India Election Effects: Time to change fundamentals

The parliamentary democracy reached a turn around in India in 2019 when those who fought for independence from the British rule, brought change in the socio-economic status of the nation are not in power. Rather hope for their revival seems very weak. India must move from the basics of food, cloth and shelter to technology, innovation and urbanisation. The people of India desire to have now prestige, power and money to bring revolutionary participation in the world economy and social order. The people now want to be removed from the shadow of government to a world full of opportunity. The vision for them is for a strong nation where cultural divisions and social identity must be removed with little concern about equality. The competitive social order is now caught in class divide more when economic growth outshines the social status. The new economy (led by market) has also arranged the citizens' expectations beyond the basic concerns about poverty. The governments over the periods have targetted the poor through hordes of programs resulting in massive removal of poverty leading to starvation. There is inequality which has increased and distribution of wealth is not as would have been desired by socialists. But in a liberal and secular nation, there now exists the acceptance of majority stake and respect for minority rights. 

Innovation in the technology sector should lead to enhanced participation of young citizens to claim their space in a highly competitive market. There is rising services sector and demand for the employment over the periods diminished however, there is a disparity in the potential for creating jobs various parts of the nation. The man-days may be available to some states in India whereas the opportunity for regular employment diminishes. The new governments should be empowered enough to focus on the opportunities for the youth in sectors outside the governments. There is a positive sign when youth has accepted the fact that governments are no more responsible for employment. It is now there own responsibilities to skill themselves to be worthy of economic earnings. The people themselves must pull others out of joblessness or poverty. The community networks would be strengthened to provide enough opportunities. 

The higher education seems to have reached its pinnacle and with job markets not showing opportunities, the young talents must spend more time on making their skills show some good results. The entrepreneurship must come out from the established families to those who can make a difference. The service sectors need support from higher education, though the highest number of educated youth need to contribute towards making their voice heard through participating in meaningful outcomes. There is a need to take India forward to be competitive.

The cultural recognition of the largest Hindu population is at stake in the multi-cultural world. It seems now there is identity requirement for the community and assertation of culture would bring a fundamental change in our democratic systems. The leadership needs to subsume the cultural dominance by removing the privileges of minorities such as in J&K state to be a more inclusive part of the nation. Nevertheless, there is a need to have a balanced approach in dealing with minorities, while claiming back the cultural symbols through constitutional mandate in the national parliament. There is doubt in fulfilling these desires due to institutions like our courts or justice system giving enough opportunities for such a move by the majority governments. There is dominance now of the majority community in India, not to take away the rights of minorities but giving justice to there own actions. 

The social divisions in India must also go with fewer chances of the reservation to survive these decades. The complexities of identities and historical justice may not prevail in the current century. More disturbance of the social order may not be due to the community where people would be born but how they would be treated by society. The demand for the community for social equality must be met with the justice system. The people might not tolerate such unjustified social behaviour when technology and social relations have moved beyond their identities. The fundamentals of constitutions must identify the rights of citizens more than equal and move towards gender justice and social equality leading to new social order. 

The traditional communities living in hard geographical areas need protection from cultural and economic onslaught. The tribals in India need change when mainstreaming of these communities are almost complete when very few could protect there tradition and culture. The cultural missions in these areas must stop and tribals must be allowed to take there own decisions through government and institutional support. The constitution protection must move towards ecological protection along with communities not only accepting their rights but abstain from removing them from there traditional homes. 

(Photo Courtesy: Author, 2017_18)

Development erodes your past...

As it is true for the community development programs, the image make over of the CM Modi in Gujarat had been immense. For the worse nightmares of 2002 to the giagentic development projections of 2012, the state has moved ahead to bulldoze any defamation sought after the Godhra and its aftermath. Despite the thousands of rims have been written accusing the CM, he has staged a clear win over his rivals. Many may not like it this way, but not many would also like to punish the CM who has benefitted the citizens of state he is being cherished as Gujarat no Sher. There are people who with real passion for the secularism have backtracked given the frontal attack by the RSS, BJP and other friends. The ideologies produced for the political gain have succeded in polarisation of the societies and now the state against the centre. The notion of state verses central if it limited to political lobies its okay but it has traversed its path towards the general public, hoardings and banners have come out in support or opposing the claims by the centre and state. Who has the authority on the state is clear Round -I Mr. CM has won over the centre's so called the weak PM. The personal attack has become talk of the political circles if you do not like my thought just go out and bark somewhere else.

Nothing happens so as to unplease Mr. Modi, he feared and respected as Uncle SAM, the streets are well praising the Namos success, the past has given to the ghost to talk about till the table is turned. Not for sure in next election.

Hail the ruler.. Hail the Namo Kings Amen!!

Dream Merchants: Dharavi Unmarked

Dharavi represents the class conflicts and the lust for the land grabber with slew of promises to the slum dwellers, during the last ten years scores of architects and planners have landed in Dharavi each promising them better life than another. The state government going with the wind pledged investment to the tune of 15000 crores just to see the face of Dharavi lifted from being 'Slum' to an 'elite' areas with all the modern amenities and lifestyle. Rather than listning to what the learned professionals were saying and people in the slum tend to believe in themselves have rejected the lure by the developers. The people who had planned heavens for them are lingering again to adjust their plan as per the peoples wishes, but there is not a end to their desires.

The urban elitists who would otherwise have shunned the slum dwellers are vying for their precious land, just to justify their investments. The combination of professionals makes them deadly in the sense that they have counted themselves as 'stakeholders' and have forgotten about the people. The numerous design awards for the space design had really place excitment over the place but counter arguments and so called stakeholders veto the decisions. Thus there is hangover of the desingers looming large over the space and people repeatdly confronting them of the why and how. May be the manner in which the Slum Rehabilitation Schemes have progressed in Mumbai where in the developers and builders have chance to grab the land and give some peanuts to the people. The people who they have termed illigal and unwanting on not so precious at another site and place here they have been cajoled to shall out the peice of land for the neo-rich where they agree to stay with providing identical settings for the slum dwellers.

Mr. Architect, turned back from US now, looks for green pastures outside the Dharavi, where to go now, ten years of wait has made the life of his firm on backseat with state governments not promising any action, these dream merchant is now selling spree on other parts of country. Here comes the big stakeholders, do you know what slum rehabilitation is like...just a peice of concrete and nothing more. The image of city, without Dharavi will be no diffrent there are fifty more in making...some more thought making your city 'Slum free' just ignore them!

Who wants to do business here anyway?

India has been ranked 134th out of 183 countries for the 'ease of doing business', tought for the analyst who think India has globalised and libralised from red tape since last two decades. The poor performance emerges from the lack of sanctity of the contract system between the players. Be it corruption or speed money this is rocking the business world in dealing with Indian system of functioning. No matter what we do, it is failing in keeping the promises. The example of Common Wealth Games (CWG) mired with controversies refuses to pay to its international suppliers, coursey, Kalmadi and Co. The 14.0 Lakh crores worth MoU signed in Gujarat, would take years to materialise, the system is pathetic. The small and medium enterprise cannot think to survive in this scenario. Govt and their department just does not hounour the contracts, it takes numerous communications to get through your money.

As someone rightly points INDIA is business logic ' I'll Not Do It Again'.

Even though Anna's anti graft movements has raised the corruption, this Diwali could not be less merrier for the Govt. officials, who lapped up gifts, with both hands. Some even heard to have supplied gold and silver bars to the state secraterate in Gujarat. Just to boost business the gratidute is given to the babus and political masters, to ensure your ability to do business in India. The state govt's is also no exception in accepting the speed money from over the table in country. The fearlessness of the system would not go just because Anna and Co wanted, because it feeds on self, the system is prone to such attitude.

India cannot expect to have 'Arab' revolution or Capturing of Wall street, we can at best 'tweet' to rest in our residences, allowing the poor traffic walas to take his share of cake. The political system right from the local councellors to the state cheif, is marred with steep rise in rates post diwali asking for more. What they say of Anna, thats for his carrier and people who join them, we raise the toast. Alex says, 'Those who wonder where are the corrupt persons, we all must say, its here..its here..its here'. Amin!!

AMC on Demolition Spree: Building Cities-Destroying Homes

This time again the demolition of hutments along the Sabarmati River Front project highlights the priority of the Gujarat government and Ahmadabad Municipal Corporation (AMC). The displacement of over 50000 persons overnight in the city causes serious violation of human rights and plight is politcised to gain the development of the city. The ruthless attempt by the AMC to throw away whosoever comes on the way of clean city, making it 'slum free'. The high ideals set by the judiciary in coming to support the slum dwellers in what is called as their homes, stands nullified amidst the urgency of the local body. The series is similar to what has been observed in most part of the country including Jharkand, Maharashtra, Delhi, Punjab, Karnataka and others, wherein the homes made out of temporary materials are demolished along with the hopes of the people. The city administrative makes it hard for the poor to survive given its preference to rich dwellers where they escape demolition by paying the much legalized 'impact fees'.

The nature of conflicts invited by the local bodies calls for utmost serious thought on the governance and right to justice for the affected people. The dance of terror on the daily life of poor is inflicted by the administration and police who were supposed to protect them in time of dire needs. There is ample legal scope to save the poor from ultimate humiliation and apathy given the judgements made in past for the people and against the demolition. The high handedness of the administration emerges from the lack of awareness and system in place even after 65 years of independence. The dominance of the class over the others mixed with fair amount of greed for land and unjust planning forces the poor to accept the fate in the event like what has happened in Ahmadabad recently.

Hopes of the people in the city specially the poor and unprotected is running dry for any acceptance from the society where they can seek justice. The repeated acquisition of land for the development projects also adds more slum dwellers in the city in absence of seeking job and shelter. The insufficient compensation and high cost of living in the cities makes the task of poor households very difficult to survive. Only when the development projects further targets them to make way for another giant project which might be luxury for some group of society. The selective target of the people based on class and creed is humilating and defeating for the very purpose of Indian democracy. The lack of stringent legal backing and support system leaves people little choice in accepting the fate without protest. The reaction of the homeless group if turns violent is just to have another day to mute protest is high expectation from the administration. The immediate attention of the people and leaders is called to stop the savage practice in the name of urban development and beautification.

Are we entering Corruption central politics?

Thanks to series of media reports and activism 'corruption' is now central to political class. We may accept it right when political leaderships acknowledges the ills associated with corruption. There can be 'we' verses 'they' citing the our flawed understanding of the so called 'civil society' and 'political class'. Most of us are swayed by both of these phenomenon, where is line of separation between the two streams of leadership.

The todays civil leaders would become tomorrows political class, whether we love or hate them, the democratic setup of country wants not legitimacy of the group but cohesive working towards the key agenda i.e. Corruption. Not easy to demystify the legal setup and legislative provision imbibed in the constitution of the country. We need to be alert on the issues, and now be sure with constant pressure the political parties would hear the civil society. Unless political class exercise their full power the voices are going to be heard on corruption, the legislative powers of the class cannot be withdrawn and remains backbone of various institutions.

The revamp of the systems as suggested by various commissions on the Indian administration needs to be carried out with a eye on the mentioned central theme. The people must practice what they want from the political class and their leaders, more often the mass have abandoned the idea if it does not suit their characteristics. Whether its central, left or right the political class needs to understand the demand of new generation. They want them not be shamed by the world in notifying them to be citizens of an corrupt nation. Over the years the benchmarking of all the products and services from India had been through this glass, and new entrepreneurs and professionals find it difficult to answer the uncertain questions on ethics and fair play.

Growth v/s Development

Near obsession with the Economic Growth, the state has keen on pursuing the agenda and has forgotten the debates on the Human Development and Sustainable development. Growth would take care of Employment, Education and Health of citizens, thats the mantra we had been pursuing till the recent plan periods. Country has witnessed increasing dissatisfaction in the associated parameters which is related to development. Our annual ritual of the budget does not mention the development goals the world bodies have set out, and we being signatory of it continue to provide lip service.

One recent deliberations on the GDP verses Employment at a national seminar, speakers mostly agreed the lack of relationship between the two, since there is little hope for the organised sector to provide employment, the GDP growth to which they contributes remains non-distributive. Even though the rich demographic dividend which country enjoys by having larger share of youth, would fizzle away if proper actions are not taken. Planning for the given targets and centralization of the growth is leading to backlog on many fronts, we are not doing enough for the youth, women and children. More so, the dance of capital by the way of massive land acquisition has affected the informal economies (which provides employment to 94 percent of work force).

What happens at the state and district levels in development? This has remained elusive in absence of any field data, the information shared by the agencies are hardly verifiable in the actual context. The race for claiming the best acheivements is increasing and districts have been improving their social database rather, playing with data to get positive funding. The failure of programs or otherwise the machanisms have never been detterent in getting sweeping change. The business as usual attitude of planning agencies, force the people to question the validity of the state and in many respect might emerge as distinct social and political agenda for the future.

The distribution of wealth (if at it happens) remains a token sustainance by the state to the people by the way of providing employment guarentees for a limited period. This would never been possible for the urban areas, and thus discontent and corruption prevails in attainment of the social goals of individuals.

Regional backlogs and growth measurements are still not done in many parts of the country and way forward seems to be distributing cash to the hand of people, increasing the doles further in countryside. What makes governments to bypass the constitutional obligation? The right to life and dignity is compromised by system seems to be incapable in dealing with issues.

New Year: Beating Drums and Tagging Corruption Index Spatially

Lets not forget to be optimistic for once in New year in the calender. If we all remember there was a system in earlier times to beat the drum in order to warn the public about the coming dangers in society by the erstwhile administrators. In this new year, we all start beating the drum, though virtually since no culprit can be found by the concerned agencies. Also look at the spatial reach of the corruption and associated indicators in India. Hopes are planted in the Judicial system to get justice for all...(only avenue left)

to murder of teenage girls in Delhi, going after CWG culprits in Delhi, catch the 2G gang in India (most of state licencors), Stop loot of Forest and Mineral Resources in Goa, Orissa, Jharkhand, Chattisgarh, West Bengal and other state, Check loosing erosion of land due to massive industrialization in Goa, Haryana, Andhra Pradesh, Gujarat and Maharashtra.

corrupt practices in PDS systems in India (all states), release political prisoners and human rights activists, stop chasing government bashers (Arundhati, Binayak Sen et. al), Check free distribution of goods by cheif ministers of state to all and sundry, check the BPL list again...again., check cash doles handed out to poor and others.

Corporates and associated departments (IT/ED/SEBI/CBDT/Others) for their doubtful associations in all the parts of country to loot the public money from all means. Check political and media bosses for their unholy alliances in country.

Public for their civic behavior, use of plastics, burning of public property, not following rule of law and not respecting all citizens of the country.

All cases above are spread either locally or the nationally. Some indicators for corrupt societies have been quite evident a very little would require serious research or investigation. Rate these in your regions or state of work. I know many of us would be able to map the intensity and spatial spread of corruption indicators.

Meanwhile Green Eminent would try to come up with some data in next few months so keep viewing the blog and pass on your spatial indicators in any form..to us. We would be happy to include in national ranking by the mid year.

Tapes, Babus and Middle Men/Women: INDILEAKS

With the madam Radia tapes covering mid segment of politicians, babus and corporates are out the story of middle men comes alive again. They had been every where, to set the 'chai pani' of the government officials, and also politicians (they have 5 years of initial service extended to life time) with no retirement age. So the middle men sets the agenda for the parties and gets the tip of the work done, Is'nt it awsome to hold the hand of power hungery politician to be allotted cabinet porfolio? Now this practise happens from city level politics (for appointment as Mayor, chairmen, committee head..) to the state and national level. The middle men would do its duty to inform the 'high command' about your good intentions. High command would never be caught and not interesting to media !!

Once you are placed on the desired setup and satisfied with the middle mens work, you may choose to oblige his subsequent clients to get 'their' job done, you take some 'cut' and give some biting to your middle men (now call them agent too). As the specialisation of the agents goes from the private industries of pity contract works, to laying roads & metro lines, defense deals, to real estate, these elements would help them get the contract to supply and extract the money as loot from government exchaquer.
There are agents for pity jobs for our 'aam janta' too say getting railway ticket, ration card, passport, visa, well, tube well, building plans, voter cards, government jobs, defense jobs, private jobs (oh! I mean limited companies) on platter. They operate from a small office near paan shops to big office near the national parliament and state assemblies.

If you happen to profile them, they are semi literate (with strong family ties with bada sahaabs), literates (ties with babus and politicians) and blue eyed (management gurus, nutty professors, elite retired officers, ex-babus both defense and otherwise) are helpful in scaling your desired heights and thoughts to the masters.. give token to them. You have to please them, stand in que, and know their door if struck for the want of 'chai pani' or 'daru-varu' or 'pataka' or gifts hampers'. You may win some like game of lottery or loose plenty of time and money in pursuing them. Some of our industrial giants or their appointed CEO waited for quarter of their life to get to the top or inside the system they are presently queitly sleeping. Post libralisation called for open deals with the system (with out official red tapes) which termed as 'yellow tapes' in corporate world. Attending to the personal functions (religious or non religious) is important ritual to be part of the middle men..may be for fixing lights, flowers and tasting the food for their clients. Add glamour part you are invited to grand openings, fashion shows, chatter parties and bingo! clients are happy to set the agenda in motion. Media avoid taking a cue from such gatherings more the better. Our leading politcians who are heading the nation -state are party to such gathering emerging subsequently in their support, opposition and supposition towards the ageda of corporates. Grand plans for investment, takeovers and launches of new products are made in these gathering. Very truly and sensibility implemented by the leaders in their state and ministries. Poor planning commission fails to attract attention of corporates in their scheme of things. None of things we acheived in recent past was outcome of the consultation at the commissions set for various plan periods or annual plans. Thats for common men doles...and clever allocation of funds. Middle men (some of them are in commission too) set the agenda of the nation and system follows it to facilitate the interest groups not worthy to attend the cause of nation building. Poor set of babus are allowed to follow them like our taxmens, legal honchos, police, vigilance offices, IB, RAW etc etc etc all tied their strings strongly with these middle men, agents and term them as informers. They need to soil their hands in order get into the merkier deals.

All was well when we are dealing in pot holed communication systems till 1990s. Post information super highway even the highly guarded US secrets are out in open (courtsey: Wikileaks) when do you think our middle men would not pass this information to hungry media. No one is spared from witch hunting...the middle men would wait for the right chances till they are not satisfied with the client base. The corporate transition of the middle profession (oouch!) preferably the 'fourth estate' now acts as birdge between serviced and un serviced class of modern India.

Getting tapes (pen drives, CD??) for the middle men are not so hard task else who would not like evesdrop on your wall, listen and rejoice till you utter..merky word like'deal' done..chalega...ho jayega...set hai...tell them...saab trusts on you and so on ...Please do not get caught now..least wait for INDILEAKS to happen...(5 million docuements, 10,000 diaries, 1 million photos et etc). BABUJI jara dhire chaloo...

Internally Displaced Hunger By Javed Iqbal

Internally Displaced Hunger By Javed Iqbal

This is story of high handedness of our system. Somewhere we need to draw line between the people for who we should be working. Now they treat tribals like pathetic animals for the want of few bits of food..the governments of states and country puts our head in shame. Why do some people enjoy fruits of democracy and yet millions of poor tribals pay for their life? System of governance fails to address these concerns of people and if they raised their voice or arms ..they are naxals..maoists..and what not? Pity to shameless babus...and heartless morons....

Industrial Regions and Rehabilitation for Project Affected People in Gujarat

Gujarat is aggressive in industrilsation of the state with development of the Delhi-Mumbai Industrial Corridors along Dedicated Freight Corridors (DFC) by setting mega industrial regions or Special Investment Regions (SIR). These industrial regions notified under the Regional Development Authorities (RDA) which would acquire the land in the proposed zones to be used for development of infrastructure, industrial areas and related townships. It is estimated in one of our studies that the Gujarat state is planning to develop 13 SIR and which is expected to affect more than 360 villages in various districts.

From the land utilization data for the SIR and SEZ in th

e Gujarat state it is evident that about 4.5 lakh h

a land is expected to be utilized for industrial activities and townships. As per the available information the investment regions and SEZ proposals are going to affect about 400 villages in the state affect livelihoods of 1.0 million persons of the state. These project affected villages comprises of 78000 cultivators and 74,000 agricultural labourers who would be directly affected by massive acquisition of their lands by the RDAs. These project affected people would be required to be rehabilitated since their livelihood deprival from these projects would cause extreme hardship.

The agricultural labourers, casual labourers and marginal farmers belonging to poor, dalit and tribal communities would be hardest hit in absence of active state intervention for their rehabilitation. Gujarat State needs to take urgent look at the resettlement and rehabilitation policy for the project affected people in line with the provisions made in National R&R policy and Draft R&R Bill (2007) pending before the central government. The states like Haryana has already formulated effective compensation and rehabilitation package with a view to large scale alienation of farmers.

Media, Politicians and Business Barons - Bleeding People of India

We are again in the midst of the political-media and Business storm waged by each other against the another. Astonishing fight indeed. No matter what is happening in Asiad or Collapsing of building the actors mentioned here are busy in condemning each other. Happy and eager to take the lime light leaves the urban and rural India bleeding in the midst of the crisis.

With the moral loss of stake these actors would take no turn in pitching each other against the common men till someone in the Jungles strikes forces to think about the people. But even after the gruesome killing in Central India and sensitive Kashmir issue we are busy again in dealing with one murky issue over other. The lip service providers in the system including three actors cited here provides solace to citizens in every disaster like they have lost their own brethren. No matter they have not forgotten 26/11 and should never forget which have taken majority toll on this particular class.

However, India as it stands today have its apathy with the system mentioned which is repeatedly pained at this cat fight resulting to lots of noise without real outcome. Majority would feel they all would be together tomorrow still the next controversies begun.

Insensitive Governance and Development

The governments in India have been repeateadly ignoring the plight of the citizens, whether its Karnataka, Andhra Pradesh, Maharashtra or Gujarat. Each state is promoting state endorsed development packages targeted towards private corporates - Indian as well as MNC. In the effect loosing the prime land, settlement and forest areas. The uncontrolled mining activities promoted through the state initiatives have not only violated the environmental concerns but also displaced numerous people.

The spate of urban activities have increased and demand for the prime properties have triggered quick actions on the part of the local bodies to overthrow the current occupent by force. Right to shelter and livelihood is at stake in most of the metropolitan cities. Cities like Surat, on the verge of modernising the city have virtually kicked out the slum dwellers from the city areas. Yes they have been awarded for their effort in acheiving the 'Slum Free city' targets under the government of India scheme.

Ministers, and officials of state have been in the helm of affairs in getting their work done by any means, mixing land capturing, mining, and extortions with their politics. None of leading parties would come clean in the present circumstances. Then who says, the politics is neglected by the young India. What they are expected to do in present circumstances? Given the criminal behaviour of leading stalwarts of the states, with massive accumulation of money by the way of corruption would never lead India to greater heights.
The system has detoriated beyond repair when one of the leading party presidents, confuses sympathisers of poor and down trodden with supporters of Maoist (who are engaged in war with government). Do they want this to extend to the rest of country? The mind set of the governments as well as those in opposition are not condusive to the development objective of the nation.
We would never have the situation like what happened in emergence period in 1970s since most of our younger lots have been taken away from the politics of development. The tokenism of government succeded in bringing down the threat from the people. Intellectuals and professionals are dealing with government and opposition are not questioning the methods adopted in present Indian system.

Who would smell the rot? The CVC, Election Commission, Supreme Court, CAG, CBI, etc has been shown their path by the clever and intellegent politicians. They all know how to get out of these mess incase they get caught. Its the common citizens who are killed, maimed, terrorised and supressed in the present insensitive governance.

Only time would tell us, how do we go ahead? Till then...count your fingers...!!

Its Bandh...Strikes..Governance in India

Todays strike called by the NDA and allies (including CPM) in country is supported by their respective state governments in Gujarat, Karnataka, MP, West Bengal, and others. What a show of strength the state governments through its ruling party using its muscle to shut down the state? How legal this action is supposed to be by the state? Though state government offices are open, they cannot allow petrol pumps, school, college, cinema halls, restaurants, and even medical shops to remain open. State is helpless with there own party cadres..or they have been told to go ahead government is after you. This is how party politics have ruined the Indian governance. The centre and state relations are no more on the mutual respect. One thing the people of India could not understand the centre and state both are functioning in tendem with one another, loss of one public sector unit would effect the funding of the programs and schemes running in the state. The centre cannot go on subsidising the products unless it is an acute requirements. The state should also share responsibilities in curtailing the price rise. Which of ruling NDA or Congress aliances have come up with a policy or strategy to fight against the price rise? There are very meek responses.

Keeping the people in dark is not healthy sign of democratically elected governments. The strike supported by the state government (by not providing security to institutions and people who want to remain open) is an act of negligence and unconstitutional. The law of the country and judiciary should view this seriously when it comes to enforcing the system. The people themselves if require should protest for their rights, but using force or violence in order to get their demands approved is not justified.

What has been happening is central India, and poorer regions is never been made attractive enough for these political parties for protest but its matter of convineience that issues related to urban india has raked a call for 'Bharat Bandh'. My dear countrymen the real 'Bharat' is no more alive..its shining India who is calling for this protest.

The political parties are presenting a posture which concerns only there electoral gains..leading to one election after another. The men on the streets are aghast with burden on their pockets and inactivities of all organs of governance. The right to protest should remain, but not those who are party to the government. Whether its BJP, CPM or other NDA parties the Strikes should be for the larger interests of the people then a few brownie point against congress.

Wealth and Weathiest Indians: Exposed

In the latest revealition that above 13.0 million Indians are getting poorer and country also boast of High Networth Individuals having average wealth of 16 crores counting upto 1.3lakh persons in country.
According to the 2009 Asia-Pacific Wealth Report, brought out by financial services firms Capgemini and Merrill Lynch Wealth Management, at the peak of the recession in 2008, India had 84,000 HNWIs with a combined net worth of $310 billion. It would take an average urban Indian 2,238 years, based on the monthly per capita expenditure estimates in the 2007-8 National Sample Survey, to achieve a net worth equal to that of the average HNWI. And that's assuming that this average urban Indian just accumulates all his income without consuming anything. A similar calculation shows that an average rural Indian would have to wait a fair bit longer — 3,814 years!

According to the firms' 2010 World Wealth Report, India now has 126,700 HNWIs, an increase of more than 50% over the 2008 number. While the figure for combined net worth is not available, it seems safe to assume that as a class not only have India's super-rich recouped their 2008 losses, they have even made gains over their pre-crisis (2007) positions. In 2007, 123,000 HNWIs were worth a combined $437 million.

An estimated 33.6 million more people in India became poor or remained in poverty over 2008 and 2009 than would have been poor had the pre-crisis (2004-7) growth rates been maintained over these two years.

(Based on Times of India, 24th June)

Economic Development and Tribals: Some Thought

This is extract from a paper I had written a year ago but could do little progress for publishing it.. though its right time to think on these lines mentioned hereunder;

What are the constraints we are facing when it comes to economic reforms verses the tribal development? Following are some of the points we would like to highlight;

1. The budget- ‘Provisional tribal development’
The pressure from the elites and powerful lobbies to attract funds already to the developed and progressive regions are immense. Even if the state governments like Gujarat and Maharashtra are cash rich in development expenditure in the industrial regions, they pay only lip service in the tribal areas. One wonders what makes these states to restrict their expenditure so low in the tribal regions on the basic amenities like Hospitals and schools. For the state might be spending more than Rs. 500 crores on the education and health in Gujarat, the share of this budget in the tribal districts of the Dangs, Valsad, Surat, Dahod, Panchamahal etc would be well below 10% of this amount. Tribals are not part of the structural adjustments process of the World Bank initiated reforms in the country. The tribals had to mend their business in absence of the strong leadership to claim their share of budgetary provisions. The reform initiated by the earlier NDA government and present continuation of reform under the UPA Prime Minister Manmohan Singh, there is clear need to focus on the tribal welfare.

2. Sector Constraints – Health and Education
The health and education though given importance during the last budget session by Government of India, it is yet to be accepted by the respective state governments. The sense of urgency is lacking- and so is the penetration of facilities in rural area. The beneficiaries of private education and health facilities have been restricted to mainly urban or most often to the peri-urban areas (due to tax concessions). The education institutions run by trusts are not capable of providing quality education in absence of basic structural reform. The tax concessions to the education and health institutions should be extended to the tribal regions to allow benefits of quality education and health infrastructure. With limitation on their ability to access equity and commercial financing, these institutions remain dependent on donations, and subsidies as the norm, rather than balancing or incremental requirement.

3. Fragmentation
In the country like ours, we have innumerous school boards giving multiple- course platform to the students. The tribals have no choice to get quality or mainstream education given the high cost of admission. The differential treatment of the course content by the different board results in the variable education standards in the country. The most of the urban and well to do families can afford to provide the best of education facilities to the children, whereas the tribals need to depend on the poorly managed ashram shalas. Why can’t we come out to provide similar quality education to tribal children’s in their own regions? We must now make effort to define a national curriculum that balances regional aspirations.

4. Lack of Planning
One of the important aspects of the concern we feel is related to the lack of planning on the resources and capabilities needed. There has been less focus on tribal sub plans during the post 1990s with the advent of the reforms. We are not focusing on the future vocational training requirements of the tribals in absence of the agricultural lands or massive displacement due to development projects. Most of the elite educational institutions are not in position to out reach to the tribal regions. Instead we have sets of sub standard institutions harping on the large population base with little stake on the welfare of the tribals. For Example, the prevalence of Medical and Engineering colleges and Universities in the remote areas just to tap new monetary freedom of tribals rather than providing quality infrastructure. We certainly require more robust reform structure in the sector to decentralize the education and health infrastructure without any prejudice.

5. Utilization of resources
While limited availability of resources is a common concern, the focus should be on sub-optimal utilization of allocated resources. To our mind, government is clearly not the most efficient manager of expenditure. The current framework provides enormous subsidies, with less than adequate measures to ensure that beneficiaries of the subsidiaries are only those who need them; additionally we must pay attention on how subsidy is directed towards the poorest of the poor. The tribal areas though rich in bio-diversity and natural resources, lack innovative thinking similar to the economic reform. Time has now ripe to concentrate on not only on the macro economic reform, but also on how to utilize the tribal resource in order to maximize the their welfare.

6. Thinking differently
Tribals also need to start thinking differently, even though they are given opportunity for the government job they have not been able to gather enough. This may be due to lack of educational and support environments in the tribal regions. The tribals are gaining their stake in monetary economy by getting exposure to the market reform through media. They need to ask for quality services rather than an alternative system of education and health. They can join themselves to mainstream not only politically, but also integrate their learning and knowledge to rest of population. The path forward can also be to use private intervention to help schools augment their capacities, and also inculcate the habit for paying for those who can pay for the quality services. There can be differential pricing mechanism for most of the basic quality services based on the paying capacities of the tribal societies.

7. Prioritization
If we can think of the communities being indirectly affected by the economic reform, the tribals would be last thought of group. There is lacuna in approach towards the development excluding the tribals and other deprived sections of society. The economic reforms encouraged privatization of the most of the services provided by the public sector. The private players in the new economy are not ready to accommodate the reality of India’s social life. The responsibility of the private towards the tribals and weaker sections needs to be highlighted. This prioritization of the beneficiaries of the economic reform should not negate the larger sentiments. The tribals do not need reservations in the jobs but rather holistic approach towards their concerns. The activities that makes them self-relients and also does not diminish their self respect.

8. Tribals as ‘Human Capital’
We cannot go ahead with economic reform without the suitable development of our human capital. Though India is proud to have more than 50 % population between 25-35 age group by now, we are yet to understand the tribal constitutes 20 % of such youngsters. The future India cannot neglect the tribal youth, thus becomes added responsibility to let them learn to participate in development. The success of mid day meal in the primary school provides such hope to the poor tribals community. The mid-day meal address the fundamental issues of nutrition, hygiene and health of the community in addition to education. The health of women similarly is to be improved in the tribal regions not only by introducing health pills but also bringing out proper nutrition programme for the lactating mothers and adult women. The employment opportunities for the women in the region should be associated with such nutrition programme equivalent to the mid-day meal. The food for work scheme of Government of India needs some innovation on these lines.

9. Scope for Economic reform for Tribals and Poorest of Poor
For one, any reform specific to the tribals or community would need massive decentralisation, a pushing through of the panchayati raj, giving the poor authority and accountability to determine their destinies. This means a paradigmatic shift in the power equation between the 3 layers of our federal system. Decentralisation is required not because it is morally right (it is so), but because it will increase efficiency and entrepreneurial energies (it has always done so). The detailing problems that we discussed earlier will be solved at the grassroot level, differently in tribal societies. Focus can shift to outcomes, rather than irrelevant input measurement. New service delivery arrangements in education and health can be experimented with, involving public-private partnerships. New, locally appropriate technology solutions should emerge. Mistakes that are made will be localized and relevant to the tribals, from which there will be learning and adaptation.

At another level, a new dynamic needs to emerge between the economic reform (banking, micro credit, employment, housing etc) and policy-makers who wish to align the powerful forces of the reforms towards the tribals and poor. One where there is freedom to function, with responsibility for equitable outcomes. What is required on the part of government is an innovative regulatory mechanism, like benchmarking the services delivery of the priority sector segment to the services, and demanding tribal region wise reporting in the state socio-economic reports. The critical learning is that programme design needs to be left to the marketplace, that the cost of doing business with the tribals/poor might be higher than with elite urban customer segments, and hence need to be priced differently. When institutions are allowed to do this, the market will fill the services vacuum. We need to move beyond simplistic ‘Krishi-melas’ and cultural bonanza for tribals. If one truly wanted to see “tribals” developed, it is on display in India, with all its warts, reinforcing the belief that country needs effective programs. But effective programs needs a supple and disciplined government, demanding self-regulation from states, coming down hard and fast when necessary for the interest of tribals.

So, when the new policies of this government are announced, let us look closely to see if there is any change in the microstructure of governance, in the improvement of tribal societies. Let us look to see whether these “reforms with a human face” can actually be called “ reform for tribal societies and poorest”.

If not, all these ideas will get choked in the thickets of the system, making our reforms look like our city water supply: ‘plenty flows in pipes, loses on the way and trickles at the consumer end.’

Stinking Cities..Rains bring more...

You must be welcoming rains with delight since the temperature went down during this week. The farmers are happy to get much needed water for their fields, while started to make huge investment in High Yeilding Seeds of various food and commercial crops, pesticides, fertilizers, etc. We in the cities tend to see rains not beyond our doors and windows. What meaning do we have for the rains except personal non-commercial interest? Its the city administration which has to tackle the rain into the drains or underground channels. Whilst, among these we should also know that, rains also brings back the stink emerging from the wastes, human night soil and sludge mixed with all the industrial and domestic lines. Our water bodies are filled with such a nightmerish water and wastes. Can you breath properly in the rains minus these wastes. Cities like, Surat, Vadodara, Ahmedabad, etc in Gujarat and other major metros of the country is stinking these days from the waste being decomposed with a mixure of hot and humid climatic changes. Stinks and humidity leaves most of the part of cities unbearable to venture out during the business hours (9.00 am to 7.00 pm). The rains and stinks would be apart only after 10-15 light showers days helping these wastes to move out of the city and pollute the regional environment. Smoke and hazardous gases rarely go away during the cloudy and humid seasons, it remain present in the lower strata of the atmosphere. This leads to more breathing problems in humans and plathora of dangers to plant and animal species.

Administration can at best clean the drains and leave the heap of waste away from the eyesight of the citizens, but its stink stays in the atmosphere of the city. This results the air we breath laden with heavy odur, bad tastes in mouth and infections in throat. What can be done? The cities would remain like that till we keep badly managing our solid and liquid wastes by treating them secondary to the city issues. Cities are happy to see creation of the infrastructure but are poor in operation and management of the systems.
Even the small town and large village settlements are also not left out from this modern life styles which are becoming 'chemical and plastic guzzling' economies. The outcome this phenomena is in wastes being generated, dumped all over the places and choking of the natural systems. Do we really care about city environment? At least not in the present cities of 21st century India.

Gujarat- Environmental Unconcerns

Come Environment Day June 5, we come to know about the environmental danger rivers in Gujarat faces, http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Ahmedabad/Gujarat-is-numero-uno-in-river-pollution/articleshow/6013338.cms,

http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/City/Ahmedabad/Most-effluent-plants-in-state-are-totally-ineffective-Study/articleshow/6013340.cms
Serious! Nah the administration and people would soon forget the nature of these rivers and pollution enabling Vibrant Gujarat policies. We are not still on the verge of disasters. We need more 'Money' for the state. May be standing next to China, on the verge becoming industrial giant of India. This how Gujarat speaks these days!!

How to have commercial expoitation of rivers? Sabarmati is best example to make money in Vadodara, Surat, Bharuch etc. Also why have more township along Narmada Canal? We would invite more proposal soon. How to make money from the waste? We welcome all the refuse sellers in World to send us your garbage we bet to trade on these. Gujarat is happy to be emerging giant with little compromises, since people can affors to remain indoors, water is not being polluted in Bottles and Cans. Why bother about agriculture? Better we cultivate in other states and bring food nicely packed from the cold storages (of course our mega corporations are helping us to provide packaged deal).

Gujarat tends to inculcate using plastics (thats because we are highest producer of material) in the life styles of citizens. Harmless plastics does not choke up neck of fellow humans, how to stop poor animals in gulping poor plastics. Lest ! we do not have to produce grasses or save the forest. Yaah! Forests are better not to be utlized for the grasses, rather a township or eco -'logical' tourism can bring in more monetary help to always cash straped state. Wow! do we know how much more we can promote industry by just gulping power, minerals, wood, aerosols etc? We have to consume more inorder to stay ahead from other states. Why not discuss these Environmental Unconcerns with our collegues? Of course if you stop looking down at river you now call 'gutter' Ganga.

A Violent Peoples Struggle in Central India

The central India is rocked again by the violent attack on the public infrastructure and present system of governance. The massive movement of people with arms in central India, has made Indian government position a similar to civil war, so why not declare it. You have people taken arms against state, which is termed as 'terrorist' by the cheif minister of democratically elected state government. No doubt state is harmed by repeated attack on the civilian population who are supporters of the current establishment. Its unfortunate that people have to take arms in their hand to ask for fruits of 'economic growth'. The repeated failure of government and attitude of officials towards the people has led to such a situation. Its not what the government could not provide to them, but they are against the policy of government which takes away what ever little resources they possesed.

The young generations in the cities of India, those who supported in the popular governments of leading political parties are unable to understand the sudden violent killing by the armed people in the central India. The people who are engaged in the violence are aligned to method which they had learned from ages. They had never been under any government, during Mughals, British or present Indian governments. Neither the governments bother them to distrub their social and ecological character, till the demand for forest and water resources compelled the governments to take possession of these resources for the larger benefits state.

This resource capturing by the government through legislation has alineated a large number of people who often did not thought about what exists beyond their natural limits. Its understanfing of this thought which is missing in the present generations. Often they try to equate the peoples taking arms to that of terrorists in J&K and Punjab. The people who are fighting demand a system acceptable to them, what this can be? Whose ideology they follow? etc is the task of intellectuals to dwell. The governments need to understand the situation from the prespective of the development verses rights of these people.

The killing by the armed people of the civilians cannot be justified, but by labelling thems as thugs and goons are not proper when state knows the extent of the problem and mass character of this armed struggle (235 districts and nearly 1.0 million population are actively supporting the cause in five to eight states of country).

The conflict situation in the central India is spreading towards east, west and south of India wherein the people have started asking for their rights and questioning the easy flow of finance and natural resources to large corporate bodies. This alarming situation when there is knowledge that its the failure of state and system of governence which has resulted in such violent peoples struggle in Central India.

Spatial Identities and Cities

Fresh with the morning sun a city looks up to you for hope and desire stored in the streets, lanes and by lanes. The days starts slowly till streets begun to rupture and noise full due to numerious modern 'engines' or psudo growth of humans. The run for the job, school, colleges, offices and business brightens the city sky, with the enormous reflections of buildings, cars and other moving objects. The hustle of the city dwellers catches up with the mid day and smells of various kinds enters nostrils of those who are outside and struggling with the heat. The indoor beings of the city, though are still cocconed in their nests like houses, whereas the workmens like honeybee collect the rewards to build and sustain their 'concrete' honeycomb. Thats' the life we are living, where city is alive as an natural organism eating the truckloads of the materials brought into its cityscape.
You gain some of your identities and often loose many in the race for surving in the cities you tend to call your own. People gel and tends to miss their cities, as their own organ are attached and mesmerised by its graduar. No matter how big or small cities you might be living into there is sense of ownership and plenty of dejection from the its life. We are puzzled daily, and often enquire about the shifts in the physical changes occuring around us. Even after living in cities half of our lives we find changes still new to us, which keeps fellow citizens cling to it.

As urban planners, architects, designers and administrators, we are overwhelmed by the responsibility we often rarely realise to maintain and enrich the living city. How do we do it? Whether we have spaces for all its citizenery? Whether our city godfathers run the city or people? Who owns and why do people throw others out of city? Do we have some sense and sensibilities in listening to sincere look of aged, children, women and poor? We know a lot of questions remains unanswered and many cannot be posed to right group.