Thought for the day
” There are only two mistakes one can
make along the road to truth; not going all the way, and not starting.”
-
Buddha (563-483BC)
Word for the day
Flippant
(adj)
Lacking proper seriousness or respect; showing
inappropriate levity;
(Source:
Dictionary.com)
Teaser for the day
What does our constitution says about functioning of
Judiciary?
Does the spirit of constitution afford the executive the
luxury of choosing judges of their liking?
There are few things money can't buy
A careful analysis of the incumbent NDA government (I actually
prefer to call it Modi government for obvious reasons) would make it clear that
the economic agenda of the government is laced with socio-cultural
considerations. While it could be a matter of concern for some left inclined
observers and economists, I do not find any element of incongruence in this.
I strongly believe that economic growth and development must be
accompanied by socio-cultural uplift in equal measure. Given the poor human
development index and socio-economic disparities in India, it is even more
imperative.
My problem is that the agenda of government does not sound
convincing to me. The programs outlined by various ministries and departments
are merely sketches of technical and financial details. There is no hint of the
resolve that the government or BJP leadership would need to catalyze mass
social movement to achieve objectives like Ganga cleaning, general cleanliness,
gender equality and women safety and dignity etc.
I firmly believe that no amount of money or administrative
effort could achieve these objectives unless a large section of the people is
mobilized to support the campaign.
Primary
reasons for pollution of the holy Ganga and Yamuna rivers is discharge of unprocessed domestic and industrial
wastewater, and other wastes into the river from the towns located along its
banks. Big
industries, Factories, Peoples living in colonies, slums and rural areas everyone
pollute this holy river. Agricultural residues, insecticides and pesticides
also contribute to the pollution of the river.
My experience of travelling along the banks of these river, from
origin to dissolution, suggests that no amount of administrative control and
regulation of waste could revive these rivers unless at least 400million people
vow in the name of their respective Gods to keep them clean.
Similarly, no amount of Nirbhaya fund, special forces, special
courts, and severe punishment can ensure equality and safety of our women,
unless people at large themselves decide to shed their feudal instincts and
prejudices against girl child in particular and women in general.
Building smart cities is a good idea. Making 100 of them is even
great idea. But the government need to understand and accept that smart cities
are not merely about technology and infrastructure. It is more about smart
people who are dedicated to quality in life and fully compliant. I would like
to know what effort government is planning to make people smart and compliant.
During a quick four hour tour of Delhi on Tuesday (during Eid,
rains and traffic jams) it occurred to me that while most of the vehicle
operators (including 2W, 3W, 4W) might have official license to drive, but very
few of them might actually know driving. Operating a vehicle is not driving -
to me it is common sense. Similarly, forming a government and becoming
PM/minister is not necessarily leadership/governance.
My suggestion - we need both Gandhi and Patel. A little more
Gandhi - who can engage billion people and lead their movements on the ground
not on twitter alone.
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