Wednesday, March 21, 2012

Random Thoughts 8

Random Thoughts

Poised To take Off

India must address demographic issues to fulfil its enormous potential
Population explosion a “Night-mare waiting to haunt us.

Such contradictions notwithstanding, there is some evidence to suggest that there is a great window of opportunity for India. Some key reforms could launch the country on a long cycle of high, inclusive growth that could well end with India emerging as the third largest economy in the world.

Between 1983 and 2007-08, agriculture’s share in total employment came down from 63% to 53%, and it has since declined further.

Where productivity is only about half or a third of that in the organized sector-the 2009-2010 NSS survey shows that for the first time, employment has grown much faster in the high-productivity organized sector than in the unorganized sector.

This could push up India’s potential growth rate from around 7%-8% at present to 10% or more during the next two to three decades.

Another precondition, and a much bigger challenge, is education. An important goal in itself, education is also key to equipping the workforce with the necessary knowledge and skill s to migrate from low to high productivity jobs.

Pop Explosion:

By 2025 1.40 billion, (140 crore) would overtake China’s population of 1.34 billion (134 crore)
By 2050 1.60 billion (160 crore)

By 2100 2.00 billion (200 crore)

India occupies 2.2% of the earth surface and 18% of population now, which would go upto 22% by the end of the century.

Can we provide

Education-that also quality education (especially at primary & Secondary level).
Employment-Expectation are rising the population explosion in the biggest impediment.

Random Thoughts 7

Random Thoughts

Sachin’s Ton’s Ton- Sachin wins India loses

India beaten by Bangladesh by 5 wickets was most unexpected and humiliating. It appears Sachin’s Ton of Tons was more important than India’s win. Sachin scored 113 runs out of 147 balls and the remaining team scored 175 runs of 145 balls. The score was deficient by 20-30 runs.

Firstly Sachin played (nearly 25 over’s) with caution keeping his personal scoring rate low. And to help Sachin the remaining other players sacrificed their performance.

We have to think and decide, priority is, individual achievements or National Pride.

On Budget

Railway Budget: A bold step, long awaited. The whole exercise has been in the right direction. Kudoes to Dinesh Trivedi to fight the whimsical, dictatorial leader of the TMC. Finally he has been sacrificed to the dictates of dictator Mamta.

General Budget: Constrained by economic circumstances the finance minister has made the best of a poor hand. The budget is a job well done, under difficult conditions. Opposition role in our democratic set up is only to be critical of the Govt in power. Very disappointing to see the opposition functioning.

The new Govt in UP: Akhilesh Yadav is the youngest Chief Minister of Uttar Pradesh a very refreshing change. He has good intentions, a clean image, would be utmost honest. But has inherited mostly seasoned politicians, who are hard core manipulators who match the present generation. Though we have to give some time say about twelve weeks to six months. But the present or the recent happenings do not indicate the revolutionary change.

Firstly: Nine ministers included in the cabinet are with varied criminal back ground.
Secondly: On the day of swearing in at Lucknow, the sight on the dais immediately after, was indicative of the hooliganism which prevails with the youths or the youth wing of the party.
Thirdly: Beating up of the employment officer (at Ghaziabad on 16/3) during the registration process (for unemployment, Bhatta) depressing and horrifying
Fourthly: Day later the murder of a BSP local leader is reflective of revengeful politics.

These immediate emotional out bursts could be the result of an immediate exuberance of unexpected grand success. However the young CM would have to put all his imagination and skills, to control such acts which could result in falling short of people’s expectations.

Good luck to you Akhilesh!

RANDOM THOUGHTS 6

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Letting Azad win

For 10 years, there’s been no serious Hindu-Muslim riots in India. It’s time to remove artificial ‘pro-secular’ schemes that communalize the atmosphere

Partition had been accompanied by ethnic cleansing and bloody riots. Remarkably, the first decade-and-a-half of Independence was largely free of Hindu-Muslim violence. This was in good part due to Nehru;s leadership. He helped make Muslims feel secure in a largely Hindu nation; at the same time, he kept the forces of Hindutva extremism at bay.

My own impression, based on travels around the country and conversations with a variety of Indians, is that this cooling of communal tempers in occurring independently and simultaneously on both sides of the spectrum. Hindus who once went along with the Ayodhya movement now see the futility of constructing a nation’s agenda around a single temple. Having witnessed (and suffered) the BJP in power in New Delhi, they know that far from being a ‘party with a different’, it is driven by greed and personal ambition.

Have Nehru and Azad then finally won the argument? Is, will, must, secularism be Indi’s destiny? It is too early to say. The social peace of the past decade, the shedding of reactionary tendencies by Hindus and Muslims.

For the sake of Hindus, Muslims, and India itself, these schemes must be withdrawn, or, through the pressure of democratic public opinion, be made to fail.


Adapted from HI March 16, 2012
Ram Chandra Guha, Hindustan

Monday, March 12, 2012

RANDOM THOUGHTS 5

M M S, The Closet Spiritualist
Manmohan Singh

The globally respected economist and scholar has been credited with heralding a new era of economic liberalization in India. Yet Manmohan Singh has been receiving end of several barbs of late. Criticisms range from adjectives like “ineffective”, “pusillanimous” and “understated” to “spineless” and “puppet PM”.

It astonished me that Manmohan Singh should talk so little and be so barely visible that we might be forgiven for thinking that India has an imaginary prime minister, wrote a celebrity journalist in his blog a few months ago.

In a speech he gave at a conclave held in the capital, Singh said: “I do not want India to be a superpower; I just want India to stand with dignity in the comity of nations.” So he doesn’t seem to display any signs of being power-needy.

Perhaps he has no dark side, then. Manmohan Singh could, in all likelihood, be an advanced spiritualist who perceives himself as having absolutely no stake-neither in the country, nor in the species nor indeed in the planet! He also shows great resilience in adverse situations, whether in a political, social or economic exigency. To be detached like a yogi even while living among fellow beings in the rough and tumble of politics and economics is no easy task.

Some might conclude that the Pm’s proclivity for remaining ‘Nirlep Narayan’ makes him out to be one without a stake and therefore he has nothing to win or lose. If he makes promises, they’re bound to be ones that concern issues that would get resolved.

Could one compare Manmohan Singh with King Janaka, who is the only one Krishna praises in the Bhagwad Gita for having transcended everything even while administering a kingdom.
Adapted from Times of India, 08 February 2012

RANDOM THOUGHTS 4

Let us live in hope

Two forms of democracy exist in India: constitutional and populist. There are deficiencies in both, since netas don’t honour their duties and activists lack civility.

‘Constitutional democracy’ acts through a prescribed division of functions between legislature, executive and judiciary. Populist democracy regards such division of functions as cumbersome and arbitrary impediments that act overtly or covertly against the will of the people.

Several years before the current wave of anti-corruption protests, the wise sociologist observed that ‘it will be hard to deny that agitations, demonstrations and rallies undertaken in the name of civil disobedience have increasingly become coercive not only in their consequences but even in their intentions.’ By showing contempt for elected leaders, populism called into question all forms of public authority.

The populists speak in the name of Gandhi, but, as Beteille notes, they often depart from the Mahatma’s methods.

Indians of an earlier age behaved with decency, civility and traits so conspicuously absent in the rulers and protesters of our own time.

But we must live in hope. To honour their Constitutional obligations more seriously. Civil society activists with more sobriety and less self-righteousness.












RANDOM THOUGHTS

Superpower? 230m Indians go hungry
Often, the hype over economic growth, we forget the harsh reality of India-extreme poverty, hunger, disease, lack of education, and regressive social practices. We Indians should be ashamed about them. These simmering injustices cannot be allowed to fester because they will heighten social tensions that will ultimately risk our growth story;
HEALTH REPORT
Malnourished population 213-230m
Underweight kids (under 5) 44%
Under-5 mortality 6.6%
Anaemic
infants 72%
Anaemic married women 52%


Indian students rank 2nd last in global test
At 72 Among 73 Countries In Math, Reading
THE WRITE WAY What is PISA
The Programme for International Student Assessment evaluated education systems around the world by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students

Toppers
READING: China (Shanghai), South Korea, Finland, Hong Kong, Singapore
MATH: China (Shanghai), Singapore Hong Kong, Korea, Chinese Taipei
SCIENCE: China (Shanghai) Finland Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan

RANDOM THOUGHTS 3

Let us live in hope

Two forms of democracy exist in India: constitutional and populist. There are deficiencies in both, since netas don’t honour their duties and activists lack civility.

‘Constitutional democracy’ acts through a prescribed division of functions between legislature, executive and judiciary. Populist democracy regards such division of functions as cumbersome and arbitrary impediments that act overtly or covertly against the will of the people.

Several years before the current wave of anti-corruption protests, the wise sociologist observed that ‘it will be hard to deny that agitations, demonstrations and rallies undertaken in the name of civil disobedience have increasingly become coercive not only in their consequences but even in their intentions.’ By showing contempt for elected leaders, populism called into question all forms of public authority.

The populists speak in the name of Gandhi, but, as Beteille notes, they often depart from the Mahatma’s methods.

Indians of an earlier age behaved with decency, civility and traits so conspicuously absent in the rulers and protesters of our own time.

But we must live in hope. To honour their Constitutional obligations more seriously. Civil society activists with more sobriety and less self-righteousness.












RANDOM THOUGHTS

Superpower? 230m Indians go hungry
Often, the hype over economic growth, we forget the harsh reality of India-extreme poverty, hunger, disease, lack of education, and regressive social practices. We Indians should be ashamed about them. These simmering injustices cannot be allowed to fester because they will heighten social tensions that will ultimately risk our growth story;
HEALTH REPORT
Malnourished population 213-230m
Underweight kids (under 5) 44%
Under-5 mortality 6.6%
Anaemic
infants 72%
Anaemic married women 52%


Indian students rank 2nd last in global test
At 72 Among 73 Countries In Math, Reading
THE WRITE WAY What is PISA
The Programme for International Student Assessment evaluated education systems around the world by testing the skills and knowledge of 15-year-old students

Toppers
READING: China (Shanghai), South Korea, Finland, Hong Kong, Singapore
MATH: China (Shanghai), Singapore Hong Kong, Korea, Chinese Taipei
SCIENCE: China (Shanghai) Finland Hong Kong, Singapore, Japan

RANDOM THOUGHTS 2

RANDOM THOUGHTS
yksdiky dh jkg
ljdkj trk jgh gS fd og Hkz"Vkpkj ds f[kykQ l[r gS

yksdiky ds loky us gekjs thou dks cqjh rjg ckaV fn;k gSA ;g foHkktu dsoy Hkz"Vkpkj&fojks/kh eqfge ds leFkZdksa vkSj fojksf/k;ksa ds chp esa gh ugh gS] cfYd bu nksuks ço`fr;ksa ds Hkhrj Hkh xaHkhj erHksn fn[kkbZ iM+ jgs gSA elyu] vUuk gtkjs dh Vhe vkSj muds leFkZd pkg jgs Fks fd bu vkanksyu ds dkj.k feys ekSds dk iwjk bLrseky djrs gq, ekStwnk O;oLFkk esa dqN xgjs la’kks/ku djok fy, tka,A bl y{; dh iwfrZ ds fy;s gh ;s laln ds Hkhrj gksus okyh jktuhfr ds lekukarj lM+dksa ij Hkh ncko cukrs vk, gSaA ysfdu muls gennhZ j[kus okys cgqr ls cqf)thoh] i=dkj vkSj tuer dks çHkkfor djus okyh vkoktsa Hkz"Vkpkj&fojks/kh jsfMdfyTe ds] ftls vfM+;yiu ;k vfrokn Hkh dgk tk ldrk gS] i{k esa ugha gSA

Strong Lokpal weak judiciary recipe for failure

This is tunnel vision
With its mandate of ensuring that rules are followed, the lokpal may stifle initiative and discourage talented people from taking up bureaucratic jobs.

Ykksdiky ls ckgj jgsa ç/kkuea=h vkSj lhchvkbZ% 'kkSjh

vVy fcgkjh cktisbZ ljdkj esa ea=h jgs v:.k 'kkSjh us eaxyokj dks ikVhZ ykbu ls vyx tkdj ç/kkuea=h vkSj lhchvkbZ dks yksdiky ds nk;js esa ykus dh ekax dks xyr crk;kA Hkksiky esa i=dkjksa ls ckrphr esa 'kkSjh us dgk fd bl ckcr Vhe vUuk dh ekax lgh ugh gSA bu nksuks laLFkkvksa dks yksdiky ls ckgj j[kuk gh gksxkA 'kkSjh ls çLrkfor yksdiky ds
'kkSjh us dgk fd ç/kuea=h dks yksdiky ds nk;js esa ykus dh ekax cqfu;knh rkSj ij gh xyr gSA ç/kkuea=h dksbZ O;fDr ugha laLFkk gksrk gSA

mUgksus dgk fd fupyh ukSdj’kkgh dks Hkh yksdiky ds nk;jsls ckgj j[kk tkuk pkfg,A D;ksafd vkf[kj yksdiky fdrus yksxksa dh tkap djsxk\ iwoZ dsUnzh; ea=h us Vhe vUuk ds lkeus ckj&ckj ?kqVus Vsdus ds dsanz ljdkj ds joS, dh vkykspuk dhA



Fix The System
Lokpal Bill can be a milestone on the path to significant political reform

For far too long, we have witnessed Parliament getting adjourned amidst din and chaos. Given this disorderly backdrop, elected representatives burning the midnight oil and pushing through the path-breaking Lokpal Bill in the Lok Sabha was certainly a welcome change. Following 11 hours of passionate debate, the House passed the controversial Lokpal Bill with 10 amendments. The Bill’s final passage however will depend on whether the Congress, in a minority in the Rajya Sabha, will be able to carry it through in this House.

Reversing from fast to slow
Team Ann’s quicksilver fluctuations in strategy will leave the public confused

From the time be began his latest fast, we have been riveted by his fluctuating blood pressure, pulse and temperature. Now er notice the same fluctuations in the strategy on how to push through the contentious Jan Lokpal Bill-an article of faith with Anna Hazare and his team. The fast is now off and the proposed Dharna outside Congress president Sonia Gandhi’s house and the plan to gherao MPs has gone the same way. After first saying that people must prepare to court arrest and giving a few guidelines on this, Mr. Hazare has now set aside the jail bharo movement.
Instead, he has assured people that he would compaign in all five poll-bound states indicating that the movement which began with considerable support as one against corruption in public life has become a battle against the ruling Congress party.

Lokpal: the real issue
The time for wrangling is over. It’s about brining a strong law, not the clash of egos

At the risk of repeating ourselves, what is at stake when it comes to the Lokpal Bill that was tabled on Thursday in Parliament is not whose Bill will be made law, but whether the country will get a strong, anti-corruption law that is practical enough to be implemented. For far too long, the drama has eclipsed the actual content of the legislation sought. On Thursday, we again found a trenchant Anna Hazare threaten agitation if Parliament does not pass the lokpal in accordance to every detail he and his agitating colleagues have demanded. UPA chairperson, breaking her silence over the matter, firmly stated the government’s will to ‘fight for lokpal’ and that there was no need to be ‘defeatist’. This was a welcome statement, considering many were starting to worry whether the government’s enthusiasm to push for the Lokpal Bill was indeed shared by the Congress.

Vksih yxkdj Hkh ekSykukvksa dks ugha fj>k ik;s dstjhoky


vkanksyu dks lcd


jktuhfr esa O;kIr Hkz"Vkpkj ds f[kykQ vkokt mBkuk tk;t gS] ysfdu ;g eku ysuk fd lkjs jktusrk Hkz"V vkSj vuSfrd gSa] fdlh ds xys ugha mrj ldrkA laln esa iwjs ns’k ds pqus gq, tu&çfrfu/k gksrs gSa] blfy, bl laLFkk dk lEeku djuk fdlh Hkh yksdra= leFkZd ds fy, t:jh gSA vUuk vkSj muds leFkZksa ds oDrO; T;knk ls T;knk rh[ks vkSj mxz gksrs tk jgs Fks vkSj mudk joS;k yxkrkj l[r gksrk tk jgk Fkk] blls Hkh ns’k dh turk [kq’k ugha FkhA

ge dg ldrs gSa fd jkeyhyk eSnku esa mUgksus tks tu&leFkZu tqVk;k Fkk] og vc fc[kj pqdk gS vkSj vxj Vhe vUuk dks fQj ls turk dk leFkZu ikuk gS] rks mls T;knk la;e o fouez gksuk oM+sxk vkSj miuh vxyh j.kuhfr T;knk lko/kkuh ls cukuh gksxhA

ewy fnDdr ;g gS fd u vUuk gtkjs vkSj u gh muds lkfFk;ksa ds ikl cM+k vkanksyu pykus dk vuqHko gS] u dHkh mUgsa bruk O;kid tu&leFkZu igys feyk FkkA vUuk dk dk;Z{ks= viuk xkao jgk gS] T;knk ls T;knk og Hkz"Vkpkj ds eqn~ns ij eqcabZ dh jkT; ljdkj ls Vdjk, gSaA Vhe vUuk ds vU; lnL; NksVh&eksVh laLFkk,a pykrs jgs gSa] ftuesa mudk lkeuk fo’kky tulewg ls ugha gqvk gSA

vkanksyu dks xSj&jktuhfrd ?kksf"kr djus ds ckotwn jktuhfrd i{kikr Hkh lkQ fn[kkbZ iM+rk gSA bl rjg ds vkanksyuksa dh lekt dks t:jr gS] D;ksafd muls yksdra= etcwr gksrk gSA ij ,slk rHkh gksxk] tc ;s vkanksyu lalnh; jktuhfr ds iwjd cusa] ,d lekukarj ra= cukus dk Hkze u ikysaA

;wa Hkh yksdiky ds fy, vkanksyu dks ,d gn ls T;knk [khapuk eksgHkax dks gh tUe nsxk] D;ksafd flQZ yksdiky dk gksuk Hkz"Vkpkj ds [kkRes dk funku ugha gSA

lkoZtfud thou esa 'kq)rk ds fy, vusd Lrjksa ij dksf’k’ka djuh gksaxh vkSj bu dksf’k’kksa esa jktuhfrd ra= ls flQZ Vdjko ugha] lg;ksx dh Hkh ljdkj gksxhA

Random Thoughts

Random Thoughts
Anna Hazare
Anna has again occupied the centre stage on electronic and print media. His ultimate aim appears to be anti congressim. On 11 Dec he fired another Trisul ¼f=’kwy½ by inviting political parties to air their views on Lokpal bill-as enough has not been said by them through TV Channels and interviews to the print media.

Anna projects himself a modern day Gandhi. One does not become Gandhi by visiting Gandhi-Samadhi and pray in silence. One has to be with thought and conviction ¼fopkj] dk;Z ç.kkyh½ He has used all possible adjectives for the PM or for that matter congress president and Rahul Gandhi. The people so called core committee (4 people) seem to have hijacked Anna for achieving their ulterior motive of creating political space for themselves. Anna has encouraged indiscipline and anarchy ¼vuq’kklughurk vkSj vjktdrk½.

Who are these people gathering for such an agitation? Seventy five percent are those impatient disenchanted due to lack of opportunities.

Right thinking people have to find ways and means to combat this new civil society members, otherwise we go back by 20 years from where we started to recover.

Wakeup India we need to be Responsible Citizen ¼ftEesnkj ukxfjd½

What does Anna & his team of four members want (Kejriwal, Kiran Bedi, Manish Sisodia, Prashant Bhusan) to whom Anna described as “Chandal Chokri” ¼pUMky pkSdM+h½-
_ All categories of Govt employees (As there is no corruption in corporate
sectors and NGOs.
- All elected representatives MP’s (LS+RS) MLA’s. And MP’s for their action with in Parliament or Assemblies
- All Judiciary including HC’s and SC
- Investigating Agency & vigilance outfits.
- Citizen charter
- Whistle blower charter

Having had all central employees, all investigating agencies/vigilance departments the plan of Anna’s and his four members team intend proceeding as follows.

Step one- All complaints against the people as suggested above would be lodged with the Lokpal
Step two- Lokpal would decide which complaint to be accepted and rejected.
Step Three- Investigating agency would be assigned the task to investigate, under the supervision of Lokpal.
Step four- Once investigation is complete Lokpal would decide its acceptance or rejection.
Step five- Once investigation is accepted as the final report by the Lokpal, an individual would be an offender & a culprit.
Step six- Lokpal would decide the punishment to the individual. The individual would be somewhat like a person a nongranta.
Step seven- An individual would have fallen a victism to Anna & his Chandal Chokri.

Comments:
Are we ready for this powerful Monster? This would be most powerful dictatorial system of Governance.
Do we remember HITLER, STALIN of older Era and Saddam Hussain & Gaddafi of recent times.
Will there be any role left for our elected representative, what would they contribute.
What a Monster to create if we go by the guideline of Anna & His chandal Chokri. (In this context kindly go through my three earlier letters to Shri Anna Hazare)


FDI in the DOCK

Govt came out with a major policy issue, FDI in retails sector. Bad politics, rather rotten politicians always negate “Good Economics”. All the major corporate institutions, top economists cooperates heads have welcomed and supported the move. Beneficiaries are two the farmers and the consumers, market surveys indicated 65% to 92% favouring the decision.

Whether it is the Lokpall Bill, the foreign direct investment (FDI) in retail or the proposal for monitoring social networking websites, the common factor has been the inability of the government to effectively communicate. As a result, it has ended up cutting a sorry figure and inviting ridicule. It almost seems that the government failed to recognize he dynamic shift in principles of communication that has taken place the past few decades. They believe that ordinary people will accept whatever they say without a murmur.

To be effective and to ensure support for its policies and programs, the government needs to realize the change in principles of communication, which now includes the ‘how’ and ‘what’ of a message rather than just ‘who’ is making the statement.

Likewise, when it came to selling the concept of FDI in retail, commerce and industry minister Anand Sharma said that the reform would create 10 million jobs, help farmers get more and make products cheaper for consumers. Did enough people find the statement credible? No, Because Sharma did not sub-stantiate those claims.

The government has the most potent weapon of communication-to decide when to release information. And yet, it fritters away this advantage.

Not only that Coalition Dharma should have been of paramount importance. The UPA should have ensured enough communication and dialogue with their allies i.e. NCP/TMC and DMK. At least they wouldn’t have joined the opposition to oppose the move.

Another important failure was time of announcement of the proposal. UPA was as it is facing challenges in parliament on account of PC, burning issue of Lokpal, battle is on for 2012 election in five states. Even commercial & business houses look for an appropriative time to launch the new products or even market.

Those who advise on such issues are highest paid people. May be the politician have no time or imagination to adopt time tested market strategies-Like SWOT analysis or ORM (operational risk management). Wakeup UPA still there is time to identify right people to connect with the Aam Admi ¼vke vkneh½.

Smt. Sonia Gandhi, President

10 March 2012

To,
Smt. Sonia Gandhi, President
All India Congress Committee,
New Delhi.



I write these few lines with deep anguish & pain. Recent results of UP elections have sent shock waves in congress circle. You have well defined the ills which have caused these setbacks.

I would like to list a few.
• Selection of candidates was arbitrary dependent more on sycophancy rather than merits of the individuals. 129 Dal Badloos. (nycnyw) were offered tickets, who had joined the congress party few weeks before the election. This pattern of ticket distribution made the hard core and committed congress men (working for last 5 to 20 years) neglected and demoralized.
• Role of senior leaders-their utterances were irresponsible undesirable and atrocious.
• The campaigning should be dominated by local/mandal and state level leaders. Their absence on the frontline reflected as the party is devoid of strong & committed leadership at grass root levels.
• Apex level (Central Leaders) involvement should be far & few & selective.
• A very angry and offensive style of campaigning does not give expected dividend.
• A Gandhian view needs to be presented, which reflects utmost modesty& humility. That would result better connectivity.

I am a born congressman, my parents were freedom fighters. I served the IAF for forty years. I am pilot by profession, And since mid 2008 holding the appointment of Chairman-Ex servicemen Deptt of UPCC.

If we would not take immediate steps to build the congress at grass root level from now onwards, we would land up with just 8-9 parliamentarians from UP in 2014. Our target has to be min 40.

This is a wakeup call,



Sincerely yours,



Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd)
Chairman, UPCC, Ex-Servicemen Deptt
Copy to :

1. Shri Rahul Gandhi, General Secretary, AICC.
2. Shri Digvijai Singh, General Secretary, AICC.
3. Shri Moti Lal Vora, Treasurer, AICC.
4. Oscar Fernandes,Advisor to President, AICC.
5. Shri Pramod Tewari, Leader Congress Legislative Party UP.
6. Maj Ved Prakash, Chairman, AICC, Ex-Servicemen Deptt.
7. Capt Praveen Davar, Secretary, AICC, Ex-Servicemen Deptt.
8. Smt. Rita Bahuguna Joshi, President, UPCC.
9. Brig R K Sood, Vice Chairman, UPCC, Ex-Servicemen Deptt.
10. Maj Dubey, Vice Chairman, UPCC, Ex-Servicemen Deptt.
11. Shri DS Tewari, Vice Chairman, UPCC, Ex-Servicemen Deptt.
12. Shri AKshaywar Shukla, Convener, UPCC, Ex-Servicemen Deptt.


Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd)
Chairman, UPCC, Ex-Servicemen Deptt

The Greats of Corruption-to Kill the Lokpal

As I Saw It

The Greats of Corruption-to Kill the Lokpal

The debate on corruption initially Anna’s movement (IAC) and now the presentation of Lokpal Bill and its heated debate in Parliament (unprecedure during 2011) refreshed my memories.

Three great exponents of putting their best foot forward to stall every possibility to see Lokpal Bill in the Parliament.

Bhartiya Janta Party ¼Hkkjrh; >xM+kyw ikVhZ½-The major opposition party in Lok Sabha & Rajya Sabha put best of arguments to throw out the bill. During 2001-2002 NDA was in power. Mr. Shahnawaz Hussain was the MCA. He represented North Bihar constituency of Purnea. Purnea is one of the satellite air fields of the IAF. Mr. Shahnawaz Hussain put all possible pressures on the Air Force to prepare Purnea for opening up for commercial traffic. There was no hope of any commercial activity for such an initiative. This was a clear case of using his position to create the political constituency by misusing his position and exchequers financial resources. A case of high level of corruption. Mr. Shahnawaz Hussain has been the biggest spokesperson of his party on a strong Loakpal Bill. And finally BJP putting all their efforts not to make it a success.

Samajwadi Party-Late 90’s was a period when Netaji was the RM in the Govt of Deve Gowda & IK Gujral. One of the biggest defence deal’s was finalized at that time. SU-30 was chosen within a period of six month on a single tender basis. The project cost was Rs. 36000/- crores. Nearly Rs. 800/- crore was the kickback. SP is the biggest vocal opponent of the Lokpal Bill.

Bahujan Samajwadi Party- The way Mr. SC Mishra of the party was defending his party supremo and advocating making CBI an independended institution, is highly praiseworthy and pleased his master. The amassment of wealth by unfair means is well known. Just to show their commitment to fight corruption 20 ministers of the cabinet have been removed on various charges. Difficult to digest and grasp. Party supremo collects nearly Rs. 100/-crore per day from 72 districts (75 now) of the state. Facts stated by businessmen and Govt Officials in their informal discussion. BSP is one of the biggest exponents to make the Lokpal Bill exercise a futile attempt.

Wake up India.
Happy New Year to All

RANDOM THOUGHTS

Changing The Rules (Three Dada’s of Indian Politics)
Amma, Didi and Behenji know what the people want and they’re giving it to them

All three are spinsters, head their own regional parties. Dictational, authoritarian, offensive, abrasive, defensive by being offensive & impertinent.

EPS, PPS and GPS- these three syndromes are the source of the enormous power and clout enjoyed by Mayawati in Uttar Pradesh, Mamata Banerjee in Bengal and Jayalaithaa in Tamil Nadu. And paradoxically, also the Achilles heel that has kept these formidable women by and large confined within their state boundaries where they operate like private limited companies anxiously experimenting to get the right mix for a national IPO.

Mayawati

To start with, Mayawati exhibits all the traits of EPS or the Eva Peron Syndrome. As soon as she took over as chief minister of UP for the fourth time, she embarked on an image-building exercise. Opting for the most literal interpretation, she inundated the state with statues of elephants, her political mentor Kanshi Ram, dalit leader Babasaheb Ambedkar, and yes, of herself. Mayawati’s birthday is branded Jan Kalyankari Diwas; she announces extravagant welfare schemes, draped in jewellery and garlands of Rs 1,000 notes. If WikiLeaks is to be believed, a private jet flew half way across the country to pick up a pair of shoes for her.

When she became UP’s first dalit chief minister, former prime minister PV Narashimha Rao called it “a miracle of democracy”.

Mamata Banerjee

Then we have PPS or Poor Person Syndrome; if wealth is Mayaati’s calling card, the exact opposite works in Bengal. It’s a state that has traditionally preferred knowledge as an end in itself, romanticized poverty and championed the underdog. No surprise then that its leader is a ostentatiously ‘poor’ as her rival in UP is rich.

Mamata aka Didi is a great example of PPS. She has toppled a communist government by becoming an even more convincing working class hero, with her uniform of plain white saris and a jhola. Mayati’s net worth far exceeds Mamata’s frugal declaration of no house or cat to her name. The latter’s stated disinterest in riches makes her a leader in a state that’s traditionally viewed the wealthy with suspicion. So iconic is the image of Didi’s self-sacrifice, it occludes the fact that many of her ministers are bona fide crorepatis.

Jayalalithaa

Tamil Nadu the sky is the limit, not just to the chief minister’s ambitions but to the many cut-outs of her across the state. Back for a third term in power, Jayalalithaa is Amma to her people; part mother, part goddess, all redeemer.

It’s a state where films and politics have been fused for the last three decades. MGR, the original God, and Jayalalithaa, his chosen successor, have brought a quasi-religious fervour to an already muddled mix.

The state being in the throes of GPS or Godlike Personality Syndrome. No one can tell where political loyalty ends and worship begins.


Behenji, Didi and Amma may sound like three characters in search of a prime-time soap opera. But via EPS, PPS and GPS, they tap into a need that’s as important to the people as roti, kapda, makaan and action against corruption.

Mamta takes the lead she opposes everything what the Govt at the centre does which she supports.

• She lets down the PM and the country by not accompanying him on Bangladesh tour. Through it was planned by her consent.
• She opposes the FDI in retail, just to be difficult.
• She opposes the NCTC and gives lead to other non congress state govt.
• Fire in the hospital, death of children all are blamed on the CPM.
• Rape to defame her Govt.

All such actions display poor Governance of the state govt. But the etcwjh of a coalition govt. they can’t be tough.

Reflects compromises in coalition Governance.







The End

Flying Accidents in the IAF

Flying Accidents in the IAF

The recent accident on 24th April 2012 of a Mirage – 2000 at Gwalior sent shock waves. And every one is asking a question why so many accidents in the IAF?

Summarized reasons :-

Alpha :- Boeing study of world wide accidents of 30 yrs revealed higher accident rate (as compared to US & Europe) in Latin America, South Africa & South Asia.

Reasons for South Asia – Primarily attitudinal deficiencies.
(i) Chalta Hai “ pyrk gS ” attitude.
(ii) Tendency not to point out faults / deficiencies of colleagues.

Bravo:- HAL
Most of our accidents have been on those aircraft which are built by HAL under license, or serviced or supported by HAL.
Mig 21’s, 23, 27,
Jaguars
HPT – 32, Cheeta & Chetek Heptrs

HAL could not rectify deficiencies of HPT 32. IAF was forced to withdraw the aircraft from service. It is most disappointing and astonishing that HAL has not been able to produce a trust worthy basic trainer. Since HAL has failed to produce a trust worthy basic trainer IAF has opted for PILATUS aircraft.

In Mig 21 series of aircraft HAL was found wanting on even technical practices.

Other reasons:-

Charlie :- CRM – Crew Resource Management
Wherever more than one crew member is part of the crew, lack of coordination and correct cockpit procedure may result in an accident.

Delta :- TCG – Trans Cockpit Gradient

Whenever two members of the crew have large differences in seniority/experience/same may result in an accident. As the communication gets truncated or restricted from Junior to Senior. (If junior is in command).

Echo: - ORM – Operational Risk Management

Defines various parameters for a successful mission accomplishment. If applied correctly would give the operational Go Ahead/No Go.

Foxtrot :- Lack for Preflight Briefings
Various facets of procedures and emergencies should be deliberated and discussed.

Golf: - Simulator Training & Refresher Training - All modern aircraft like Mirage– 2000 and Su-30MK-I have advanced flight simulators. Pre flight simulator trainings should be prescribed and followed meticulously (like for break in flying/different seniority levels)

IAF loses two Mirage 2000 jets in 11 days

IAF loses two Mirage 2000 jets in 11 days
Grounds Fleet for Mandatory Checks
By Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd)


New Delhi. The Indian Air Force (IAF) lost its second Mirage 2000 in 11 days, both in routine sorties and both twin-seat trainers.

Fortunately, in both the cases, the four pilots on board these two aircraft bailed out to safety.
IAF has grounded the Mirage fleet as part of the established procedure for checks, and ordered the mandatory Courts of Inquiry (CoI).

The first crash took place Feb 24 off Gwalior, and the second March 5 in Rajasthan where the aircraft had come from Gwalior for a bombing mission to the Mahajan range as part of training. In both the cases, engine problem was reported, after noticing which the pilots decided to eject to safety. They took care to steer the aircraft away from populated areas.

IAF acquired 40 aircraft initially, then 9 more, and then another batch of 10 a few years back to make up for the Maintenance Reserve and Strike Off Wastage (MRSOW) for its two Gwalior-based Squadrons, Number 1 (The Tigers) and Number 7 (The Battle Axes).
Of the total fleet of 59 aircraft, 10 have been lost to date due to pilot error (disorientation included) or technical trouble.

Overall, the Mirage 2000 fleet has had a good safety record and IAF recently signed an agreement with the aircraft makers, French Dassault and Thales, to upgrade them to Mirage 2000-5 standards and extend their lives by another 25 years. An agreement with European missile maker MBDA to equip the upgraded aircraft with MICA air-to-air missiles was also signed separately.

A total of 59 aircraft were acquired from the French Dassault, after India decided to go in for them following Pakistan’s acquisition of F 16s from the US in 1982.

Thirteen of these Mirage 2000s were two-seat versions for training, and three of these have been lost, lost, two of them in Feb-Mar 2012.

Notably, the agreement with Dassault and Thales includes upgradation of 51 aircraft, inclusive of 13 trainers, three of which have been lost over the years. Now the number of aircraft to be upgraded will be 39 single seaters and 10 trainers.

The costs would appropriately come down but the lower number should possibly prompt the IAF to acquire more of Rafale aircraft, which has already been selected for its Medium Multi Role Combat Aircraft (MMRCA) requirement. Negotiations between the Indian Ministry of Defence, its French counterpart an Dasault are on in this regard. The MMRCA tender, floated in 2007, had sought 126 aircraft with an option for 63 more.

As for the Mirage 2000, the capability and load carrying capacity of both the single-seat and twin-seat aircraft are basically the same. But to compensate for the second pilot in the twin-seat version, the fuel load and thereby the range, gets reduced slightly.

Both the Mirage 2000 and the upgraded Mirage 2000-5 version, are capable of executing nuclear strike missions. The upgraded version, with more powerful Snecma engines, would also be capable of heavier loads, meaning bigger missiles.
Meanwhile, what exactly went wrong with the two ill-fated aircraft this year would be established after the Courts of Inquiry have submitted their reports. The black box of the aircraft that crashed Feb 24 has already been recovered, and once the black box of the second trainer aircraft is also recovered – it was being searched for at the time of writing this article – both would be sent for forensic examination, possibly abroad. (The black box, actually red in colour, is an aircraft’s flight data recorder, which records electronically all the commands given to the aircraft’s systems and as well as any voices and conversations in the cockpit).

The aircraft that crashed Feb 24 was piloted by Air Marshal Anil Chopra, an experienced and distinguished Mirage 2000 pilot who is also the Commodore Commandant of the Number 1 Squadron. His co-pilot was Wing Commander Ram Kumar.

Senior officers do fly aircraft although as an unwritten rule, they do not themselves go over hostile territory for offensive sorties. That is the practice with most air forces worldwide.

The Mirage 2000 that crashed Mar 5 was piloted by Squadron Leader Raj and Flight Lieutenant Kanav. Thankfully, all the four pilots are safe.

It may be noted that it takes nearly five years to train a pilot to enable him to be on his own. So the pilots are very precious to the Indian Air Force as well as the country.

The training cost for a combat pilot, from the ab initio stage to practice flying and operational status, is roughly estimated at any thing from Rs 2 to 4 crores (from nearly $ half a million to a million approximately) during this period.