Lokpal Bill might not be a magic wand wiping out corruption. The movement for the Bill might be seen as a big scale drama for a small pie. But, it created a strong anti-corruption brand: Anna Hazare. And that is the real gain of the historic groundswell.
The brand and the brand ambassador are one and the same in this case. Hope Anna has realized its importance, while he is embarking upon his next leg of mass movement for electoral reforms.
It is practical to say corruption can not be abolished by law. The menace is so ingrained in the social culture that the Lokpal Bill is a weak brush to scrub it. It is required to convert minds and change the culture. So it is natural to say Anna had to be in connection with people at the ground level perusing them for the awareness against corruption instead of putting up a TV show with fancy characters in T-shirt.
True, he could have traveled, as he has done it earlier, but before doing it one big shout from the roof top was required. And the shout was from Ramlila. It was thunderous and now Anna Hazare is a known factor in the country. More popular than any bollywood superstar, now he can pull crowd wherever he goes.
Before Lokpal movement it would have been impractical to expect an effective social reform from him although he had made name as Gandhian and anti-corruption crusader. His crusade was unknown to the T-shirt activists and the gen-x would have not responded to him as the Gandhi topi was not yet a style statement. For this one reason we must thank TV channels. They successfully launched brand Anna with their non-stop coverage of his fast.
Now, Anna has to tap the potential and channelise the energy. Otherwise the ardor will die down with the euphoric waves subsiding. System will be back to normalcy with bribe givers and takers thriving. If time is spent, Anna has to re-start from the scratch and there is no guarantee of the same response, as it would not be for the first time. People always like an unpredictable drama rather than a re-enactment of older one.
Psychology of the society is that we all think that corruption is something that other people practice. Or it is I-can-do-but-it’s- not- for- others- to- do syndrome. It is deep-rooted in social structure and public life; everyone willingly, or otherwise, consciously, or otherwise, is a participant. The real issue is not this bill or that law. The real issue is: how do we change ourselves?
Anna’s next leg of movement must focus on this. His Ramlila revolution was blamed for keeping dalits, lower strata of society and rural folks out. His whirlwind tour must be inclusive and strictly he must say no to fasting drama and rhetoric of Kiran Bedi brand. When pressure tactics become inseparable from blackmail tactics, they lose their moral strength and become another form of corruption.
Electoral reforms must not be restricted to talk about state funding of polls or recalling representatives or rejecting candidates but to focus on bringing in a holistic change in the system. More importantly, people must be inspired not to get note for vote, especially in rural area. In urban area cynicism is the malice and they must be inspired to come out for voting. The Gandhian way of social reform can definitely change the mind set and bring in electoral reforms.
Then, next step should be whipping in NGOs and corporates. Without cleaning up these two sectors you can’t cleanse corruption.
Monday, August 29, 2011
Friday, August 26, 2011
Anna is not answer to judicial comedy
Had there not been Anna Hazare’s anti-corruption noise the parliament would have created history in fighting corruption this week. Justice Soumithra Sen would have become the first judge to be impeached to be removed on graft charges. It didn’t happen in the Loksabha because of Anna factor. Did it sound ironic?
After the Rajyasabha passed a vote favouring the impeachment of the Kolkata High Court judge, it was the Loksabha's turn on 24 Aug. As it turned out, Anna's fast eclipsed the proceedings and; the Soumitra Sen question will now wait till 5 Sept.
larger irony is that the judiciary, so effective in cracking down on corruption these days, is so corrupt.
2G spectrum scam, CWG scandal couldn't have reached this stage and no big fish would have have been netted but for judicial activism. Ramalinga Raju and Hasan Ali would have been bailed out had the Supreme Court dozed. The CBI court had granted bail to these master swindlers before the apex court intervened to turn it down and rap the investigative agency for its amnestic overtures.
While CEC has become the watch word in Karnataka and illegal mining is taking route of 2G scam, the Supreme Court is seen as an unstoppable juggernaut rolling on to cleanse corruption. The force is so reckoning that people even frowned at the activism bridling the other two pillars of democracy- legislative and executive. No qualms, so long as the delivery is ensured. The BJP corruption in the state is apparently nearing the logical end just because of the judiciary breathing to full life. Otherwise who could have stopped Yeddyurappas, Kumaraswamys, and Kattas?
But, K G Balakrishnans, and P D Dinakarans of the world are from judiciary. As the former shined as the chief justice of India his relatives made the hay in shine and their wealth soured, the latter was a shame as the chief justice of the Karnataka High Court. The day when Dinakaran delivered his controversial judgment allowing mining in the forest area a property was registered in the name of his mother-in-law in picturesque Oooty.
While these two are almost nailed, many corrupt judges are at large. Soumitra Sen’s misconduct is nothing when compared to the scale of fraud they have committed collectively or individually. ‘Contempt of Courts Act’ is the weapon they brandish to scare their adversaries. Even media fears to tread in this scary terrain. The court had brought the media on its knees when reports were published on a group of judges caught in sex scandal, and the news papers in Karnataka had to apologise before the High Court to avert contempt proceedings on them.
When MiDDAY's Delhi edition exposed the then CJI Y K Sabarwal's nepotism, its journalists had to serve a jail term before the case was decided in thier favour. In Bangalore, the tabloid won a contemt case against the son of sitting judge of the High Court. But, these are the rare cases. Corrupt jusdges bully the the world, and that is the norm.
If you are in such a positive frame of mind, you can say judges are not above law and even they will also be netted one or the other day. But, have you got a stick to beat a chatter box sitting on the bench? Indulging hallow talks is the latest trend with the judges. They have crass observation on anything under the sun and there is no restrain. As if they are into rhetoric competition with lawyers in the court room the judges talk too much and their dialoguebaazi is no way related to the case or the judgment. If an outrageous judge suggests closing down a municipal council just because the authorities are not performing well, how should the world react?
The tendency is growing as a menace because the waywardness undermine the very effectiveness of the court.
A chief justice in the Karnataka High Court was notorious for cracking sleazy jokes in the court room. He was insisting on laughing at his jokes otherwise threatening to crack more dirty jokes. If a justice in the court turns a court jester, justice delivery system will be the laughing stock.
Even Anna Hazare’s Jan Lokpal Bill is not a panacea for the malice because it is completely out the reach of this folksy innocent. No hope on Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill panting in cold storage.
After the Rajyasabha passed a vote favouring the impeachment of the Kolkata High Court judge, it was the Loksabha's turn on 24 Aug. As it turned out, Anna's fast eclipsed the proceedings and; the Soumitra Sen question will now wait till 5 Sept.
larger irony is that the judiciary, so effective in cracking down on corruption these days, is so corrupt.
2G spectrum scam, CWG scandal couldn't have reached this stage and no big fish would have have been netted but for judicial activism. Ramalinga Raju and Hasan Ali would have been bailed out had the Supreme Court dozed. The CBI court had granted bail to these master swindlers before the apex court intervened to turn it down and rap the investigative agency for its amnestic overtures.
While CEC has become the watch word in Karnataka and illegal mining is taking route of 2G scam, the Supreme Court is seen as an unstoppable juggernaut rolling on to cleanse corruption. The force is so reckoning that people even frowned at the activism bridling the other two pillars of democracy- legislative and executive. No qualms, so long as the delivery is ensured. The BJP corruption in the state is apparently nearing the logical end just because of the judiciary breathing to full life. Otherwise who could have stopped Yeddyurappas, Kumaraswamys, and Kattas?
But, K G Balakrishnans, and P D Dinakarans of the world are from judiciary. As the former shined as the chief justice of India his relatives made the hay in shine and their wealth soured, the latter was a shame as the chief justice of the Karnataka High Court. The day when Dinakaran delivered his controversial judgment allowing mining in the forest area a property was registered in the name of his mother-in-law in picturesque Oooty.
While these two are almost nailed, many corrupt judges are at large. Soumitra Sen’s misconduct is nothing when compared to the scale of fraud they have committed collectively or individually. ‘Contempt of Courts Act’ is the weapon they brandish to scare their adversaries. Even media fears to tread in this scary terrain. The court had brought the media on its knees when reports were published on a group of judges caught in sex scandal, and the news papers in Karnataka had to apologise before the High Court to avert contempt proceedings on them.
When MiDDAY's Delhi edition exposed the then CJI Y K Sabarwal's nepotism, its journalists had to serve a jail term before the case was decided in thier favour. In Bangalore, the tabloid won a contemt case against the son of sitting judge of the High Court. But, these are the rare cases. Corrupt jusdges bully the the world, and that is the norm.
If you are in such a positive frame of mind, you can say judges are not above law and even they will also be netted one or the other day. But, have you got a stick to beat a chatter box sitting on the bench? Indulging hallow talks is the latest trend with the judges. They have crass observation on anything under the sun and there is no restrain. As if they are into rhetoric competition with lawyers in the court room the judges talk too much and their dialoguebaazi is no way related to the case or the judgment. If an outrageous judge suggests closing down a municipal council just because the authorities are not performing well, how should the world react?
The tendency is growing as a menace because the waywardness undermine the very effectiveness of the court.
A chief justice in the Karnataka High Court was notorious for cracking sleazy jokes in the court room. He was insisting on laughing at his jokes otherwise threatening to crack more dirty jokes. If a justice in the court turns a court jester, justice delivery system will be the laughing stock.
Even Anna Hazare’s Jan Lokpal Bill is not a panacea for the malice because it is completely out the reach of this folksy innocent. No hope on Judicial Standards and Accountability Bill panting in cold storage.
Saturday, August 20, 2011
Narayana Murthy: farewell on a different note
It’s the end of an epoch. The cliché goes well with the description of retirement of N R Narayanamurthy as founder chairman of Infosys because his tenure was an era of middleclass dreams taking wings, while his own rags to riches story was the guiding spirit.
Although he holds barely two percent of the share of an IT company with revenues Rs. 27,000 crore, Narayanamurthy is the richest in the eyes of a middleclass man in Bangalore, while he is seen as a creator of India’s first generation of salaried millionaires. Many of his Kannada speaking employees wanted to emulate him mimicked his simple way of leading life by moving to a two-bedroom house even when they were capable of building a bungalow.
Those who were invited to marriage of his children -- the daughter Akshatha married last year and the son Rohan entered the wedlock this year -- were impressed not by pomp but the dignified austerity. The intimate atmosphere was warm with a typical middleclass hospitality not filled with dazzling display of wealth. The newly wedded couple didn’t shake hands with those who wished them, but folded hands seeking their blessings. The guests had a sense of fulfillment by blessing rather than handing them over a formal best wish.
The ambiance was completely Kannada at the Leela Palace (receptions of both the weddings were held at this five star hotel) with poetry of the language being played in instrumental, and the delicacies on menu were with native flavour. Pleasantries exchanged between the guests and the hosts were so natural in the language that people came from places like Hubli and Bijapur felt at home. English was earmarked for those who were from outside.
Muthy’s wife Sudha is a notch up as far as Kannada is concerned. She writes in Kannada and wants to be recognised as a Kannada writer. Her patronage to Kannada Sahitya Parishat is in line with her interests and taste.
Yet, Murthy was opposed when the government chose him to inaugurate Viswa Kannada Sammelana, a world convention on Kannada. His selection was perfect as he was the global face of the brand Karnataka, but he was seen as an opponent in the literary circle because of his indifferent stand on the learning of the language. In their view, he was just a crony capitalist tending to capitalize on English boom uprooting the very culture of the land. He was allowed to deliver the inaugural speech, following a long drawn bargain, but the address was a compromise and miserably failed to strike chords.
While he could have been an icon for the poor aiming high, Murthy is paradoxically seen as a nouveau riche taking potshots at the system encouraging poor to get good education. His admirers frowned at his stand condemning reservation at IIMs and subsidised education for the underprivileged. His concerns over the standards of education coming down by allowing poor to sit next to rich in classrooms were unfounded and completely alienated him from the crowd at the ground level. Paradox is that Murthy is from such a poor background that he got his primary education sitting on the floor under a thatched roof.
People remember Sir M Visweswaraya with gratitude for illuminating their lives without pinching their sentiments and self respect. Illuminating the lives is also in literal meaning because he was the one who brought electricity to the state. His vision shaped the industry, education, commerce, and modern culture of the state. In fact, the brand Bangalore was built at those times and it was a glowing peck on the globe.
Visweswaraya and Narayana Murthy have many similarities in them considering their background, vision, and outlook excepting the former was a great administrator endeared by identifying with the mass, while the latter is a great enterpreneur envied by standing apart from them.
Murthy's name was propped up for the presidential candidature before Prathibha Devi Singh Patil was elected. He was pushed back after he kicking up controversy by allegedly insulting national anthem.
Although, he has said he had no belief in things like second innings, we can expect him to play a long innings differently, while the country needs his visionary ideas. After all he is still 65.
Visweswaraya was conferred Bharatha Ratna. If he can take a leaf from the book of his fellow Kannadiga, Murthy can even be our Bharatha Ratna with or without the crown.
Although he holds barely two percent of the share of an IT company with revenues Rs. 27,000 crore, Narayanamurthy is the richest in the eyes of a middleclass man in Bangalore, while he is seen as a creator of India’s first generation of salaried millionaires. Many of his Kannada speaking employees wanted to emulate him mimicked his simple way of leading life by moving to a two-bedroom house even when they were capable of building a bungalow.
Those who were invited to marriage of his children -- the daughter Akshatha married last year and the son Rohan entered the wedlock this year -- were impressed not by pomp but the dignified austerity. The intimate atmosphere was warm with a typical middleclass hospitality not filled with dazzling display of wealth. The newly wedded couple didn’t shake hands with those who wished them, but folded hands seeking their blessings. The guests had a sense of fulfillment by blessing rather than handing them over a formal best wish.
The ambiance was completely Kannada at the Leela Palace (receptions of both the weddings were held at this five star hotel) with poetry of the language being played in instrumental, and the delicacies on menu were with native flavour. Pleasantries exchanged between the guests and the hosts were so natural in the language that people came from places like Hubli and Bijapur felt at home. English was earmarked for those who were from outside.
Muthy’s wife Sudha is a notch up as far as Kannada is concerned. She writes in Kannada and wants to be recognised as a Kannada writer. Her patronage to Kannada Sahitya Parishat is in line with her interests and taste.
Yet, Murthy was opposed when the government chose him to inaugurate Viswa Kannada Sammelana, a world convention on Kannada. His selection was perfect as he was the global face of the brand Karnataka, but he was seen as an opponent in the literary circle because of his indifferent stand on the learning of the language. In their view, he was just a crony capitalist tending to capitalize on English boom uprooting the very culture of the land. He was allowed to deliver the inaugural speech, following a long drawn bargain, but the address was a compromise and miserably failed to strike chords.
While he could have been an icon for the poor aiming high, Murthy is paradoxically seen as a nouveau riche taking potshots at the system encouraging poor to get good education. His admirers frowned at his stand condemning reservation at IIMs and subsidised education for the underprivileged. His concerns over the standards of education coming down by allowing poor to sit next to rich in classrooms were unfounded and completely alienated him from the crowd at the ground level. Paradox is that Murthy is from such a poor background that he got his primary education sitting on the floor under a thatched roof.
People remember Sir M Visweswaraya with gratitude for illuminating their lives without pinching their sentiments and self respect. Illuminating the lives is also in literal meaning because he was the one who brought electricity to the state. His vision shaped the industry, education, commerce, and modern culture of the state. In fact, the brand Bangalore was built at those times and it was a glowing peck on the globe.
Visweswaraya and Narayana Murthy have many similarities in them considering their background, vision, and outlook excepting the former was a great administrator endeared by identifying with the mass, while the latter is a great enterpreneur envied by standing apart from them.
Murthy's name was propped up for the presidential candidature before Prathibha Devi Singh Patil was elected. He was pushed back after he kicking up controversy by allegedly insulting national anthem.
Although, he has said he had no belief in things like second innings, we can expect him to play a long innings differently, while the country needs his visionary ideas. After all he is still 65.
Visweswaraya was conferred Bharatha Ratna. If he can take a leaf from the book of his fellow Kannadiga, Murthy can even be our Bharatha Ratna with or without the crown.
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Anna, show us real Gandhi
He was about to court arrest, when they detained him. Heavens fell when he was taken to jail. At the end they wanted to let him go, he refused to go. Tamasha factor returned to haunt the Lokpal struggle that otherwise would have been a historic mass movement against corruption.
Anna Hazare wanted to go on fasting after his release from Tihar Jail, while the government was weighing the options keeping further action to be unfolded in view. The bargain took more than a day, and when they arrived at an agreement there was only disagreement and no one was happy.
High decibel arguments were on the citizen’s right to protest. The roar reverberated in the parliament, while the T-shirt activists on streets were in their full form. Those were the feasting moments for the TV stars on panel discussions, and festive occasion for sound bite givers. The channels did their best to cash in on the frenziness through non-stop coverage. The angst was against the government preventing the crusader from choosing his own way of agitation.
But, what happened to the main cause? No one was talking about corruption that every one wanted to curb. Not even the Jan Lokpal bill was the priority for a while. Jubilation was in waiting to mark the government’s defeat that would have allowed Anna to fast.
This way, can any one hope putting an end to a widespread menace like corruption?
Why the government did detain Anna and later show it as arrest knowing the consequences very well? If at all the Delhi police are so free, as Chidambaram described, how Rahul Gandhi could get them taking back the charges against Anna? The awkwardness of Anna sharing the jail ward with their fellow party man, who is there on corruption charges, moved the Congressmen to act so quickly in the mid-night? Or were they enjoying the situation that gave them a good opportunity to divert public attention from scams dogging the government?
And why Anna was so particular on the hunger strike in a particular way? Was he not aware of the principles of Gandhigiri that says cooperation with the authority is effective non-cooperation? Had he really followed the Bapu’s path he would have held the protest whereever he was allowed to do it under any condition. And there would have been no noise and no fake faces seen in the vicinity. Gandhiji chose the way of obedience for his civil disobedience and spiritualism was the guiding spirit.
While it would be blasphemous to compare the lunacy with Gandhiji’s satyagraha, flash of intolerance and clash of ego was the crest of disgrace. Smearing and slander are something non-Gandhian and both the warring sides are guilty of this sin.
Jawahalal Nehru had once warned Gandhiji, in a lighter vein, of the consequence of his civil disobedience in free India. It was a few days before India’s independence, when Nehru said, “Bapu, I will have to put you behind bars if your histrionics continue in the self rule. Better you tie your spinning wheel in the attic.” Gandhiji replied, “True, you will be the head of the state and I will be on the other side of the fence. I will be free to protest, and you will be free to arrest me. But, don’t worry I will be obedient.”
Nehru didn’t have the chance to arrest Gandhiji as the Bapu was no more when he became the first prime minister of India. Even had he been there, sure he would have found an innovative way to goad the government of free India as the old methods were meant for the foreign rulers.
“Bapu’s method of fasting was completely different than that of Anna. Bapu would have not threatened anyone the way Anna has. During Bapu’s time, fasting was never used against an opponent. Rather, it was used to lead a friend to the right path.” said Tushar Gandhi.
The new generation overwhelming in extending support to Anna may not know Gandhi. Anna knows him very well, and it is his duty to introduce the champion to them in a right manner.
Anna Hazare wanted to go on fasting after his release from Tihar Jail, while the government was weighing the options keeping further action to be unfolded in view. The bargain took more than a day, and when they arrived at an agreement there was only disagreement and no one was happy.
High decibel arguments were on the citizen’s right to protest. The roar reverberated in the parliament, while the T-shirt activists on streets were in their full form. Those were the feasting moments for the TV stars on panel discussions, and festive occasion for sound bite givers. The channels did their best to cash in on the frenziness through non-stop coverage. The angst was against the government preventing the crusader from choosing his own way of agitation.
But, what happened to the main cause? No one was talking about corruption that every one wanted to curb. Not even the Jan Lokpal bill was the priority for a while. Jubilation was in waiting to mark the government’s defeat that would have allowed Anna to fast.
This way, can any one hope putting an end to a widespread menace like corruption?
Why the government did detain Anna and later show it as arrest knowing the consequences very well? If at all the Delhi police are so free, as Chidambaram described, how Rahul Gandhi could get them taking back the charges against Anna? The awkwardness of Anna sharing the jail ward with their fellow party man, who is there on corruption charges, moved the Congressmen to act so quickly in the mid-night? Or were they enjoying the situation that gave them a good opportunity to divert public attention from scams dogging the government?
And why Anna was so particular on the hunger strike in a particular way? Was he not aware of the principles of Gandhigiri that says cooperation with the authority is effective non-cooperation? Had he really followed the Bapu’s path he would have held the protest whereever he was allowed to do it under any condition. And there would have been no noise and no fake faces seen in the vicinity. Gandhiji chose the way of obedience for his civil disobedience and spiritualism was the guiding spirit.
While it would be blasphemous to compare the lunacy with Gandhiji’s satyagraha, flash of intolerance and clash of ego was the crest of disgrace. Smearing and slander are something non-Gandhian and both the warring sides are guilty of this sin.
Jawahalal Nehru had once warned Gandhiji, in a lighter vein, of the consequence of his civil disobedience in free India. It was a few days before India’s independence, when Nehru said, “Bapu, I will have to put you behind bars if your histrionics continue in the self rule. Better you tie your spinning wheel in the attic.” Gandhiji replied, “True, you will be the head of the state and I will be on the other side of the fence. I will be free to protest, and you will be free to arrest me. But, don’t worry I will be obedient.”
Nehru didn’t have the chance to arrest Gandhiji as the Bapu was no more when he became the first prime minister of India. Even had he been there, sure he would have found an innovative way to goad the government of free India as the old methods were meant for the foreign rulers.
“Bapu’s method of fasting was completely different than that of Anna. Bapu would have not threatened anyone the way Anna has. During Bapu’s time, fasting was never used against an opponent. Rather, it was used to lead a friend to the right path.” said Tushar Gandhi.
The new generation overwhelming in extending support to Anna may not know Gandhi. Anna knows him very well, and it is his duty to introduce the champion to them in a right manner.
Monday, August 15, 2011
Anna, don't let us down
Yeddyurappa was among the supporters of Anna Hazare, when he launched hunger strike last time for an effective Lokpal. Now, while the crusader against corruption is preparing for his second spell, the endearing face of corruption is freer with no chief ministerial responsibility on his shoulders. So, why don’t we see him on the ground zero of fasting this time around?
It is not a cringing idea considering the faces hogged limelight at the Jantar Mantar last April. We heard sermons preached by the corporate giants in their new avatar of anti-corruption jehadi no matter how many thousands of corores they have gobbled up after making monkey of banks and tricking the public. The venue had provided a ramp for the catwalks for film stars and party animals, while it was a new found hangout for the fun lovers in the garb of neo-activist.
In the hysteria no one could even laugh at the corrupt giving sound bites against corruption. He is a sinner who has not added his noise when the whole country was into din. Why, namma H D Kumaraswamy was at the forefront in extending support to Anna. What a great speech he delivered on the evils of corruption!
True, you can’t say there was no seriousness in the air, while no one could question genuineness of Anna and his team. You can’t deny the effect of the historic groundswell that goaded the government for the draft bill. Anna knew its importance and he didn’t want his movement slipping into hands of politicians. People rejoiced the way he chased out Uma Bharathi, who appeared at the spot.
But, we expected similar ardor, when he visited Karnataka as part of his whirlwind tour following the first spell of Lokpal struggle. He was scathing at Congress, while mute on Yeddyurappa. And that disappointed us because BJP corruption is an obsession in Karnataka so as UPA corruption in Delhi. We know UPA is the villain in the story of Lokpal, and the BJP is on the other side of the fence. But, corruption is across the party lines. It is beyond the scope of discussion on whether prime minister to be brought under Lokpal or not.
This move of Anna gave scope for the obnoxious weeds like Manish Tiwari pointing finger at him. Kapil Sibal could even call him a BJP agent. They were audacious to refer to Justice Swanat report indicting Anna for diverting funds from his NGO. Rs. 2.2 lakh was spent to celebrate his birthday and Sawanth himself has confirmed it.
Now, the strife has reached the crescendo with Anna bracing for the decider. Delhi will witness the start of the decisive battle on Tuesday morning. And Jai Prakash Narain Park is the ground zero this time.
While praying for Anna squad’s victory, it is natural for us to expect from them a valiant fight minus farce. The tamasha factor will kill the very meaning of the movement turning it into futile. Anna must be merciless for the noutanki players who are expected to swoop down on the spot.
Mahatma Gandhi had chased out those who were not in Khadi, when he launched Satyagraha in 1940. Choosing Vinobha Bhave as the first Satyagrahi, he told him, " A noble deed without discipline is sin". Vinobhaji followed it and he was the Acharya for his followers.
Hope Anna remembers Gandhi’s words, because he has come as aandhi and people want to see in him a second Gandhi.
It is not a cringing idea considering the faces hogged limelight at the Jantar Mantar last April. We heard sermons preached by the corporate giants in their new avatar of anti-corruption jehadi no matter how many thousands of corores they have gobbled up after making monkey of banks and tricking the public. The venue had provided a ramp for the catwalks for film stars and party animals, while it was a new found hangout for the fun lovers in the garb of neo-activist.
In the hysteria no one could even laugh at the corrupt giving sound bites against corruption. He is a sinner who has not added his noise when the whole country was into din. Why, namma H D Kumaraswamy was at the forefront in extending support to Anna. What a great speech he delivered on the evils of corruption!
True, you can’t say there was no seriousness in the air, while no one could question genuineness of Anna and his team. You can’t deny the effect of the historic groundswell that goaded the government for the draft bill. Anna knew its importance and he didn’t want his movement slipping into hands of politicians. People rejoiced the way he chased out Uma Bharathi, who appeared at the spot.
But, we expected similar ardor, when he visited Karnataka as part of his whirlwind tour following the first spell of Lokpal struggle. He was scathing at Congress, while mute on Yeddyurappa. And that disappointed us because BJP corruption is an obsession in Karnataka so as UPA corruption in Delhi. We know UPA is the villain in the story of Lokpal, and the BJP is on the other side of the fence. But, corruption is across the party lines. It is beyond the scope of discussion on whether prime minister to be brought under Lokpal or not.
This move of Anna gave scope for the obnoxious weeds like Manish Tiwari pointing finger at him. Kapil Sibal could even call him a BJP agent. They were audacious to refer to Justice Swanat report indicting Anna for diverting funds from his NGO. Rs. 2.2 lakh was spent to celebrate his birthday and Sawanth himself has confirmed it.
Now, the strife has reached the crescendo with Anna bracing for the decider. Delhi will witness the start of the decisive battle on Tuesday morning. And Jai Prakash Narain Park is the ground zero this time.
While praying for Anna squad’s victory, it is natural for us to expect from them a valiant fight minus farce. The tamasha factor will kill the very meaning of the movement turning it into futile. Anna must be merciless for the noutanki players who are expected to swoop down on the spot.
Mahatma Gandhi had chased out those who were not in Khadi, when he launched Satyagraha in 1940. Choosing Vinobha Bhave as the first Satyagrahi, he told him, " A noble deed without discipline is sin". Vinobhaji followed it and he was the Acharya for his followers.
Hope Anna remembers Gandhi’s words, because he has come as aandhi and people want to see in him a second Gandhi.
Saturday, August 13, 2011
Peril of land acquisition
Farming or farmer? which one of these two you want to protect while acquiring farm land for private industries? Naturally, the farmer comes first becuase he is the voter.
And this seems to be the letter and spirit of the draft bill on land acquisition. The government has woken up to the riots in Singur and Bhatta Parsaul and its cautiousness reflects on the draft Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill (LARR) 2011 released by the rural development ministry. It has many carrots dangling to lure a farmer to sell his land regardless of the factors like ensuring food security and ecological balance.
The bill is no different from the archaic Land Acquisition Act of 1894 designed by the British rulers suiting their needs to exploit locals excepting more additive sugar on the coated pill. It has a provision to fix the compensation amount at six times the market value of land for rural land-losers, while it is twice the market value in urban areas.
As for rehabilitation and resettlement, land losers will get Rs 3,000 subsistence allowance for 12 months and Rs 2000 monthly annuity for 20 years, indexed to inflation. There will be mandatory provision for employment of one person from each affected family or a one-time grant of Rs 2 lakh for the family.
It is expected to be revised owing to the dissatisfied farmers' appeal to the government. The demand is for the increment of annuity from Rs 2,000 to Rs 12,000 a month for the period of 33 years in place of 20 years. If a land owner has five sons, all of them have to be provided similar benefits. While the provisions of the bill are applicable to land acquisitions in excess of 100 acres, the demand is to extend the same to even lesser area. And the rural development minister has nodded approvingly.
All that is fine keeping the welfare of land losers in mind. The measures are effective in silencing the rioters and converting them to voters. But, can you ignore its impact on socio-economy? The bill does not talk about agriculture laboureres, while protecting the interests of land losers. Nobody is obligated to ensure their livelihood. We know they are also voters, but the leaders know their votes are dirt cheap to purchase.
The largesse in the bill is at the cost of the exchequer and in other words it is subsidising private businesses. An investor developing an SEZ can earn untaxed profit for the first five years, thereafter conditional taxation depending on reinvestment of profit. No part of the profit percolates to the common man or a land loser. This will hold true for non-SEZ private investors too.
The industries always eye fertile land because of the water table, and the bill is mute on the protection of agriculture land. It is blind to the fact that the cultivated land is diminishing because of urbanisation and industrialisation. In 2001, 64.6 percent of total area was agricultural land in Karnataka, now it has come down to 52 percent. Global Investors’ Meet has estimated the land requirement for the new industries at 10,300 acres that would make a further dent. You know you can’t bridle inflation unless you have a control over supply side. And how can we ensure perpetual food supply with diminishing cultivated land?
The existing law bars a non-agriculturist buying an agriculture land. An additional need is to restrict an agriculturist to sell his land for the lure of money. A farmer should not be entitled to sell a farm land just because he is the title owner. Fertile land is state property and its conservation is imperative in ensuring food security and ecological balance.
And this seems to be the letter and spirit of the draft bill on land acquisition. The government has woken up to the riots in Singur and Bhatta Parsaul and its cautiousness reflects on the draft Land Acquisition and Rehabilitation and Resettlement Bill (LARR) 2011 released by the rural development ministry. It has many carrots dangling to lure a farmer to sell his land regardless of the factors like ensuring food security and ecological balance.
The bill is no different from the archaic Land Acquisition Act of 1894 designed by the British rulers suiting their needs to exploit locals excepting more additive sugar on the coated pill. It has a provision to fix the compensation amount at six times the market value of land for rural land-losers, while it is twice the market value in urban areas.
As for rehabilitation and resettlement, land losers will get Rs 3,000 subsistence allowance for 12 months and Rs 2000 monthly annuity for 20 years, indexed to inflation. There will be mandatory provision for employment of one person from each affected family or a one-time grant of Rs 2 lakh for the family.
It is expected to be revised owing to the dissatisfied farmers' appeal to the government. The demand is for the increment of annuity from Rs 2,000 to Rs 12,000 a month for the period of 33 years in place of 20 years. If a land owner has five sons, all of them have to be provided similar benefits. While the provisions of the bill are applicable to land acquisitions in excess of 100 acres, the demand is to extend the same to even lesser area. And the rural development minister has nodded approvingly.
All that is fine keeping the welfare of land losers in mind. The measures are effective in silencing the rioters and converting them to voters. But, can you ignore its impact on socio-economy? The bill does not talk about agriculture laboureres, while protecting the interests of land losers. Nobody is obligated to ensure their livelihood. We know they are also voters, but the leaders know their votes are dirt cheap to purchase.
The largesse in the bill is at the cost of the exchequer and in other words it is subsidising private businesses. An investor developing an SEZ can earn untaxed profit for the first five years, thereafter conditional taxation depending on reinvestment of profit. No part of the profit percolates to the common man or a land loser. This will hold true for non-SEZ private investors too.
The industries always eye fertile land because of the water table, and the bill is mute on the protection of agriculture land. It is blind to the fact that the cultivated land is diminishing because of urbanisation and industrialisation. In 2001, 64.6 percent of total area was agricultural land in Karnataka, now it has come down to 52 percent. Global Investors’ Meet has estimated the land requirement for the new industries at 10,300 acres that would make a further dent. You know you can’t bridle inflation unless you have a control over supply side. And how can we ensure perpetual food supply with diminishing cultivated land?
The existing law bars a non-agriculturist buying an agriculture land. An additional need is to restrict an agriculturist to sell his land for the lure of money. A farmer should not be entitled to sell a farm land just because he is the title owner. Fertile land is state property and its conservation is imperative in ensuring food security and ecological balance.
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Aaya sawan Jhoom ke...
Shravan is auspicious indeed. Fresh breezes are blowing as if they have come to cleanse the evil this time around; cynicism is dimmed in the festive fervour.
Yeddyurappa was waiting for the end of Ashada to step down. His resignation marked the beginning of Shravan, while flagging off the roller coaster.
You thought the corrupt will never be punished. Ask Katta Subramanya Naidu how he slapped his son sharing a cell with him in Parappana Agrahara for the wrongdoing that landed them in the central jail. He chided the son like a good father for being friends with bad guys. Katta Jagadish Naidu was a bum chum to Yeddyurappa’s sons and the grouse is that he is in the dragnet while the real beneficiaries of Itaska golmal are walking free.
The junior Katta could have reversed it on the senior because Subramanya Naidu’s friendship with Yeddyurappa was the beginning, while the chumminess of the juniors was just a beginning of the end.
But, Shravan has not spared the bad guys either. Yeddyurappa and sons will have to be present in the court with a bail application. If the application is rejected, they will meet their friends at Parapppana Agrahara before the end of Shravan.
The holy month has not even spared the enemy. H D Kumaraswamy, who spooked B S Yeddyurappa all along, has a good chance of shaking hands with him behind the bars. He along with his wife is facing the same fate of his erstwhile friend and current foe.
Amazingly, all happened on the same day,on Monday, when the new chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda formed his cabinet, stinking old juice in the brand new sachet. Kattas were sent to jail; Yeddyurappa and his relatives were summoned by the court in innumerable cases, Kumaraswamy was issued summons relating to illegal mining, same to same for his wife Anitha in a land scam.
Even Sadananda Gowda, who has come as a contrasting factor to corrupt Yedyurappa, resorted to a corrective measure on the day, on his personal account. Gowda is seen as comparatively honest, but the amalgamation of his BDA site with its adjacent one was illegal. The media reports on it coincided with his taking over as the chief minister, last week, and his corrective response came on the day when his fellow party man went to jail along with the son. His under construction building is partly demolished to correct the impropriety.
More remarkable thing is the isolation of the Reddys. The rulers of Bellary, who ruled the state for three years, were gnashing their teeth when Gowda was posing his trademark grin for the cameras at Rajbhavan, along with his new cabinet. The Lokayukta report on illegal mining has recommended for the removal of the Reddys from the cabinet and strict legal action against them. Now, they know they can't bite the CM, so they are grinding their teeth. But, it is unlikely to help them escape from a jail term.
This Shravan has also brought them a separation from their political mother. Sushma Swaraj will skip her Lakshmi Pooja at Reddys’ residence this time. Eyeing prime ministerial responsibilities she thought better distancing herself from the mining goons; sensible enough.
Exactly a year ago M P Prakash had said Sushma’s annual visit to Bellary was to collect Lakshmi from the Reddys, and the mining barons had cursed him back to death. The gentleman politician is no more now, but he is not turning in is grave for one reason at least: Sushma has dropped the programme of collecting the Lakshmi. And that is the biggest festival gift from the BJP leader to the people of Karnataka.
And don’t you have to thank Yeddy for all this? He was right in choosing the timing of his departure. He had said he would not do either good or bad thing in the month of Ashada, and would wait for Shravan for the good deed. He kept his promise and good things followed.
So, thank him and sing Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke…
Yeddyurappa was waiting for the end of Ashada to step down. His resignation marked the beginning of Shravan, while flagging off the roller coaster.
You thought the corrupt will never be punished. Ask Katta Subramanya Naidu how he slapped his son sharing a cell with him in Parappana Agrahara for the wrongdoing that landed them in the central jail. He chided the son like a good father for being friends with bad guys. Katta Jagadish Naidu was a bum chum to Yeddyurappa’s sons and the grouse is that he is in the dragnet while the real beneficiaries of Itaska golmal are walking free.
The junior Katta could have reversed it on the senior because Subramanya Naidu’s friendship with Yeddyurappa was the beginning, while the chumminess of the juniors was just a beginning of the end.
But, Shravan has not spared the bad guys either. Yeddyurappa and sons will have to be present in the court with a bail application. If the application is rejected, they will meet their friends at Parapppana Agrahara before the end of Shravan.
The holy month has not even spared the enemy. H D Kumaraswamy, who spooked B S Yeddyurappa all along, has a good chance of shaking hands with him behind the bars. He along with his wife is facing the same fate of his erstwhile friend and current foe.
Amazingly, all happened on the same day,on Monday, when the new chief minister D V Sadananda Gowda formed his cabinet, stinking old juice in the brand new sachet. Kattas were sent to jail; Yeddyurappa and his relatives were summoned by the court in innumerable cases, Kumaraswamy was issued summons relating to illegal mining, same to same for his wife Anitha in a land scam.
Even Sadananda Gowda, who has come as a contrasting factor to corrupt Yedyurappa, resorted to a corrective measure on the day, on his personal account. Gowda is seen as comparatively honest, but the amalgamation of his BDA site with its adjacent one was illegal. The media reports on it coincided with his taking over as the chief minister, last week, and his corrective response came on the day when his fellow party man went to jail along with the son. His under construction building is partly demolished to correct the impropriety.
More remarkable thing is the isolation of the Reddys. The rulers of Bellary, who ruled the state for three years, were gnashing their teeth when Gowda was posing his trademark grin for the cameras at Rajbhavan, along with his new cabinet. The Lokayukta report on illegal mining has recommended for the removal of the Reddys from the cabinet and strict legal action against them. Now, they know they can't bite the CM, so they are grinding their teeth. But, it is unlikely to help them escape from a jail term.
This Shravan has also brought them a separation from their political mother. Sushma Swaraj will skip her Lakshmi Pooja at Reddys’ residence this time. Eyeing prime ministerial responsibilities she thought better distancing herself from the mining goons; sensible enough.
Exactly a year ago M P Prakash had said Sushma’s annual visit to Bellary was to collect Lakshmi from the Reddys, and the mining barons had cursed him back to death. The gentleman politician is no more now, but he is not turning in is grave for one reason at least: Sushma has dropped the programme of collecting the Lakshmi. And that is the biggest festival gift from the BJP leader to the people of Karnataka.
And don’t you have to thank Yeddy for all this? He was right in choosing the timing of his departure. He had said he would not do either good or bad thing in the month of Ashada, and would wait for Shravan for the good deed. He kept his promise and good things followed.
So, thank him and sing Aaya Sawan Jhoom Ke…
Sunday, August 7, 2011
The US crisis: blessing in disguise?
With the very integrity of Standard & Poor in question, its downgrading the US credit rating is unlikely to have a lasting impact on the global economy. Also it has brought some good things to cheer about.
The BSE may well have crashed by 460 points on Monday morning, but investors pressing the panic button is just a kneejerk reaction which is in alignment with the global stocks sliding temporarily. The fall in the market in fact provides you with a buying opportunity. If you go by Warren Buffet's tips, buy when others are selling. “I buy on the assumption that they could close the market the next day and not reopen it for five years,” he said. So, say thanks to S&P, buy and hold it.
You have to thank S&P for one more reason. With the US sliding one notch down from triple A to double A plus, it has to pay more interest on its bonds on account of default risk, and the crisis has come as a blessing in disguise for investors. Now, technically we can say bonds issued by the UK, France, Germany and Canada are superior to the US bonds in terms of safety as these countries continue to enjoy AAA rating. But, none of these bond markets has the liquidity or the depth of the US markets. So, enjoy the windfall.
China, the top most creditor of the US, is trying to create a hue and cry, while India and others are adding to the noise. The move is uncalled for, but necessary to put pressure on the still biggest economy to reap benefits of the crisis. The child who doesn’t cry will not get milk.
However, the crisis has a thing for exporters to worry about. With the US ending up spending more on debt service it might trigger slowdown if not a double-dip recession as the world fears. The slowdown stoked by the weakening greenback might make a dent on their profits, and currency insurance would be a better bet.
But, there is no immediate solution for the decline in sales that slowdown is expected to result in. The nervousness of software companies is already being felt and the bellwethers have shown the signs of cutbacks and lay offs.
A weak dolor will help bring down prices as it will reduce the cost of oil imports which has been a large contributor to inflation. Weakness in the US markets would also curb demand for commodities and keep the process under check.
Alas, lower inflation is not useful for the end user in India as the very calculation of inflation is defective. Do you remember the paradox of people paying high prices, when the government was moving heaven to earth to avert deflation amidst the downturn two years ago? People were not able to comprehend the cruel joke of the government projecting a lower inflation rate when in reality commodity prices continued to tread northwards.
The urgent need is to change the archaic method of assessing inflation. Revive the basket by including commodities that matter in daily life, and go for consumer price index regime. The current wholesale price index system is a bogus with not passing on the benefit of the lower prices to the consumer. We know there are many hurdles to put CPI in place, but it is the time for us to take it on the chin.
The BSE may well have crashed by 460 points on Monday morning, but investors pressing the panic button is just a kneejerk reaction which is in alignment with the global stocks sliding temporarily. The fall in the market in fact provides you with a buying opportunity. If you go by Warren Buffet's tips, buy when others are selling. “I buy on the assumption that they could close the market the next day and not reopen it for five years,” he said. So, say thanks to S&P, buy and hold it.
You have to thank S&P for one more reason. With the US sliding one notch down from triple A to double A plus, it has to pay more interest on its bonds on account of default risk, and the crisis has come as a blessing in disguise for investors. Now, technically we can say bonds issued by the UK, France, Germany and Canada are superior to the US bonds in terms of safety as these countries continue to enjoy AAA rating. But, none of these bond markets has the liquidity or the depth of the US markets. So, enjoy the windfall.
China, the top most creditor of the US, is trying to create a hue and cry, while India and others are adding to the noise. The move is uncalled for, but necessary to put pressure on the still biggest economy to reap benefits of the crisis. The child who doesn’t cry will not get milk.
However, the crisis has a thing for exporters to worry about. With the US ending up spending more on debt service it might trigger slowdown if not a double-dip recession as the world fears. The slowdown stoked by the weakening greenback might make a dent on their profits, and currency insurance would be a better bet.
But, there is no immediate solution for the decline in sales that slowdown is expected to result in. The nervousness of software companies is already being felt and the bellwethers have shown the signs of cutbacks and lay offs.
A weak dolor will help bring down prices as it will reduce the cost of oil imports which has been a large contributor to inflation. Weakness in the US markets would also curb demand for commodities and keep the process under check.
Alas, lower inflation is not useful for the end user in India as the very calculation of inflation is defective. Do you remember the paradox of people paying high prices, when the government was moving heaven to earth to avert deflation amidst the downturn two years ago? People were not able to comprehend the cruel joke of the government projecting a lower inflation rate when in reality commodity prices continued to tread northwards.
The urgent need is to change the archaic method of assessing inflation. Revive the basket by including commodities that matter in daily life, and go for consumer price index regime. The current wholesale price index system is a bogus with not passing on the benefit of the lower prices to the consumer. We know there are many hurdles to put CPI in place, but it is the time for us to take it on the chin.
Thursday, August 4, 2011
Dual pricing regime: welcome solution
Dual pricing of diesel is a good idea, although not a very good news for car makers.
It has double advantage: checking misutilisation of subsidy, while helping in bridling inflation. With subsidy bill reduced, fiscal deficit comes down, and it’s an added advantage.
If finance minister has his way, price of diesel used in passenger cars will go up by around Rs. 7 a liter that is now paid by government in form of subsidy. It will go and the car owners have to take the burden, while subsidised price for the fuel used for goods vehicles will continue.
Diesel is inflation-sensitive so long as it is a fuel for goods vehicles. Its price has cascading effect on the commodity price, and it is importnant to keep it stable. The stabilization exercise has cost the exchequer Rs. 122000 crore in the current year, which is around 12 percent of the budget size.
With the trend changing, diesel is no longer a poor man’s fuel. The gas guzzler SUV craze is gone and people across the globe now want a fuel efficient car, and diesel is preferred. While diesel is 45 perecent cheaper, the diesel engine is 30 percent more efficient than that of petrol. Catching up with the trend even luxury car makers have increased their assembly lines adding up to the stock of diesel engines.
The large price differential between the two auto fuels is the main reason for the spurt in diesel car sales in recent years, in India. While the government has decontrolled petrol prices, allowing oil companies to align retail rates with international prices, diesel is still a regulated commodity.
Now, around 35 percent of passenger cars in the country are diesel driven. They are the biggest consumer after trucks, and owners of these cars are not poor, hence don’t deserve subsidy. And since they never carry goods the price burden on them won’t stoke inflation. In fact it works the other way round. The car owners may consume less fuel due to its dearness resulting in further easing of price due to less demand.
By going for the duel price, the government can save an estimated 15 percent of the oil subsidy bill. And that much will be of a great help for Paranab Da, who has promised us to bring down the fiscal deficit from whopping 5.1 percent to 4.6 percent.
Although the move could prove dampener for the auto industry that is already suffering from the slump in sales on account of rise in interest rates and petrol prices, the major players are appear to have prepared to take it in their stride. Diesel was leading to the growth momentum; in a sluggish market, and any major increment in the fuel prices could slow this. But, there is no other go but to face the reality.
The stand taken by SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) in this regard is positive and healthy. While welcoming the move, it said it had always advocated a market-link pricing for the automotive fuel and even it supports full market pricing of diesel.
Then there is other hitch; the challenge that would be posed by dishonesty. Officials in the finance deportment have already expressed concerns over a parallel economy that would create. “If a dual pricing structure is in place, people would come in tractors, fill up drums with diesel and then sell it to car owners at a premium, but below the market price for passenger cars,” said an official.
What is the solution to these sort of problems? Step up the vigil at the petrol bunks and punish the culprits. Most importantly, you be honest.
It has double advantage: checking misutilisation of subsidy, while helping in bridling inflation. With subsidy bill reduced, fiscal deficit comes down, and it’s an added advantage.
If finance minister has his way, price of diesel used in passenger cars will go up by around Rs. 7 a liter that is now paid by government in form of subsidy. It will go and the car owners have to take the burden, while subsidised price for the fuel used for goods vehicles will continue.
Diesel is inflation-sensitive so long as it is a fuel for goods vehicles. Its price has cascading effect on the commodity price, and it is importnant to keep it stable. The stabilization exercise has cost the exchequer Rs. 122000 crore in the current year, which is around 12 percent of the budget size.
With the trend changing, diesel is no longer a poor man’s fuel. The gas guzzler SUV craze is gone and people across the globe now want a fuel efficient car, and diesel is preferred. While diesel is 45 perecent cheaper, the diesel engine is 30 percent more efficient than that of petrol. Catching up with the trend even luxury car makers have increased their assembly lines adding up to the stock of diesel engines.
The large price differential between the two auto fuels is the main reason for the spurt in diesel car sales in recent years, in India. While the government has decontrolled petrol prices, allowing oil companies to align retail rates with international prices, diesel is still a regulated commodity.
Now, around 35 percent of passenger cars in the country are diesel driven. They are the biggest consumer after trucks, and owners of these cars are not poor, hence don’t deserve subsidy. And since they never carry goods the price burden on them won’t stoke inflation. In fact it works the other way round. The car owners may consume less fuel due to its dearness resulting in further easing of price due to less demand.
By going for the duel price, the government can save an estimated 15 percent of the oil subsidy bill. And that much will be of a great help for Paranab Da, who has promised us to bring down the fiscal deficit from whopping 5.1 percent to 4.6 percent.
Although the move could prove dampener for the auto industry that is already suffering from the slump in sales on account of rise in interest rates and petrol prices, the major players are appear to have prepared to take it in their stride. Diesel was leading to the growth momentum; in a sluggish market, and any major increment in the fuel prices could slow this. But, there is no other go but to face the reality.
The stand taken by SIAM (Society of Indian Automobile Manufacturers) in this regard is positive and healthy. While welcoming the move, it said it had always advocated a market-link pricing for the automotive fuel and even it supports full market pricing of diesel.
Then there is other hitch; the challenge that would be posed by dishonesty. Officials in the finance deportment have already expressed concerns over a parallel economy that would create. “If a dual pricing structure is in place, people would come in tractors, fill up drums with diesel and then sell it to car owners at a premium, but below the market price for passenger cars,” said an official.
What is the solution to these sort of problems? Step up the vigil at the petrol bunks and punish the culprits. Most importantly, you be honest.
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
medieval society made by media
Can a society turn barbaric in modern times? Indian society can. Pity is that media is the driver.
Villagers were brutal when they lynched nine thinking they were thieves. The act was brutal because they were not sure whether their targets were real robbers. Had they been in their senses they would have handed them over to police even if they were culprits.
Look at the way the chilling drama unfolded, on Tuesday, near Chintamani, a 60 km drive from Bangalore. A gang of suspected thieves attacked a woman in a field. Since she didn’t have any valuables, they tied her to a pole before leaving.
The villagers launched a hunt for the gang whom they thought had come in an auto rickshaw and in an SUV. Spotting an auto with five people, they started beating them up. By the time police were seen, three were dead and two were grievously injured. They caught six traveling in an SUV and beat them to death. No confirmation that the dead were the thieves, police are yet to identify.
Why the incidents of public taking law into their hands are on the rise? Police point figure at the TV channels enjoy airing such visuals counting on them for TRP. Many a time, cameramen insist people to beat properly so that they can record it conveniently. If the target is an eve teaser or a stalker, then there is a special treatment for him. Women beating an infidel woman is the most sought after. A case of fighting husband and wife is not a private affair so long as it is an enjoyable drama on screen.
The attackers are shown as the heroes, no word of caution or no reminder of law of the land. And people waiting for the opportunity call up the TV crew before embarking on the heroism.
The media turned inhuman when a group of truck drivers caught a man strayed from a mental asylum near Ramnagar and beat him up suspecting he was a wheel thief. A TV crew arrived late at the spot requested to repeat the act because they had missed the visuals.
Brutes are rarely booked as they are supported by the media, leave alone punishing the mastermind- the news creators behind the camera. Police tried to make TV channels party in the Ramnagar case, but they had to withdraw the case. Can the poor chaps take on the mighty media?
Who actually enjoy medieval scenes on TV? The national channels did not gain much in terms of TRP ratings despite their repeated shows on a bike rider dragging a thief tied to his vehicle in Bihar. The reaction to the orchestrated visuals of ‘operation majnu’, in Lucknow, or to the pub attack, in Mangalore was a public outrage towards the brutality, but not an overwhelming response to the entertaining drama as many channels believe.
Supposing there is evidence to say people like these clippings and their interests can be tapped for gaining TRP, there is nothing wrong in doing it. But, can we call these viewers a civilised society? If they are not civilized, is it not the duty of the media to show them a way to be civilised?
If you say media is a part of the society and it is just mirroring what it is, then there is no hope.
A triumphant glee was evident, when a lady reporter was harping on how she could beat the rival channels in breaking news of a rape case. She said, “We were the first to reach the spot where a teen-aged girl was raped just now.” Pointing to the spot, she insisted, “Right here.”
Thank god, she missed the visuals.
Villagers were brutal when they lynched nine thinking they were thieves. The act was brutal because they were not sure whether their targets were real robbers. Had they been in their senses they would have handed them over to police even if they were culprits.
Look at the way the chilling drama unfolded, on Tuesday, near Chintamani, a 60 km drive from Bangalore. A gang of suspected thieves attacked a woman in a field. Since she didn’t have any valuables, they tied her to a pole before leaving.
The villagers launched a hunt for the gang whom they thought had come in an auto rickshaw and in an SUV. Spotting an auto with five people, they started beating them up. By the time police were seen, three were dead and two were grievously injured. They caught six traveling in an SUV and beat them to death. No confirmation that the dead were the thieves, police are yet to identify.
Why the incidents of public taking law into their hands are on the rise? Police point figure at the TV channels enjoy airing such visuals counting on them for TRP. Many a time, cameramen insist people to beat properly so that they can record it conveniently. If the target is an eve teaser or a stalker, then there is a special treatment for him. Women beating an infidel woman is the most sought after. A case of fighting husband and wife is not a private affair so long as it is an enjoyable drama on screen.
The attackers are shown as the heroes, no word of caution or no reminder of law of the land. And people waiting for the opportunity call up the TV crew before embarking on the heroism.
The media turned inhuman when a group of truck drivers caught a man strayed from a mental asylum near Ramnagar and beat him up suspecting he was a wheel thief. A TV crew arrived late at the spot requested to repeat the act because they had missed the visuals.
Brutes are rarely booked as they are supported by the media, leave alone punishing the mastermind- the news creators behind the camera. Police tried to make TV channels party in the Ramnagar case, but they had to withdraw the case. Can the poor chaps take on the mighty media?
Who actually enjoy medieval scenes on TV? The national channels did not gain much in terms of TRP ratings despite their repeated shows on a bike rider dragging a thief tied to his vehicle in Bihar. The reaction to the orchestrated visuals of ‘operation majnu’, in Lucknow, or to the pub attack, in Mangalore was a public outrage towards the brutality, but not an overwhelming response to the entertaining drama as many channels believe.
Supposing there is evidence to say people like these clippings and their interests can be tapped for gaining TRP, there is nothing wrong in doing it. But, can we call these viewers a civilised society? If they are not civilized, is it not the duty of the media to show them a way to be civilised?
If you say media is a part of the society and it is just mirroring what it is, then there is no hope.
A triumphant glee was evident, when a lady reporter was harping on how she could beat the rival channels in breaking news of a rape case. She said, “We were the first to reach the spot where a teen-aged girl was raped just now.” Pointing to the spot, she insisted, “Right here.”
Thank god, she missed the visuals.
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