Construction of Ram Temple will resurrect and revive the spirit of Hinduism

India scripted a golden episode. Five centuries of long wait had ended. In a befitting ode to the supreme sacrifices and sankalpa siddhi of thousands of sanatanis, Prime Minister of India, Narendra Modi laid the first brick for the construction of a Bhavya Ram Mandir at Ayodhya, the birth place of Bhagwan Shri Ram. Shri Ram is an embodiment of exemplar virtues. His quest for dharma and righteousness has been the guiding force for Bharathvarsha. Reckoned for his filial obedience, Shri Ram in whom both spiritual and political converged, is venerated as a righteous ruler. By setting the precedents of righteous conduct for eons to emulate, Shri Ram is inextricably linked with the identity of this land. The story of Rama is dated back to 5^th century BC. Since then his legacy has been preserved and revered by all sections of the society.

Series of Ramaite cults, revival movements through new mantras, chants and dhyana has kept the flame of the bhakti alive in generations of India despite the numerous attacks of their temples. Together the worship of Shri Ram as incarnation and construction of temples by Kings during Muslim invasions has enormously intensified people’s faith. This unquenchable faith and peerless devotion eventually culminated in igniting the collective conscience of people towards the Ram Janbhoomi. Ram belonged to everyone and people assimilated the tradition of Ramayana.

Invoking Ramayana Sri Aurobindo said, “The work of Valmiki has been an agent of almost incalculable power in the moulding of the cultural mind of India: it has presented to it to be loved and imitated figures like Rama and Sita, made so divinely and with such a revelation of reality as to become objects of enduring cult and worship, or like Hanuman, Lakshmana, Bharata the living human image of its ethical ideals; it has fashioned much of what is best and sweetest in the national character, and it has evoked and fixed in it those finer and exquisite yet firm soul-tones and that more delicate humanity of temperament which are more valuable thing than the formal outsides of virtue and conduct”.

While Leftists continued to undermine the intensity of Hindu attachment towards Ayodhya and ruthlessly peddled Shri Ram legacy is of recent origin, reposing faith in democracy, Hindus continued their legal battle to rightfully claim ownership over the Ram Janmabhoomi. Even after winning the longstanding battle, to avoid sparking any communal unrest, Hindus voluntarily toned down their celebrations and moments of ecstasy. This entire Rama Janbhoomi movement thus symbolised the perseverance of Hindus, their tolerance, faith in legal process and above all their unshakeable devotion in Bhagwan Shri Ram.

Today’s Bhoomi Puja at 12:44:08 by Prime Minister Modi marked the fruition of sacrifices of millions of Hindus. While independence marked the end of decades of slavery and freedom from colonial rule, today’s glorious occasion is second independence for Hindus who relentlessly fought to reclaim the Bhagwan Ram’s Janmasthan. Expressing his overwhelming gratitude to the Sri Ramjanmabhoomi Teertha Kshetra Trust, Modi thanked them for providing him an opportunity to witness this historic moment. Raising a clarion call of “Jai Shri Ram”, Modi stated that, “From Kanyakumari to Kshirbhavani, from Koteswar to Kamakhya, from Jagannath to Kedarnath, Somnath to Kashi Vishwanath, Bodhgaya to Saranath, Andaman to Ajmer, Lakshwadweep to Leh entire country is immersed in Ram.”

 He added-India is emotional today, the wait of centuries has come to an end. Crores of Indians are still unable to believe the unfoldment of this momentous occasion in their live time. Prayers answered, struggle ended. The way Dalits, OBCs, tribals and every section of the society supported Gandhiji during the freedom struggle, this pious work of building Ram temple has started with the cooperation of people all over the country. The way boatman and tribals helped Bhagwan Ram, the way helped Bhagwan Krishna lift Govardhan mountain, similarly, the temple’s construction will be completed with everyone’s efforts”.

Structures were destroyed to exterminate the identity of Ram’s existence but he continued to live in the hearts of people. The cycle of vandalization of temples has failed to diminish the faith of the people. Ram Janmabhoomi breaks this cycle of breaking and re-building a process going on for centuries. The process of building a grand temple besides bringing people together will connect past with the future, the present generation to the culture of the land and ourselves with the sacraments.

Modi reiterated, “Ram sab ke hai, Ram sab mein hai” and that he has been an inspiration to Indians. His legacy is inseparable from the culture of the land. Paying rich tributes to the sacrifices of the thousands of Ram Bhakts, Modi reminded the future generation to assimilate and disseminate the virtues of Shri Ram.

Construction of Ram Mandir aside paving way for resurgence of the Hinduism will revive the spirits of Hindus whose civilisational ethos and enviable legacy has been recklessly derided by secular fraudsters. This momentous occasion is doubly important for Hindus since for the first time, an Indian Prime Minister as the Yajman, ritualistically adhering to the precincts of santanadharma has openly taken pride in his Hindu roots. Thus far, in the history of independent India, leadership has always shied away from celebrating Hinduism. With his humble prostrations, unapologetic assertion of his identity and by wearing his faith on the sleeves, Modi infused new enthusiasm in Hindus. Ram Janmabhoomi will forever be reckoned in history for its message of “truth, non-violence, faith and sacrifice”.  

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Fathoming Brewing Unrest in Kashmir Valley

Kashmir valley is slowly limping to normalcy with curfew partially lifted in four districts. The unrest in the valley following the killing of militant Burhan Wani, resulted in the death of 43 civilians and over 3400 wounded. A steep escalation of civilian injuries invited serious rebuke from various sections who condemned the harsh repressive actions of the security personnel. Most of the injuries resulted in loss of vision leading to a medical emergency. Though Government has immediately quickly flown doctors from Delhi to provide urgent medical care, with injured comprising children, youth, women and old human rights activists expressed serious concerns about functioning of police and security forces. At the Monsoon session of the Parliamentary proceedings all political parties hailed the killing, opposition parties expressed that all party meeting must be convened to lunge for a political solution rather than “use of barrel of gun”. They denounced death of innocent civilians and excessive use of force. Home Minister Rajnath Singh assured that military forces will be asked to exercise maximum restraint. In unequivocal terms he asserted that sudden escalation of civilian unrest is handiwork of Pakistan and rejected the plebiscite demand terming it as “outdated”. He promised to look into the excess use of pellet guns and urged the forces to use tear gas and water cannons while dealing with civilians. Chief Minister Mehbooba Mufti called for all party meeting in the Valley.

The prolonged unrest of past 13 days over the killing of Burhan Wani has raised serious doubts about the spate of protests in the valley. Brewing unrest and uneasy calm that prevailed in 10 districts of the Valley since July 8^th raises serious doubts about lingering estrangement harbored by the Kashmiris. Close to seven decades of integration into the Indian Union, J&K is beleaguered by the feeling of alienation. India as of August 15^th 1947 was besot by the humungous burden of political integration of 565 princely states. Within a decade of independence economically, politically and culturally diverse Princely States were successfully integrated. Despite occasional several internal conflicts, simmering differences, threatening separatist movements, domestic insurgencies none of the Indian States had grave misgivings with the Indian Union. Modi government managed to clinch historic Naga deal last year drawing curtains over despotic insurgencies in the North-East. Three major wars were waged over Kashmir issue, several committees were constituted to seek a way forward. Despite incessant endeavors of various governments no break through could be achieved till now. Kashmir which yearned for a unique linguistic and cultural identity levitated towards Pakistan to foster it struggle for autonomy. But Pakistan which has clambered to two-nation theory had strong plans of usurping the province since it was Muslim dominated. Moreover Kashmir issue become knotty due to India’s avowed denial of certain facts. Pakistan’s covert insinuations began to yield fruits with erosion of valley’s secular fabric. Vivid hues of the Valley soon blighted, intrinsic secular tone was muted leading to the worst ethnic cleansing of Hindus and forcible eviction of thousands of Kashmiri Pandits from their homeland. Indian government cognizant of the grave atrocities and its serious repercussions preferred to remain a mute spectator. Like an albatross burying head in sand, India failed to act. Consequently the fervent aspirations of azaadi unabashedly took refuge in the Islamic jihad. This drift can be traced to Pakistan’s shifting implacable seemingly secular credentials to Islamist ideologies and subsequently to the doctrine of “thousand years of war”. It may not be surprising that political parties in Pakistan like PPP too affirmed its allegiance to this doctrine in its party’s founding principles. Even now, when the valley is besieged by anti-national elements from across the border, government failed to cull the divisive forces causing the unrest. Countries like Syria, Iraq and Afghanistan having lost its syncretic credentials have become a breeding ground for global jihadi narrative.

Intellectuals argue that Kashmir having suffered neglect, unemployment and lack of opportunities has plunged into despondency and despair. But indeed, states which are dwelling at the bottom of the poverty charts or high unemployment aren’t exploding at a snap of the string. Kashmir is faring relatively well in terms of human development indices with respect with other states. It has been receiving more than fair amount of its budgetary allocations too. Indeed East of India, notoriously referred to as red zone, infested with Moaists and Naxalites suffer from great levels of poverty, illiteracy and over population. Almost 10 Indian states are battling with this Naxalite menace. Massive combing operations are launched regularly but none of the states had ever exploded the way Kashmir valley does. The violent reactions of irate mobs and dangerous civilian unrest crippling the normal functioning of state is unprecedented. While historical misgivings and blows suffered by state have dented the morale of the Kashmiris’ Indian Republic has always stood by the Kashmir. Syed Ata Hasnian, retired Army Personnel, who served in Kashmir opined that an extensive political activism, engagement and effective communication with people can instill new hope. But a prolonged anti-Indian tirade and the double-speak of the stake holders with vested interests has brutally crippled all these prospects very often. The alarming flare-up after the killing of an Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) commander, who revolutionized and glorified jihad and resurrected militancy has all annihilated hopes of political solution for the valley.  problem is exacerbated by Hurriyat leaders who continues to toe in line with Pakistan’s version of “Kashmir is a disputed region” giving enough leverage to its masters across the border to incessantly spark tensions  in the Valley and engage its stooges in nefarious activities.

Self-professed liberals and media sprang up to feet lashing out at Centre for failing to hear to voices of azaadi in the Valley. But alas!!! The hoarse calls for azaadi are overtaken by the jihadi Islamic movement few decades back. When Kashmir was hit was worst ever deluge in 2015, Indian security personnel and Police risking their lives rescued and moved thousands of people in valley to safer zones. Now the valley is reverberating with voices of India and the same impudent bunch is hounding the forces with stones. Reports from Aaj Tak indicate that people were paid Rs 500 for pelting stones and creating ruckus during curfew. The despicable attitude of citizenry towards security forces and Indian government is unacceptable. Similarly Kashmiri separatist leaders and interlocutors who enjoy the luxurious hospitality and round the clock security from Indian government ruthless indulged in instigating crowds and fomenting trouble in the valley. Hurriyat leader Mirwaiz Umar Farooq, who sought Z-plus security (accorded to Prime Minister and other mainstream leaders) due to increased threat perception from Indian government last year, flagrantly sings peons of Pakistan. Indeed Mirwaiz chose to remain deliberately silent about the issue of youth attending his rallies waving IS flags. Other Kashmiri leaders who enjoy security provided by Centre are Abdul Gani Bhat, Abbas Ansari, Bilal Lone, Fazal Haq Qureshi and Shahid-ul- Aslam. These leaders called for Kashmir Bandh protesting the killing of Burhan Wani and unduly extended the protests till July 25^th. Interestingly, despite luxuriating on Indian tax-payers money, Kashmiri Leaders audaciously indulge in flagrant deception and revel in misplaced allegiances. They lash out at India for heavy handedness of security forces.  The diabolical arguments and demands of Hurriyat leaders are truly intimidating- repealing of Armed Forces Special Powers Act (AFSPA) and release of political prisoners. How can any sane nation evacuate its forces when the land can explode on a mere provocation?

Pakistan has been waging a proxy war with India and the latest dimension to this clandestine war is triggering trouble in the valley by flooding the social media with numerous trolls and responses from unknown locations. The strategy of fomenting trouble is valley though anti-India sentiment was masterminded by Jamaat-ud-Dawa (JuD) kingpin, Hafiz Saeed. Post killing of Wani, Saeed joined hands with Syed Salahuddin, HuM chief to control and coordinate the protests in Valley. India authorities has imposed a ban on internet services in the valley to rein in on anti-India insinuations. Moreover, the HuM, JuD, JeM and LeT are feeder channels of Al-Qaeda whose aim is to strengthen any Muslim movement against a non-Muslim force. The Kashmir liberation movement is not indeed about recognition and autonomy but a means to bolster the larger Islamic jihadi network. Similarly ban was initially imposed on the print media for few days but later, publishing houses experienced severe difficulties in going ahead with printing. Thus, newspapers were off the stands for six days in a row. While there is no denying that political parties in Kashmir has much ground to cover to win the confidence of people, the trouble in the valley has been creation of deep state of Pakistan. As I am writing this column, more authentic and incriminating evidence of formidable ISI links with Hafiz Saeed has emerged. Hafiz Saeed lately is more aggressively integrating anti-India forces and stiffening Pakistan’s campaign. Reports indicate Abdullah Gul, son of former ISI chief Hamid Gul has been actively assisting Hafiz in coordinating anti-India forces including the anti-Kashmir forces. Paradoxically, as Kashmir’s call for azaadi which is now synonymous to Islamic freedom movement “intrinsically contradicts the very idea of freedom”.

Pakistan is now increasingly viewed as hub of international terrorism. It recent attempts to malign India at UN has been futile which is reflected in the muted response of international community. Time for anticipation is now over. Kashmir problem is clearly exacerbated by Islamic terror outfits and its apologists operating in the valley. It is time India crushed the home grown militancy, fathered by Burhan Wani with iron hands. India must clearly evolve a strategy to counter the stinging attacks of Pakistan which follows no norms of war.

 

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Burhan Wani’s killing: A tipping point for militant resurgence in Kashmir?

With the systemic glorification of the anti-Indian element 22 year old, Burhan Wani, who was killed in an encounter at Kokernag on July 8^th Kashmir militancy received a new lease for life. Hailing from a well-to- do family from South Kashmir town of Tral, Burhan allegedly suffered mistreatments at the hands of errant Kashmir police, resurrected militancy. He induced a phenomenal aura into the armed struggle by reaching out to the youth through social media. Embraced by Hizbul Mujahadeen for his soaring popularity on social media, he quickly rose to higher ranks. By conscientiously aggrandizing the jihadi movement against India he attracted Kashmiri youth to join him. Deftly handling the cyberspace, he recruited 60-70 youth and steadily spearheaded the militancy movement in the valley. Militancy in India, which was lacking a formidable leader found one in Burhan. By romanticizing the call for azaadi, he soon acquired larger than life image and neutralizing such a motivating figure has become imminent. Subsequently procuring information about his alleged activities and operating location has become a challenge for the Indian security forces operating in the valley. With internal situation of Pakistan stabilized, the focus of deep state shifted focus to Kashmir. As a result infiltration movement was unusually high this summer. To revive the militant ranks in the valley attempts were made to push trained Pakistani terrorists inside. With Indian forces stepping up counter insurgency operations across the 30-40km range of LoC causalities were minimum. On the other hand, armed infiltrators changed their tactics and began targeting police convoys to create a wave of terror. Pampore ambush that claimed lives of 8 CRPF jawans typically exemplifies sudden shift in strategy of armed infiltrators. This new tactic suddenly emboldened the home grown militants. Neutralization of the charismatic young leader, who extolled jihad has become inevitable. Indian forces went for the kill. But the unprecedented success of the Indian security forces has opened a Pandora box.

The decision of handing over the body of Burhan who pioneered home grown militancy was indeed bold. Past experiences indicated that denial of last rites to terrorists eventually resulted in conferring heroic martyrdom and eternal glorification. To prevent idolization and to contain the angst of the locals, despite the perilous consequences security forces allowed a public funeral. But unfortunately, contrasting narratives that prevailed, existed and spread after post-Burhan’s killing inflicted great damage to India. While the role of Pakistan in grooming, patronizing and raking up anti-India sentiments in the valley are undeniable, the convoluted narratives enviously propagated by a section of Indian media resulted in absolute bedlam of Kashmir valley. Seamless adulation of the Kashmiri separatists and the martyr status conferred by newspapers ignited fresh row of protests in the valley. Mincing no words, critics and certain political parties, upped ante against government and shamelessly questioned the Indian forces in going for the kill. Experts too began to argue the desideratum of killing Burhan with separatists failing to create new wave of resurgence in the valley and challenged the timing of the encounter since it overlapped the Amarnath yatra.

Indian authorities appraised of the implications, were equipped to meet contingences but the overwhelming surge of passions and impetuous response of the people intrigued them. Protestors acting at the behest of their masters across the borders hardened in fomenting trouble quickly swung into action. Moreover, in this age of instantaneous social networking, Pakistan waged a proxy war raking up the old wounds of the people. Burhan acquired Robinhood status in the valley, terror groups discreetly milked this sentiment and ignited tensions. Curfew was imposed to curb escalation of tensions. But despite the curbs, the mobilized mobs targeted 17 police stations were attacks. Violence erupted in the remote areas too. Unrelenting coverage of 24X7 media channels exacerbated the situation. Cycles of tensions are a common place in valley. Earlier, the protests were truly reflective of the indigenous azaadi or independence or self-determination. But what is truly appalling in this latest resurgence has been the portentous overtures of Islamist radicalization.

Sadly, India media shamelessly never acknowledges the fact that killing of the 22-year is not simply about the independence of Kashmir from the Oppressed Indian state, but it is about the larger manifesto waging a war against a non-Islamic state. Kashmir is only a ruse, but the real target is challenging the sovereignty, integrity and unity of Indian republic. While the initial days of the Kashmir insurgency is largely about self-determination but the ultimate agenda of all the terrorist outfits targeting India is of Ghazwa-e-Hind or in simple words- an ultimate battle for conquest of India by Muslim warriors. Indian journals are thus playing into hands of Pakistanis and expeditiously endorsing Pakistan’s cause.

 After suffering humiliating defeats at the hands of India in 1965 and 1971, Lt Gen Hamid Gul of Pakistan, impelled by animosity towards India, trained young Kashmiris and Afghans to fight in India. Later in 1990’s Jammu Kashmir Liberation Front (JKLF) spear-headed nationalist agenda of Kashmir. JKLF created the first wave of insurgency in early 1990’s. By 1994 the Indian chapter of JKLF headed by Yashin Malik renounced armed struggle and aspired to find a political solution. The recruits would cross border, obtain training and arms from Pakistan. Wielding Kalashnikov’s, they continued armed struggle in India. The death of Burhan reminded of a young JKLF recruit, Ashfaq Majeed Wani who would kidnap civilians, torment Kashmiri Pandits and was involved in kidnapping of Rubaiyya Sayeed, sister of current Chief Minister of Kashmir, Mehabooba Mufti. His career ended abruptly when he was blown away in grenade attack by the Indian military in 1990. His death created similar ripples in the valley when thousands of people defying the curfew attended the last prayers.  Unapologetic hankering of media that consciously chose to overlook the violence generated after the killing of Burhan reminded the valley of their posterboy of yesteryears- Ashfaq. The valley despite witnessing several encounters over the decades never flared up with rage to this extent. Instigated protestors began hurling stones and Molotov cocktails at the Indian security forces. Hurling of hand grenades from behind the agitating innocent mobs (human shields) has become popular practice in the valley after 2010. Pitched battles erupted between the civilians and paramilitary forces. With the news of killing spreading like wild fire, internet connection and mobile services were shut down, infuriated mobs began retaliating. Militants in the meanwhile, turning the scores of innocent civilians with no connection into human shield started hurling grenades at security forces. Security forces in a bid to dispel crowds used pellet guns. Over 1500 suffered the pellet injuries and a state of medical emergency was witnessed. In the meanwhile, with the unrelenting protestors intensifying attacks on army camps and air force bases, casualties began to mount resulting in the death of 42 persons till now.

While there are loud appeals from the human rights activists against the use of pellet guns to control the mobs, the alacrity of forces drastically reduced loss of lives. In reality, situation in Kashmir has relatively improved from 2002 barring sudden upsurge in 2012 and communally charged protests in 2008 and 2010. Militant recruitments too have come down. The number of active terrorists are reduced in numbers. Army records indicate that local recruits in last year was 66 and increase from 16 the previous year. After Burhan became Hizb-ul-Mujahideen (HuM) commander, local recruits were drawn into the jihad cult. Previously new recruits used to travel to Pakistan to get trained but now they are trained locally. His death is thus a massive jolt to HuM.  In the aftermath of his killing, selective amnesia of media has set a dangerous precedent. Oblivious of the violence and rage of stone hurling mobs, deification of Burhan emboldened the Kashmiri militants. 

As anticipated, Pakistan dragged India to the UN and envoy Maleeha Lodhi referred to Burhan’s killing as extra judicial and extolled that India violated human rights. Under pressure from the army and media, Prime Minister Nawaz Sharif declared Burhan Wani as martyr and condemned India for killing a Kashmiri leader. Facing severe dissidence Sharif announced that Pakistan will observe a July 19^th as Black Day due to “the worst outbreak of violence in Kashmir”. But in a major loss of face, Pakistan government had to reschedule it as July 19^th is celebrated Kashmir’s Accession day in Pakistan. On July 19^th 1947 All Jammu Kashmir Muslim Conference in Srinagar has demanded Dogra rulers to materialize accession of J&K to Pakistan.

While the intransigence of Pakistan in resolving the Kashmir issue has been the major obstacle, the current episode of militant resurgence has numerous takeaways. Despite the repeated cycles of violence, India has failed to evolve a dedicated strategy for Kashmir. Estrangement of Kashmir stemming from failure of the Indian government to effectively communicate and engage with all the stakeholders of valley has generated a paralysis. While the despair and despondency of the Kashmiri youth is no different from other regions, a prolonged alienation can push into an egregious radicalization pogrom. Kashmir is an integral part of India and would continue to remain so. Over the past seven decades, the region remained as a bone of contention between India and Kashmir. Kashmir is Pakistan’s jugular vein and extremely crucial for fostering its nihilistic agenda of 1000 years of war with India. Independent India has been effectively resisting Pakistan’s clandestine strategies. The secessionist movement of Kashmir which initially drew support from Pakistan is now inadvertently sucked into a feigned Islamic movement. Internet Islamization, a concept developed by ISIS imploring upon the Islamic aesthetics is attracting youth World over. It is time India sheds political impasse over Kashmir issue and engage with grass roots and save Kashmir from formidable influence of religious ideologues.

 

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Beginning Of A New End: Assembly Election 2016

The electoral verdict of the four assembly elections clearly pushed the country inches closer to the slogan CongressMukt advocated by the BJP. Back in 2014, old critics lashed out at BJP and trounced the saffron brigade for its vehement appeal to end the dynasty rule of the Congress. The slogan was ridiculed, the idea was drubbed as a day dream. But the results of assembly elections conducted through an extended phase of polling clearly delivered a decisive mandate enunciating their choices. In all, Congress was badly trounced. It lost miserably in Assam and Kerala. In Tamilnadu Congress alliance with DMK was trumped by AIADMK and in West Bengal it became the second largest party. The 131 year old, colossal Congress party with its eternal flow of funds, extended grass root presence, huge popularity and resourceful cadre support was believed to be invincible had bungled. Encumbered by decadence, decrepit of visionary leadership, the legendary Congress party under the siege of inept dynasty is bouncing towards an inglorious end.

The Grand old political party of India with a pan Indian presence and control, now governs just 6 states- Himachal Pradesh, Uttarakhand, Karnataka, Manipur Meghalaya and Mizoram. With its huge electoral bastions plundered by an aspirational national party and aggressive regional satraps, Congress party gradually lost its relevance and presence. Congress party suffered its first massive jolt in 2014 General Elections, when it failed to clinch the position of the leader of opposition in the Lok Sabha.  Despite amassing nine successive defeats, the party refused to resurrect. The reluctant leadership refused to concede and understand the message delivered by the electorate. Consequently, its electoral base, which largely included minorities and other groups slowly drifted away and shifted loyalties. Moreover, the capricious and reluctant leadership of the party could no longer match the spirited aspirations of the country bubbling with demographic dividend. Commanded by a young leader, forever in making, the party miserable failed to connect to the aspirational youth. Plagued by recalcitrance, the hierarchy refused to cede ground to youthful ideas and new leadership. The partisan leadership grudgingly held the authority, oblivious of the ground realities, with loud rants and capricious promises reminiscent of 70’s the Congress is nearing decadence. It has steadily stumbled from the position of a commander-in-chief to an opportunistic coalition partner. Its desperation to be part of the Mahaghatbandan in Bihar and the conniving alliance with the Left Front in West Bengal simply reflects its infamous decline. Further subsumed by political opportunism, minority appeasement, corruption, beleaguered local leadership Congress steadily backslided. 

The current assembly elections marks emergence of a new era in Indian politics. For the first time in independent India, a non-Congress party is set to govern larger share of Indian population. Steady decline of Congress is expected to continue. Himachal Pradesh mired in corruption is all set to lose ground to BJP in the ensuing assembly elections. Uttarakhand too is politically precariously poised with 8 rebel congress MLAs ready to join BJP. If the dissident MLAs are allowed to participate in the floor test, the Congress will lose the northern state. Manipur is staring towards political turmoil. Congress may then be left with three states to govern. Even the next round of assembly elections in 2017, Congress is not expected to make any gains. Congress had faint chances of clinching power in Punjab, but poll survey has already pronounced a sweeping victory for AAP.

Further this round of assembly elections had presented a vivid picture of the evolving political scenario in the country. The resounding victories of Mamata Banerjee in West Bengal and Jayalalitha in Tamilnadu witnessed the emergence of ambitious regional leaders. Overwhelmed by the unexpected gains Banerjee hinted at a central role and expressed her willingness to work with like-minded parties to form a strong third front. Similarly Nitish Kumar post-Bihar elections and soon after donning the post of Party President called for a Sangh Mukt Bharat and invited parties to form an alliance. Thus, strong regional players will over a period of time pose a strong challenge to national parties. While Congress, having lost its sheen may no longer be a strong contender, BJP must soon gain more ground and change its stratagem to remain relevant. Already, parties like AAP are slowly making formidable presence in the states where electorate are antipathetic to national parties. AAP has already identified the gaps and aggressively campaigning in states like Punjab and Goa for 2017.

The BJP with its stellar performance in 2014 general elections, obtained a clear majority and soon evolved as a serious player. Though critics undermined the convincing victory citing poor vote share (poor acceptability), the party continued the impressive winning streak and silenced them. For the past three decades, saffron brigade considered as a political untouchable. Meanwhile the electoral debacle in Delhi and Bihar assembly elections believed to be a fallout of political hubris, stung as a wakeup call to party cadres. Undeterred by the electoral drubbing, BJP learnt its lessons and bounced back with thumping victory in Assam. By opening an account in Kerala, it penetrated the strong Left bastion and increased its vote share in Tamilnadu and Puducherry. Though it couldn’t maintain the 2014 electoral vote share in Bengal, its performance improved substantially (compared to 2011 assembly elections). With crucial assembly elections scheduled for 2017, the party can ill afford to be complacent. 

Moreover with more scams being unearthed and more skeletons tumbling out, Congress leadership is bracing for tough days. As congress party begins to lose more states, funding would turn out be an acute problem. With leadership showing no interest in reviving the party, the rut clogging the conduits may hasten its stagnation and decline. Soon Congress will cease to a lucrative alliance partner. Congress which is the largest party in Rajya Sabha so far, effectively blocked passage of several bills. With 9 nine of its members retiring, loses in the assembly elections will reduce their numbers. Similarly the allies of UPA too will end up losing as many as 15 seats. Soon its clout will be reduced in Rajya Sabha. In short, despite pleas for major revamp within the party, the dynasty has been eloquently postponing the task. Bihar victory has stalled the process of internal rejig within the party, if any. Slowly the party might face the prospect of desertions from its staunch allies. Worse still, the reluctance of Rahul Gandhi to project himself as a viable alternative might propel party to its eventual decline and irrelevance.

 

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Growth and Employment Trends 2014

 

The global employment trends 2014 released by International Labour Organisation (ILO) had presented with various statistics of the prevailing economic status of all countries. India’s GDP was pitched at 5% for the year 2013. Though India could withstand the weathering Economic Financial Crisis in 2008-2009 as the economy grew at record 11% it had succumbed to slow growth in 2011 due to domestic factors and reverberations in the economies of advanced countries. Further the decline in GDP of India is attributed both to low levels of investment and poor performance of manufacturing sector. India currently faces several macroeconomic challenges and imbalances due to high consumer price inflation which is pegged at 10.8%, current account deficit stands at 4.9% of GDP thus making it more dependent on external capital flows. The economic slowdown, policy uncertainty, and change in investor sentiment had led to volatility in capital flows in India; hence even the exchange rate has plummeted.

Labour Markets

Statistics indicate that labour markets are dominated by informal and agriculture sector where in wages are meagre and jobs are unprotected. Total employment in India has expanded from 2009 to 2012 in informal sector by 13.9 million jobs. The current unemployment in South Asia stands at 4% against 3.9% in 2013 with youth and women becoming more vulnerable to job loss. Youth unemployment is 10.2% against adult unemployment of 2.5%. Labour force participation has always been low in South Asia and it has come down to 39.6% implying increased enrolment into schools especially in secondary schooling.

Gender Gaps

There is wide spread gender disparity in terms of quality of employment, opportunities for better jobs and wages. Female labour participation hovers around 31% in India while it is 82.7% for Indian men. While the percentage of salaried men in the working group of 15-59 is 21.2% for men, 13.4% of females have such jobs. Women still tend to earn less, work in less productive jobs and are over-represented in unpaid family work.

Structural Transformation

Self-employment continues to be the most prevalent in South Asia. The number of jobs in informal sector has reduced and new jobs are created in registered formal sector. But due to the absence of the regular employment benefits and relationships there is an increase in the number of casual or contractual work force. Owing to poor structural transformation still most of the work force is dependent on agriculture sector with 51.7% people making their living through agriculture. It is as high as 74% in Pakistan.

Outlook

There is still a lot of scope for development as the fundamentals of economy like investment in infrastructure, large youth population and skill development programmes offer a great scope for shifting back to booming economic status. The essential key lies in converting the growth into decent employment for young women and men entering the labour market.

Dilemma Of The Present Education System

In honour of Maulana Abul Kalam Azad, a great freedom fighter, eminent educationalist and first education minister of Independent India, his birthday, Nov 11^th has been declared as National Education Day. He has been instrumental in the establishment of Indian Institutions of Technology (IIT) and laid foundation for University Grants Commission (UGC) to supervise and promote higher education in the country. He worked for the establishment of national educational system with free primary education and modern institutes for higher education. It is pertinent at this juncture to understand the current status of our education system. It is strongly believed that “Education is basic to the creation of an atmosphere in which human beings can meet one another on a plane of friendship and equality”. This year National education day celebrations are marked by the inauguration of 40^th Jawaharlal Nehru National Science, Mathematics and Environment Exhibition by the President  Pranab Mukherjee in Gangtok.

In Andhra Pradesh this day is celebrated as a Minorities Welfare Day and the state government has decided to felicitate various personalities who have contributed to the development of Urdu language and development. Maulana Azad shares his birthday with Acharya Kripalani, a prominent freedom fighter.

Our rural education system was evaluated by a NGO Pratham working in collaboration with UNESCO and UNICEF in rural areas of five states- Andhra Pradesh, Rajasthan, Jharkhand, Assam and Himachal Pradesh and has submitted Annual Status Education Report (ASER) for the year 2012. The report raised serious doubts about the progress made by Right to Education Act (RTE), 2009. The main objective of RTE is to ensure quality elementary education to the children of age group 6-14 throughout the country.  A sample survey conducted in five states indicate that learning levels of rural children have come down and just five out of 10 people of Class V were able to solve a simple arithmetic problem. There is sharp decline in the reading abilities of the children especially in the government schools and more people are sending their wards to private schools. To sum up even though there has been a massive improvement in the enrolment rates the quality of education imparted is not commensurate with the amount of money spent.  ASER has made some valuable recommendations to improve the learning standards which include teaching in mother tongue, urgent revisions of the syllabi, proper teacher recruitment policies and imparting child-friendly education.

India over period of six decades of independence has been successful in obtaining an enrolment level of 97% in the primary schools of which hardly 30% of them reach 12^th class. As the ASER report indicates, our existing system of learning is abysmal. It needs a total revamp. The core ingredients of our basic education are marked by the glaring absence of emphasis on building the core skills of learning. Our education system fails to arouse curiosity in children, moreover poor dissemination of information fail to evoke interest and the urge to question. Proper emphasis and importance hasn’t been laid on vocational training and skills. Thus our current education system has failed to empower the child after nearly 15 years of education to choose their choice of profession either academic or vocational. Moreover, the age old curriculum is hardly revised to reflect the changing power of analysis and abilities of children to confront the challenges of globalised and increasingly information driven world.

The standards of our education system were scrutinized on an International platform in 2009 when children from Himachal Pradesh and Tamilnadu were selected to represent India for a test known as PISA (Programme for International Student Assessment). India fared 73^rd position out of participating 74 nations, trailing ahead of Kyrgyzstan which was at the bottom of the table. This World Wide assessment test was conducted by Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) for 15 year old children to assess their abilities in mathematics, science and reading. India has withdrawn from the PISA test in 2012. In contrast our compatriot China topped the test and their children from Shangai excelled in all the three aspects of the test displaying an outstanding performance. Till 1990’s India and China had almost similar infrastructure but soon China made rapid strides in education with its dedicated political commitment. It has reformed its education system in stages and the results are brilliant.

Even our statistics in elite education are not so encouraging.  In 2002 India had 11,974 PhD’s as against China’s 14,706 and US had a total of 40,024. Within tune of 5 years, India had 20,131   doctorates while China had nearly double the number of PhD’s 41, 464 and was inching closer to US that had 48,117. By 2010 China outnumbered US in producing the record number of doctorates. India ranks 12^th in the field of science and technology in terms of publication and has 119 researchers in field of research and development per million as against 715 in China and 468 in US.

India is producing nearly 50 lakh graduates every year and a small fraction of them pursue research. In other words the number of people actively engaged in research and innovation driven projects are abysmally low. From the huge chunk of freshly churned graduates nearly 47% are unemployable indicating the deplorable state of present education system. Education has failed to empower the degree-holders as they lack the innovative spirit, out of box kind of thinking and entrepreneurship. Hence again millions of rupees have to be invested in their training for imparting employment skills. This muddled situation has a massive impact on the long term development and sustainable growth of the country. It is showing signs of economic and social strain across the country even. Another disconcerting feature is lack of formal linkage between the industry and academia which could ensure a regular flow of inputs from experts on the course curriculum and research. Further, there is a serious shortage of qualified and professional faculty thus creating an impediment for passionate learning.

The falling standards of Indian education system became apparent with the publication of Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) World University rankings which ranks 800 Universities from 76 countries. QS Rankings are made on the basis of four criteria - research, teaching, employability and internationalisation and sadly for India, its elite IIT’s are ranked at 222^nd position. Even in the Times Higher Ranking no single Indian University figured in the top 200. As a consolation, few Indian Universities could find place in the top 50 for some subjects.

Quality higher education is an enabling factor that can ensure a growth rate of 9%. Urgent steps must be taken to improve quality of technical education and faculty development. Curriculum has to be reformed and efforts are to be directed to bring about all round development in a child. Standard assessment practices must be in place instead of a system ridden of stress of examination. Professional training of teachers and teacher promotions should be based on the student performance.

The basic focus of education should change from the concept of making student mere repositories of information to set high standards in education for educational progress and innovation with a view to develop capability. India’s biggest advantage is its demographic divide and it has to fully utilise this opportunity to bring out the best in the nation where nearly half the population is less than 25 years old.

 

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Children Of Lesser God

Children Of Lesser God

During school days assembly was never complete without taking a pledge which all of us used recite with lot of sincerity and commitment. Though it took me a long time to understand the meaning and real essence of the pledge, I felt connected to our motherland. But today I feel so embittered and  betrayed, about 20 children lost their lives  and  fifty more are in a critical condition after consuming the mid day meals at the government school in Bihar and Maharashtra. Suddenly the whole concept of the pledge appeared fake and meaningless. We are now forced to believe if this country is for the rich, by the rich, of the rich.

 We try to emulate the west in several aspects. Then why are we lagging behind in extending similar empathy to the hapless that lost their innocent children. When the Sandy Hook Elementary school firing at Newtown happened, the manner in which the U.S. government and the head of the state handled the issue is worth praising. The parents of the children who lost lives in the firing are extended all the help and sympathy. Official condolences were conveyed in person by the President and local agencies helped them to recover from the shock. On the contrary the reaction of the Indian government and the help extended at the crucial hour of crisis is abysmal and pathetic. Even the parents of the severely poisoned children had to run pillar to post for medical help. Some to them who could have been otherwise saved with proper medical intervention at right time also lost lives due to the callous attitude of the officials. We try to ape west, but why don’t we imbibe their true spirit in face of tragedies like these.

In the face of this severe personal tragedy, the bereaved parents are protesting against the agencies for justice. Instead of offering apologies and condolences to them officials are hiding behind the iron curtains of the polity. Still there isn’t any emphatic action against the culprits. Again the regular blame-game is up in action and the politicians are trying to milk this opportunity for better leverage against their opponents. When will our country wake up? Is there no place for humanity in this politically-challenged nation?

Intellectuals proclaim that India is ushering into a new realm and dream about a vibrant and shining India. Whereas the people living in utter poverty die of hunger and utter callousness of the officials who turn a deaf ear to their wails. The growing disparities in the income is widening the gap further and state is now divided into two major groups-privileged/haves and underprivileged/have-nots. The privileged category is untouched by any of the casualties and is given a royal state treatment at the expense of the taxpayer and the underprivileged are utterly cheated, exploited as their woes are hardly taken care off.

We claim ourselves to be a soft state. Is this softness solely reserved for our belligerent and bewitching   neighbouring nations? On one hand government is making large-scale arrangements for the launch of its most ambitious Food Security Bill within a fortnight. So does it mean that the beneficiaries should gear up for rotten, substandard and adulterated food supplies in offing????

 

 

 

 

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Food Security Bill: A "bait"

Food Security Bill: A“bait”?

India proudly proclaims itself as the single largest democratic world. But sadly Democracy in its worst form reigns in our land. Come elections we witness the beguile tricks of the old timers of the trade. Thanks to our political clout people seem to have vowed to succumb to their obnoxious tricks forever. Yet another, bait has been laid out for the forth coming general elections as well as ensuing assembly elections.

The sudden and dying urgency shown by the government in bringing out an ordinance on the Food Security Bill when monsoon session is due in a fortnight further speaks out its political implications on impending elections. The sequence of events in which this entire drama has been staged out springs up lot of doubts. Two aspects of the bill are of great consequence- the time and the manner it has been brought forward for discussion, approval and implementation.

On one hand while the fiscal deficit of India has reached a burgeoning high of 4.9% of GDP, government hasn’t shied away from implementing the subsidies. Food security bill if passed in the parliament would incur a burden on the exchequer to a tune 1.25 lakh crores and further 62.5 million tonnes of food grains have to be procured for the same. As the cost of cultivation of rice and wheat has increased to a tune of 45% minimum support prices can’t remain frozen. They have to be substantially increased thus increasing the burden of procurement. If the bill is implemented, agriculture subsidy deficit itself would increase to 1.25% from the existing 0.8% hence reducing the scope for diverting funds to some other developmental projects. If the government plans to contain the fiscal deficit as suggested by the Kelkar committee, other infrastructure and development oriented projects have to be suspended.

Firstly, the proposed bill aims to cover 2/3^rd of the population, with each person entitled to 5kg of the cereals per month-rice, wheat and coarse grains at Rs 3, 2, 1 for kg. Reports indicate that the public distribution system have an implementation capacity of only 46% highlighting the extent of leakages. PDS is already notorious for its pilferage. Government wants to rely on the same system for the distribution. While on the other hand, it is important to note that the most needy and homeless people fail to get the ration cards as the officials deny to sanction any card in absence of proper documents. Thus the actual beneficiaries are ostracised of all the benefits of the bill if any. To top it all, the cost of setting up the infrastructure needed for the implementation of the bill is not yet estimated. This includes identification of the beneficiaries, a system for procurement and storage of the food grains.

Secondly, biggest lacuna is how the beneficiaries are identified. This is another big issue as the study by Tendulkar Committee, suggests that any person earning Rs 28 in urban areas and Rs 22 in rural areas is considered to be living above poverty line. But still there is large conundrum as the numbers are not acceptable to most of experts due to the existing inflationary scenario of the country. (The analysis was based on the consumption patterns of the people). Hence Rangarajan Committee was set up to arrive at plausible numbers and statistics. Thus in absence of at least a fool proof method of identifying the beneficiaries what purpose is this proposed bill going to serve. Also states like Tamilnadu, Maharastra, Andhra Pradesh and Orissa have their own food subsidy programs, what will be the role of this bill in those states?

Thirdly, are the nutritional needs of the malnourished infants, children and pregnant women met by providing cereals alone, when prices of the fruits and vegetables are skyrocketing? Studies conducted on the impact of the food subsidies on the economically impoverished people in different countries haven’t indicated any perceptible increase in the nutritional status of the beneficiaries.

The basic intention of this essay is not undermining the efforts taken in the noble cause of providing food to the people experiencing the hunger pangs. But it is about the propriety. Already 360 millions of the people below poverty line receive kerosene, cooking gas, fertilisers and wheat/ rice at a subsidised price through the public distribution system. There is wide spread disapproval among them due to the poor quality of the grains. This further portends the state of poor storage facilities which results in wastage of grains to a tune of 6 million tonnes every year.  Finally this all comes down to the effectiveness with which these schemes are implemented. Every tier of the government agency needless to say is riddled with corruption and hence the benefits are just trickling down to the weaker section.

The eagerness and the urgency shown in introducing these bills will have a true meaning if the government shows a similar interest in delivering the goods to the needy. This necessitates the immediate need for revamping the existing PDS, identifying the beneficiaries, effective implementation and also curtailing the rerouting of the valuable food grains into commercial markets. In the absence of this deliverance system, the much hyped up Food Security Bill would result in kicking off a chain of scams.

India is severely criticised by the World Bank for its vast subsidies as it will supposedly increase economic inefficiency. On further thoughts, if the fiscal deficit on food subsidies is reduced, investments can be channelized to important infrastructure and development projects which can usher us into a realm of economic growth and development. India has to be aggressive with regards to its investments if it wants to remain competitive and garner the foreign direct investment. These subsidies on a long run would have a negative impact on the youth as they would be habituated to assured food supplies and thus become more dependent on the system for more. Instead programs that can make them self-reliant and skilled can bring the real transformation in their lives.

A choice has to be made at this juncture, since it is more than six decades of independence to either make effective use of the resources both natural and man-made or to burden the system with more deficits. Hence the bill is nothing but a “game-changer” for the government which is knee-deep in corruption. It is the desperate attempt by them to lure the masses and further assure themselves of the next term.

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Nature's Fury

Nature’s Fury

Mother Nature is all powerful and supreme. The recent nature’s holocaust in Uttarakhand stands as a perfect example of the nature’s devastative rage. It is now proven beyond doubt that if we tamper and abuse nature the damage would be irreprehensible. The country has experienced the worst form of devastation. The delicate ecological balance of the nature should be protected to maintain the environmental harmony. Time and again we are reminded of this principle but we still fail to understand the importance of conservation of nature and its precious resources.

The disaster assumes greater significance as it has affected the lives of several lakhs of pilgrims from all over the country who are on their annual pilgrimage to the sacred hills popularly known as the Chardham yatra. Every Hindu dreams of visiting these places at least once in their lifetime as the Indian Mythology regards these hills are Abode of God. The tragedy has stuck the hills at the peak period of the holy trip. Rescuing the vast number of tourists on those narrow sludgy roads on a hilly terrain is an extremely difficult task. Most of the places are inaccessible and poorly connected further compounding the difficulties during the relief operations. The first step has been to evacuate the pilgrims. The sudden cloud burst had left a gory picture and it is estimated that it will take a couple of years at least to rehabilitate the locals and restore normalcy.

The Indian Air Force along with other paramilitary forces rose to this occasion and did commendable work by showing undaunted will and courage in rescuing the trapped pilgrims. They were apt to the famous saying of Dalai Lama “It is under greatest adversity there exists a greatest potential for doing good both for oneself and for others.” But on the obverse Indian power mongers’ haven’t defied purging themselves of the cheap and treacherous political games. The situation looks much more disgusting with the ruling party and the leading opposition parties vying against each other to proclaim themselves as saviours of people. The hapless tourists who were the worst sufferers of the nature’s fury have fallen into the hands of greedy politicians who under the guise of rescue are hoarding them into their opportunistic dens.

It is disheartening to know about thousands of people, mostly the locals whose lives have been tattered by the cloud burst. The plight of the local people of the state is deplorable. They have lost everything in their lives. Though temporary arrangements for their rehab are made, the psychological stress and mental trauma of losing absolutely everything would make their lives very burdensome. Even the pilgrims who were trapped in the place during the entire tragedy would never be able to recover from the disastrous trail they have watched or might have gone through. For the most unfortunate, who have lost their loved ones; it would be a worst night mare. People’s morale seems to have taken back footing and they are psychologically affected and general mood indicates that they are really frightened to settle back in the hills.

The damage caused by the floods in terms of number of lives lost and infrastructure losses could have been curtailed had the Government machinery been little more alert. The consecutive state governments failed to heed to the counsel of the environmentalists and warnings of the geologists who strongly detested against any huge constructions. In spite of numerous advises from the scientists, government went ahead ruthlessly with construction of numerous Hydel Power plants across the rivers  putting a lot of pressure on these hills. The narrow roads and the cliffs have crumbled apart under the impact of heavy downpour during these floods. Thus, several villages were wiped off completely.

Further, the gross oversight and laxity of administrative authorities in spite of the severe weather forecasting of the looming and the impending threat looks so comical. Together the floods have highlighted the unpreparedness of nation towards a calamity of such huge scale. To top it all various government agencies started playing the eternal blame-game characteristic of India trying to veil their in competencies and in efficiencies in public.  This entire aftermath after any disaster has become so common that people failed to trust any agency. The irony in a country like India is all the higher ups having the authority and power are least affected by any of these tragedies and the poor hapless people are the ultimate sufferer’s. The corruption, red tape and the greed for the power of the rulers is taking a huge toll on Indian public.

By and large there has been tremendous response about Uttarakhand’s massive floods both in terms of relief & rescue offered by Government and people’s response in terms of physical participation and voicing out their concerns. I would broadly categorise the public opinions into two- scientific and mythological. Mythology claims the place to be having Divine attributes and hence when the people who lack the religious fervour, devotion and faith in the sanctity visit these places tsunamis of this kind are bound to happen. They view it as an act of cleansing the evil by the Lord. Scientific outlook being more rational suggests that abusing the existing ecosystem of the Himalayan terrains has resulted in nature’s fury. But the basic underlying point is very clear- when nature is abused we are bound to reap the results of the imbalance caused. Be it in terms of number of people visiting the mountainous terrain thus putting lot of pressure on the already overburdened and delicate infrastructure in place or a basic change in perception of people towards the sanctity of place. Instead of embarking on these hills with respect, people started perceiving it as adventure tourism and hence the new craze. So the answer is simple, indiscriminate modernisation and overburdening of the fragile niche of hills results in breaking the ecological balance of the place and leading invariably to complete annihilation.

 

 

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Employment Potential Of A Developing Nation

Employment Potential Of A Developing Nation

Youth is the backbone of any nation and their progress is the indicator of the economic prosperity of nation. Global studies have indicated that number of jobless has increased by 30% after 2007. Thus signalling rise in global unemployed youth. It is really astounding to have a look at the real figures. They are really very discouraging. In South Africa it is almost 55% and in European countries like Greece and Spain the figures are intimidating. ILO predicted that nearly 6% of youth in the age of 15-24 are jobless accounting to 75 million. When it comes to the youth who are inactive referred to as NEETS (not in employment, education and training), constitute 260 million. Youth unemployment would be issue of major concern as the stability and progress of the society as well as country largely depends on the youth.

In India the rate stands at staggering 9.5%. The numbers are really huge in terms of numbers as India contributes to nearly one-fifth of global youth. Though India lags behind several other countries in utilising its natural resources to its advantage, the huge demographic dividend if tapped properly can change the contour of the country. Even highly populated country like China is now experiencing a rise in its aged population. But unfortunately, Government has miserably failed in utilising its great demographic advantage to its benefit and progress.

It is worth noting at this juncture that unemployment is much lower in illiterate population as they are ready to take up any kind of menial jobs. The sudden surge in unemployment is more visible among the educated. The graduates who aim for white collar jobs and are reluctant to take up low paid jobs. India hasn’t developed sufficiently to accommodate the growing number of the graduates in its either manufacturing or the industrial sector which accommodates only 20% and services constitute to 30%. Most of the people seem to depend vastly on the agriculture and its allied activities for bountiful employment which constitutes to nearly 50%. While the NSSO studies puts that nearly 60% of the youth are self-employed. Only 16% youth get regular income, jobs in informal sector account to 85% and in formal sector they are to the tune of 11%.  But in general there is a great concern as 125 million people get added every decade. Further nearly double the number of young graduates strikes the job market than can be placed. Increasing despondency on the part of the educated due to lack of the jobs would result in major unrest and would have an undesirable effect on the social fabric as well.

The educated youth in India are further beset with problem of required skill set needed for immediate placement. The problem is aggravated by the slow growth, which failed to create jobs. Hardly any new jobs have been created during the period 2004-5 to 2009-10, whereas in the previous five years nearly 60million jobs were created. Whereas the economic boom in China has created 130 million jobs. The industrial output in India is at mere 27% while in other big Asian countries it is to the tune of 40-44%. The biggest handicap is our government instead of being proactive in creating new jobs are still depending on the palliatives like the NREGA and other subsidies offered to the villages for their development.

Indian manufacturing giants are keen on foreign direct investment than establishing new firms in India due to the rigid labour laws. Nearly 200 odd labour laws have to be followed to fire the troublesome elements. Moreover, the largest foreign manufacture units in India prefer to use robots, thus the FDI failed to generate new jobs. Hence the answer lies in encouraging the manufacturing sector that can provide more number of jobs. Thus India should concentrate more on making new products than simply squandering this demographic advantage. Though there is great demand for our labour in other countries, it would be realistic to grab the opportunity in developing our infrastructure. Moreover with a concurrent increase of wages in China, foreign giants are keen on shifting their businesses to other South Asian countries. It would greatly benefit an economy like India if it can divert those investments into our country.

Situation in villages is still worse as they lack proper infrastructure thus no scope for industrial growth and hence employment opportunities are bleak. The frustrated youth from villages are now moving to the cities thus adding to the burgeoning woes of the already overpopulated cities. Even in the industrial sector nearly quarter of the jobs are in construction as opposed to the manufacturing sector. Manufacturing units not only contribute to the national income generation but provides an opportunity for exposure to the modern equipment. Thus they enhance the existing skill set and also increase the scope for further training and learning new techniques.

Youth are simmering with anger and their energies are simply getting wasted by their overt presence in protests and agitations. On the other hand, though the youth seem to be more politically active than the previous generation. But hardly any new change can be expected as their political affiliations seem to be same as their parents. Most of them seem to lack the nerve and the objective to envision a new India. The geriatric ruling the country seem to hardly sense the urgent need to arrest the anger among the youth.

The omnipotent and omnipresent corruption, red-tape and crony politics seem to dampen the spirit of the youth. Further, leaders lack the conviction and the single-minded intention to bring about any change in the progress in nation. Especially in terms of creating more manufacturing firms that can engage large number of the skilled as well as semi and under-skilled youth. India is at the verge of simply frittering away its great demographic dividend. Thanks to the lack of vision and commitment on the part of leaders at the top who are busy in constant blitzkrieg and stalling the parliament sessions.

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Unfurling Rural India

Unfurling Rural India

Last week, a close encounter with the life in village has given me inkling about the current status of the people living there. The changes brought about by globalization or free markets haven’t crept into their lives at all. They are blissfully unaware of the changes, the new trends that the free trade has brought into our country. As politicians prefer to call it as “Bharat”, this Bharat has failed to catch up with the modern India and in fact development has become so sloppy there.

It is astonishing to find that the lives of the villagers have hardly changed.  They have been living under the same roof for years together; often men and cattle cuddle up in the same place. While it is so distressing to watch such encounters, it is the stark reality. The only noticeable change is the ubiquitous presence of mobile phones and dish TV connections which are so rampant in even the remotest corners. There is no change in the standard of their living. The daily routine has hardly changed for the men and women who work hard the whole day. Women seem to be busy engaged in the daily chores day long and could barely manage to employ any new tools at work.

It is really heartening to see the fate of the youth who are caught in quagmire of being unskilled, unemployed and under educated. Their energies are frittered away. Villages form the back bone of the nation. They are also the smallest governing bodies and have the history of being self sufficient. The glorious past of India refers to villages as the abode for the skilled workers and artisans who at the helm of affairs has refined and reshaped the nation. But In contrast present day youth seem to lack the direction, incentive and the motto to do something big. Their lives have become insipid. Programs or initiative to harness their energies in a creative and purposeful way might help in tackling the situation.

Indian villages no longer present the picturesque beauty of nature. They are soon transforming into dumping yards of desolate, destitute and unskilled people. The situation is still worse with complete absence of drainage system and the lack of clean drinking water. Poor sanitation together with poor accessibility to the nutritious food has further worsened the depleting health conditions of the old.  Public health care system has become out reach. Proper pediatric care is conspicuous by its absence. Most of the toddlers and children are just seen hurling mud at each other or ignorantly wallowing in the water pools undermining the necessity for proper educational facilities. My intention is not put a gloomy picture of the country side. But it is out of deep anguish about the future of the younger generation I intended to pen down my observations. Growth has become lopsided. The plush gated communities with exclusive swimming pools a quite common feature in the metros is in sharp contrast to this part of our country.

I don’t intend to convey that Urban India is a paradise. But it is a deep anguish that situation in villages is deteriorating. Villages have been the cradles for the robust growth and economy. They have been the hot seat for craftsmen; artisans who carved a niche for themselves and brought a great recognition through their unique creations.

Too many disparities and inequalities in growth and income generation are going to drain the nation’s economy. Inequalities and frustrations if they continue for a longer time would make a deep dent on the back of the country and finally vanquish the peace and harmony. This irregular distribution of the wealth and widening gap of the income levels might prove disastrous. Further the growing cultural differences as a consequence of the wealth might alienate the rich from the abject poor.

The development or welfare projects must be targeted to the masses at the lowest level. Equitable distribution of resources, wealth will even out existing differences. Empowering the youth should be the way forward and might bring some respite to the rural masses who lie grossly neglected. When progress is attained from the smaller units it will be inclusive, complete and sturdy.

 

 

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Perennial Political Drama

Perennial Political Drama

Gear up for yet another political drama. With elections around the corner though not really so close. But with four big states preparing for elections there is going to be a greater political drama to unfold. Even the national general elections sometime back seemed inevitable, but cleverly averted by quick-fix plans of ruling party. Current government is a make-shift kind of arrangement and is very vulnerable; any minor controversy might topple it at anytime. Hence the prospect of early elections might be underway.

Elections are backbone for any democratic set up. Our country goes through the travails of elections every five years, if the government manages to stay in power for a full term or mid-term elections become indispensible if it fails. This has been recurrent saga of the great Indian Political drama from the past 62 years. Are we being too optimistic in expecting some palpable change in the ever degrading and ever eroding value political system? Should we be casted as being overly ambitious to dream about vibrant India reaching the pinnacles of glory and success?

India is slated to be the largest democratic nation in the world. Leaving aside the fairness with which they are conducted. Can we ever expect any change in the system? Are the youngsters of India really geared up to play a responsible role in electing befitting leaders without succumbing to any pressures-monetary or otherwise?

Today after watching a speech by yet  another leader’s claim for power and pretentious promises about welfare of the state. I started thinking whether we should believe them or just lament at our stupidity in believing those people who are unable to deliver anything or to entertain a betrayed faith in the democratic institution that people might perhaps elect good leaders. Or is it going to be another passing phase or the regular ritual which is conducted every five years or whenever the coalition leaders lock horns and topple the government for their petty interests. Psephologists predict a coalition government in the next elections? What kind of leaders are going to handle the responsibility of ruling our country?

Just like an oasis in a desert, a beacon of hope waits in the form of significant change in the socio—economic scenario of couple of states marking the zenith of a new dawn. Leaders with vision, innovative ideas and meticulous planning  can expedite administrative machinery for the growth and welfare of the masses.

Indian constitution has granted the status of federation though not a complete federation. But this has endowed with some flexibility in governance in a diverse country like India. Though centre is supreme and cann’t be challenged. There are certain spheres/ sectors where states have complete authority or supreme governance. The kind of federal set up has scope for larger and inclusive growth. States have the authority to decide and implement welfare projects best suited for them locally and explore all the potentialities for development from the ground level. Thus ensuring that the projects reaches the needy, the down trodden and address their problems pertaining to that region. Thus competent leader of state can come up with inventive formula suited for their states and make rapid strides in their respective states. This kind of positive leadership can lead to a competition among states to perform better. In contrast have situations where states are constantly squabbling for funds and special privileges with centre. A positive cult would result in emergence of more local leader or better known regional leaders, who can perform, deliver and bring the needed change. 

With the new trend of coalition government predicted to rule the country will it be able to fulfill the aspirations of the new generation? Are the local leaders ready to mark a new beginning? Or are we headed to more murkier and meddlesome politics where leaders are up for a big bargain in exchange for their support. Can we see a new tribe of politicians who can put larger interests of people before self? It is basic of right of every citizen of the country to have a good governance and progress. But why do the leaders of political parties feel as if they are doing great favor in designing policies for the growth and development of nation?

India has the unparalleled reputation of imbibing foreign culture and assimilating it to the core. We take pride in aping the west especially. Then why don’t we take a proactive role while electing our representatives and setting up an exemplary administrative system. Why are we lagging behind in using all the extensively developed media vehicles to disseminate good ideas and values? Why don’t we have constructive debates on social issues and try to take some corrective measures in preventing this rot? Why are we undermining the importance of a value based system which can revamp the existing dismal political system? Time to wake up from deep slumber !!!!!!!

 

 

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