Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
11, Silver State, Pilibhit Byepass Road,
Bareilly-243005 (U.P.) INDIA
Tel:-0581-2526650,
Mob: 9411900090, 09999722636
Email-amashokgoel@gmail.com
Pakistan’s Involvement in J & K – A Continuing Threat to National Security
The problem of militancy which has afflicted Jammu and Kashmir since the middle of 1988 has already taken a toll of over 40,000 lives. This is a huge loss by any standard and India is rightly perceived being engaged in a proxy war unleashed by Pakistan. In fact the roots of the present problem can be traced to the Pakistani misadventure of trying to take over the State by force in 1947-48. The situation that we face in land K today is a continuum of the events that unfolded sixty years ago.
Since 1947 Pakistan has forced regular wars on Us in 1947-48, 1965 and 1971: a limited armed clash in 1999 in Kargil sector and continuing proxy war J&K since 1988, in addition to Pak efforts to support rebel group;; and create problems in other parts of the country (Reference to MHA Annual Reports). The first confrontation in 1947-48 was a pre-cursor of the events to follow, as Pakistan learnt important lessons, like:
• Belligerence pays
• A mix of covert and open aggression is cost-effective and gainful
• High-pitch propaganda, manipulation of UN systems and~influel1tial friends is a very potent mix.
• India would tackle the aggression defensively and localize the area of conflict.
The militancy which surfaced in Sept 1988 is the improved version of Pak attempts in 1947-48 and 1965, refined with the experience gained from her involvement in Afghanistan and Punjab, in the late seventies and eighties .
We have' been consistently defensive, reactive and short sighted in our responses. Even while replying to sudden, provocative and unorthodox moves by Pakistan our reactions have been slow, ponderous, conventional and predictable. Set-piece responses to a cunning and often elusive adversary. Our only un-orthodox achievement in the last sixty years has been a mini Chindit like outfit named "Meghdoot" in 1965.
Also we have been irrationally magnanimous in our victories.
India, we must accept, has been successively out-maneuvered by Pakistani defence and diplomatic establishments.
Not withstanding cease-fire on borders since Nov 2003, and some progress in the ongoing peace Jalks, the situation on the borders remains a cause for concern. jt
and calls for continued vigil and preparedness.
The situation on India's borders will remain unsettled in the foreseeable future due to factors like geo-strategic considerations, fall out of the colonial legacy and inadequacy of India's power projections in the region. We have consistently failed to send a message across to the neighbors -big or small- that any tinkering with the established borders would not be tolerated and India would vigorously take all necessary steps to safe guard its vital national interests and security.
It is crucial therefore to stimulate a change in the collective psyche of the India's ruling" class, across the' political spectrum, to effectively project the country' military and economic power and potential. This •also means a fundamental shift from reactive mind set to pro-active approach. The political executive as well as the senior force commanders would also do well to imbibe a spirit of risk taking and un- orthodox approach to tackling problems.
It should also be realized that Pakistan does possess considerable military muscle and its fighting forces are efficient, well trained and well equipped. Therefore a conventional war may not be cost effective and attractive proposition. However; with low development indices and a fragile economy, it is far more vulnerable to economic pressures. Therefore, a logical course of action would be to follow the strategy of economic and political squeeze while keeping. The military pressure on. The Indian State should learn valuable lessons from the course of the cold war which, terminated the existence of U.S.S.R. and the Eastern Block.
Instead of taking defensive posture in countering Pakistan's proxy war in Jammu and Kashmir, our country should carry the fight to the enemy's territory.
This strategy will also have far-reaching adverse economic consequences for Pakistan as its financial condition is already very bad and it will. not be able to combat instability in its own territory for a long period as the cost of it will become unacceptable to Pakistan. The United States of America had done the same thing with the then USSR.
While India should step up its diplomatic efforts to expose the Pakistani game amongst the international community, particularly keeping in view its abhorrence for terrorism, and try to exert pressure from other countries, the limitations of such outside influence should be clearly realized. The extent of the US pressure and willingness to push Pakistan in the context of American interest in the region must be carefully studied. In addition to making all possible efforts to improve the existing internal situation, the country needs to take steps to make Pak involvement in India's aff1irs much more costly. This of course. is a separate subject in itself. We must also learn from the past mistakes to do well on the negotiating table.
Two things stand out clearly. Mischief from Pakistan continues and is unlikely to abate. Also a broad overview of the situation prevailing in different parts of the country clearly establishes that Pakistan's designs are not limited to J and K only but target entire India. The annual report of the Ministry of Home Affairs for the year 2003-04, inter-alia, mentions at para 1.12: "Pakistan has consistently• used terrorism and covert actions as an instrument of State policy• against India. It has recruited, trained, financed, armed and infiltrated terrorists in India and has provided sanctuary to anti-Indian elements. It has also sought to promote disaffection among the India people towards the State with a view to destabilize the country". This assessment continues to hold true and has been reiterated since then.
India has had to deal with Pakistan as a difficult neighbor and a source of
Constant trouble, at times downrightly dangerous. Pak involvement in the affairs of India, particularly in J and K, have serious implications not only to the national security and territorial integrity of this country, it also hits at the very core of Indian nationhood, based on secularism, pluralism and liberal democratic values. The conflict is not just for an area or a section of population, it is much more fundamental; of cherished values and lofty ideals. India -must gamer all her national resources, much beyond the military prowess, to decisively defeat the Pakistani designs. This effort to turn the comer should begin in J and K, where the Pak mischief originally• started way back in 1947.
Friday, September 9, 2011
MiG-29 Baaz
Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
11, Silver State, Pilibhit Byepass Road,
Bareilly-243005 (U.P.) INDIA
Tel:-0581-2526650,
Mob: 9411900090, 09999722636
Email-amashokgoel@gmail.com
MiG-29 Baaz
In order to fill the gap in the force level of the Air Force, Government approved in October 1981 the procurement of MiG-29 aircraft [including trainers] in flyaway condition and with an option for its license manufacture in India Payment of Rs 3.92 crores was made to the manufacturers in May 1982 for retention of this option. The contract for procurement of the aircraft was concluded with aircraft manufacturers of a foreign country in October 1982 for Rs 621.75 crores. The contract covered integration and operational clearance of a variety of weapons but not the supply of these weapons.
An Indian evaluation team evaluated the MiG-29 aircraft during November/December 1980 and found it suitable for the intended role. The team, however, stated that the aircraft was still in its infancy and its various systems were under different phases of development and the aircraft as a weapon system would achieve its designed performance when fully developed. The team recommended procurement of improved radar under development subject to its satisfactory performance in air to air and air to ground roles. However, as the improved radar was under development till completion of the negotiations, the existing radar was selected. The team added that the satisfactory performance of the aircraft be determined under tropical conditions in India.
A negotiation committee held discussions with the manufacturers between October 1981 and March 1982. The negotiation committee stated that they did not have any meaningful yardsticks to go by in determining the negotiating position According to the Ministry, the Air Staff Requirements (ASRs) available for air superiority and ground attack roles were to become the basis for price negotiations with the sellers. The fact, however, is that normally the ASRs are meant for technical evaluations and cannot form the basis of price negotiation.
An agreement was signed in October 1982 with the manufacturers for the supply of aircraft including trainers, and option for license manufacture in India at a cost of Rs 621.75 crores at 1981 price level plus escalation. The option was surrendered in June 1984 in favor of induction of another advanced technology aircraft. An additional agreement was entered into with the manufacturer in March 1986 for the procurement of aircraft in flyaway condition to be supplied by September 1988 at a cost of Rs 107.74 crores plus escalation for sustaining the unit establishment (UE) till the turn of the century.
All the aircraft contracted in October 1982 and March 1986 were delivered between December 1984 and May 1986 and February and September 1988 respectively as scheduled However, there was delay in ferrying of 31 per cent aircraft from the Soviet Union and the delay averaged six months per aircraft. Two aircraft delivered by the manufacturers in April and October 1988 were ferried only in October 1990. Ministry stated in December 1994 that the aircraft were ferried in batches to make the ferry cost effective. The Ministry added that after delivery, the two aircraft were loaned to seller for electronic warfare system (EWS) integration.
In November 1984, the flying task was fixed at 15 hours per month per aircraft in respect of the fighter and 20 hours per month per aircraft in respect of the trainer aircraft. There were, however, shortfalls in the flying task. Air HQ stated in March 1994 that flying efforts had to be curtailed due to limited availability of spares and other infrastructure required.
The aircraft were purchased when it was still at the development stage, with the result these had to be updated progressively through a series of modifications including refit. Though the modifications were completed by April 1988, there had been delay of six years in integration of the improved radar and other systems as discussed below.
The manufacturers had guaranteed certain performance parameters under tropical conditions. The tropical trials of the aircraft were conducted in India in July 1986. The system performance of the aircraft at the prescribed temperature, however, could not be evaluated as the maximum temperature during trials was below that value. The attack system of the aircraft also could not be evaluated as weapons were not available for trials by then. Admitting the facts, the Ministry stated in December 1994 that some trials had been carried out in ensuing years when weapons were made available and it met all the designed and operational requirements.
As regards the guaranteed performance of the aircraft systems, the Ministry had intimated in March 1990 that certain deficiencies were noticed during combat flying and the manufacturers had agreed to provide modifications to rectify these deficiencies and the implementation of these modifications was in progress. It was noticed that some of the deficiencies like misting of the canopy still persisted even after nine years of the induction of the aircraft.
Though the aircraft had been inducted into squadron service in June 1985 and its tropical trials conducted in July 1986 had revealed high rate of failure of aircraft radars, the modification was completed only in January 1993. i.e. after six years of the induction of the aircraft and till then the aircraft were without improved version of radars and EWS which affected the operational and training commitments of the Air Force.
While the aircraft was inducted in June 1985, the facilities in India for its repair/OH were completed only by 1996 and till then the repair arisings would continued to be sent to the manufacturers abroad for repair. In the absence of indigenous repair/OH facilities, the Air Force had entered into three different repair contracts for repair of assemblies, sub-assemblies and live repair units for which Rs 67.62 crores had been paid to the manufacturers till December 1993. Further, by the time the repair facilities would be completed, nearly 40 per cent of the total technical life of the aircraft would be over.
PVSM AVSM VM
11, Silver State, Pilibhit Byepass Road,
Bareilly-243005 (U.P.) INDIA
Tel:-0581-2526650,
Mob: 9411900090, 09999722636
Email-amashokgoel@gmail.com
MiG-29 Baaz
In order to fill the gap in the force level of the Air Force, Government approved in October 1981 the procurement of MiG-29 aircraft [including trainers] in flyaway condition and with an option for its license manufacture in India Payment of Rs 3.92 crores was made to the manufacturers in May 1982 for retention of this option. The contract for procurement of the aircraft was concluded with aircraft manufacturers of a foreign country in October 1982 for Rs 621.75 crores. The contract covered integration and operational clearance of a variety of weapons but not the supply of these weapons.
An Indian evaluation team evaluated the MiG-29 aircraft during November/December 1980 and found it suitable for the intended role. The team, however, stated that the aircraft was still in its infancy and its various systems were under different phases of development and the aircraft as a weapon system would achieve its designed performance when fully developed. The team recommended procurement of improved radar under development subject to its satisfactory performance in air to air and air to ground roles. However, as the improved radar was under development till completion of the negotiations, the existing radar was selected. The team added that the satisfactory performance of the aircraft be determined under tropical conditions in India.
A negotiation committee held discussions with the manufacturers between October 1981 and March 1982. The negotiation committee stated that they did not have any meaningful yardsticks to go by in determining the negotiating position According to the Ministry, the Air Staff Requirements (ASRs) available for air superiority and ground attack roles were to become the basis for price negotiations with the sellers. The fact, however, is that normally the ASRs are meant for technical evaluations and cannot form the basis of price negotiation.
An agreement was signed in October 1982 with the manufacturers for the supply of aircraft including trainers, and option for license manufacture in India at a cost of Rs 621.75 crores at 1981 price level plus escalation. The option was surrendered in June 1984 in favor of induction of another advanced technology aircraft. An additional agreement was entered into with the manufacturer in March 1986 for the procurement of aircraft in flyaway condition to be supplied by September 1988 at a cost of Rs 107.74 crores plus escalation for sustaining the unit establishment (UE) till the turn of the century.
All the aircraft contracted in October 1982 and March 1986 were delivered between December 1984 and May 1986 and February and September 1988 respectively as scheduled However, there was delay in ferrying of 31 per cent aircraft from the Soviet Union and the delay averaged six months per aircraft. Two aircraft delivered by the manufacturers in April and October 1988 were ferried only in October 1990. Ministry stated in December 1994 that the aircraft were ferried in batches to make the ferry cost effective. The Ministry added that after delivery, the two aircraft were loaned to seller for electronic warfare system (EWS) integration.
In November 1984, the flying task was fixed at 15 hours per month per aircraft in respect of the fighter and 20 hours per month per aircraft in respect of the trainer aircraft. There were, however, shortfalls in the flying task. Air HQ stated in March 1994 that flying efforts had to be curtailed due to limited availability of spares and other infrastructure required.
The aircraft were purchased when it was still at the development stage, with the result these had to be updated progressively through a series of modifications including refit. Though the modifications were completed by April 1988, there had been delay of six years in integration of the improved radar and other systems as discussed below.
The manufacturers had guaranteed certain performance parameters under tropical conditions. The tropical trials of the aircraft were conducted in India in July 1986. The system performance of the aircraft at the prescribed temperature, however, could not be evaluated as the maximum temperature during trials was below that value. The attack system of the aircraft also could not be evaluated as weapons were not available for trials by then. Admitting the facts, the Ministry stated in December 1994 that some trials had been carried out in ensuing years when weapons were made available and it met all the designed and operational requirements.
As regards the guaranteed performance of the aircraft systems, the Ministry had intimated in March 1990 that certain deficiencies were noticed during combat flying and the manufacturers had agreed to provide modifications to rectify these deficiencies and the implementation of these modifications was in progress. It was noticed that some of the deficiencies like misting of the canopy still persisted even after nine years of the induction of the aircraft.
Though the aircraft had been inducted into squadron service in June 1985 and its tropical trials conducted in July 1986 had revealed high rate of failure of aircraft radars, the modification was completed only in January 1993. i.e. after six years of the induction of the aircraft and till then the aircraft were without improved version of radars and EWS which affected the operational and training commitments of the Air Force.
While the aircraft was inducted in June 1985, the facilities in India for its repair/OH were completed only by 1996 and till then the repair arisings would continued to be sent to the manufacturers abroad for repair. In the absence of indigenous repair/OH facilities, the Air Force had entered into three different repair contracts for repair of assemblies, sub-assemblies and live repair units for which Rs 67.62 crores had been paid to the manufacturers till December 1993. Further, by the time the repair facilities would be completed, nearly 40 per cent of the total technical life of the aircraft would be over.
26/11 Kasab and the Euphoria
11 Silver Estate,
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
Tel.:0581-2526650
Mobile:9411900090
amashokgoel@gmail.com
sacreatinon_2001@yahoo.uk
26/11 Kasab and the Euphoria
First week of May was heavily booked in print and electronic media on the trial of Kasab and death penalty to him. This gave an impression of a big victory of a battle won by India. Undoubtedly the legal luminaries of the country spared no effort of a transparent and fair trial, and the guilty had to be suitably punished.
But with the same Euphoria we have no answers to:
How such a well planned terrorist attack was conceived planned & executed?
How did Headly & Rana people of Pak origin kept on visiting this country 18-24 months earlier and went unnoticed?
How (12) did well trained and highly motivated terrorists traveled by sea hundreds of KM unnoticed?
How did they land on the shores of Mumbai and moved to predestined and defined locations to play havoc among our civilized establishments?
Did our police force and STF Maharashtra reacted adequately,. Immediately and intelligently.
Was there lapse of official duties by the local agencies?
Did we not have total lack of intelligence failure and the vigilance by the local security agencies?
Slackness on the part of senior police officers, all traveling together in a vehicle not adequately protected.
Do you think that award of “Nations Highest “Gallantry Award”-Ashok Chakra” to fourteen killed security personnel was justified.
Kargil was a greater challenge where 650 of our soldiers and young officers’ ware killed and far & few gallantry awards were conferred. All 650 killed in Kargil should be conferred with some gallantry award even now to correct the imbalance.
Are we really serious on National Security search your heart and debate in yourself?
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
Tel.:0581-2526650
Mobile:9411900090
amashokgoel@gmail.com
sacreatinon_2001@yahoo.uk
26/11 Kasab and the Euphoria
First week of May was heavily booked in print and electronic media on the trial of Kasab and death penalty to him. This gave an impression of a big victory of a battle won by India. Undoubtedly the legal luminaries of the country spared no effort of a transparent and fair trial, and the guilty had to be suitably punished.
But with the same Euphoria we have no answers to:
How such a well planned terrorist attack was conceived planned & executed?
How did Headly & Rana people of Pak origin kept on visiting this country 18-24 months earlier and went unnoticed?
How (12) did well trained and highly motivated terrorists traveled by sea hundreds of KM unnoticed?
How did they land on the shores of Mumbai and moved to predestined and defined locations to play havoc among our civilized establishments?
Did our police force and STF Maharashtra reacted adequately,. Immediately and intelligently.
Was there lapse of official duties by the local agencies?
Did we not have total lack of intelligence failure and the vigilance by the local security agencies?
Slackness on the part of senior police officers, all traveling together in a vehicle not adequately protected.
Do you think that award of “Nations Highest “Gallantry Award”-Ashok Chakra” to fourteen killed security personnel was justified.
Kargil was a greater challenge where 650 of our soldiers and young officers’ ware killed and far & few gallantry awards were conferred. All 650 killed in Kargil should be conferred with some gallantry award even now to correct the imbalance.
Are we really serious on National Security search your heart and debate in yourself?
How safe are we in the “Open Skies”
Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
Former Director General Flight Safety & Inspection, IAF
11, Silver State, Pilibhit Byepass Road,
Bareilly-243005 (U.P.) INDIA
Tel:-0581-2526650,
Mob: 9411900090, 09999722636
Email-amashokgoel@gmail.com
How safe are we in the “Open Skies”
Aviation is an advent of move then 100 yrs old. Till early nineties there were only two players on the Indian Aviation scene. Air India & Indian Airlines. But today India’s aviation sector is on the threshold of unprecedented expansion, but its infrastructure is woefully unprepared to handle the growth in air craft. If the order placed at the recently concluded Paris air show are any indications Kingfisher & Jet, the two market leaders in India, will lead a surge in aircraft acquition in the coming years. The numbers of aircraft in Indian skies are now about 320, expected to grow to 500 by 2012 and all estimates indicate this number to reach 1000 by 2020.
While only 15 million passengers, a little more than the number of people who use the rail network in a single day, traveled by air in 2003-04, the figure was almost 15 million in 2005-06 (five times that of 2003-04). This number is expected is grow substantially and rapidly.
There are 449 airports / air strips in the country. Among these the AAI owns and manages 92 airports and 28 civil enclaves at defence airfields and provides air traffic service over the entire Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas. 52 % of the traffic was handled at the international airports at Mumbai & Delhi. It may be of interest that only .02% of the population has so far access to the facility of air craft travel.
Our economy is growing at 9% and the aviation boom is recording a growth of 25%. Unfortunately infrastructure is crawling, rendering flaying in India a nightmare. Aircraft acquition is a faster option but to create infrastructure like modern airports, airport facilities, air space management manpower to man these facilities is time consuming. More important “quality manpower creation” to ensure optimization of the resources. Also experienced personnel to fly these machines “Professionally and safely”. Remember for aviation activity each and every member of the team has to be in a “highly skilled category” even the loader who loads the baggage.
In the process of utilizing high cost acquitions the airlines may compromise on important factor of “Human Resource” QR’S.
The agencies like, Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, Airlines Managements will have to be more conscious of these facts.
Some of the issues which are often seen as a matter of concern:-
(a) Seventy percent of the flights that take off or land in
Delhi are delayed.
(b) Tyre bursts skids and random mishaps with alarming
regularity set in longer delay as airports are unable to defuse crises swiftly.
(c) On 9 April for instance, 13000 passengers booked for
100 flights were delayed by one to three hrs in Delhi because main runway was blocked by an immobilized AI a/c.
(d) Run way relays - peak hour landing and takeoffs is just 30/35 at Iv1umbai & Delhi. Where as at busy international airports (Kennedy /Hethrow / Athens) average is 60/65.
(e) Terminal sickness - waiting long hrs in million:-
Delhi cap / handling 14/23
Mumbai cap/handling 14/25.5
Chennai cap /handling 7.7/10.1
Calcutta cap / handling 4.9/6.9
(f) Air Pocket:- Rickety infrastructure and scramble for market share through predatory pricing and fleet expansion are bleeding airlines despite the boom.
- The airlines industry losses for the year 2006-2007 expected Rs. 2500 Crore.
- Annual losses of USD 80 million due to infrastructure deficit.
- USD 500 million due to A TF. These are passed on to passenger. (Rs. 750/- congestion charges to passenger).
- High taxes make A TF 60% Costlier in India.
(g) Close shaves: - The high level of overall tension in the
operating environment has increased the rate of near mishaps.
- N ear misses / mid air collisions - 2 every month since 2005.
- Bird hits nearly 2 a month.
(h) Cattle Class: - Passenger often spend more time on the
runway or at airport lounges then actual flying time.
(i) Pilots Crunch: - has lead to compromises on having
(ii) foreign pilots/increasing the flying age / lowering the standards of command and overall cockpit experience. Not wanting to adhere to the international norms of FDTL.
The growing competition, hasty growth needs to be regulated and monitored by all closely. So that the growth of civil aviation does not grow into an unsafe and unhealthy activity. Otherwise the civil aviation boom is in the right direction.
Random thoughts:-
- Aviation Day - The day JRD took the first flight from Drig Road Karachi to Bombay.
- Greater Role of regularity bodies.
- Systemic development of training facilities to meet the requirement of manpower (Bodies like AICTE/MCI etc may be within DGCA).
- Infrastructure development- Participation of "Private Sector".
- Centralized Airport services on the lines of DNA TA of Dubai.
- Do not compromise on standards and quality of people, stakes are high.
- Objective should be only TQP - "Total Quality People".
As analyzed in mid 2008
PVSM AVSM VM
Former Director General Flight Safety & Inspection, IAF
11, Silver State, Pilibhit Byepass Road,
Bareilly-243005 (U.P.) INDIA
Tel:-0581-2526650,
Mob: 9411900090, 09999722636
Email-amashokgoel@gmail.com
How safe are we in the “Open Skies”
Aviation is an advent of move then 100 yrs old. Till early nineties there were only two players on the Indian Aviation scene. Air India & Indian Airlines. But today India’s aviation sector is on the threshold of unprecedented expansion, but its infrastructure is woefully unprepared to handle the growth in air craft. If the order placed at the recently concluded Paris air show are any indications Kingfisher & Jet, the two market leaders in India, will lead a surge in aircraft acquition in the coming years. The numbers of aircraft in Indian skies are now about 320, expected to grow to 500 by 2012 and all estimates indicate this number to reach 1000 by 2020.
While only 15 million passengers, a little more than the number of people who use the rail network in a single day, traveled by air in 2003-04, the figure was almost 15 million in 2005-06 (five times that of 2003-04). This number is expected is grow substantially and rapidly.
There are 449 airports / air strips in the country. Among these the AAI owns and manages 92 airports and 28 civil enclaves at defence airfields and provides air traffic service over the entire Indian airspace and adjoining oceanic areas. 52 % of the traffic was handled at the international airports at Mumbai & Delhi. It may be of interest that only .02% of the population has so far access to the facility of air craft travel.
Our economy is growing at 9% and the aviation boom is recording a growth of 25%. Unfortunately infrastructure is crawling, rendering flaying in India a nightmare. Aircraft acquition is a faster option but to create infrastructure like modern airports, airport facilities, air space management manpower to man these facilities is time consuming. More important “quality manpower creation” to ensure optimization of the resources. Also experienced personnel to fly these machines “Professionally and safely”. Remember for aviation activity each and every member of the team has to be in a “highly skilled category” even the loader who loads the baggage.
In the process of utilizing high cost acquitions the airlines may compromise on important factor of “Human Resource” QR’S.
The agencies like, Ministry of Civil Aviation, DGCA, Airlines Managements will have to be more conscious of these facts.
Some of the issues which are often seen as a matter of concern:-
(a) Seventy percent of the flights that take off or land in
Delhi are delayed.
(b) Tyre bursts skids and random mishaps with alarming
regularity set in longer delay as airports are unable to defuse crises swiftly.
(c) On 9 April for instance, 13000 passengers booked for
100 flights were delayed by one to three hrs in Delhi because main runway was blocked by an immobilized AI a/c.
(d) Run way relays - peak hour landing and takeoffs is just 30/35 at Iv1umbai & Delhi. Where as at busy international airports (Kennedy /Hethrow / Athens) average is 60/65.
(e) Terminal sickness - waiting long hrs in million:-
Delhi cap / handling 14/23
Mumbai cap/handling 14/25.5
Chennai cap /handling 7.7/10.1
Calcutta cap / handling 4.9/6.9
(f) Air Pocket:- Rickety infrastructure and scramble for market share through predatory pricing and fleet expansion are bleeding airlines despite the boom.
- The airlines industry losses for the year 2006-2007 expected Rs. 2500 Crore.
- Annual losses of USD 80 million due to infrastructure deficit.
- USD 500 million due to A TF. These are passed on to passenger. (Rs. 750/- congestion charges to passenger).
- High taxes make A TF 60% Costlier in India.
(g) Close shaves: - The high level of overall tension in the
operating environment has increased the rate of near mishaps.
- N ear misses / mid air collisions - 2 every month since 2005.
- Bird hits nearly 2 a month.
(h) Cattle Class: - Passenger often spend more time on the
runway or at airport lounges then actual flying time.
(i) Pilots Crunch: - has lead to compromises on having
(ii) foreign pilots/increasing the flying age / lowering the standards of command and overall cockpit experience. Not wanting to adhere to the international norms of FDTL.
The growing competition, hasty growth needs to be regulated and monitored by all closely. So that the growth of civil aviation does not grow into an unsafe and unhealthy activity. Otherwise the civil aviation boom is in the right direction.
Random thoughts:-
- Aviation Day - The day JRD took the first flight from Drig Road Karachi to Bombay.
- Greater Role of regularity bodies.
- Systemic development of training facilities to meet the requirement of manpower (Bodies like AICTE/MCI etc may be within DGCA).
- Infrastructure development- Participation of "Private Sector".
- Centralized Airport services on the lines of DNA TA of Dubai.
- Do not compromise on standards and quality of people, stakes are high.
- Objective should be only TQP - "Total Quality People".
As analyzed in mid 2008
Radical Islam
P.O. Rohilkhand University,
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
Tel. 0581-2526650
Mob.: 9999-722-636
9411-900-090
amashokgoel@gamil.com
sacreation_2001@yahoo.co.in
Radical Islam
VS
The World
Global peace is now threatened by western-educated, middle-class freelance soldiers who have bought into the Al Qaeda way of thinking. Is India immune?
His Jehad is His Very Own
Not a Pak-Afgan-bred radical, the new Islamic warrior could be a regular American guy, swayed by Al Qaeda, but not part of it.
When Faisal Sahzad parked his SUV at the Time Square in New York in the diabolic hope of exploding it, he joined the growing list of ‘normal dudes’ who inexplicably turn radical Islamists, willing to stake their lives or riches for waging Jehad against the world particularly America and its allies. Faisal had everything going for him: an MBA degree, a cushy job which he resigned from just a few months ago and a suburban lifestyle he shared with his wife and two kids. And then the madness, the rush of blood, leaving Americans gasping at the thought of the devastation the bomb could have wreaked had it exploded.
The New Faces of Jehad
Who they are whom they oppose
Al Qaeda is now more a state of mind than a formidable terror organization. A state of mind shared by those Muslims who believe in violently opposing what they perceive as the injustices of the world.
Primary directed against the West, particularly the United States. But it is also aimed against those countries seen to be oppressing Muslims-Russia, Israel and India, for example.
Willing to target Muslim countries aligned to the West or fighting Musllim terror-Saudi Arabia, Egypt, even Pakistan.
There is a war without boundaries-any country which is frequented by westerners, for instance, is considered a legitimate enough target.
What they seek to achieve
No longer aims at establishing Islamic states. But wants a just world order, for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Its anti-West agenda has been expanded to include the politics of environment. Osama bin Laden’s last speech accused the West of damaging environment.
It’s also opposing globalization, portraying it as a ploy of the developed world to exploit underdeveloped nations.
Primary impulse is to weaken sole superpower. All other changes will ensue on their own.
Become an umbrella group for other militant groups fighting different governments. Provide moral support and ideological justification for violent action.
How the new recruit is different
He’s a Muslim living in western societies. Also in non western countries where Muslims nurse grievances.
Belongs to affluent, educated families, often a product of Western educations institutes.
Bilingual. English is the preferred language of global jehad.
Voracious reader. Sources info from Islamic literature and doctrines, and from western philosophers and political figures.
Not religious. Adapted to western lifestyle, drinks, gambles, even has white partners.
Gets indoctrinated through the net. Downloads bomb-making manuals. Or, if he can, heads to Pakistan’s badlands or yamen.
The worlds can changes, argues Al Qaeda, only if the West, particularly America, is brought down to its knees. This idea was mooted in the late ‘90s by Osama’s deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, who cited the close link between the collapses of the Soviet empire to its defeat in Afghanistan. If one superpower could be defeated, he argued, why not the US?
To fight the US though, Al Qaeda has to first transform itself into a global organization. It did this through the twin attacks on the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar-es0Salaam in 1998, integrating it at once into the global security regime administered by America. With 9/11, the group carved out a space for Islam in the West.
The battle against radical Islam is complicated. With Al Qaeda stressing on ethical issues to justify its acts of violence, many desperate Muslims in the West of elsewhere are likely.
To find their inspiration and redemption in jehad. The West, in turn, is likely to strengthen its already stifling security apparatus at the cost or eroding ideas it is associated with: of freedom of speech, expression and free movement. Curtailment of these rights would be akin to an Al Qaeda win. The West is also expected to intensify the war in terror-and the ensuing bloodshed will only help bolster the Al Qaeda campaign. The best way out for Washington is to resolve the Palestine-Israel issue and cease supporting discredited Muslim regimes.
Opinions
“To get radicalized, one doesn’t have to go to a madrassa or a training camp in the Pak-Afghan badlands. Internet chat room are good enough.”
Abdul Bari Atwan
Editor, Al Quds al Arabia, London
“They (the new radicals) are outliers, who can cause massive damage and get massive response. But they don’t belong to one group or movement.”
Faisal Devji
Author, ‘Landscape of the Jehad’
“The perception of occupation in Iraq, Afganistan, and Kashmir continues to be a catalyst exploited in terror organizations’ rhetoric/ideologies.”
John L. Esposito
Georgetown University, Washington
Adapted form Out Look May 24, 2010
Observations on Shahjad and Terror
This so called new trend of Jehad is really not new. The elite class joining the global terrorism has surfaced even in the mid and the later part of nineties. I am reminded of my visit to Israel in may-June 1997. The very departure to TelAviv from Mumbai can never be forgotten. Reporting time was four hours and the check in area at the airport was surrounded by Israeli security personnel and the sniffer dogs. I was interrogated for nearly 2 hrs as I was a criminal in spite of the fact that I was holding an official passport and was on the invitation of Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI). The experience was most horrendous.
After reaching TelAviv, the IAI chairman and MD had invited me for a dinner. I mentioned this extra ordinary security measure at the time of my departure from Mumbai to TelAviv. He narrated one incident One Palestinian Youngman educated in UK and settled, was married to a Jewish girl. This girl (wife of Palestinian boy) was flying from London to TelAviv for her first delivery. During security check at London airport a bomb was detected in the suitcase of the Jewish girl. Her husband had planted the Bomb. One can imagine the frame of mind of this Palestinian boy who was ready to kill his wife and the expected child. That was the height of mindset of these educated class of the people even at that time.
Even the event of 9/11, the nineteen pilots of different nationalities (All Muslims) had gathered and planned highjacking of four American airliners. Two of them had flown directly into the Twin Towers in New York, and other two had crashed deliberately. Causing biggest catastrophe of this century. All these nineteen pilots were well educated, highly trained and leading a fairly high quality standard life style.
There are innumerable cases of elite class of people indulging in such activities, Shahjad son of an Air Vice Marshal, western educated, well settled in life, married ,father of two children, indulging into a terror act should not surprise the world.
The US never took a serious note of the terror activity globally, or the cross border terrorism perpetuated by a country like Pakistan and bleeding India day and day out.
I am reminded of a visit of US defence team headed by a Mej Gen during Feb 2001 to Defence Services Staff College Wellington (DSSC). Where I was posted as Chief Instructor Air. The US defence team made a presentation on their (US), global engagements. During that time the security environment in Afghanistan was bad and getting worsened. During question hour one of the senior officers of the faculty asked a question “why US is not interfering in Afghanistan”. The head of the US team responded “how US is interested in Afghanistan”.
If 9/11 hadn’t happened US would not have declared a Global War on Terror. However, after 9-11 US launched a “global war on terror” by massive aerial bombing of Afghanistan (from 07 Oct. 2001). Nearly 9 years have lapsed with hardly any sign of “global war on terror” getting even contained. If 9/11 hadn’t happened US would have kept aloof of this so called War on Terror. If US had indulged in a serious thought to fight about 20 years back (late eighties), the terrorism wouldn’t have risen so whemently globally and specially so in South Asia.
Now is the time that we have to evolve new strategies globally, regionally, nationally, to contain and manage this greatest menace of Terrorism.
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
Tel. 0581-2526650
Mob.: 9999-722-636
9411-900-090
amashokgoel@gamil.com
sacreation_2001@yahoo.co.in
Radical Islam
VS
The World
Global peace is now threatened by western-educated, middle-class freelance soldiers who have bought into the Al Qaeda way of thinking. Is India immune?
His Jehad is His Very Own
Not a Pak-Afgan-bred radical, the new Islamic warrior could be a regular American guy, swayed by Al Qaeda, but not part of it.
When Faisal Sahzad parked his SUV at the Time Square in New York in the diabolic hope of exploding it, he joined the growing list of ‘normal dudes’ who inexplicably turn radical Islamists, willing to stake their lives or riches for waging Jehad against the world particularly America and its allies. Faisal had everything going for him: an MBA degree, a cushy job which he resigned from just a few months ago and a suburban lifestyle he shared with his wife and two kids. And then the madness, the rush of blood, leaving Americans gasping at the thought of the devastation the bomb could have wreaked had it exploded.
The New Faces of Jehad
Who they are whom they oppose
Al Qaeda is now more a state of mind than a formidable terror organization. A state of mind shared by those Muslims who believe in violently opposing what they perceive as the injustices of the world.
Primary directed against the West, particularly the United States. But it is also aimed against those countries seen to be oppressing Muslims-Russia, Israel and India, for example.
Willing to target Muslim countries aligned to the West or fighting Musllim terror-Saudi Arabia, Egypt, even Pakistan.
There is a war without boundaries-any country which is frequented by westerners, for instance, is considered a legitimate enough target.
What they seek to achieve
No longer aims at establishing Islamic states. But wants a just world order, for Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
Its anti-West agenda has been expanded to include the politics of environment. Osama bin Laden’s last speech accused the West of damaging environment.
It’s also opposing globalization, portraying it as a ploy of the developed world to exploit underdeveloped nations.
Primary impulse is to weaken sole superpower. All other changes will ensue on their own.
Become an umbrella group for other militant groups fighting different governments. Provide moral support and ideological justification for violent action.
How the new recruit is different
He’s a Muslim living in western societies. Also in non western countries where Muslims nurse grievances.
Belongs to affluent, educated families, often a product of Western educations institutes.
Bilingual. English is the preferred language of global jehad.
Voracious reader. Sources info from Islamic literature and doctrines, and from western philosophers and political figures.
Not religious. Adapted to western lifestyle, drinks, gambles, even has white partners.
Gets indoctrinated through the net. Downloads bomb-making manuals. Or, if he can, heads to Pakistan’s badlands or yamen.
The worlds can changes, argues Al Qaeda, only if the West, particularly America, is brought down to its knees. This idea was mooted in the late ‘90s by Osama’s deputy, Ayman al-Zawahiri, who cited the close link between the collapses of the Soviet empire to its defeat in Afghanistan. If one superpower could be defeated, he argued, why not the US?
To fight the US though, Al Qaeda has to first transform itself into a global organization. It did this through the twin attacks on the US embassies in Nairobi and Dar-es0Salaam in 1998, integrating it at once into the global security regime administered by America. With 9/11, the group carved out a space for Islam in the West.
The battle against radical Islam is complicated. With Al Qaeda stressing on ethical issues to justify its acts of violence, many desperate Muslims in the West of elsewhere are likely.
To find their inspiration and redemption in jehad. The West, in turn, is likely to strengthen its already stifling security apparatus at the cost or eroding ideas it is associated with: of freedom of speech, expression and free movement. Curtailment of these rights would be akin to an Al Qaeda win. The West is also expected to intensify the war in terror-and the ensuing bloodshed will only help bolster the Al Qaeda campaign. The best way out for Washington is to resolve the Palestine-Israel issue and cease supporting discredited Muslim regimes.
Opinions
“To get radicalized, one doesn’t have to go to a madrassa or a training camp in the Pak-Afghan badlands. Internet chat room are good enough.”
Abdul Bari Atwan
Editor, Al Quds al Arabia, London
“They (the new radicals) are outliers, who can cause massive damage and get massive response. But they don’t belong to one group or movement.”
Faisal Devji
Author, ‘Landscape of the Jehad’
“The perception of occupation in Iraq, Afganistan, and Kashmir continues to be a catalyst exploited in terror organizations’ rhetoric/ideologies.”
John L. Esposito
Georgetown University, Washington
Adapted form Out Look May 24, 2010
Observations on Shahjad and Terror
This so called new trend of Jehad is really not new. The elite class joining the global terrorism has surfaced even in the mid and the later part of nineties. I am reminded of my visit to Israel in may-June 1997. The very departure to TelAviv from Mumbai can never be forgotten. Reporting time was four hours and the check in area at the airport was surrounded by Israeli security personnel and the sniffer dogs. I was interrogated for nearly 2 hrs as I was a criminal in spite of the fact that I was holding an official passport and was on the invitation of Israeli Aircraft Industries (IAI). The experience was most horrendous.
After reaching TelAviv, the IAI chairman and MD had invited me for a dinner. I mentioned this extra ordinary security measure at the time of my departure from Mumbai to TelAviv. He narrated one incident One Palestinian Youngman educated in UK and settled, was married to a Jewish girl. This girl (wife of Palestinian boy) was flying from London to TelAviv for her first delivery. During security check at London airport a bomb was detected in the suitcase of the Jewish girl. Her husband had planted the Bomb. One can imagine the frame of mind of this Palestinian boy who was ready to kill his wife and the expected child. That was the height of mindset of these educated class of the people even at that time.
Even the event of 9/11, the nineteen pilots of different nationalities (All Muslims) had gathered and planned highjacking of four American airliners. Two of them had flown directly into the Twin Towers in New York, and other two had crashed deliberately. Causing biggest catastrophe of this century. All these nineteen pilots were well educated, highly trained and leading a fairly high quality standard life style.
There are innumerable cases of elite class of people indulging in such activities, Shahjad son of an Air Vice Marshal, western educated, well settled in life, married ,father of two children, indulging into a terror act should not surprise the world.
The US never took a serious note of the terror activity globally, or the cross border terrorism perpetuated by a country like Pakistan and bleeding India day and day out.
I am reminded of a visit of US defence team headed by a Mej Gen during Feb 2001 to Defence Services Staff College Wellington (DSSC). Where I was posted as Chief Instructor Air. The US defence team made a presentation on their (US), global engagements. During that time the security environment in Afghanistan was bad and getting worsened. During question hour one of the senior officers of the faculty asked a question “why US is not interfering in Afghanistan”. The head of the US team responded “how US is interested in Afghanistan”.
If 9/11 hadn’t happened US would not have declared a Global War on Terror. However, after 9-11 US launched a “global war on terror” by massive aerial bombing of Afghanistan (from 07 Oct. 2001). Nearly 9 years have lapsed with hardly any sign of “global war on terror” getting even contained. If 9/11 hadn’t happened US would have kept aloof of this so called War on Terror. If US had indulged in a serious thought to fight about 20 years back (late eighties), the terrorism wouldn’t have risen so whemently globally and specially so in South Asia.
Now is the time that we have to evolve new strategies globally, regionally, nationally, to contain and manage this greatest menace of Terrorism.
Don’t Kill the Cricket Also
11, Silver Estate,
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
P.O. Rohilkhand University,
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
Tel. 0581-2526650
Mob.: 9999-722-636
9411-900-090
amashokgoel@gamil.com
sacreation_2001@yahoo.co.in
“Don’t Kill the Cricket Also”
With a population of nearly 1.20 billion (120 crores), India can barely make any impact in International Sports arena. It has been only in cricket that India has earned some international fame professionally and performance wise. Even on management front BCCI has earned name and fame as one of the best professionally managed sports bodies internationally.
The origins of IPL in the year 2008, against all expectations become a great success story. A brain child of Lalit Modi, who has ample and, elaborate experience of working in corporate world where he achieved only success. IPL became a every home story, It brought business, foreign capital, employment to the people. And the most a great entertainment.
The greatest service IPL did was, this activity germinated cricket to those who could how never imagined being at International levels. We in India could hardly pickup seamers/ spinners/batsman for our tests/ and ODI. Today we have dozens of seamers/spinners/batsman with a wide choice. A large no of small city youngsters have reached International fame and made a mark in Indian cricket. Our players like R P Singh / Praveen Kumar/ Pragyan Ojha / Ravindra Jadeja / Pathan brothers are rubbing shoulder with Brettlee/ Adam Gilchrist/ Symonds /Sangakara/Jaya Wardhan/Bonds and many others. The standards of game in every discipline have nearly touched the ultimate heights i.e. batting/fielding/bowling.
Unfortunately some of the events during the 3rd IPL have brought the IPL to disrepute. Every possible politician is giving sermon / “close the IPL give this to a Govt. body” etc. etc. Every politician wants to head the sports bodies. Be that at state level or National level. Every sports body at sate or national levels is headed and dominated by a politician. And politicians those who have not been able to make a mark are making maximum noise. It was disturbing and horrifying to see Lalu and Mulyam in the Lok Sahba giving sermons to the govt., on the future of IPL. Lalu’s biggest Crib was that his own son could not make the grade for any IPL team. Hope he knows that Sunil Govaskar’s son Rohan Govaskar could not make it to national side even what to say of IPL. Dear Lalu jee the only sports body which has been managed professionally independently and with fairness is BCCI, with your efforts don’t try to kill the Cricket in India.
When it comes to malpractices and corruption Lalu ji don’t forget “Chara Ghotala” and Mulayam jee don’t forget the defence deals when you were the RM, (SU 30 deal specially) Enough heat has been generated on IPL let the Law take its own course “but don’t kill the cricket”.
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
P.O. Rohilkhand University,
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
Tel. 0581-2526650
Mob.: 9999-722-636
9411-900-090
amashokgoel@gamil.com
sacreation_2001@yahoo.co.in
“Don’t Kill the Cricket Also”
With a population of nearly 1.20 billion (120 crores), India can barely make any impact in International Sports arena. It has been only in cricket that India has earned some international fame professionally and performance wise. Even on management front BCCI has earned name and fame as one of the best professionally managed sports bodies internationally.
The origins of IPL in the year 2008, against all expectations become a great success story. A brain child of Lalit Modi, who has ample and, elaborate experience of working in corporate world where he achieved only success. IPL became a every home story, It brought business, foreign capital, employment to the people. And the most a great entertainment.
The greatest service IPL did was, this activity germinated cricket to those who could how never imagined being at International levels. We in India could hardly pickup seamers/ spinners/batsman for our tests/ and ODI. Today we have dozens of seamers/spinners/batsman with a wide choice. A large no of small city youngsters have reached International fame and made a mark in Indian cricket. Our players like R P Singh / Praveen Kumar/ Pragyan Ojha / Ravindra Jadeja / Pathan brothers are rubbing shoulder with Brettlee/ Adam Gilchrist/ Symonds /Sangakara/Jaya Wardhan/Bonds and many others. The standards of game in every discipline have nearly touched the ultimate heights i.e. batting/fielding/bowling.
Unfortunately some of the events during the 3rd IPL have brought the IPL to disrepute. Every possible politician is giving sermon / “close the IPL give this to a Govt. body” etc. etc. Every politician wants to head the sports bodies. Be that at state level or National level. Every sports body at sate or national levels is headed and dominated by a politician. And politicians those who have not been able to make a mark are making maximum noise. It was disturbing and horrifying to see Lalu and Mulyam in the Lok Sahba giving sermons to the govt., on the future of IPL. Lalu’s biggest Crib was that his own son could not make the grade for any IPL team. Hope he knows that Sunil Govaskar’s son Rohan Govaskar could not make it to national side even what to say of IPL. Dear Lalu jee the only sports body which has been managed professionally independently and with fairness is BCCI, with your efforts don’t try to kill the Cricket in India.
When it comes to malpractices and corruption Lalu ji don’t forget “Chara Ghotala” and Mulayam jee don’t forget the defence deals when you were the RM, (SU 30 deal specially) Enough heat has been generated on IPL let the Law take its own course “but don’t kill the cricket”.
Common Wealth Games
11, Silver Estate,
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
P.O. Rohilkhand University,
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
Tel. 0581-2526650
Mob.: 9999-722-636
9411-900-090
amashokgoel@gamil.com
sacreation_2001@yahoo.co.in
Fifty Days to Go!
Common Wealth Games, - A Big Question Mark?
Introduction
Common Wealth Games were conceived in the year 2003 when NDA Govt. was in power. It was a big achievement for the country and the IOA, and Suresh Kalmadi in particular to have won the bid for such an event. It was a no mean achievement.
There was a big task to erect renovate, modernize 13 stadium in Delhi. Capital city had to gear up with suitable roads, flyovers, metro connectivity and on top of that the internal security imperatives. There were nearly 22 agencies involved to see through all these activities. Throughout this period of 6 and half to 7 years it appears that Suresh Kalmadi the IOA president and designated CWG chairman was the sole individual responsible. Knowing Suresh Kalmadi for last 46 years I have no doubt he liked to hog, the limelight for the successful culmination of this mega sporting event in the country since independence.
Where did we go wrong-from the very beginning there were three main areas (a) infrastructure development not related to the games i.e. roads, flyovers, metro connectivity and such preparations. (b) Construction, renovation, modernization of 13 stadium (c) Actual conduct of the games and other event management. For all these activities separate high level committees should have been formed who should have separately conducted the media briefings as and when required. The role of chairman OCCWG should have been only providing specialists and professional advice for readying the stadiums. The likely delays, trials and gestation period should have been perceived keeping the expected rainy season from June to mid Sept. The expected leak and seepages is nothing new and should have been anticipated. I am of the strong opinion the time of the games should have been 1st fortnight of Nov, anticipating rains and likely hazards that would have given additional 30 dry days to the organizers.
The Criticism
Broadly it is of political nature, what Suresh Kalmadi is doing couldn’t have been done by many of his critics. Our politics is destructive in nature and not constructive. We want to see the individual being pulled down and not to succeed (an other example is Omar Abdullah Chief Minister of J & K)
Rajdeep Sardesai in his article in Hindustan Times, has very forthrightly stated that the corruption is nothing new in the system. The parliament debate on 9th Aug. saw 3 yadavs (Lalu, Mulayam and Sharad) heavyweight politicians, have a lot to answer to the nation on this account. But since they are heavyweight politicians, hence have skipped the wrath of the law. Some of the very close friends of Suresh Kalmadi’s cocktail circuit (and many of them I have met at Suresh Kalmadi’s luxurious parties at 3 kamraj lane) today are his biggest critics (from political, as well as media.) The way various contracts or deals have been made, reflects (through media if correct) high level irregularities. May be at every stage somebody or the other has tried to make a fast buck, since this opportunity may not come again.
Where Suresh Kalmadi went wrong
No doubt every agreement and deal on personnel management procurement etc. must had Suresh Kalmadi’s approval or stamp. He wanted to project himself as a hero and finally may land up zero in the political environment and media. His media management seem to has been disjointed as he wanted to project himself as the sole, individual responsible. One can draw a parallel between Lalit Modi of IPL fame. He (Lalit Modi) brought an event of unique standard and completed 3 seasons of IPL and finally landed up in a mess. Friend SK might land up in the same manner at the end of the CWG. He did not want really honest and transparent seniors to manage his affairs.
Mr. Jaipal Reddy the chairman of GOM for Common Wealth Games was very confident in his address to parliament on 9th Aug. The games would be conducted in the most befitting manner, and shall be the best organized Common Wealth Game so far.
Good luck to friend Suresh Kalmadi.
Random Thoughts
Fourth world military games were organized during Oct 2007 at Hyderabad & Mumbai. 102 countries participated. No. of participants was 4200. Cost was not even 1/100 of the Common Wealth Games. No show man ship or shoo-shaw.
Milkha singh stated the responsibility of Common Wealth Games should have been entrusted to the Armed Forces (Army in particular)
Lalit Bhanot – 2nd most powerful person in the OCCWG, an arrogant rustic Kabaddi player of yesteryears, He wields authority and displays adequately. Reliably learnt one day he threw a file on a senior army officer while interacting, thoroughly entrenched in all possible blame worthy activities of the OCCWG.
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
P.O. Rohilkhand University,
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
Tel. 0581-2526650
Mob.: 9999-722-636
9411-900-090
amashokgoel@gamil.com
sacreation_2001@yahoo.co.in
Fifty Days to Go!
Common Wealth Games, - A Big Question Mark?
Introduction
Common Wealth Games were conceived in the year 2003 when NDA Govt. was in power. It was a big achievement for the country and the IOA, and Suresh Kalmadi in particular to have won the bid for such an event. It was a no mean achievement.
There was a big task to erect renovate, modernize 13 stadium in Delhi. Capital city had to gear up with suitable roads, flyovers, metro connectivity and on top of that the internal security imperatives. There were nearly 22 agencies involved to see through all these activities. Throughout this period of 6 and half to 7 years it appears that Suresh Kalmadi the IOA president and designated CWG chairman was the sole individual responsible. Knowing Suresh Kalmadi for last 46 years I have no doubt he liked to hog, the limelight for the successful culmination of this mega sporting event in the country since independence.
Where did we go wrong-from the very beginning there were three main areas (a) infrastructure development not related to the games i.e. roads, flyovers, metro connectivity and such preparations. (b) Construction, renovation, modernization of 13 stadium (c) Actual conduct of the games and other event management. For all these activities separate high level committees should have been formed who should have separately conducted the media briefings as and when required. The role of chairman OCCWG should have been only providing specialists and professional advice for readying the stadiums. The likely delays, trials and gestation period should have been perceived keeping the expected rainy season from June to mid Sept. The expected leak and seepages is nothing new and should have been anticipated. I am of the strong opinion the time of the games should have been 1st fortnight of Nov, anticipating rains and likely hazards that would have given additional 30 dry days to the organizers.
The Criticism
Broadly it is of political nature, what Suresh Kalmadi is doing couldn’t have been done by many of his critics. Our politics is destructive in nature and not constructive. We want to see the individual being pulled down and not to succeed (an other example is Omar Abdullah Chief Minister of J & K)
Rajdeep Sardesai in his article in Hindustan Times, has very forthrightly stated that the corruption is nothing new in the system. The parliament debate on 9th Aug. saw 3 yadavs (Lalu, Mulayam and Sharad) heavyweight politicians, have a lot to answer to the nation on this account. But since they are heavyweight politicians, hence have skipped the wrath of the law. Some of the very close friends of Suresh Kalmadi’s cocktail circuit (and many of them I have met at Suresh Kalmadi’s luxurious parties at 3 kamraj lane) today are his biggest critics (from political, as well as media.) The way various contracts or deals have been made, reflects (through media if correct) high level irregularities. May be at every stage somebody or the other has tried to make a fast buck, since this opportunity may not come again.
Where Suresh Kalmadi went wrong
No doubt every agreement and deal on personnel management procurement etc. must had Suresh Kalmadi’s approval or stamp. He wanted to project himself as a hero and finally may land up zero in the political environment and media. His media management seem to has been disjointed as he wanted to project himself as the sole, individual responsible. One can draw a parallel between Lalit Modi of IPL fame. He (Lalit Modi) brought an event of unique standard and completed 3 seasons of IPL and finally landed up in a mess. Friend SK might land up in the same manner at the end of the CWG. He did not want really honest and transparent seniors to manage his affairs.
Mr. Jaipal Reddy the chairman of GOM for Common Wealth Games was very confident in his address to parliament on 9th Aug. The games would be conducted in the most befitting manner, and shall be the best organized Common Wealth Game so far.
Good luck to friend Suresh Kalmadi.
Random Thoughts
Fourth world military games were organized during Oct 2007 at Hyderabad & Mumbai. 102 countries participated. No. of participants was 4200. Cost was not even 1/100 of the Common Wealth Games. No show man ship or shoo-shaw.
Milkha singh stated the responsibility of Common Wealth Games should have been entrusted to the Armed Forces (Army in particular)
Lalit Bhanot – 2nd most powerful person in the OCCWG, an arrogant rustic Kabaddi player of yesteryears, He wields authority and displays adequately. Reliably learnt one day he threw a file on a senior army officer while interacting, thoroughly entrenched in all possible blame worthy activities of the OCCWG.
Common Wealth Games
11, Silver Estate,
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
P.O. Rohilkhand University,
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
Tel. 0581-2526650
Mob.: 9999-722-636
9411-900-090
amashokgoel@gamil.com
sacreation_2001@yahoo.co.in
Fifty Days to Go!
Common Wealth Games, - A Big Question Mark?
Introduction
Common Wealth Games were conceived in the year 2003 when NDA Govt. was in power. It was a big achievement for the country and the IOA, and Suresh Kalmadi in particular to have won the bid for such an event. It was a no mean achievement.
There was a big task to erect renovate, modernize 13 stadium in Delhi. Capital city had to gear up with suitable roads, flyovers, metro connectivity and on top of that the internal security imperatives. There were nearly 22 agencies involved to see through all these activities. Throughout this period of 6 and half to 7 years it appears that Suresh Kalmadi the IOA president and designated CWG chairman was the sole individual responsible. Knowing Suresh Kalmadi for last 46 years I have no doubt he liked to hog, the limelight for the successful culmination of this mega sporting event in the country since independence.
Where did we go wrong-from the very beginning there were three main areas (a) infrastructure development not related to the games i.e. roads, flyovers, metro connectivity and such preparations. (b) Construction, renovation, modernization of 13 stadium (c) Actual conduct of the games and other event management. For all these activities separate high level committees should have been formed who should have separately conducted the media briefings as and when required. The role of chairman OCCWG should have been only providing specialists and professional advice for readying the stadiums. The likely delays, trials and gestation period should have been perceived keeping the expected rainy season from June to mid Sept. The expected leak and seepages is nothing new and should have been anticipated. I am of the strong opinion the time of the games should have been 1st fortnight of Nov, anticipating rains and likely hazards that would have given additional 30 dry days to the organizers.
The Criticism
Broadly it is of political nature, what Suresh Kalmadi is doing couldn’t have been done by many of his critics. Our politics is destructive in nature and not constructive. We want to see the individual being pulled down and not to succeed (an other example is Omar Abdullah Chief Minister of J & K)
Rajdeep Sardesai in his article in Hindustan Times, has very forthrightly stated that the corruption is nothing new in the system. The parliament debate on 9th Aug. saw 3 yadavs (Lalu, Mulayam and Sharad) heavyweight politicians, have a lot to answer to the nation on this account. But since they are heavyweight politicians, hence have skipped the wrath of the law. Some of the very close friends of Suresh Kalmadi’s cocktail circuit (and many of them I have met at Suresh Kalmadi’s luxurious parties at 3 kamraj lane) today are his biggest critics (from political, as well as media.) The way various contracts or deals have been made, reflects (through media if correct) high level irregularities. May be at every stage somebody or the other has tried to make a fast buck, since this opportunity may not come again.
Where Suresh Kalmadi went wrong
No doubt every agreement and deal on personnel management procurement etc. must had Suresh Kalmadi’s approval or stamp. He wanted to project himself as a hero and finally may land up zero in the political environment and media. His media management seem to has been disjointed as he wanted to project himself as the sole, individual responsible. One can draw a parallel between Lalit Modi of IPL fame. He (Lalit Modi) brought an event of unique standard and completed 3 seasons of IPL and finally landed up in a mess. Friend SK might land up in the same manner at the end of the CWG. He did not want really honest and transparent seniors to manage his affairs.
Mr. Jaipal Reddy the chairman of GOM for Common Wealth Games was very confident in his address to parliament on 9th Aug. The games would be conducted in the most befitting manner, and shall be the best organized Common Wealth Game so far.
Good luck to friend Suresh Kalmadi.
Random Thoughts
Fourth world military games were organized during Oct 2007 at Hyderabad & Mumbai. 102 countries participated. No. of participants was 4200. Cost was not even 1/100 of the Common Wealth Games. No show man ship or shoo-shaw.
Milkha singh stated the responsibility of Common Wealth Games should have been entrusted to the Armed Forces (Army in particular)
Lalit Bhanot – 2nd most powerful person in the OCCWG, an arrogant rustic Kabaddi player of yesteryears, He wields authority and displays adequately. Reliably learnt one day he threw a file on a senior army officer while interacting, thoroughly entrenched in all possible blame worthy activities of the OCCWG.
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
P.O. Rohilkhand University,
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
Tel. 0581-2526650
Mob.: 9999-722-636
9411-900-090
amashokgoel@gamil.com
sacreation_2001@yahoo.co.in
Fifty Days to Go!
Common Wealth Games, - A Big Question Mark?
Introduction
Common Wealth Games were conceived in the year 2003 when NDA Govt. was in power. It was a big achievement for the country and the IOA, and Suresh Kalmadi in particular to have won the bid for such an event. It was a no mean achievement.
There was a big task to erect renovate, modernize 13 stadium in Delhi. Capital city had to gear up with suitable roads, flyovers, metro connectivity and on top of that the internal security imperatives. There were nearly 22 agencies involved to see through all these activities. Throughout this period of 6 and half to 7 years it appears that Suresh Kalmadi the IOA president and designated CWG chairman was the sole individual responsible. Knowing Suresh Kalmadi for last 46 years I have no doubt he liked to hog, the limelight for the successful culmination of this mega sporting event in the country since independence.
Where did we go wrong-from the very beginning there were three main areas (a) infrastructure development not related to the games i.e. roads, flyovers, metro connectivity and such preparations. (b) Construction, renovation, modernization of 13 stadium (c) Actual conduct of the games and other event management. For all these activities separate high level committees should have been formed who should have separately conducted the media briefings as and when required. The role of chairman OCCWG should have been only providing specialists and professional advice for readying the stadiums. The likely delays, trials and gestation period should have been perceived keeping the expected rainy season from June to mid Sept. The expected leak and seepages is nothing new and should have been anticipated. I am of the strong opinion the time of the games should have been 1st fortnight of Nov, anticipating rains and likely hazards that would have given additional 30 dry days to the organizers.
The Criticism
Broadly it is of political nature, what Suresh Kalmadi is doing couldn’t have been done by many of his critics. Our politics is destructive in nature and not constructive. We want to see the individual being pulled down and not to succeed (an other example is Omar Abdullah Chief Minister of J & K)
Rajdeep Sardesai in his article in Hindustan Times, has very forthrightly stated that the corruption is nothing new in the system. The parliament debate on 9th Aug. saw 3 yadavs (Lalu, Mulayam and Sharad) heavyweight politicians, have a lot to answer to the nation on this account. But since they are heavyweight politicians, hence have skipped the wrath of the law. Some of the very close friends of Suresh Kalmadi’s cocktail circuit (and many of them I have met at Suresh Kalmadi’s luxurious parties at 3 kamraj lane) today are his biggest critics (from political, as well as media.) The way various contracts or deals have been made, reflects (through media if correct) high level irregularities. May be at every stage somebody or the other has tried to make a fast buck, since this opportunity may not come again.
Where Suresh Kalmadi went wrong
No doubt every agreement and deal on personnel management procurement etc. must had Suresh Kalmadi’s approval or stamp. He wanted to project himself as a hero and finally may land up zero in the political environment and media. His media management seem to has been disjointed as he wanted to project himself as the sole, individual responsible. One can draw a parallel between Lalit Modi of IPL fame. He (Lalit Modi) brought an event of unique standard and completed 3 seasons of IPL and finally landed up in a mess. Friend SK might land up in the same manner at the end of the CWG. He did not want really honest and transparent seniors to manage his affairs.
Mr. Jaipal Reddy the chairman of GOM for Common Wealth Games was very confident in his address to parliament on 9th Aug. The games would be conducted in the most befitting manner, and shall be the best organized Common Wealth Game so far.
Good luck to friend Suresh Kalmadi.
Random Thoughts
Fourth world military games were organized during Oct 2007 at Hyderabad & Mumbai. 102 countries participated. No. of participants was 4200. Cost was not even 1/100 of the Common Wealth Games. No show man ship or shoo-shaw.
Milkha singh stated the responsibility of Common Wealth Games should have been entrusted to the Armed Forces (Army in particular)
Lalit Bhanot – 2nd most powerful person in the OCCWG, an arrogant rustic Kabaddi player of yesteryears, He wields authority and displays adequately. Reliably learnt one day he threw a file on a senior army officer while interacting, thoroughly entrenched in all possible blame worthy activities of the OCCWG.
Random Thoughts
11 Silver Estate,
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
PO Rohilkhand University
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
amashokgoel@gmail.com
Air Marshal Ashok K. Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
Random Thoughts
Cricket :- Cricket is a game of British origin. Has flourished a great deal in this continent, particularly so in India. To the extent it has beaten totally the game of Hockey, in popularity and performance. There was a time when we Indians could not be outplayed and surpassed in performance in international or national events. Today even to make a respectable appearance is questionable.
Where as Cricket has assumed an unprecedented heights specially so during last 5 yrs. We are no-01 in Test cricket, T-20 world champions, winner of champion’s trophy, world no-2 in ODI’s. And recently added another feather in our cap, won the “World Cup” after 28 yrs.
The introduction of IPL (Indian Premier League or Indian Paisa League) added a new dimension to this game. Undoubtedly this format has given large opportunities to many, to show their mettle and make money. The busy cricket calendar has resulted in frequent hurts to the players, even touching them emotionally. Resulting in non availability of players when they are needed most to represent and play for the country.
The time has come for the BCCI to review their schedule of events. I would recommend:
(a) Whenever there is “World Cup” the IPL should not be held that year.
(b) After every major event or a tournament a break of 10 days should be prescribed, for the players to rest and give them time to charge up emotionally. By being with their families/ friends and give them time to lead their normal life.
(c) This would bring in a new charged up life among the players.
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
PO Rohilkhand University
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
amashokgoel@gmail.com
Air Marshal Ashok K. Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
Random Thoughts
Cricket :- Cricket is a game of British origin. Has flourished a great deal in this continent, particularly so in India. To the extent it has beaten totally the game of Hockey, in popularity and performance. There was a time when we Indians could not be outplayed and surpassed in performance in international or national events. Today even to make a respectable appearance is questionable.
Where as Cricket has assumed an unprecedented heights specially so during last 5 yrs. We are no-01 in Test cricket, T-20 world champions, winner of champion’s trophy, world no-2 in ODI’s. And recently added another feather in our cap, won the “World Cup” after 28 yrs.
The introduction of IPL (Indian Premier League or Indian Paisa League) added a new dimension to this game. Undoubtedly this format has given large opportunities to many, to show their mettle and make money. The busy cricket calendar has resulted in frequent hurts to the players, even touching them emotionally. Resulting in non availability of players when they are needed most to represent and play for the country.
The time has come for the BCCI to review their schedule of events. I would recommend:
(a) Whenever there is “World Cup” the IPL should not be held that year.
(b) After every major event or a tournament a break of 10 days should be prescribed, for the players to rest and give them time to charge up emotionally. By being with their families/ friends and give them time to lead their normal life.
(c) This would bring in a new charged up life among the players.
What Ails India
11 Silver Estate,
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
PO Rohilkhand University
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
amashokgoel@gmail.com
Air Marshal Ashok K. Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
As I Saw It
What Ails India
The last two decade, especially the first decade of the 21st century set the pace of economic liberalization.
Economic reforms will be 20 years old this July. Without political reforms, the full benefits of economic liberalization won’t reach the poor. The nexus between vested political and business interests, fused by lobbyists and middlemen, erodes those benefits. The reason poverty remains intractable in India is that good economic governance needs the protective umbrella of good political governance. Without that, both privilege and poverty will persist.
A fist rots from the head down, never from the tail up. The top political leadership sets the standard of governance. If that standard is set low, corruption infects the entire body politic. Every recent public scam involving leaders of the Congress and other parties can be traced to this systemic rot. Three key political reforms-police, judicial and electoral-are necessary to cleanse our public institutions.
In 2006, the Supreme Court directed the government to implement police reform. Make the national Police Commission autonomous, the court ordered, and give it a structure that is independent of political control.
Systemic corruption is symptom of failed governance. Political reforms that remove our key public institutions from government control can make 2011 the definitive year for sweeping institutional change just as 1991 was the inflection point for economic liberalization. That would greatly expand our moral universe.
The top political leadership sets the standard of governance. If that standard is set low, corruption infects the entire body politic.
The very recent happenings can’t be forgotten
• Sudden collapse and decline of economy in the west including US.
• Planned and systemic terrorist attack on 26/11/ 2008 in Mumbai.
• Scams 2G spectrum, Yedurappa scandal in Karnatka, CWG games-2010, Adarsh Society scam, Wilikileakes , exposure of Nira Raida contacts and revelations of her taped convertaion with “who is who” of India. And now the biggest ISRO scam.
These and the runway inflation have shaken the faith of the “Aam Admi” (common man) in the total governance mechanism of the country.
Whereas we would have been rejoicing our economic achievements and political stability, but we are to think very intently and seriously how to remodel ourselves on various aspects of inadequacies
I was at DSSC wellington 2000-2001 (Posted as CI Air). A national security seminar was held on “National Security” which I had the opportunity to organize as well as address one of the session. The topic I had chosen was “What Ails India”. In algebraic terms I had condensed the ailments in a formula P3C5.
P-3 - These are at National Level Population-Poverty-Pollution
Population- After 1977 (i.e. the emergency period 1975-1977) no political leader has dared to talk this most important and sensitive issue. We have grown from 300 million (30 crores) at the time of independence (1947) to 1200 million (120 crores/1.2 billion) by the end of 2010. We were expected to overtake the china’s population of 1.32 billion by 2050. Now demographers expect by 2025 if not earlier. Population stabilization was expected by 2045 (TFR of 2.1) but stands postponed to 2070. Main reason, the TFR in our big states (and most populous areas like UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan still continues to be 3 to 3.5). It would be of interest to know, if UP was an independent country, would have been the fifth most populous nation (after China, India, USA and Brazil)
Poverty & Pollution
In spite of outstanding economic progress during last 20 years, our poverty line has remained about 65% and the ultra poverty line (less than USD per day nearly 50% of that, 65% of the population defecates in the open, nearly same percentage of people have no access to potable drinking water and proper sanitation.
Pollution is directly related to fist two factors population and poverty. Unhygienic conditions/more energy requirement leads to illegal deforestation/lagers Carbonization
Some Important Statistic
The INDIA you may not know
• 71% or 770 million people are below 35 years of age. Indians are young.
• 90% to 94% drop out rate of children between kindergarten and 10+2. This includes those who have never been to school.
• The Indian definition of literacy is based on a survey of people-“If you can write your name, you are literate”; nobody has seriously ever challenged this definition!
• India has only 1.72 % of the world GDP and has 17% of the world population. Demands are high but buying power is low. Hence we will need to increase our exports related activities by 10 times, as the foreign trade is 1.00% down from 33% 1000 years ago, down from 27% wh9en the British landed in India and down from 3% in 1947.
The population BOMB
• India’s Population Policy- much to catch up and learn from others!
India has 1, 200 million people. Chins has 1,314 million. Nearly 27 million are born every year in India and ONLY 15 million in China. China has had a more effective population policy than India, although they started in 1970. India’s population policy started much earlier, in 1952. By 2045, (now expected by 2025) we shall overtake the Chinese population, with an India population of 1,550 million! Life expectancy in China is now 74 years vs 68 years in India. In China the average family size is 3.63 members. In India it is much higher, with 5.52 members.
• Percentage of people below poverty line. China and India
We fail to understood the fact why some thinkers and leaders in India, mention that our population is our strength. How can they make such statements, with so much poverty, illiteracy and a low standard of living? It’s a nightmare for the poor in India!
• India’s economic parameters- the simple truth!
India has 17% of the world’s population, 2.2% of the land area, 1.72% of the world’s GDP and only 1% of the world trade. This means that 98.27% of the World’s GDP [Buying Power] and 99% of the world’s trade is not with India! India must plan larger exports, for increasing the standard of living of its people.
• Adjustment for population increases the hard facts!
If the GDP grows by 9.2% per year, as in 2006-2007, the per capita does not grow at 9.2%. It is reduced due to the yearly population increase, inflation and other issues. Therefore the final per capita increase would be much lesser. This is only, one of the disadvantages, of ballooning population.
• Economy India has only – grow faster
C-5 This is at political level, that is
• Criminalization of politics
• Communalism in politics
• Casteism in politics
• Corruption in politics
• Compromises in coalition politics
Criminalization- Today 25 to 45% of elected reps are in the categories of criminals. Recently in a seminar in Lucknow where CEC Mr. Qureshi and Km. Mayawati both were present CEC had opined that if a person is charged with certain section of the IPC, he/she should be debarred from contesting elections. This was negated and the interests of the criminals were fully defended by the CM of UP.
Why not debar the individuals charged with criminal acts, loot, murder, rape or abetments’ of such crimes, till they are proved innocent in the court. Today politics has become a safe haven for those who are actually criminals.
Communalism- It is a very serious threat even to national security. Communalism perpetrates division and hatred among social groups. This hatred and divisiveness ferments fundamentalism. Fundamentalism activates hard liners, and hard liners find space to pollute the healthy social environment. These hard liners get activated to create unrest by violent means. This violence allows tensions to flourish resulting into terrorism.
lkEçnkf;drk vyxkookn vkSj ?k`.kk dVVjokfnrk mxzokfnrk vkradokn
Castism: To achieve narrow aims of political power the very basis of political activism is caste based selection of candidates/propaganda and canvassing, all is totally caste based. We are digging in more & more.
Corruption- The less said the better It has become a part and parcel of our daily life. The recent happenings of 2G spectrum Radia tapes, lands scam of Karnataka, CWG/ Adarsh scam are all are very recent. All are from political fraternity. There have been much larger scams in the past “Chara Ghotala” of Bihar and “Koda scam of Jharkhand”. Aam Adami is waiting to see if anyone is correctly and seriously penalized.
Fast track courts, life ban on public life (election etc.) heaviest punitive action would be the only answer.
Compromise in coaltine politics
These are more than 300 registered political parties with the election commission. (some say this no. is more than 600). Political parties are just mushrooming (one man parties) regional parties, and national parties.
The very objective of these one man and regional parties is to gain some seats during general election. And then bargain with large national parties to support them, demand ministerial berths and lucrative ministries. Such outfits are only looking for quick and smart money. Because of this very factor instead of one captain of the team we have many (Like in the present scenario we have Karunanidhi/Mamta Banerjee/Sharad Pawar and many more).
What do we do to overcome P3-C5
• National consensus on certain vital issues (Social, National Security, Foreign Policy)
• Political Reform
• Electoral Reform
• Legal Reform
• Administrative Reform
• Social Reform
• Police Reform (in spite of 2006, SC directive most of the big states are not ready to implements them)
We are waiting for population explosion, which is slowly blooming and would kind us in a population bomb.
All there ills (P3-C5) weaken the country, governance gets diluted, our political masters are to wake up, unrest is showing. All threats like terrorism, Naxalism, youth unrest, unemployment, large gaps in inclusive growth are serious threats to the security of the country.
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
PO Rohilkhand University
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
amashokgoel@gmail.com
Air Marshal Ashok K. Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
As I Saw It
What Ails India
The last two decade, especially the first decade of the 21st century set the pace of economic liberalization.
Economic reforms will be 20 years old this July. Without political reforms, the full benefits of economic liberalization won’t reach the poor. The nexus between vested political and business interests, fused by lobbyists and middlemen, erodes those benefits. The reason poverty remains intractable in India is that good economic governance needs the protective umbrella of good political governance. Without that, both privilege and poverty will persist.
A fist rots from the head down, never from the tail up. The top political leadership sets the standard of governance. If that standard is set low, corruption infects the entire body politic. Every recent public scam involving leaders of the Congress and other parties can be traced to this systemic rot. Three key political reforms-police, judicial and electoral-are necessary to cleanse our public institutions.
In 2006, the Supreme Court directed the government to implement police reform. Make the national Police Commission autonomous, the court ordered, and give it a structure that is independent of political control.
Systemic corruption is symptom of failed governance. Political reforms that remove our key public institutions from government control can make 2011 the definitive year for sweeping institutional change just as 1991 was the inflection point for economic liberalization. That would greatly expand our moral universe.
The top political leadership sets the standard of governance. If that standard is set low, corruption infects the entire body politic.
The very recent happenings can’t be forgotten
• Sudden collapse and decline of economy in the west including US.
• Planned and systemic terrorist attack on 26/11/ 2008 in Mumbai.
• Scams 2G spectrum, Yedurappa scandal in Karnatka, CWG games-2010, Adarsh Society scam, Wilikileakes , exposure of Nira Raida contacts and revelations of her taped convertaion with “who is who” of India. And now the biggest ISRO scam.
These and the runway inflation have shaken the faith of the “Aam Admi” (common man) in the total governance mechanism of the country.
Whereas we would have been rejoicing our economic achievements and political stability, but we are to think very intently and seriously how to remodel ourselves on various aspects of inadequacies
I was at DSSC wellington 2000-2001 (Posted as CI Air). A national security seminar was held on “National Security” which I had the opportunity to organize as well as address one of the session. The topic I had chosen was “What Ails India”. In algebraic terms I had condensed the ailments in a formula P3C5.
P-3 - These are at National Level Population-Poverty-Pollution
Population- After 1977 (i.e. the emergency period 1975-1977) no political leader has dared to talk this most important and sensitive issue. We have grown from 300 million (30 crores) at the time of independence (1947) to 1200 million (120 crores/1.2 billion) by the end of 2010. We were expected to overtake the china’s population of 1.32 billion by 2050. Now demographers expect by 2025 if not earlier. Population stabilization was expected by 2045 (TFR of 2.1) but stands postponed to 2070. Main reason, the TFR in our big states (and most populous areas like UP, Bihar, MP, Rajasthan still continues to be 3 to 3.5). It would be of interest to know, if UP was an independent country, would have been the fifth most populous nation (after China, India, USA and Brazil)
Poverty & Pollution
In spite of outstanding economic progress during last 20 years, our poverty line has remained about 65% and the ultra poverty line (less than USD per day nearly 50% of that, 65% of the population defecates in the open, nearly same percentage of people have no access to potable drinking water and proper sanitation.
Pollution is directly related to fist two factors population and poverty. Unhygienic conditions/more energy requirement leads to illegal deforestation/lagers Carbonization
Some Important Statistic
The INDIA you may not know
• 71% or 770 million people are below 35 years of age. Indians are young.
• 90% to 94% drop out rate of children between kindergarten and 10+2. This includes those who have never been to school.
• The Indian definition of literacy is based on a survey of people-“If you can write your name, you are literate”; nobody has seriously ever challenged this definition!
• India has only 1.72 % of the world GDP and has 17% of the world population. Demands are high but buying power is low. Hence we will need to increase our exports related activities by 10 times, as the foreign trade is 1.00% down from 33% 1000 years ago, down from 27% wh9en the British landed in India and down from 3% in 1947.
The population BOMB
• India’s Population Policy- much to catch up and learn from others!
India has 1, 200 million people. Chins has 1,314 million. Nearly 27 million are born every year in India and ONLY 15 million in China. China has had a more effective population policy than India, although they started in 1970. India’s population policy started much earlier, in 1952. By 2045, (now expected by 2025) we shall overtake the Chinese population, with an India population of 1,550 million! Life expectancy in China is now 74 years vs 68 years in India. In China the average family size is 3.63 members. In India it is much higher, with 5.52 members.
• Percentage of people below poverty line. China and India
We fail to understood the fact why some thinkers and leaders in India, mention that our population is our strength. How can they make such statements, with so much poverty, illiteracy and a low standard of living? It’s a nightmare for the poor in India!
• India’s economic parameters- the simple truth!
India has 17% of the world’s population, 2.2% of the land area, 1.72% of the world’s GDP and only 1% of the world trade. This means that 98.27% of the World’s GDP [Buying Power] and 99% of the world’s trade is not with India! India must plan larger exports, for increasing the standard of living of its people.
• Adjustment for population increases the hard facts!
If the GDP grows by 9.2% per year, as in 2006-2007, the per capita does not grow at 9.2%. It is reduced due to the yearly population increase, inflation and other issues. Therefore the final per capita increase would be much lesser. This is only, one of the disadvantages, of ballooning population.
• Economy India has only – grow faster
C-5 This is at political level, that is
• Criminalization of politics
• Communalism in politics
• Casteism in politics
• Corruption in politics
• Compromises in coalition politics
Criminalization- Today 25 to 45% of elected reps are in the categories of criminals. Recently in a seminar in Lucknow where CEC Mr. Qureshi and Km. Mayawati both were present CEC had opined that if a person is charged with certain section of the IPC, he/she should be debarred from contesting elections. This was negated and the interests of the criminals were fully defended by the CM of UP.
Why not debar the individuals charged with criminal acts, loot, murder, rape or abetments’ of such crimes, till they are proved innocent in the court. Today politics has become a safe haven for those who are actually criminals.
Communalism- It is a very serious threat even to national security. Communalism perpetrates division and hatred among social groups. This hatred and divisiveness ferments fundamentalism. Fundamentalism activates hard liners, and hard liners find space to pollute the healthy social environment. These hard liners get activated to create unrest by violent means. This violence allows tensions to flourish resulting into terrorism.
lkEçnkf;drk vyxkookn vkSj ?k`.kk dVVjokfnrk mxzokfnrk vkradokn
Castism: To achieve narrow aims of political power the very basis of political activism is caste based selection of candidates/propaganda and canvassing, all is totally caste based. We are digging in more & more.
Corruption- The less said the better It has become a part and parcel of our daily life. The recent happenings of 2G spectrum Radia tapes, lands scam of Karnataka, CWG/ Adarsh scam are all are very recent. All are from political fraternity. There have been much larger scams in the past “Chara Ghotala” of Bihar and “Koda scam of Jharkhand”. Aam Adami is waiting to see if anyone is correctly and seriously penalized.
Fast track courts, life ban on public life (election etc.) heaviest punitive action would be the only answer.
Compromise in coaltine politics
These are more than 300 registered political parties with the election commission. (some say this no. is more than 600). Political parties are just mushrooming (one man parties) regional parties, and national parties.
The very objective of these one man and regional parties is to gain some seats during general election. And then bargain with large national parties to support them, demand ministerial berths and lucrative ministries. Such outfits are only looking for quick and smart money. Because of this very factor instead of one captain of the team we have many (Like in the present scenario we have Karunanidhi/Mamta Banerjee/Sharad Pawar and many more).
What do we do to overcome P3-C5
• National consensus on certain vital issues (Social, National Security, Foreign Policy)
• Political Reform
• Electoral Reform
• Legal Reform
• Administrative Reform
• Social Reform
• Police Reform (in spite of 2006, SC directive most of the big states are not ready to implements them)
We are waiting for population explosion, which is slowly blooming and would kind us in a population bomb.
All there ills (P3-C5) weaken the country, governance gets diluted, our political masters are to wake up, unrest is showing. All threats like terrorism, Naxalism, youth unrest, unemployment, large gaps in inclusive growth are serious threats to the security of the country.
The Topiwala Camera
The Topiwala Camera
ANIL DHARKER
In covering Anna, TV seems to have shed its critical faculties
“CORRUPTION,” I remarked the other day on a television channel, “takes more than one form.” We were talking about-what else?-the latest incremental progression in the Anna Hazare saga. “Everyone talks of money corruption, but what about the other kind=”Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely’? And who has any kind of power now? Only two entities: Anna Hazare and television.”
Rigidity of Team Anna, and its constitutional implications, but no one wants to talk about how the television medium itself is dictating what we think, what we say and when we say it.
In this prevailing atmosphere, you better be for Anna Hazare completely, without any qualifications or reservations, or you will be deemed to be either for corruption or a lackey of the government.
Anna is a television creation.
Is it really old-fashioned to believe that the media should remain, under all circumstances, balanced and objective?
Everyone would want the media to be against corruption, so when a movement like Anna’s starts, you expect the media to be on that movement’s side. But do you expect it to act as the movement’s propagandist?
Television’s lack of objectivity has meant that really important questions are also not being discussed: like the dictatorial tendencies of Team Hazare, the flaws in the Jan Lokpal Bill, the monumental machinery required for the Lokpal agency and the difficulty in keeping it corruption free.
Television’s all-consuming obsession with the campaign has prevented it from looking at already established anti-corruption agencies and why they are not working agencies like the CBI, CVC, ACB, and the Lok Ayuktas set us in some states.
But the channels won’t say it, or many of the other things that need to be said. If they did so, it just might weaken the movement, and that wouldn’t be good for TRPS, would it ?
Comments:
The opinion of Dharker was published in “Outlook”) of 5 Sept. 2011
The media remained highly biased on the side of so called civil society. Electronic media aired 24x14 only the Ram Lila ground. Just to earn the TRP.
Dissenting views were completely ignored. Some of them were:
(a) Tushar Gandhi-great-great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.
(b) Arudhanti Roy –A renowned social activist.
(c) Prakash Singh (IPS) -Retd. DGP –UP Assam & BSF. Who steered the PIL on Police reforms and won favourably in the SC.
(d) Anil Dharker – a Columnist.
(e) No. of prof of JNU and others.
Anyone who wanted to use derogatory language against the Govt had a Manch ¼eap½, Mike, Media and the Messes to air the abusive language.
Should we not formalize certain self imposed taboos on the electronic media so the reporting is unbiased and objective.
ANIL DHARKER
In covering Anna, TV seems to have shed its critical faculties
“CORRUPTION,” I remarked the other day on a television channel, “takes more than one form.” We were talking about-what else?-the latest incremental progression in the Anna Hazare saga. “Everyone talks of money corruption, but what about the other kind=”Power corrupts, absolute power corrupts absolutely’? And who has any kind of power now? Only two entities: Anna Hazare and television.”
Rigidity of Team Anna, and its constitutional implications, but no one wants to talk about how the television medium itself is dictating what we think, what we say and when we say it.
In this prevailing atmosphere, you better be for Anna Hazare completely, without any qualifications or reservations, or you will be deemed to be either for corruption or a lackey of the government.
Anna is a television creation.
Is it really old-fashioned to believe that the media should remain, under all circumstances, balanced and objective?
Everyone would want the media to be against corruption, so when a movement like Anna’s starts, you expect the media to be on that movement’s side. But do you expect it to act as the movement’s propagandist?
Television’s lack of objectivity has meant that really important questions are also not being discussed: like the dictatorial tendencies of Team Hazare, the flaws in the Jan Lokpal Bill, the monumental machinery required for the Lokpal agency and the difficulty in keeping it corruption free.
Television’s all-consuming obsession with the campaign has prevented it from looking at already established anti-corruption agencies and why they are not working agencies like the CBI, CVC, ACB, and the Lok Ayuktas set us in some states.
But the channels won’t say it, or many of the other things that need to be said. If they did so, it just might weaken the movement, and that wouldn’t be good for TRPS, would it ?
Comments:
The opinion of Dharker was published in “Outlook”) of 5 Sept. 2011
The media remained highly biased on the side of so called civil society. Electronic media aired 24x14 only the Ram Lila ground. Just to earn the TRP.
Dissenting views were completely ignored. Some of them were:
(a) Tushar Gandhi-great-great grandson of Mahatma Gandhi.
(b) Arudhanti Roy –A renowned social activist.
(c) Prakash Singh (IPS) -Retd. DGP –UP Assam & BSF. Who steered the PIL on Police reforms and won favourably in the SC.
(d) Anil Dharker – a Columnist.
(e) No. of prof of JNU and others.
Anyone who wanted to use derogatory language against the Govt had a Manch ¼eap½, Mike, Media and the Messes to air the abusive language.
Should we not formalize certain self imposed taboos on the electronic media so the reporting is unbiased and objective.
As I Saw It Former Pakistan President Pervez Mus
11 Silver Estate,
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
PO Rohilkhand University
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
amashokgoel@gmail.com
Air Marshal Ashok K. Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
As I Saw It
Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, who announced his political party on October 1 in London, has been in the news for his admission to a German magazine that Pakistan had trained militant groups to fight against India and “the government turned a blind eye because they wanted India to discuss Kashmir”.
We want good relations with India, but it has to be based on justice and fairness. Kashmir is the primary problem and improvement in bilateral relations between the two countries depends on the resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Pakistan’s security situation gets muddled when India becomes hyper active in Afghanistan.
Taliban has conducted several suicide attacks in the heartland of Pakistan. Military action has to create space for political solution. Tough measures were not undertaken on a whim. We tried all option but failed. Now, a mix of soft and tough measures need to be adopted. If I return to power, the armed forces in Pakistan will be well-equipped and maintained. Any adventurism against Pakistan will be thwarted.
Pakistan is passing through turmoil and turbulence and we believe that an alternative political option should be available to the people. Democracy needs to be overhauled in Pakistan and it will have to be rid of the traditional vestiges like kinship and feudalism.
But he has to remember that Pakistan has been its most important ally in the war on terror and he has to acknowledge the sacrifices and initiatives that Pakistan undertook after the attack on the World Trade Center in New York on September 11.
Failure of governance is the greatest threat today. Immediate necessity on the ground in Pakistan is a functional governance structure free of corruption.
While people like Bhutto and Sharif were sent into exile by dictators, in Musharraf’s case, the dictator himself had to flee following the return to democracy in the country. Musharraf is now trying to be part of that democracy with the launch of his political party, The All Pakistan Muslim League (APML, on October 1 at London’s former National Liberal Club.
Two things are clear about Musharraf’s politics in London. One, his reading and thinking have increased his conviction against religious extremists like the Taliban; second, his exile has not been apolitical.
No one knows why Musharraf decided to relaunch his political career. It is a popular joke among Pakitani journalists that Musharraf did so because he considers himself a gift of a God to mankind.
Low on international trust, under assault of Islamic fundamentalists and Taliban, ravaged by worst floods in the century, Pakistan is a challenge to any aspiring ruler. Musharraf, it seems, is not afraid to take up the challenge. Apart from “Pakistan First”, his other slogan is “Jaag Pakistan Jaag”. His party’s symbol is the introvert eagle, shaheen in Urdu. Musharraf, like the bird, is not afraid of being a lone ranger.
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
PO Rohilkhand University
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
amashokgoel@gmail.com
Air Marshal Ashok K. Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
As I Saw It
Former Pakistan President Pervez Musharraf, who announced his political party on October 1 in London, has been in the news for his admission to a German magazine that Pakistan had trained militant groups to fight against India and “the government turned a blind eye because they wanted India to discuss Kashmir”.
We want good relations with India, but it has to be based on justice and fairness. Kashmir is the primary problem and improvement in bilateral relations between the two countries depends on the resolution of the Kashmir issue.
Pakistan’s security situation gets muddled when India becomes hyper active in Afghanistan.
Taliban has conducted several suicide attacks in the heartland of Pakistan. Military action has to create space for political solution. Tough measures were not undertaken on a whim. We tried all option but failed. Now, a mix of soft and tough measures need to be adopted. If I return to power, the armed forces in Pakistan will be well-equipped and maintained. Any adventurism against Pakistan will be thwarted.
Pakistan is passing through turmoil and turbulence and we believe that an alternative political option should be available to the people. Democracy needs to be overhauled in Pakistan and it will have to be rid of the traditional vestiges like kinship and feudalism.
But he has to remember that Pakistan has been its most important ally in the war on terror and he has to acknowledge the sacrifices and initiatives that Pakistan undertook after the attack on the World Trade Center in New York on September 11.
Failure of governance is the greatest threat today. Immediate necessity on the ground in Pakistan is a functional governance structure free of corruption.
While people like Bhutto and Sharif were sent into exile by dictators, in Musharraf’s case, the dictator himself had to flee following the return to democracy in the country. Musharraf is now trying to be part of that democracy with the launch of his political party, The All Pakistan Muslim League (APML, on October 1 at London’s former National Liberal Club.
Two things are clear about Musharraf’s politics in London. One, his reading and thinking have increased his conviction against religious extremists like the Taliban; second, his exile has not been apolitical.
No one knows why Musharraf decided to relaunch his political career. It is a popular joke among Pakitani journalists that Musharraf did so because he considers himself a gift of a God to mankind.
Low on international trust, under assault of Islamic fundamentalists and Taliban, ravaged by worst floods in the century, Pakistan is a challenge to any aspiring ruler. Musharraf, it seems, is not afraid to take up the challenge. Apart from “Pakistan First”, his other slogan is “Jaag Pakistan Jaag”. His party’s symbol is the introvert eagle, shaheen in Urdu. Musharraf, like the bird, is not afraid of being a lone ranger.
Osama and the would there after
11 Silver Estate,
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
PO Rohilkhand University
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
amashokgoel@gmail.com
Air Marshal Ashok K. Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
Osama and the would there after
• The beginning of another war against Terror.
First Three Months
• Regrouping, charting out new strategies, redefining new targets.
• Regionalization and new command and control structures.
• Intensity heavy blows in / Afghanistan/Pakistan & India.
• Europe as a whole / UK and France will be their prime targets, Attempt to strike in US may not succeed.
American citizen and the US interest globally would be the prime targets.
These observation comments were offered during 1st week of Jun 2011. (on completion of one month of operation “Geronimo”).
The recent downing of two “heavy lift helicopters” in Afghanistan is an indicator. Just the beginning.
Article/observation on “Operation Geronimo” is attached.
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
PO Rohilkhand University
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
amashokgoel@gmail.com
Air Marshal Ashok K. Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
Osama and the would there after
• The beginning of another war against Terror.
First Three Months
• Regrouping, charting out new strategies, redefining new targets.
• Regionalization and new command and control structures.
• Intensity heavy blows in / Afghanistan/Pakistan & India.
• Europe as a whole / UK and France will be their prime targets, Attempt to strike in US may not succeed.
American citizen and the US interest globally would be the prime targets.
These observation comments were offered during 1st week of Jun 2011. (on completion of one month of operation “Geronimo”).
The recent downing of two “heavy lift helicopters” in Afghanistan is an indicator. Just the beginning.
Article/observation on “Operation Geronimo” is attached.
Operation Geronimo Pak & India
As I Saw It
Operation Geronimo Pak & India
May 1 & 2 2011 became the day of global celebration for the US. They succeeded in eliminating world’s most dreaded terrorist “Osama Bin Laden”. This operation fully demonstrated the application of the strength of the economic power, strongest of military power, supported by extra ordinary advanced technology, and the most important decisive, discreet and unwavering Political will.
All that took even the unipolar power ten years to achieve their first objective of the war against terror, US has been attacked only twice, first time during 2nd world war the attack on “Pearl Habour” and then 9/11-where hijacked commercial air liners flew into the twin towers.
There has been large scale jubilation especially in the US and NATO countries. And there are anti US and anti NATO demonstrations from and within the Muslim world. India has demonstrated a modest support, not being very vocal about it. Undoubtedly Pak has been a perpetrator of global terrorism and its biggest recipient has been India.
Indian “Electronic Media” as well as print media have shown their aggressive behavior as they have shown for such events. There have been many debates on the electronic media “why India has not launched such a surgical operation (like operation “Geronimo” ½ May 2011). “Some chair borne security analyst” have claimed that we should have carried out such a surgical operation after the tragic event of 26/11 2008 in Mumbai. COAS during his visit to Lucknow on 2/3 May did mention that “we do have the capability”.
I am reminded of two such events of my career, where I was directly involved, in spite of all the inputs we failed within our own country.
Hostages Rescue Operation-1995
Six foreigners were taken hostages on 7 July 1995 on the upper ridges of Pahalgam (in J & K). The group which had claimed this act was “Al-Faran” consisting of fourteen members. One US national out of the six escaped. He was picked up by an army helicopter (He drew the attention of the flying chopper by waving his shirt). One Norwegian was beheaded and his body was thrown on the streets of Anantnag to spread terror (1st week of Aug 1995).
As a followup a task force was created end Aug 1995. I was posted as SASO Hq AOC J & K located at Udhampur. (In the state of J & K) I was asked on 30 Aug 1995 “to move to Srinagar and report at Hq 15 Corps. The details with Operation order from Hq WAC would follow”.
The task force assembled on 31 Aug 1995 under the overall command of GOC 15 Corps to rescue the four foreign hostages from the terrorist group “Alfaran”. 2 Army Bn for ground rescue and cordoning operation. 150 NSG Commandoes 12 Mi -17 Helicopter & 6 attack helicopter (Mi 35) formed the overall force.
Maj Gen Sihota ( victor force Cdr) was the ground force cdr; Col BS Daulta was heading the NSG group and I was designated the “Air Borne Force” cdr.
After detailed briefings from IB, RAW state int, local Army intelligence the task force got going. Briefing by various int agencies was the daily routine to have an update. Air force and NSG started their integrated training on a daily and regular basis at “Toshe Maidan” range located near AF base in Srinagar valley.
GOC 15 corps, Maj Gen Sihota and I started flying close to the reported location of the Alfaran group. We used to land in small grounds and interact with the locals to ascertain and reestablish the inputs from intelligence agencies and ground reports. By 8/9 Sep 1995 exact location of the Alfaran group in the village, the house location were established. On 11/12 Sep mid night the complete operation group carried out full fledged mock drill over Gulmarg. Highly motivated and well trained commandoes were escorted by attack helicopters. Carried out slithering operation from a height of 30 meter from ground. Even I had slithered down with the commandoes during the mock drill and the full fledged rehearsal.
On 14 Sep 1995 then COAS Gen Shanker Roy Chaudhary had flown to Awantipur (Air base in the Srinagar Valley). A presentation was made to the COAS, how int reports and ground interaction substantiated by humint had assured the task force of striking the terrorist group. The task force was fully charged, ready and confident of the success of the operation COAS departed with the words “you will get the suitable instructions”. On 18 Sep a message was received from the CMG, “can the task force guarantee the safety of the hostages”. (Crisis management group-chaired by Cab Sec. Members Foreign/Home/Defence Securities and ambassadors/high commissioners of the countries whose nationals were the hostages) Which fool could guarantee the safety of even one person in such an operation. The answer “NO” was communicated to the CMG. On 21 Sep 1995 a message was received task force can disperse, further instructions would follow. No instruction followed till 2003 end (when I retired) and even till now. I often met Lt Gen Sihota (Retd as Army Cdr southern Command), Maj Gen BS Daulta. We just lamented in not giving a successful culmination to our well thought out, planned and ready to execute plan.
Hijacking of IC-814-(24 Dec-31 Dec 1999)
IC 814 was hijacked on a flight from Kathmandu to Palam on 24 Dec 1999. I was on deputation to ARC aviation wing of the RAW. I was the operation head of the ARC. At 5 PM (24 Dec 1999) I was informed of the hijacking. ARC’s one of the assigned roles is anti hijacking operation. Hijacked aircraft had landed at – Amritsar around 6:15 PM. The IL-76 air craft was ready by5:30 PM, NSG troupes had arrived by 6 PM. The IL-76
aircraft with the NSG commandoes was ready to depart at 6:45 PM. I was constantly in touch with Billy Bedi. (Director ARC at that time) who was operating from CMG outfit. As the IL-76 aircraft was on the take off point a message was received that the hijacked aircraft is all set to take off from Amritsar A decision was taken to let the IL-76 aircraft go with the NSG anti hijacking force.
The hijacked flight (IC-814) took off from Amritsar after being on ground for about 40-45 min. What a shame, there were about half a dozen ways to incapacitate the hijacked aircraft at Amritsar.
(a) During the landing itself crew could have operated the max rate unit. (in the wheel braking system) this could have deflated the wheels on the runway itself .
(b) Emergency retraction of the u/c at lower speeds of the landing run would have u/c system collapse on the r/w itself.
(c) Aircraft could have been swerved off the runway and stopped in the Kaccha.
(d) 40 commandoes of the PAP (Punjab Armed Police) had surrounded the aircraft immediately on landing. These commandoes were fully trained and professionally competent to storm the aircraft.
(e) The commandoes could have fired few bullets to deflate the aircraft tyres.
(f) A fuel bowser Could have been placed just in front of the aircraft, not to roll ahead.
But all the actions could have lead some violent action by the hijacker & , so what.
Biggest shameful act for a nation that a hijacked air craft departs from its soil. Finally the IC814 departed from Amritsar and landed at Lahore-refueled, flew to Dubai and reached Kandhar on 25 Dec 1999, under the full control of Taliban. The GOI succumbed to the demands of the hijackers. We acceeded to their demands and released three hard core terrorist (Azahar Massod, Omer Shaikh, Lakhavi) who were languishing in our jails (Jammu & Srinagar) for last 5 years. We handed them over to the Taliban force on 31 Dec 1999 and returned home with the released IC-814.
In both the cases we have shown utter lack of of foresight indecisiveness and lack of courage on the part of our political leaders.
If the CAOS says we have the capability to launch surgical operation like Geronimo-yes we do have, but we don’t have the will. The only time when we had such an opportunity was during Kargil ops.
Pakistan has felt humiliated only twice.
First time- on 16 Dec 1971 when 93000 Pak army troops surrended to Indian Armed force and their eastern wing was clipped
Second time- On ½ May 2011 when US SEAL commandoes entered Pak and annihilated “Osama Bin Laden” the most wanted Global Terrorist.
On both the occasion the strong willed political heads displayed, decisive, definite decision making. Indira Gandhi in 1971 and Barak Obama now.
Environment was favorable during the Kargil war to initiate hot pursuit or a surgical operation. We have failed to meet the terrorist threats within our own territory, snooping into a neighboring country has its inherent dangers.
Operation Geronimo Pak & India
May 1 & 2 2011 became the day of global celebration for the US. They succeeded in eliminating world’s most dreaded terrorist “Osama Bin Laden”. This operation fully demonstrated the application of the strength of the economic power, strongest of military power, supported by extra ordinary advanced technology, and the most important decisive, discreet and unwavering Political will.
All that took even the unipolar power ten years to achieve their first objective of the war against terror, US has been attacked only twice, first time during 2nd world war the attack on “Pearl Habour” and then 9/11-where hijacked commercial air liners flew into the twin towers.
There has been large scale jubilation especially in the US and NATO countries. And there are anti US and anti NATO demonstrations from and within the Muslim world. India has demonstrated a modest support, not being very vocal about it. Undoubtedly Pak has been a perpetrator of global terrorism and its biggest recipient has been India.
Indian “Electronic Media” as well as print media have shown their aggressive behavior as they have shown for such events. There have been many debates on the electronic media “why India has not launched such a surgical operation (like operation “Geronimo” ½ May 2011). “Some chair borne security analyst” have claimed that we should have carried out such a surgical operation after the tragic event of 26/11 2008 in Mumbai. COAS during his visit to Lucknow on 2/3 May did mention that “we do have the capability”.
I am reminded of two such events of my career, where I was directly involved, in spite of all the inputs we failed within our own country.
Hostages Rescue Operation-1995
Six foreigners were taken hostages on 7 July 1995 on the upper ridges of Pahalgam (in J & K). The group which had claimed this act was “Al-Faran” consisting of fourteen members. One US national out of the six escaped. He was picked up by an army helicopter (He drew the attention of the flying chopper by waving his shirt). One Norwegian was beheaded and his body was thrown on the streets of Anantnag to spread terror (1st week of Aug 1995).
As a followup a task force was created end Aug 1995. I was posted as SASO Hq AOC J & K located at Udhampur. (In the state of J & K) I was asked on 30 Aug 1995 “to move to Srinagar and report at Hq 15 Corps. The details with Operation order from Hq WAC would follow”.
The task force assembled on 31 Aug 1995 under the overall command of GOC 15 Corps to rescue the four foreign hostages from the terrorist group “Alfaran”. 2 Army Bn for ground rescue and cordoning operation. 150 NSG Commandoes 12 Mi -17 Helicopter & 6 attack helicopter (Mi 35) formed the overall force.
Maj Gen Sihota ( victor force Cdr) was the ground force cdr; Col BS Daulta was heading the NSG group and I was designated the “Air Borne Force” cdr.
After detailed briefings from IB, RAW state int, local Army intelligence the task force got going. Briefing by various int agencies was the daily routine to have an update. Air force and NSG started their integrated training on a daily and regular basis at “Toshe Maidan” range located near AF base in Srinagar valley.
GOC 15 corps, Maj Gen Sihota and I started flying close to the reported location of the Alfaran group. We used to land in small grounds and interact with the locals to ascertain and reestablish the inputs from intelligence agencies and ground reports. By 8/9 Sep 1995 exact location of the Alfaran group in the village, the house location were established. On 11/12 Sep mid night the complete operation group carried out full fledged mock drill over Gulmarg. Highly motivated and well trained commandoes were escorted by attack helicopters. Carried out slithering operation from a height of 30 meter from ground. Even I had slithered down with the commandoes during the mock drill and the full fledged rehearsal.
On 14 Sep 1995 then COAS Gen Shanker Roy Chaudhary had flown to Awantipur (Air base in the Srinagar Valley). A presentation was made to the COAS, how int reports and ground interaction substantiated by humint had assured the task force of striking the terrorist group. The task force was fully charged, ready and confident of the success of the operation COAS departed with the words “you will get the suitable instructions”. On 18 Sep a message was received from the CMG, “can the task force guarantee the safety of the hostages”. (Crisis management group-chaired by Cab Sec. Members Foreign/Home/Defence Securities and ambassadors/high commissioners of the countries whose nationals were the hostages) Which fool could guarantee the safety of even one person in such an operation. The answer “NO” was communicated to the CMG. On 21 Sep 1995 a message was received task force can disperse, further instructions would follow. No instruction followed till 2003 end (when I retired) and even till now. I often met Lt Gen Sihota (Retd as Army Cdr southern Command), Maj Gen BS Daulta. We just lamented in not giving a successful culmination to our well thought out, planned and ready to execute plan.
Hijacking of IC-814-(24 Dec-31 Dec 1999)
IC 814 was hijacked on a flight from Kathmandu to Palam on 24 Dec 1999. I was on deputation to ARC aviation wing of the RAW. I was the operation head of the ARC. At 5 PM (24 Dec 1999) I was informed of the hijacking. ARC’s one of the assigned roles is anti hijacking operation. Hijacked aircraft had landed at – Amritsar around 6:15 PM. The IL-76 air craft was ready by5:30 PM, NSG troupes had arrived by 6 PM. The IL-76
aircraft with the NSG commandoes was ready to depart at 6:45 PM. I was constantly in touch with Billy Bedi. (Director ARC at that time) who was operating from CMG outfit. As the IL-76 aircraft was on the take off point a message was received that the hijacked aircraft is all set to take off from Amritsar A decision was taken to let the IL-76 aircraft go with the NSG anti hijacking force.
The hijacked flight (IC-814) took off from Amritsar after being on ground for about 40-45 min. What a shame, there were about half a dozen ways to incapacitate the hijacked aircraft at Amritsar.
(a) During the landing itself crew could have operated the max rate unit. (in the wheel braking system) this could have deflated the wheels on the runway itself .
(b) Emergency retraction of the u/c at lower speeds of the landing run would have u/c system collapse on the r/w itself.
(c) Aircraft could have been swerved off the runway and stopped in the Kaccha.
(d) 40 commandoes of the PAP (Punjab Armed Police) had surrounded the aircraft immediately on landing. These commandoes were fully trained and professionally competent to storm the aircraft.
(e) The commandoes could have fired few bullets to deflate the aircraft tyres.
(f) A fuel bowser Could have been placed just in front of the aircraft, not to roll ahead.
But all the actions could have lead some violent action by the hijacker & , so what.
Biggest shameful act for a nation that a hijacked air craft departs from its soil. Finally the IC814 departed from Amritsar and landed at Lahore-refueled, flew to Dubai and reached Kandhar on 25 Dec 1999, under the full control of Taliban. The GOI succumbed to the demands of the hijackers. We acceeded to their demands and released three hard core terrorist (Azahar Massod, Omer Shaikh, Lakhavi) who were languishing in our jails (Jammu & Srinagar) for last 5 years. We handed them over to the Taliban force on 31 Dec 1999 and returned home with the released IC-814.
In both the cases we have shown utter lack of of foresight indecisiveness and lack of courage on the part of our political leaders.
If the CAOS says we have the capability to launch surgical operation like Geronimo-yes we do have, but we don’t have the will. The only time when we had such an opportunity was during Kargil ops.
Pakistan has felt humiliated only twice.
First time- on 16 Dec 1971 when 93000 Pak army troops surrended to Indian Armed force and their eastern wing was clipped
Second time- On ½ May 2011 when US SEAL commandoes entered Pak and annihilated “Osama Bin Laden” the most wanted Global Terrorist.
On both the occasion the strong willed political heads displayed, decisive, definite decision making. Indira Gandhi in 1971 and Barak Obama now.
Environment was favorable during the Kargil war to initiate hot pursuit or a surgical operation. We have failed to meet the terrorist threats within our own territory, snooping into a neighboring country has its inherent dangers.
Like the US, India must explore the option
As I Saw It
Like the US, India must explore the option
of covert military action against terrorists
Every time any country carries out a successful covert military operation against a terrorist target, the question inevitably arises in India as to why it cannot do the same. On the face of it, there are sound arguments as to why this option should be part of the country’s counter-terrorism strategy. India regularly gets listed as among the world’s worst affected countries when it comes to terrorism-and is probably number one or number two when it comes to the cross-border variety. Pakistan, which tolerates if not facilitates the actions of the militant groups responsible, has made it clear it sees terrorism as a means to extract concessions from India in the arena of normal statecraft. New Delhi’s seeming lack of a proactive military policy against terrorism is detrimental to its own attempt to project India as a rising power and a safe investment destination.
But this is not a simple decision of blood and guts. A number of larger issues come into play. The least significant is the issue of capacity. Countries like Israel, smaller and with less resources, have been able to create fear-inspiring covert military capabilities. India almost certainly lacks the capacity today, but the ability can be created if there is political will and public pressure to do so. Probably the most difficult facet of covert military actions is creating an intelligence system that can provide actionable information.
How US could do operation “Geronimo”
in Pak and why India cannot do & Succeed.
• US forces are operating from Pak terrority for last 10 years.
• They control 4 Pak air bases.
• They have undertaken anti terrorist attacks/including drone attacks within and in neighboring Afghanistan.
• US provides extra ordinary financial support to Pak, US rather is sustaining Pak economy.
• US is a Strong Economy.
• US is largest & strongest military power.
• US is an unchallenged power in the unipolar world.
• Pak is thousands of miles away from US.
• No possibility of escalation of the conflict.
• No threat or danger of any nuclear fallout.
Wake up
Yashwant Sinha - BJP Leader
G Parthsarathy - Former high commissioner to Pak
Dhobal - Former DIB
Jovadeker - spokes person BJP
Brig Kanwal - Director CLAWS
They are vocal on “Geronimo” type of ops from Indian soil.
The most problematic issue is whether such actions would be politically feasible in the kind of environment that exists in South Asia. Pakistan is happy to allow terrorist attacks on India because it is unconcerned about international opinion and, in fact, encourages the world to see the subcontinent as an unstable and dangerous place. India wishes to do the opposite and has the additional ambition to be seen as responsible global player.
Like the US, India must explore the option
of covert military action against terrorists
Every time any country carries out a successful covert military operation against a terrorist target, the question inevitably arises in India as to why it cannot do the same. On the face of it, there are sound arguments as to why this option should be part of the country’s counter-terrorism strategy. India regularly gets listed as among the world’s worst affected countries when it comes to terrorism-and is probably number one or number two when it comes to the cross-border variety. Pakistan, which tolerates if not facilitates the actions of the militant groups responsible, has made it clear it sees terrorism as a means to extract concessions from India in the arena of normal statecraft. New Delhi’s seeming lack of a proactive military policy against terrorism is detrimental to its own attempt to project India as a rising power and a safe investment destination.
But this is not a simple decision of blood and guts. A number of larger issues come into play. The least significant is the issue of capacity. Countries like Israel, smaller and with less resources, have been able to create fear-inspiring covert military capabilities. India almost certainly lacks the capacity today, but the ability can be created if there is political will and public pressure to do so. Probably the most difficult facet of covert military actions is creating an intelligence system that can provide actionable information.
How US could do operation “Geronimo”
in Pak and why India cannot do & Succeed.
• US forces are operating from Pak terrority for last 10 years.
• They control 4 Pak air bases.
• They have undertaken anti terrorist attacks/including drone attacks within and in neighboring Afghanistan.
• US provides extra ordinary financial support to Pak, US rather is sustaining Pak economy.
• US is a Strong Economy.
• US is largest & strongest military power.
• US is an unchallenged power in the unipolar world.
• Pak is thousands of miles away from US.
• No possibility of escalation of the conflict.
• No threat or danger of any nuclear fallout.
Wake up
Yashwant Sinha - BJP Leader
G Parthsarathy - Former high commissioner to Pak
Dhobal - Former DIB
Jovadeker - spokes person BJP
Brig Kanwal - Director CLAWS
They are vocal on “Geronimo” type of ops from Indian soil.
The most problematic issue is whether such actions would be politically feasible in the kind of environment that exists in South Asia. Pakistan is happy to allow terrorist attacks on India because it is unconcerned about international opinion and, in fact, encourages the world to see the subcontinent as an unstable and dangerous place. India wishes to do the opposite and has the additional ambition to be seen as responsible global player.
Light Combat Aircraft Tejas or Late Combat- Aircraft
11 Silver Estate,
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
PO Rohilkhand University
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
amashokgoel@gmail.com
Air Marshal Ashok K. Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
Light Combat Aircraft Tejas or Late Combat- Aircraft
The word Tejas-refelects energy, power, lethality, and has a killer instinct.
To indigenize has been a “key results area” since independence in every sphere of industrialization. We have been spearheading indigenization in every field, consumer goods electrical, electronic car manufacturing. Even in defence the very needs of the army & navy in arms and shipbuilding have advanced favorably. We have lagged behind seriously in the aviation circles. We have not been able to produce even a single transport plane worth ‘its’ utility in civil aviation format or for military utilization.
We did have a go on the first flighter plane. HF-24 was produced in late sixties. Took the lives of our most renowned test pilots. Two squadrons did get inducted at Jodhpur as show pieces. Could never prove their combat viability-due to “power weight ratio” imbalance and were phased one in a matter of ten years. Marut had retired by mid seventies. Fire in the belly was always burning with our scientific community. The development of Tejas (LCA) has taken 27 years beginning 1983. The first flight took off on 4 Jan 2001/. Since then, 10 prototypes have been produced and nearly 1500 flights have been done so far.
10 Jan 2011 was a memorable day at HAL airport Banglore. IOC (Initial Operational Clearance) certificate was given to the Tejas. Hon Def minister handed over the IOC to the CAS. What does that mean- aircraft is air worthy, but all systems and weapons have not been fully integrated. Media hype was unprecedented and over reactive. Media was broadcasting and speculating “By this event India has become a “regional super air power and all its neighbours are going to be just not only threatened but would be annihilated”.
The costs have gone much beyond expectations.
(A) The overall developmental cost of the Tejas has zoomed to Rs. 17269 cr from the initial Rs 560 or earmarked in 1983.
(B) Each Tejas would cost around Rs 200 cr.
(C) India will spend over Rs 25000 cr on the project. Now the planned and projected induction.
(D) Final operational clearance is expected by Dec 2012.
(E) The real induction of the first 40 Tejas jets will begin only towards end 2013, and likely to be operational at Sulur airbase by 2015. The first 40 aircraft will be fitted with GE 404 engines.
(F) The first test flight of the Tejas MKII with more powerful GE 414 engines will be possible by Dec 2014.
(G) IAf is expected to receive an inventory of 200 aircraft totally as the initial contract (expectedly by 2015-16).
Even if these dates are sacropart and meticulously adhered to we can expect these aircraft with the IAF not earlier than 2018 or so. Even if we take very modest period of slippages and delays (beyond manufactures control) we can expect their full strength operational not earlier than 2020.
The shape of the IAF in 2015-2020
Post 1962, after Chinese debacle, govt. had approved for a force of 64 Sqn (nearly 1275 aircarft for the Air Force) including MR & SOW. The same was pegged down to 45 Sqn after Indo Pak conflict of 1965 (nearly 900 a/c). It was further reviewed and diluted to 39.5 Sqn (About 800 aircraft including MR & SOW)
We registered a maximum number up to of 700 front line combat aircraft (nearly 35-36 Sqn). Primary composition remained Mig-21 type of the air crafter in the similar series Mig 21’S have been depleting at a fast rate during the last 5-7 years on completion of their TTL (Total technical life) It would be fairly accurate to state we are down to less than 30 Sqn just about 500 + at the end of the 1st decade of the 21st century.
The IAF inventory as perceived during the 2nd decade i.e. 2015-2020 would be (including MR & SOW)
SU 30 272 by 2015 (inducted 12-15 years back)
Mig 21 Big 126
Mirages upgraded 50 (inducted 25 years back)
Jaguars 60 (inducted more than 30 years back)
MRCA 126 (To be inducted not earlier than 2015)
Mig-29 & Mig 27 100 (inducted more than 25 years back)
534
LCA 200
LCA 2015-2020 by that time 126 Mig Biz would have been out of service.
Some politicians and their chairborne analyst and commentators would have the following comments to offer.
(a) One Su-30 is capable of delivering the weapon load of one SQn of Mig-21.
(b) HAL would speed up the production line of LCA to produce about 40 aircraft per year.
(c) There is every possibility delay in induction of MRCA & LCA in the time frame envisaged.
(d) A gap of nearly 250 aircraft would remain during this decade.
The no of aircraft cannot be reduced dramatically with their enhanced lethality.
The capability of the HAL to produce 40 aircraft per year is highly sceptical: The experience of production of ALH is very recent.
How would LCA finally end up as a 3½ generation combat aircraft could only be assessed and proved on its induction?
IAF has to gear up from now only to fill a serious gap of 250 aircraft now and another 250 aircraft gap in the third decade 2021 to 2030. This gap of nos and technology advancement would always remain a night mare for the planners of the IAF.
Pilibhit Bypass Road,
PO Rohilkhand University
Bareilly-243006 (U.P.)
amashokgoel@gmail.com
Air Marshal Ashok K. Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
Light Combat Aircraft Tejas or Late Combat- Aircraft
The word Tejas-refelects energy, power, lethality, and has a killer instinct.
To indigenize has been a “key results area” since independence in every sphere of industrialization. We have been spearheading indigenization in every field, consumer goods electrical, electronic car manufacturing. Even in defence the very needs of the army & navy in arms and shipbuilding have advanced favorably. We have lagged behind seriously in the aviation circles. We have not been able to produce even a single transport plane worth ‘its’ utility in civil aviation format or for military utilization.
We did have a go on the first flighter plane. HF-24 was produced in late sixties. Took the lives of our most renowned test pilots. Two squadrons did get inducted at Jodhpur as show pieces. Could never prove their combat viability-due to “power weight ratio” imbalance and were phased one in a matter of ten years. Marut had retired by mid seventies. Fire in the belly was always burning with our scientific community. The development of Tejas (LCA) has taken 27 years beginning 1983. The first flight took off on 4 Jan 2001/. Since then, 10 prototypes have been produced and nearly 1500 flights have been done so far.
10 Jan 2011 was a memorable day at HAL airport Banglore. IOC (Initial Operational Clearance) certificate was given to the Tejas. Hon Def minister handed over the IOC to the CAS. What does that mean- aircraft is air worthy, but all systems and weapons have not been fully integrated. Media hype was unprecedented and over reactive. Media was broadcasting and speculating “By this event India has become a “regional super air power and all its neighbours are going to be just not only threatened but would be annihilated”.
The costs have gone much beyond expectations.
(A) The overall developmental cost of the Tejas has zoomed to Rs. 17269 cr from the initial Rs 560 or earmarked in 1983.
(B) Each Tejas would cost around Rs 200 cr.
(C) India will spend over Rs 25000 cr on the project. Now the planned and projected induction.
(D) Final operational clearance is expected by Dec 2012.
(E) The real induction of the first 40 Tejas jets will begin only towards end 2013, and likely to be operational at Sulur airbase by 2015. The first 40 aircraft will be fitted with GE 404 engines.
(F) The first test flight of the Tejas MKII with more powerful GE 414 engines will be possible by Dec 2014.
(G) IAf is expected to receive an inventory of 200 aircraft totally as the initial contract (expectedly by 2015-16).
Even if these dates are sacropart and meticulously adhered to we can expect these aircraft with the IAF not earlier than 2018 or so. Even if we take very modest period of slippages and delays (beyond manufactures control) we can expect their full strength operational not earlier than 2020.
The shape of the IAF in 2015-2020
Post 1962, after Chinese debacle, govt. had approved for a force of 64 Sqn (nearly 1275 aircarft for the Air Force) including MR & SOW. The same was pegged down to 45 Sqn after Indo Pak conflict of 1965 (nearly 900 a/c). It was further reviewed and diluted to 39.5 Sqn (About 800 aircraft including MR & SOW)
We registered a maximum number up to of 700 front line combat aircraft (nearly 35-36 Sqn). Primary composition remained Mig-21 type of the air crafter in the similar series Mig 21’S have been depleting at a fast rate during the last 5-7 years on completion of their TTL (Total technical life) It would be fairly accurate to state we are down to less than 30 Sqn just about 500 + at the end of the 1st decade of the 21st century.
The IAF inventory as perceived during the 2nd decade i.e. 2015-2020 would be (including MR & SOW)
SU 30 272 by 2015 (inducted 12-15 years back)
Mig 21 Big 126
Mirages upgraded 50 (inducted 25 years back)
Jaguars 60 (inducted more than 30 years back)
MRCA 126 (To be inducted not earlier than 2015)
Mig-29 & Mig 27 100 (inducted more than 25 years back)
534
LCA 200
LCA 2015-2020 by that time 126 Mig Biz would have been out of service.
Some politicians and their chairborne analyst and commentators would have the following comments to offer.
(a) One Su-30 is capable of delivering the weapon load of one SQn of Mig-21.
(b) HAL would speed up the production line of LCA to produce about 40 aircraft per year.
(c) There is every possibility delay in induction of MRCA & LCA in the time frame envisaged.
(d) A gap of nearly 250 aircraft would remain during this decade.
The no of aircraft cannot be reduced dramatically with their enhanced lethality.
The capability of the HAL to produce 40 aircraft per year is highly sceptical: The experience of production of ALH is very recent.
How would LCA finally end up as a 3½ generation combat aircraft could only be assessed and proved on its induction?
IAF has to gear up from now only to fill a serious gap of 250 aircraft now and another 250 aircraft gap in the third decade 2021 to 2030. This gap of nos and technology advancement would always remain a night mare for the planners of the IAF.
Thursday, September 8, 2011
On National Security
“As I Saw It”
“On National Security”
Brig Gurmeet Kanwal has lamented once again on certain old issue “Big Chinks on our security armour”. (An article published in TOI on 24 July 2011)He starts with Subramanium committee report after “Kargil conflict of 1999.
Big chinks in our security armour
I quote Brig Gurmeet Kanwal on certain issues which he considers relevant.
“An issue that needs no further debate is the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff as the principal military adviser to the government. It is an idea whose time has come. However, the appointment of CDS should be followed by the establishment of tri-service integrated theatre commands for greater synergy in the planning and execution of military operations and aid to civil authority. Another key requirement is for the immediate raising of an integrated cyber, aerospace and Special Forces command.
The task force must also consider whether it is necessary to appoint a National Security Commission to oversee the day-to-day management of national security in this era of strategic uncertainty and threats”.
I had written an article on facts in Kargil at that time. And later also to elaborate certain issue-not known normally. I am again attaching the article for reference.
The issues brought out creation of IDS, NTRO, and creating other security related organizations don’t make the systems more efficient and effective. As far as NTRO is concerned, ARC was already there: we should have revamped ARC further. By creating more and more parallel organization we only dilute the effectiveness of already existing org.
I remember having attended one lecture by renowed ICS officer Shri AN Jha. He had stated we should have a “Plan Holiday” (referring to five year plans) and not announce new schemes but we should aims optimization of our already existing organizations and schemes. Same applies for the “Armed Forces”.
Creation of Strategic force command was an operational imperative. Creation of Inter services A & N Command on an experimental basis was also an operational necessity.
Brig Kanwal has once again lamented on creation of an institution of CDS. We have three chiefs of the armed forces. Three some becomes a much more powerful instrument to influence decision making at the political & national level. Only one individual at the apex level may not be rightful. Rather we saw the voice of three service chiefs more powerful in the implementation of the 6th pay commission. Three professional’s are more powerful to represent and advice the Govt. All three services chiefs should be the part of NSC. (National Security Commission) as and when created.
A CDS could be easily mollified and may finally result as a puppet to the Govt. Looking forward to some political gain.
As far as the synergy understanding, cooperation is concerned we have not found it lacking. We saw IPKF, Maladives, Kargil as the recent happenings (20 years hence) Bangladesh was another exceptional example of our synergy and professionalism (40 years hence). We have not gained much even by creating CIDS (except some more senior ranks) CDS would be no exception.
“On National Security”
Brig Gurmeet Kanwal has lamented once again on certain old issue “Big Chinks on our security armour”. (An article published in TOI on 24 July 2011)He starts with Subramanium committee report after “Kargil conflict of 1999.
Big chinks in our security armour
I quote Brig Gurmeet Kanwal on certain issues which he considers relevant.
“An issue that needs no further debate is the appointment of a Chief of Defence Staff as the principal military adviser to the government. It is an idea whose time has come. However, the appointment of CDS should be followed by the establishment of tri-service integrated theatre commands for greater synergy in the planning and execution of military operations and aid to civil authority. Another key requirement is for the immediate raising of an integrated cyber, aerospace and Special Forces command.
The task force must also consider whether it is necessary to appoint a National Security Commission to oversee the day-to-day management of national security in this era of strategic uncertainty and threats”.
I had written an article on facts in Kargil at that time. And later also to elaborate certain issue-not known normally. I am again attaching the article for reference.
The issues brought out creation of IDS, NTRO, and creating other security related organizations don’t make the systems more efficient and effective. As far as NTRO is concerned, ARC was already there: we should have revamped ARC further. By creating more and more parallel organization we only dilute the effectiveness of already existing org.
I remember having attended one lecture by renowed ICS officer Shri AN Jha. He had stated we should have a “Plan Holiday” (referring to five year plans) and not announce new schemes but we should aims optimization of our already existing organizations and schemes. Same applies for the “Armed Forces”.
Creation of Strategic force command was an operational imperative. Creation of Inter services A & N Command on an experimental basis was also an operational necessity.
Brig Kanwal has once again lamented on creation of an institution of CDS. We have three chiefs of the armed forces. Three some becomes a much more powerful instrument to influence decision making at the political & national level. Only one individual at the apex level may not be rightful. Rather we saw the voice of three service chiefs more powerful in the implementation of the 6th pay commission. Three professional’s are more powerful to represent and advice the Govt. All three services chiefs should be the part of NSC. (National Security Commission) as and when created.
A CDS could be easily mollified and may finally result as a puppet to the Govt. Looking forward to some political gain.
As far as the synergy understanding, cooperation is concerned we have not found it lacking. We saw IPKF, Maladives, Kargil as the recent happenings (20 years hence) Bangladesh was another exceptional example of our synergy and professionalism (40 years hence). We have not gained much even by creating CIDS (except some more senior ranks) CDS would be no exception.
Heroes of self determination
As I Saw It
Heroes of self determination
MS DHONI
A very ordinary boy of average family of small city Ranchi of Jharkhand, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s name was on few finger tips prior his shining as star in India cricket. His own contribution based on his labour, effort, passion towards the game, superseded his livelihood of ordinary job of TTC in Railways. Now setting an example of his personality through cricket to be included in 100 popular personalities of the world being placed on No 52 (Time Magazine 2010) leaving Obama (President of US) behind on 73. This is for the first time that any sportsman of such a small town has reached to this stage wherein only few big cities like Chennai, Calcutta, Bangalore, and Delhi were earlier on the list in this field. Now Dhoni is the pride of India as one of the best Cricket captains ever before.
ANNA HAZARE
Anna Hazare 73, a bachelor belonging to a interior backward village “Relgaon sidhi”, served as a army Jawan (1963-1978) settled down 80 km from Pune. He not only fought against liquor but initiated reform (population, poverty and pollution) in social, economic and civic field to convert a backward village to a model one. While the Govt. schemes for upliftment could not even touch the border line of the rural areas. Now revolutionary courage of Anna against corruption, the central govt. had to accept the necessity to bring in the “Lokpal Bill” in the Parliament and again in 1975.
Similar revolutionary agitation was started in 1970 by Jai Prakash Narain with special reference to political reform, administrative reform and police reform, resulting massive national uprise, political upheaval, changed the political demography. But the time passed and the followers forgotten the mission of JP by involving themselves in self upliftment suppressing/ leaving behind the national cry.
Comment
Now as a responsible citizen we need Anna Hazare in every locality. One of the important causes of corruption is overpopulation due to which work in demand is less than the availability of workers, which gives room to corruption.
Common feature of Corruption within us
Black money in home deals/ capitation fee, bribing for school admission/bribing for illegal driving license and now even a pilot license, avoiding paying income tax and many more.
Anna Hazare has boosted the courage in the masses to fight against corruption.
Anand Kumar- Super 30 belongs to rural area nearby Patna
Initially started his carrier by coaching to only 3-4 students of weak socialbackground and lead them to place in reputed position in the society. He started preparing students for IIT in 2002 in the name of super 30. In first batch of 30 students 18 were selected in IIT. In 2nd batch 22 out of 30 and in 3rd batch all the 30 were selected for IIT. Now the batch has been increased to number 90 with maintaining result to almost 100 percent. His simplicity and self confidence urge within him, created special power. His aim, passion, honest approach, hard and sincere work, risk taking ability, contributing to benefit others and enjoying the success of others. Anand Kumar stood as a boon to the society of neglected ones and now as a shining star.
At present he is a global personality and many countries like Japan, England, and Italy etc have known his caliber. Their representatives visited India to contact Anand Kumar. BBC had special broadcast about his specific thought for such a monarchial social upliftment. His personality development can be well estimated seeing his name in focus magazine of Italy, the only Indian to be included among 100 dignitaries of the world who have impacted the society.
Chhavi Rajawat- belongs to a village Soda 60 km from Jaipur
A charming and model type well educated girl (MA, English and MBA) holding a reputed post in Airtel, decided to improve the backward rural area where she belongs to. Due to her commitment with herself, she left the job and got elected to be the Sarpanch, in panchyat elections. She gracefully and challengefully started doing the reform in respect of social, civic and economic field. She has taken up the problem of basic requirement i.e.. water, toilets, neatness, schools and jobs. She is quite hopeful that she will transform her village in the list of best model village having all the facilities which town/city enjoys. She does not want money she wants people and organizations to adopt projects. She represented India at UN and addressed the session on poverty alleviation”. She displayed confidence of changing the face of her village in next 3 years (By end of 2013.)
If such feelings prevailed and efforts took place 250000 panchyat will definitely be on the global map to taking care of about 12 lac villages of the India. The Govt could not do even after 65 years of independence.
Note: Extracts from the lecture delivered on a seminar/convocation on 30 April - 01 May 2011 at one of the management colleges at Pune.
Heroes of self determination
MS DHONI
A very ordinary boy of average family of small city Ranchi of Jharkhand, Mahendra Singh Dhoni’s name was on few finger tips prior his shining as star in India cricket. His own contribution based on his labour, effort, passion towards the game, superseded his livelihood of ordinary job of TTC in Railways. Now setting an example of his personality through cricket to be included in 100 popular personalities of the world being placed on No 52 (Time Magazine 2010) leaving Obama (President of US) behind on 73. This is for the first time that any sportsman of such a small town has reached to this stage wherein only few big cities like Chennai, Calcutta, Bangalore, and Delhi were earlier on the list in this field. Now Dhoni is the pride of India as one of the best Cricket captains ever before.
ANNA HAZARE
Anna Hazare 73, a bachelor belonging to a interior backward village “Relgaon sidhi”, served as a army Jawan (1963-1978) settled down 80 km from Pune. He not only fought against liquor but initiated reform (population, poverty and pollution) in social, economic and civic field to convert a backward village to a model one. While the Govt. schemes for upliftment could not even touch the border line of the rural areas. Now revolutionary courage of Anna against corruption, the central govt. had to accept the necessity to bring in the “Lokpal Bill” in the Parliament and again in 1975.
Similar revolutionary agitation was started in 1970 by Jai Prakash Narain with special reference to political reform, administrative reform and police reform, resulting massive national uprise, political upheaval, changed the political demography. But the time passed and the followers forgotten the mission of JP by involving themselves in self upliftment suppressing/ leaving behind the national cry.
Comment
Now as a responsible citizen we need Anna Hazare in every locality. One of the important causes of corruption is overpopulation due to which work in demand is less than the availability of workers, which gives room to corruption.
Common feature of Corruption within us
Black money in home deals/ capitation fee, bribing for school admission/bribing for illegal driving license and now even a pilot license, avoiding paying income tax and many more.
Anna Hazare has boosted the courage in the masses to fight against corruption.
Anand Kumar- Super 30 belongs to rural area nearby Patna
Initially started his carrier by coaching to only 3-4 students of weak socialbackground and lead them to place in reputed position in the society. He started preparing students for IIT in 2002 in the name of super 30. In first batch of 30 students 18 were selected in IIT. In 2nd batch 22 out of 30 and in 3rd batch all the 30 were selected for IIT. Now the batch has been increased to number 90 with maintaining result to almost 100 percent. His simplicity and self confidence urge within him, created special power. His aim, passion, honest approach, hard and sincere work, risk taking ability, contributing to benefit others and enjoying the success of others. Anand Kumar stood as a boon to the society of neglected ones and now as a shining star.
At present he is a global personality and many countries like Japan, England, and Italy etc have known his caliber. Their representatives visited India to contact Anand Kumar. BBC had special broadcast about his specific thought for such a monarchial social upliftment. His personality development can be well estimated seeing his name in focus magazine of Italy, the only Indian to be included among 100 dignitaries of the world who have impacted the society.
Chhavi Rajawat- belongs to a village Soda 60 km from Jaipur
A charming and model type well educated girl (MA, English and MBA) holding a reputed post in Airtel, decided to improve the backward rural area where she belongs to. Due to her commitment with herself, she left the job and got elected to be the Sarpanch, in panchyat elections. She gracefully and challengefully started doing the reform in respect of social, civic and economic field. She has taken up the problem of basic requirement i.e.. water, toilets, neatness, schools and jobs. She is quite hopeful that she will transform her village in the list of best model village having all the facilities which town/city enjoys. She does not want money she wants people and organizations to adopt projects. She represented India at UN and addressed the session on poverty alleviation”. She displayed confidence of changing the face of her village in next 3 years (By end of 2013.)
If such feelings prevailed and efforts took place 250000 panchyat will definitely be on the global map to taking care of about 12 lac villages of the India. The Govt could not do even after 65 years of independence.
Note: Extracts from the lecture delivered on a seminar/convocation on 30 April - 01 May 2011 at one of the management colleges at Pune.
An Open Letter to Shri Anna Hazare
Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
11, Silver State, Pilibhit Byepass Road,
Bareilly-243005 (U.P.) INDIA
Tel:-0581-2526650,
Mob: 9411900090, 09999722636
Email-amashokgoel@gmail.com
“As I Saw it”
An Open Letter to Shri Anna Hazare
India Against Corruption
20 August 2011
Dear Shri Anna Ji,
Sadar Pranam,
1. I write this letter to you with high sense of appreciation and deep anguish & pain.
2. We both belong to the same class. You served the Indian Army for 15 yrs (1963-1978) and I served the Indian Air Force for 40 yrs (1963-2003). You have been a social crusader since you left the army and brought dramatic social transformation in the life of the people of your village “Ralegaon Sidhi”. I have been working voluntarily as a “Social Entrepreneur” for the empowerment of mentally challenged & other disabilities through medium of games & music. And also for the welfare of ex-servicemen.
3. Your crusade against corruption is legitimate and praise worthy.
But let us look at the problem (corruption) more holistically.
This (corruption) is not a “Stand Alone” problem. While delivering a National Security lecture in the yr 2001 I had probed on the subject “What ails this county” (India). I had coined an algebraic formula. P-3, C-5. P-3 is at National level and C-5 is at Political level.
P-3 at National level:-
Population
Poverty
Pollution
C-5 is at Political level:-
Casteism in politics
Communalism in politics
Criminalization of politics
Corruption in politics
Compromises in coalition in politics
Corruption is a fallout of these ailments and many more.
I shall be brief on
4. Population:-
in 2011, 1.25 Billion (125 Crore)
in 2025, 1.40 Billion (140 Crore)
in 2050, 1.60 Billion (160 Crore)
By the end of the century we would have 2.0 billion (200 Crore) people. We occupy just 2 % of land mass and nearly 18% of population (as of now) by the end of this century we would be nearly 25 % of the total world population. We are facing population explosion, which is disturbing demand and supply equation, impatience / anger / unemployment / lack of opportunities are on the increase. Massive crowds of youth represent that.
5. Every country man is corrupt in some way or the other.
a. Purchase & sale of property (Home and land) :- transactions take place in unaccounted money (Black money) to the tune of 20% to 60% to evade tax, registry charges. The registration department is fully aware of this. They demand and receive gratification, because the individuals have faltered.
b. Power:-Globally T&D losses (transmission & Distribution losses) are 2 %. Once upon a time Maharashtra was considered to be the best managed and T & D losses were 8%. In the state of UP T & D losses are 60 %. Common citizens thieve the power by unfair, means in connivance with the departmental people. The department people collect gratification on these weaknesses.
c. UP Govt.:- Most corrupt political outfit in the country. More than ten ministers of the state are behind bar – (for murders, planned murders, rapes attempted rapes). Of the remaing (ruling party and some others) more than half are recorded criminals. A substantial amount (in crores) is collected from each of the 72 districts of the state to fill up the coffers of the ruling political outfit. You wanted permission to hold meetings in UP, in the month of June. Fearing you could have fuelled the fire in the state, you were denied this permission. But see the apathy the same political out fit is supporting you, and supporting Justice Sen in the parliament.
6. Unfortunately your methodology has given larger space to castiest and communal forces. Both are divisive and spread hatred and anger in the society. Your civil society members have only talked about Fundamental Rights. We have some Fundamental Duties also enshrined in our constitution. We should strike a balance between Fundamental Rights / Fundamental Duties. One sided approach would result in weakening of our well established democratic institutions.
7. Politics:-
Over all decline in standards of poliety due to reasons mentioned
Political reform:- We have more than 600 political parties registered with the Election Commission. An individual elected just represents 10% to 25% of the people. We need to consider a change.
Electoral reform:- There is no taboo on criminals to contest elections. If a person is charged with the kind of murder abetment to murder, rape attempt to rape embezzlement, he should be debarred to contest election, till proved not guilty.
Judicial reform & business reform.
Administrative reform
Police reform
List could be long.
8. I appreciate your concern to route out corruption from the system. I am also over whelmed by the support to this call.
I once again reiterate, “to route out corruption,” can not a “Stand Alone” movement. To route out corruption in totality we all have to be well aware and concerned of the contributing factors.
9. Respected Anna ji, I shall request you to kindly issue an appeal to the fellow Indians.
a. Firstly:- Follow a small family norm, preferably one child But certainly not more than two. Exploding population is a greatest danger for our country.
b. Secondly:- Exercise your voting right. Elect only honest and secular candidates. Do not elect tainted and criminals.
c. Thirdly :- Be a responsible citizen – contribute to nation building. Even if you are on agitation do not cause damage & destruction of private and public property (This you did emphasizes in your on going agitation). Be a disciplined citizen in every facet of life.
d. Fourthly :- Not only exercise your fundamental rights, the duties of a citizen as enshrined in the constitution of India should be part of our daily life.
e. Fifthly :- Do not indulge in to corrupt practices as an individual.
Ask not what country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your county :- Words of President of USA Mr. John Kenndey
Gandhi was a democratic leader and believed in dialogue. You apparently are following gandhian path. Respected Anna ji do not be a yksdrkaf=d rkuk”kkg (Democratic Dictator). Fallow Gandhi ji.
Jawan’s & Kissan’s are the ultimate hope of this country.
Tk; toku] t; fdlku] ;s gS ns”k dh “kku!
;s nsa lsok] lqj{kk vkSj lEeku] bu lcdks gS esjk lykeA
Jai hind, Jai Bharat.
Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd.)
PVSM AVSM VM
11, Silver State, Pilibhit Byepass Road,
Bareilly-243005 (U.P.) INDIA
Tel:-0581-2526650,
Mob: 9411900090, 09999722636
Email-amashokgoel@gmail.com
“As I Saw it”
An Open Letter to Shri Anna Hazare
India Against Corruption
20 August 2011
Dear Shri Anna Ji,
Sadar Pranam,
1. I write this letter to you with high sense of appreciation and deep anguish & pain.
2. We both belong to the same class. You served the Indian Army for 15 yrs (1963-1978) and I served the Indian Air Force for 40 yrs (1963-2003). You have been a social crusader since you left the army and brought dramatic social transformation in the life of the people of your village “Ralegaon Sidhi”. I have been working voluntarily as a “Social Entrepreneur” for the empowerment of mentally challenged & other disabilities through medium of games & music. And also for the welfare of ex-servicemen.
3. Your crusade against corruption is legitimate and praise worthy.
But let us look at the problem (corruption) more holistically.
This (corruption) is not a “Stand Alone” problem. While delivering a National Security lecture in the yr 2001 I had probed on the subject “What ails this county” (India). I had coined an algebraic formula. P-3, C-5. P-3 is at National level and C-5 is at Political level.
P-3 at National level:-
Population
Poverty
Pollution
C-5 is at Political level:-
Casteism in politics
Communalism in politics
Criminalization of politics
Corruption in politics
Compromises in coalition in politics
Corruption is a fallout of these ailments and many more.
I shall be brief on
4. Population:-
in 2011, 1.25 Billion (125 Crore)
in 2025, 1.40 Billion (140 Crore)
in 2050, 1.60 Billion (160 Crore)
By the end of the century we would have 2.0 billion (200 Crore) people. We occupy just 2 % of land mass and nearly 18% of population (as of now) by the end of this century we would be nearly 25 % of the total world population. We are facing population explosion, which is disturbing demand and supply equation, impatience / anger / unemployment / lack of opportunities are on the increase. Massive crowds of youth represent that.
5. Every country man is corrupt in some way or the other.
a. Purchase & sale of property (Home and land) :- transactions take place in unaccounted money (Black money) to the tune of 20% to 60% to evade tax, registry charges. The registration department is fully aware of this. They demand and receive gratification, because the individuals have faltered.
b. Power:-Globally T&D losses (transmission & Distribution losses) are 2 %. Once upon a time Maharashtra was considered to be the best managed and T & D losses were 8%. In the state of UP T & D losses are 60 %. Common citizens thieve the power by unfair, means in connivance with the departmental people. The department people collect gratification on these weaknesses.
c. UP Govt.:- Most corrupt political outfit in the country. More than ten ministers of the state are behind bar – (for murders, planned murders, rapes attempted rapes). Of the remaing (ruling party and some others) more than half are recorded criminals. A substantial amount (in crores) is collected from each of the 72 districts of the state to fill up the coffers of the ruling political outfit. You wanted permission to hold meetings in UP, in the month of June. Fearing you could have fuelled the fire in the state, you were denied this permission. But see the apathy the same political out fit is supporting you, and supporting Justice Sen in the parliament.
6. Unfortunately your methodology has given larger space to castiest and communal forces. Both are divisive and spread hatred and anger in the society. Your civil society members have only talked about Fundamental Rights. We have some Fundamental Duties also enshrined in our constitution. We should strike a balance between Fundamental Rights / Fundamental Duties. One sided approach would result in weakening of our well established democratic institutions.
7. Politics:-
Over all decline in standards of poliety due to reasons mentioned
Political reform:- We have more than 600 political parties registered with the Election Commission. An individual elected just represents 10% to 25% of the people. We need to consider a change.
Electoral reform:- There is no taboo on criminals to contest elections. If a person is charged with the kind of murder abetment to murder, rape attempt to rape embezzlement, he should be debarred to contest election, till proved not guilty.
Judicial reform & business reform.
Administrative reform
Police reform
List could be long.
8. I appreciate your concern to route out corruption from the system. I am also over whelmed by the support to this call.
I once again reiterate, “to route out corruption,” can not a “Stand Alone” movement. To route out corruption in totality we all have to be well aware and concerned of the contributing factors.
9. Respected Anna ji, I shall request you to kindly issue an appeal to the fellow Indians.
a. Firstly:- Follow a small family norm, preferably one child But certainly not more than two. Exploding population is a greatest danger for our country.
b. Secondly:- Exercise your voting right. Elect only honest and secular candidates. Do not elect tainted and criminals.
c. Thirdly :- Be a responsible citizen – contribute to nation building. Even if you are on agitation do not cause damage & destruction of private and public property (This you did emphasizes in your on going agitation). Be a disciplined citizen in every facet of life.
d. Fourthly :- Not only exercise your fundamental rights, the duties of a citizen as enshrined in the constitution of India should be part of our daily life.
e. Fifthly :- Do not indulge in to corrupt practices as an individual.
Ask not what country can do for you, but ask what you can do for your county :- Words of President of USA Mr. John Kenndey
Gandhi was a democratic leader and believed in dialogue. You apparently are following gandhian path. Respected Anna ji do not be a yksdrkaf=d rkuk”kkg (Democratic Dictator). Fallow Gandhi ji.
Jawan’s & Kissan’s are the ultimate hope of this country.
Tk; toku] t; fdlku] ;s gS ns”k dh “kku!
;s nsa lsok] lqj{kk vkSj lEeku] bu lcdks gS esjk lykeA
Jai hind, Jai Bharat.
Air Marshal Ashok Goel (Retd.)
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