada)? (Unlike many other companies that sell these computers at a low price to thier employees)

- Do you know a certain percentage of Infy profit goes to Infosys foundation that is involved in women and children welfare in the rural areas?

- Do you know that a certain amount of money is deducted from the salary of every Infoscion every month towards Infosys foundation? I never had a problem with this and dont know of any one who does either.

- Have you seen the Hoysalas and jet-setting Cheetahs on the road with Infosys boards?

- Have you seen Nirmala Shouchalayas around Banglore that says Infosys in front?

- Don't you think it takes guts and determination to quit BIAL board when our honorable ex-prime minister Mr.HDD accused NRN of not doing enough? It just shows that he takes no non-sense.

- What about those thousands of jobs created because Infosys is an 'empire'? And I am not talking of only the 'so called rich' software engineers here. (Who ever gave that idea!) Lets not forget the drivers, chefs, facilities and admin people.

- Do you think NRN 'really' wants to be the president of India?

I absolutely agree that the reason given by NRN for not singing the national anthem is stupid and irrelevant. But that is one ugly incident. What about all the things he has done for the nation (like the ones listed above)? Tell me, it is a major show-off!

We need intellectual people at the top. We need people with vision and the determination to realise them. I do agree that the president comes into picture only when there is a hung parliament. S/He is, at most other times, in the background. APJ has brought into light the power of youth and education. Everyone is talking about it and thinking in that direction. We need more of such people. And NRN is certainly one of them.

NRN Sir, go for it.

Thank GOD! There are some sane people

Fri, 30 Mar 2007 03:41:27 GMT

I have been avoiding writing a blog for a long time. So why am I writing now?

Because this is one issue that needs a lot of debate. Because when I was applying for my engineering seat, I was told that I cant get into a particular college to a particular course because I did not belong to the reservation category. I had nothing to flaunt but my marks (which was pretty good). And that wasnt enough to get into that college. I needed something extra. I had to belong to "category".

Yes, I am talking about caste based reservations. Like most ordinary middle class people, I very much welcome and cheer the SC stay on reservations.

Dont get me wrong. I am not against reservations, not at all. I am against caste based reservations. I have no doubt in my mind that a class of people in our society have been oppressed. I am absolutely convinced that they still live in a bad state and need all the support they can get to have a decent respectable living. But tell me something, how is caste based reservation going to help?

First, there were the British who came and said "You are a Hindu" and "You are a muslim". Even to this day, even after 60 years since th British left, we havent gotten over this. We still fight and kill each other over religion and caste. Now, there is Arjun Singh saying "Oh! You are an OBC, You need to be uplifted". And all this so he can get another term at the parliament. So, if this isnt divide and rule, then what is?

I dont think in any other country people would wear "Proud to be an OBC" on thier t-shirts. Who determines who is an OBC? A piece of paper from a government office. Now all of us know how easy it is get that piece of paper, don't we? So, why should I work hard, be a topper in my class, be among the top 5% in the state, yet be denied a seat in a college? Because I belong to the merit category and I am not an OBC? How fair is that? What equality are we talking about here?

So, we are saying we all are equal, but in the application forms in schools, colleges and jobs, first and foremost, I need to fill out my religion, caste and sub-caste. And then they will ask me how I fared in my exams.

We have a big debate about brain drain and how the eductated and meritorious citizens of India study here but go elsewhere to make thier living and bring up thier children. They dont care to give back to thier motherland. They are so unpatriotic. Wait a minute, what else do you expect? No, I do not support them. But if you make the environment so hostile for merit, dont be so surprised and critical either.

Mr Arjun Singh, why dont you improve the government schools in the rural areas? Why dont you ensure that the scools have buildings, benches and teachers. Why dont you make education interesting enough for rural and poor students to take it and stick to it? Why dont you give them scholarships and subsidies and encourage them to study? Why don't you make them educated in the first place? Are you afraid they will understand your hideous intentions and vote you out? Why are you so bent upon targeting the general merit class? Because they constitute a small percentage of your vote bank and you dont really need to care about them? Please dont say "None of the opposition members opposed the bill when it was discussed in the house". They are also politicians!

I know this doesnt stop here. The so called "pro-poor pro-quota" government is going to bring in some numbers and get the bill passed. I am sure it will be made into a law. But I do hope some day, this (or some other) "pro-poor pro-quota" government realises that to bring in equality, you need to enable and educate people and empower them with knowledge. I hope that some day, I dont have to fill out my caste in the applications. I hope that some day sanity will reign.