നിയമസംഹിത

എല്ലാത്തരം കുറ്റങ്ങൾക്കും ഇന്ത്യയിൽ ശക്തമായ നിയമങ്ങളും കർശനമായ ശിക്ഷാവിധികളുമൊക്കെയുണ്ട്.   അതിനും പുറമെ നിയമസംരക്ഷണത്തിനും  നീതിനിർവഹണത്തിനും ചാലക ശക്തിയായി പ്രവർത്തിയ്ക്കാനുദ്ദേശിച്ച്  ദേശീയതലത്തിലും സംസ്ഥാനതലത്തിലും പ്രവർത്തിക്കുന്ന ഏറെ അധികാരങ്ങളുള്ള കുറെ കമ്മീഷനുകൾ ഉണ്ട്. ചിലപ്രത്യേക കുറ്റങ്ങൾ നടന്നാൽ സ്വമേധയാ കേസ് എടുക്കുവാൻ ഈ കമ്മീഷനുകൾക്ക് അധികാരമുണ്ട്. പ്രത്യേക ചില ഉദ്ദേശ്ശങ്ങളോടെയാണ് അവയ്ക്ക് ഈ അധികാരം കൊടുത്തിരിയ്ക്കുന്നത്. രാജ്യത്തിനോ ഏതെങ്കിലും സംസ്ഥാനത്തിനോ പ്രദേശത്തിനോ അപകീർത്തിയുണ്ടാക്കുന്ന തരത്തിലോ പ്രതിഛായ നശിപ്പിക്കുന്നതരത്തിലോ പ്രവർത്തിയ്ക്കുന്നവരെ  നിയമത്തിനുമുമ്പിൽ കൊണ്ടുവരാനുള്ള എല്ലാ വ്യവസ്ഥകളും നമുക്കുണ്ട്. പക്ഷേ എത്രമാത്രം ഫലപ്രദമാണ് ഈ സംവിധാനങ്ങൾ? ഇവയൊക്കെ ഫലപ്രദങ്ങളാണെങ്കിൽ ഇന്ന് നടക്കുന്ന പലതും  ഇവിടെ നടക്കുമോ?

നൂറുകണക്കിന് വർഷങ്ങൾക്കു  മുമ്പ് നിലവിൽ വന്ന ചില നിയമങ്ങളും നമുക്കുണ്ട്. ഇന്നത്തെ സങ്കീർണമായ സാമൂഹ്യസ്ഥിതിയ്ക്കുതകാത്ത പല  നിയമങ്ങളും  കാലഘട്ടത്തിനനുയോജ്യമായ രീതിയിൽ പുനർ നിർമ്മിയ്‌ക്കുക എന്നത് അത്യന്താപേക്ഷിതമായിരിയ്ക്കുന്നു എന്ന് നിരന്തരമായി വിളിച്ചുപറയുന്ന സംഭവങ്ങളിലൂടെയാണ്‌ നാം ഓരോ ദിവസവും കടന്നുപോകുന്നത്.

ജനാധിപത്യസംവിധാനത്തിൽ ഏറ്റവും പ്രാമുഖ്യവും ബഹുമാനവും അർഹിയ്ക്കുന്നതു നിയമസംഹിതയ്ക്കാണ്. അത് എപ്പോഴും എല്ലാം തികഞ്ഞതാവണം. ആ വഴിയ്ക്ക് കൂടുതൽ പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങുളുണ്ടാകുമെന്ന് ആശിയ്ക്കാം.

പരിവർത്തനം

അപൂർവം ചില രംഗങ്ങളിൽ ചില നേട്ടങ്ങളൊക്കെ കേരളം ഉണ്ടാക്കിയിട്ടുണ്ടെങ്കിലും ധാർമ്മികമായ ഒരു അപചയം ഈ സംസ്ഥാനത്തെ ബാധിച്ചിട്ട് ഏതാണ്ട് പത്തുപന്ത്രണ്ടു് വർഷങ്ങളായി. ഈ അപചയം രാഷ്ട്രീയം, സാമൂഹ്യജീവിതം, കലാസാഹിത്യ രംഗം തുടങ്ങി ഏതാണ്ടെല്ലാ മേഖലകളെയും ബാധിച്ചിട്ടുണ്ട്. പ്രകൃതി കനിഞ്ഞുനൽകിയ വിഭവങ്ങളും, ഉയർന്ന മനുഷ്യശേഷിയും നല്ല കാലാവസ്ഥയുമൊക്കെയുള്ള കേരളത്തിൻറെ ഇന്നത്തെ അവസ്ഥ സാമൂഹ്യശാസ്ത്രം, മനഃശാസ്ത്രം, രാഷ്ട്രമീമാംസ തുടങ്ങിയ മേഖലകളിലെ വിദഗ്ധരടങ്ങുന്ന ഒരു സമിതിയുടെ പഠനത്തിനും അപഗ്രഥനത്തിനും വിധേയമാക്കേണ്ടതാണ്. ധാർമികമായും രാഷ്ട്രീയമായും സാംസ്കാരികമായുമൊക്കെ കേരളത്തെ കൈപിടിച്ചു മുന്നോട്ടു കൊണ്ടുപോകേണ്ടതുണ്ട്. ഇവിടെ കഴിവും വിദ്യാഭ്യാസവും സ്വഭാവമഹിമയും വ്യക്തമായ കാഴ്ചപ്പാടും ഒക്കെയുള്ള ഒരു നേതൃനിര പൊതുരംഗത്ത് ഉണ്ടാകേണ്ടതുണ്ട്.

ഇന്ത്യയിലെ മറ്റു സംസ്ഥാനങ്ങളുടെയും ലോകത്തിന്റെ തന്നെയും പരിഹാസത്തിനു പാത്രമാകുന്ന സംഭവങ്ങൾ ഇനി ഇവിടെ ഉണ്ടാകാതിരിയ്ക്കാൻ എല്ലാ ഭാഗത്ത് നിന്നും അതീവ ശ്രദ്ധ ആവശ്യമാണ്, സമൂഹത്തിന്റെ മനോഭാവത്തിൽ സമഗ്രമായ ഒരു മാറ്റം ആവശ്യമാണ്.  അത്തരം ഒരു പരിവർത്തനം ഉണ്ടായില്ലെങ്കിൽ പിന്നെ കേരളത്തിനെ രക്ഷിയ്ക്കുവാൻ ആർക്കും കഴിയുകയില്ല. ഈ സന്ദേശമാണ്കേരളീയർ ഉൾക്കൊള്ളേണ്ടത്.

സാക്ഷരതയും കുറച്ചു സംശയങ്ങളും

സാക്ഷരത കൂടുന്നതിനനുസരിച്ച് മനുഷ്യർക്ക് വിവേകം കുറയുമോ? മനുഷ്യത്വം മരവിയ്ക്കുമോ? മനഃസാക്ഷി മരിയ്ക്കുമോ? അക്രമവാസന കൂടുമോ? വിദ്ധ്വംസക പ്രവൃത്തികൾ ഏറുമോ? വിവേചനശക്തി കുറയുമോ? ജോലിയെടുക്കാനുള്ള താല്പര്യം കുറയുമോ? തൊഴിൽമുടക്കു സംരംഭങ്ങളോട് ആഭിമുഖ്യം കൂടുമോ? സമൂഹത്തോടുള്ള ഉത്തരവാദിത്വം കുറയുമോ? രാജ്യത്തിന്റെ പൊതു താല്പര്യങ്ങൾ എന്നത് അർത്ഥമില്ലാത്ത കാര്യമാകുമോ? ഒന്നിൽ നിന്നും ഒന്നും പഠിയ്ക്കുകയില്ല എന്ന മനോഭാവം വർദ്ധിയ്ക്കുമോ? ഇവയൊക്കെയാണോ സാക്ഷരതയുടെ ലക്ഷണങ്ങൾ?

സാക്ഷരതയുടെ കുതിപ്പിനോടൊപ്പം അവഗണിയ്ക്കാനാകാത്ത വിധം മറ്റുചിലത് കൂടെ ചില പ്രദേശങ്ങളിൽ സംഭവിക്കുന്നത് കാണുമ്പോൾ ഉണ്ടായ ചില ന്യായമായ സംശയങ്ങളാണിവ.

The Bounden Duty

India is globally counted as a nation with a stable governance, a successful democratic form of government and rapid pace of growth, one which has a modern outlook in policies and which promotes financial inclusion. If the present trend continues, the day is not far when India will become a Super Power snatching that position from the US.

At this juncture, what the nation primarily requires is stability in governance and continuance of its present policies without any decline in momentum and required fine tuning wherever the changing times demand it, for a fairly long time. Any reversal of policies or drift in policies by India which is on a fast track growth mode would be too costly for the nation. A governance with a clear vision to emerge as a Global Super Power is what the 71 years old independent India craves for. Along with that, the life of the citizens would certainly reach higher echelons in every respect.  This is a very important aspect to be seriously and sincerely considered and always kept in mind by every Indian citizen irrespective of any orientations, whenever he / she performs any duty ordained by the Constitution.

Definition

Democratic politics as it exists in some countries can be defined as the art whereby issues are skillfully created out of non-issues or trivialities by those who could not capture power, keeping those in power glued to such non-issues and trivialities in the guise of issues for the full or major part of the latter's tenure at the cost of national welfare, so that the latter's image and reputation will reach a level which prompts the electors to reject them when they get the opportunity.

Source of Hope

In India, judiciary commands utmost respect from the citizens as one of the strong pillars of democracy. India owes much to the judiciary in its achievements as the world’s biggest democracy and acknowledges it as a powerful instrument of social transformation apart from its primary role of administration of justice.

It is common knowledge that courts pronounce judgements by looking at the issues involved in a case from the angle of law / legal enactments. However, the courts act according to the principles of equity, justice and good conscience in the absence of any specific law or usage in matters placed before them. In rare situations, along with the legal angle, the angle of equity, justice and good conscience is also considered by the court with due importance, if the circumstances of the case warrant the same. 

Some of the judgements evoke a feeling that along with the angle of law, equity, justice and good conscience, the possible impact of a verdict on the community at large, law and order situation, social and communal camaraderie etc. could also be given due consideration so that justice in its purest form is delivered. Judiciary is the strongest source of hope for the citizens.

Five Pertinent Posers

India is going to witness another parliamentary election within a few months. At this juncture, it is felt that there are at least five basic questions each voter has to ask himself/herself before taking a final decision on exercising his/her franchise. This is irrespective of any political orientation. Through that process, the country would certainly get a delivering government. Those five questions are:-

1. Do I want a government which will have fair chances of running its full term or a short lived government?

2.Do I want a government which will have a reasonably matured leadership or otherwise?

3. Do I want to see ugly scenes of leaders bargaining for Prime Minister' chair after the hustings?

4. Do I want a government affected with several conflicting ideologies or one where there will be a fair degree of consensus in matters of governance?

5. Do I want a proven leadership or a new untried leadership in the government?

India is a great country which deserves the best governance. Each voter has a responsibility in ensuring this as otherwise he/she will be failing in her duty as a citizen of this country. The country should be kept above all political considerations.

A Landmark Verdict

The Supreme Court verdict in a public interest litigation on candidates with a criminal background contesting in elections is as unique, decisive and epoch making as it is a long overdue one. The apex court has directed political parties to display the pending criminal cases of their candidates who contest on their ticket on their official websites. The court has also urged the Parliament to enact a strong legislation that makes it obligatory for political parties to remove leaders charged with “heinous and grievous” crimes, such as rape, murder and kidnapping, to name only a few, and refuse ticket to offenders in both parliamentary and Assembly polls so as to cleanse political parties of leaders facing trial for serious crimes.

The court directions that both the candidate and the political party should declare the criminal antecedents of the former in widely-circulated newspapers and that both the candidate and the political party should give “wide publicity” to the criminal record of the former by airing it on TV channels at least thrice after the filing of nomination papers, are most welcome and reflect the years old aspirations of the enlightened masses. (Newspapers may perhaps have to publish directories or special editions to accommodate all names!)

The nation hopes that the verdict is the first step in the process of breaking the crime-politics nexus which has its strong roots traversing deep down the entire society. There are however two concerns surrounding the implementation of the verdict. First, in what manner the political parties try to circumvent these directions remains to be seen. Secondly, we have many instances of voters with full knowledge of the colossal notoriety or proven criminal antecedents of candidates repeatedly electing them. This could undoubtedly be the outcome of the wily power and dazzle of money, which the candidate might be splashing in the election campaign.

At the same time, there are instances where the voters regret their choice and election of representative after seeing their third rate character and behavior in the public, post election. No doubt, many such faces with their bafoonery, gestures and expressions might be parading in the minds of the reader of this write-up while reading this. There should also be a new constitutional provision which gives the right to the voters to recall such elected representatives, who are sheer accidental wrong choices and are a mockery of democracy. It is sincerely hoped that this may also become a reality in the near future.

Promote Indian Brands, Not Foreign Brands

There was a time when we Indians had to depend on many things manufactured in foreign countries. The main reasons for the attachment of Indians to items produced abroad were the perception of quality attached to those things and the fact that India had not made the technological advancements made by a few other countries those days.

But times have drastically changed. India is now a technologically highly advanced country, more or less on par with many so called developed nations. Whether it is electronic gadgets or automobiles or televisions or refrigerators or mobile phones or home theatres, or air conditioners, India indigenously produces high quality items matching the perceived quality of those foreign manufactured things. Still, the craze for ‘foreign’ goods is strongly lingering in the minds of many Indians, who even try to create a wrong impression that India does not have the technological capability to match the quality standards of gadgets/devices/automobiles/other consumer goods manufactured in other countries and hence Indian goods are all of inferior or sub-standard quality. This is as much a hollow myth as it is sheer non sense.

India is no more in such a desperate situation as to depend on commodities produced abroad. India’s technological advancement is envious. Quality of goods indigenously produced in India more than matches the quality  of goods manufactured in any foreign country.  Indians are not duty bound to promote the products manufactured abroad or by foreign based MNCs functioning in India. Indians do not have any responsibility to promote any foreign brand.

India’s dependence on foreign currency depends on the extent of foreign goods consumed by the Indians. The more and more we go for commodities or services for which India has to pay the manufacturers or service providers in US dollars (the most traded currency internationally), the more and more powerful does US dollar become and Indian Rupee becomes weaker and weaker. However, India’s dependence on OPEC countries for crude is bound to continue, more on account of geographical factors rather than economic factors.

We Indians should try to encourage gadgets/devices/ automobiles etc. manufactured in India instead of promoting foreign brands. Dollar should not be allowed to gain supremacy to the extent being witnessed now. This is the only way to protect Indian economy. Foreign craze still lingering in the minds of some sections of Indians should become a thing of the past.

Petrol, diesel prices would come down by Rs 27, Rs 15 per litre if government includes fuel under highest GST slab.

Petrol and diesel prices are skyrocketing and touching new highs. Several solutions are being presented to the government by economists and industry experts on ways to bring down the fuel price. Reluctant to cut losses, the government is weighing on options before taking a step that could either provide a relief to the consumers or hamper its revenue prospects. The government can reduce petrol and diesel prices by Rs 26 and Rs 15, respectively, provided it includes the fuel under the GST, even under the highest slab of 28%.

There is wide spread criticism on levying over 100% taxes on petrol and over 68% taxes on diesel, at a time when people across the country are crying for some relief measures.

Let's assume that the government includes transportation fuel under the highest tax slab of 28 per cent. The basic cost of fuel after it comes out of refinery is Rs.36.93. Add  28% (14% CGST and 14% SGST) of GST in it and also the dealer commissioner of Rs 3.60, the price comes out to be around Rs 50.87. On diesel, the basic cost of fuel after it comes out of the refinery is Rs 39.78 per litre. Add 28% GST, combining both CGST and SGST, to it plus Rs 2.5 per litre as dealer commission, the price comes out to be around Rs 53.30. As per the Indian Oil Corporation's revised fuel pricing for Delhi, the current price of petrol is Rs 77.83 per litre while diesel is Rs 68.75 per litre.

If the government includes transportation fuel under the GST, and applies the highest tax slab of 28%, the petrol and diesel price would be reduced by Rs 26.90 and Rs 15.40, respectively.

So if not for collecting more revenue on transportation fuel, industry experts feel that the government has no reason not to include petrol and diesel under the GST. Any attempt to replace the multi-layered tax levied on fuel with a uniform tax regime of GST would affect its revenue. Though external factors have affected fuel prices in the country, the taxes levied by the Centre and state governments have also contributed significantly to the overall retail fuel prices.

Rules for Compliance or Violation?

As part of its various measures to curb the generation and flow of black money in the country, the Government of India had imposed certain ceilings for amounts received / paid  by cash by introducing  new sections in the Income Tax Act, 1961, with effect from 01-04-2017. Consequently, the maximum amount that can be received by a person in cash has been capped at Rs.2 lakhs in following situations:-(1) In aggregate from a person in a day; or (2) In respect of a single transaction; or (3) In respect of transactions relating to one event or occasion from a person. In such situations, the amount can be received only through normal banking channels like cheque, DD, transfer by way of NEFT/RTGS etc. On violation of this section, a penalty equal to the amount received would be imposed on the recipient (not payer). (Government, banks and post offices are exempt from the above rule.) Further, payment of any  revenue expenditure above Rs.10,000/- and incurring of any capital expenditure exceeding Rs.10,000/- by cash have been strictly prohibited. Receipt / payment in all these all cases shall be only through normal banking channels.

It is common knowledge that the above new provisions relating to receipt / payment of amounts in cash are being blatantly violated by many quarters, least mindful of the illegality / seriousness / criminal nature of the transaction and the attached penal provisions. The violations in this regard mostly centre around educational institutions, where huge amounts of money are accepted by cash, in the guise of donation etc., in some cases even without a receipt. Huge amounts in cash are also changing hands on the occasion of recruitments to private schools and colleges, in property transactions etc. Such unlawful / illegal financial transactions are happening in an alarming proportion ever since promulgation of the new rules.

One wonders why the authorities are turning a blind eye to these unlawful / illegal financial transactions, which are generating whopping amounts of black money in total disregard to the Government’s priorities and whether certain rules are meant not for compliance. The sincerity shown in any legal enactment should be shown in its strict enforcement as well. It is hoped that this aspect will receive due attention by the authorities concerned.

Options and The Choice

India is on the eve of another parliamentary election. This time is crucial for any democratic country as it is the time when the electorate is supposed to evaluate the incumbent government from various angles and to form a decision regarding entrustment of their destiny to a government for the succeeding term.

The common man normally thinks beyond politics. He has an urge to place the country above everything else. But when he has many options to choose from, he sometimes gets confused. It is seen that to make a sound judgement, the enlightened electorate generally adopt a few criteria. When they have two or more options, i.e. parties/alliances, before them, they go by a few criteria and look at each of the options from the angle of these criteria.

1. The ability to provide a matured leadership.
2. A clear vision about the nation’s progress.
3. The ability to provide stability in governance.
4. Absence of many conflicting ideologies within the prospective Government
5. Political ideology which keeps common man’s welfare above everything else.
6. Ability to build a feeling of security and confidence among the people.
7. Orientation towards an egalitarian society. 
8. The will to keep corruption at bay.
9. Respect for dignity and civil liberties of citizens.
10. Respect towards the established legal system.
11. Non-interference in the free functioning of the fourth estate, i.e. the media.
12. Prospects of formation of a delivering government.

When the choice is made with the support of criteria of the above sort, that would facilitate a reasonably prudent judgement out of the hustings and the nation would get a delivering government. Above all, it is the paramount responsibility of an enlightened electorate to become instrumental in seeing the election resulting in such a government. Progress of the country and welfare of the people should be the guiding factors and should get precedence over politics and everything else.

Patriotism

Patriotism is something which most of the democratic countries regard with high esteem. Patriotism or national pride is the ideology of love and devotion to one’s homeland, and a sense of alliance with other citizens who share the same values. It is a strong bond holding a nation intact. A patriotic person is bound by duty to support his or her country, irrespective of his beliefs, ideologies or leanings. Without regard for peripheral details, patriotism defines a habit of identifying oneself with a single nation and placing it beyond good and evil while recognising no other obligation than that of advancing its interest. Fighting anything that puts one’s nation in the wrong track ought to become a patriot’s passion. This means that fraudulent conducts such as corruption, or any other disruptive forces which pose a present or prospective threat or danger to the progress of the nation ought to be addressed without any fear by patriotic citizens.

So, patriotism boils down to purposeful examination of one’s own conscious thoughts and feelings about what one can do for his country; not what the country can do for them; how one can advance the interests of a nation; not how one is easily tempted to abuse a leadership position for personal gain.

Patriotism is above politics, but true patriotism is very important to politics. It is not patriotism that disfigures politics; rather, what disfigures politics is the intentional effort by some politicians who don’t understand what patriotism really means, to exploit the ignorance of voters for their selfish ambitions.

Patriotism is an ideology and when used in moderation is healthy but, taken to extremes, it can be harmful. It is a painful sight to see the spirit of patriotism frequently getting impaired or tainted in many ways in our country with the negative influence or erratic interpretation of ethnic, cultural, historical, religious or a few other aspects. This aspect needs no over emphasis in the present times.

No Relief

The crisis ridden banking sector in India is persistently sounding alarm bells for the economy. Indian banks' gross non-performing assets (NPAs), or bad loans, stood at Rs 10.25 lakh crore as on 31 March 2018. Public sector banks (PSU banks) have written off non-performing assets (NPAs) worth Rs.1.20 trillion, an amount that is nearly one-and-a-half times more than their total losses posted in 2017-18, according to official data.

The country’s largest lender State Bank of India alone has written off bad loans of Rs.40,196 crore, which is nearly 25% of the total write-offs during 2017-18. This was followed by Canara Bank (Rs 8,310 crore), Punjab National Bank (Rs 7,407 crore) and Bank of Baroda (Rs 4,948 crore). Industry leader, the State Bank of India (SBI), which tops the NPA chart, has logged an increase of Rs 24,286 crore in bad loans in the March 2018 quarter to Rs 2.23 lakh crore. The Nirav Modi scam-hit Punjab National Bank (PNB) has reported the maximum rise of Rs 29,100 crore in gross NPAs to Rs 86,620 crore in the March quarter.

Among private banks, the gross NPAs of ICICI Bank and Axis Bank have risen significantly. ICICI Bank's bad loans pile grew by Rs 8,024 crore or 17.4 percent in the March 2018 quarter to Rs 54,063 crore; Axis Bank's widened by Rs 9,248 crore or 37 percent to Rs 34,249 crore in the March 2018 quarter from Rs. 25,001 crore during the December 2017 quarter. Most of the public sector banks and many of the private sector banks have registered huge posses.

As much as 90 percent of the NPAs are on the books of government-owned banks. The colossal write-offs of NPAs and consequent losses have pushed down many banks below the stipulated capital adequacy requirement while some are on the brink. The situation has prompted the Government to go for massive capital infusion of banks. Taking note of the alarming bad loans situation, the government, last year, announced a Rs 2.11 lakh crore bank recapitalisation plan to pull out state-run banks from the mess.

The funds requirement for capital infusion of banks or other public sector institutions does not form a part of the provisions made in the Union Budget. Thus the Government will have to find out additional sources of funds for capital infusion / strengthening of banks. Since the entire funds requirement cannot be met through issue of equity shares due to regulatory caps /  restrictions, the Government will be forced to raise money through other means. The first causality will be taxation. Thus the Government will be compelled to raise various taxes, thanks to the surge in NPAs. Or in other words, the ultimate victims of bank’s bad loans are the people.

According to Government sources, there is no respite in the NPA position of banks even in the current financial year. NPA menace warrants harsh steps not from the curative angle alone, but from the preventive angle. But the action forthcoming from the authorities on both curative and preventive fronts is no match to the enormity of the NPA issue confronting the banking sector. The very slow process involved in seizure of assets of the borrowers and tardiness in investigation into staff lapses / collusion, reluctance to publicise the names of corporate defaulters etc. in spite of the strong sentiments expressed by several quarters are all factors which stand in the way of banks regaining confidence of the people. The causative factors behind the genesis of corporate NPAs should be studied and publicized without any veil. Banks should resort to all possible measures for cost reduction also to improve their profitability.

All said, putting the burden of NPA write-offs, caused mainly by the corporate defaulters, on the common man in the form of taxation is totally unjustified. And, the corporate defaulters should not be left free to enjoy with public money.

പരിഹാരം

ജനപ്രതിനിധികളിൽ നിന്നും കുറേയേറെ പൗരന്മാരെങ്കിലും പ്രതീക്ഷിക്കുന്ന   പ്രധാനഗുണങ്ങളാണ്  സാമൂഹിക ബോധം, വിവേകം, പക്വത, സഹാനുഭൂതി, അഭിജാതമായ സംസാരം, കുലീനമായ പെരുമാറ്റം  തുടങ്ങിയവ. പക്ഷെ യാഥാർഥ്യം ഇതിനു കടകവിരുദ്ധമാകുന്നതും ഇതിൽ നിന്നും അകലങ്ങളിലേക്ക് പലായനം ചെയ്യുന്നതുമായ  കാഴ്ചയാണ് കുറേക്കാലമായി കണ്ടുകൊണ്ടിരിക്കുന്നത്. ഇതിന് വളരെയേറെ ദൃഷ്ടാന്തങ്ങൾ നമുക്ക് മുമ്പിലുണ്ട്.

തെരഞ്ഞെടുക്കാനുള്ള മാനദണ്ഡങ്ങളായി മേൽപ്പറഞ്ഞ ഗുണങ്ങൾ സമ്മതിദായകർ കണ്ടുതുടങ്ങാത്തതാണ് ഈ അവസ്ഥയ്ക്ക് പ്രധാന കാരണം. നല്ല വ്യക്തിത്വം ഉള്ളവരെയും, നല്ല പൂർവ ചരിത്രമുള്ളവരെയും, പൂർവകാല പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾ ഭംഗിയായി നിർവഹിച്ചവരെയും  മാത്രമേ തങ്ങളുടെ പ്രതിനിധികളായി തെരഞ്ഞെടുക്കുകയുള്ളൂ എന്ന് സമ്മതിദായകർ കർക്കശമായിത്തന്നെ വിചാരിച്ചുപ്രവർത്തിച്ചാൽ മാത്രമേ ഈ ദുരവസ്ഥയ്ക്ക് പരിഹാരമുണ്ടാവുകയുള്ളൂ. ഈ അവബോധം സമ്മതിദായകരിൽ ഉണ്ടാക്കിയെടുക്കാൻ  സന്നദ്ധസംഘടനകൾ മുന്നോട്ടു വരേണ്ടതാണ്.

ശരിയായ വഴി

പലയിടത്തും ചർച്ച ചെയ്യപ്പെടുന്ന ഒരു വിഷയമാണ്, നമുക്ക് ഒരു ദിശാമാറ്റം അത്യാവശ്യമാണ് എന്നുള്ളത്. സമൂഹത്തിന്റെ ഇന്നത്തെ യാത്ര ശരിയായ ദിശയിലേക്കല്ല എന്നുള്ളത് പകൽ പോലെ സത്യമാണ്.  അതിനു കാരണം ഇടയ്ക്കെവിടെയോ, അല്ലെങ്കിൽ പലയിടത്തും  വഴി തെറ്റിപ്പോയി എന്നുള്ളതാണ്.  എങ്ങനെയോ അസത്യത്തിന്റെ, അധർമ്മത്തിന്റെ, തിന്മയുടെ, മനുഷ്യത്വരാഹിത്യത്തിന്റെ വഴിയിൽ എത്തിപ്പെട്ടുപോയി.  അത് മാത്രമല്ല. കൈയ്യിലുണ്ടായിരുന്ന വിലപിടിപ്പുള്ള പലതും യാത്രയിലെവിടെയോ നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടു പോകുകയും ചെയ്തു. അവയുടെ പേരാണ് ജീവിത മൂല്യങ്ങൾ എന്നത്. അവ കണ്ടെത്തി തിരിച്ചെടുക്കുകയും വേണം.

ഏതൊരു  യാത്രയിലും വഴി തെറ്റി സഞ്ചരിച്ചാൽ നേർവഴികണ്ടെത്തി യാത്ര തുടരാൻ സാധിക്കും. അത് പോലെയൊരു ദിശാവ്യതിയാനം ആണ് ഇപ്പോൾ വേണ്ടത്. ചുരുക്കിപ്പറഞ്ഞാൽ നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ട അമൂല്യവസ്തുക്കൾ കണ്ടെത്തി വീണ്ടെടുത്തുകൊണ്ട് ശരിയായ വഴിയിലേക്ക് പ്രവേശിച്ച് യാത്ര തുടർന്നില്ലെങ്കിൽ ആപത്താണ്.

പഴയ കാലത്ത് വഴികാട്ടികളും സൂചികകളുമായി മഹത് വ്യക്തികൾ തലയുയർത്തി നിന്നിരുന്നു. പക്ഷെ ഇന്ന് അവർക്കു പകരം അവർ എഴുതിവെച്ചിട്ടു പോയ അവരുടെ ജീവിത ദർശനങ്ങൾ മാത്രമാണുള്ളത്. അവയല്ലാതെ യഥാർത്ഥ വഴികാട്ടികളും യഥാർത്ഥ സൂചികകളും ഇന്ന് നന്നേ കുറവാണ്. പക്ഷെ നമുക്ക് നഷ്ടപ്പെട്ടവ തിരിച്ചെടുത്ത് ശരിയായ വഴിയിൽ കയറി യാത്ര തുടരാതെ നിർവാഹമില്ല. അത് കൊണ്ട്, മഹത് വ്യക്തികളുടെ ജീവിത ദർശനം മനസ്സിലാക്കി മുന്നോട്ടു പോകാനുള്ള ശ്രമത്തോടൊപ്പം അപൂർവമായി മാത്രം കാണുന്ന നല്ല വ്യക്തിത്വങ്ങളുടെ മാതൃക പിന്തുടരുകയും ആണ് പുതിയ തലമുറയെങ്കിലും ചെയ്യേണ്ടത്. ഇത് കാലത്തിന്റെ ആവശ്യമാണ്.

Food and Diseases

World Health Organisation’s (WHO) reports supported by several advanced research studies have clearly established the direct relation between excessive non-vegetarian food and incidence of cancer. According to WHO reports, excessive consumption of meat of any nature is the sure cause of a large number of diseases including cancer, heart diseases, nervous disorders, kidney failure, gall bladder problems, arterial wounds, arterial blocks, paralysis, arthritis, hysteria, weakening of bones, dementia etc. It has been also found that moderate consumption of fish would not have any adverse impact on health. Further, people who consume only moderate quantity of food have been found to have relatively better health and higher longevity.

A study by the Regional Cancer Centre, Trivandrum has established the alarming incidence of cancer among people who consume predominantly meat. A Japanese scientist on the basis of prolonged research has proved that non-vegetarian food plays a major role in raising anger, anxiety, restlessness and criminal mentality among people. 

Incidentally, many recent studies also clearly establish that frequent consumption of food from hotels and restaurants is a strong reason for the increasing incidence of cancer.

No doubt, food is the individual choice of individuals. But there is no harm in heeding to the findings of research studies and benefiting from them.

The take-aways from the above report are:-

1. Minimise, if not avoid, the consumption of meat. Let meat consumption become the bare minimum.

2. Substitute plant protein for animal protein by replacing meat with pulses, green peas, beans, different kinds of nuts, oats etc.

3. Moderately consume fish, if non-vegetarian food cannot be totally avoided.

4. Minimise, or, if possible, avoid consumption of food from hotels and restaurants.

5. Avoid consuming large quantities of food. Consume only moderate amount of food.

Eleven Point Regimen for a Healthy Living

1. Be moderate in quantity of food intake.
2. Do thirty minutes of exercise or brisk walking at  least five days a week.
3. Drink ten glasses of water every day.
4. Minimise (or avoid) outside eating, i.e., eating from restaurants, food joints etc.
5. Minimise (or avoid) intake of non-vegetarian food, particularly meat.
6. Add plenty of vegetables in food.
7. Take one serving of fruits every day.
8. Avoid oily, sweet and salty food.
9. Do mind exercises like memorizing, solving puzzles, meditation, reading, writing etc. every day.
10. Relax by enjoying music.
11. Consciously regulate the pace of life in every possible way.

Always remember, your food habits and life style decide your health and longevity.

രാഷ്ട്രപുരോഗതി

രാഷ്ട്രത്തിന്റെ പുരോഗതിയ്ക്ക് എല്ലാത്തിനും ഉപരിയായ സ്ഥാനം നൽകുന്ന സമീപനം അധികാരികളുടെയും പൗരന്മാരുടേയുമെല്ലാം ഭാഗത്തുനിന്ന് ഒരേപോലെയുണ്ടായാൽ മാത്രമേ ഏതൊരു രാജ്യത്തിനും യഥാർത്ഥത്തിലുള്ള വളർച്ച ഉണ്ടാകുകയുള്ളു. സ്ഥാപിത താല്പര്യങ്ങൾ സംരക്ഷിക്കാനായി ഏതെങ്കിലും തരത്തിലുള്ള സ്പർദ്ധ വളർത്തുന്നത് രാഷ്ട്ര പുരോഗതിയ്ക്ക് താങ്ങാനാവാത്ത ക്ഷീണമാണുണ്ടാക്കുന്നത്. ലോകരാഷ്ട്രങ്ങളുടെ മുൻ നിരയിൽ നിൽക്കാൻ എന്തുകൊണ്ടും യോഗ്യതയും ശേഷിയുമുള്ള ഇന്ത്യയെ അതിന് പ്രാപ്തമാക്കേണ്ട ചുമതല ഓരോ ഇന്ത്യക്കാരനിലും നിക്ഷിപ്തമാണ്. എന്തുകൊണ്ടോ ഇത് മറന്നുകൊണ്ടുള്ള പ്രവർത്തനമാണ് കൂടുതലായി കാണുന്നതു്. ഇവിടെയാണ് മാറ്റം ഉണ്ടാകേണ്ടത്.

ഇന്ത്യയെപ്പോലെ ചരിത്രപരമായും സാംസ്കാരികമായും ഭാഷാപരമായുമൊക്കെ വൈവിദ്ധ്യമാർന്ന ഒരു രാജ്യത്തിന് അഖണ്ഡത പരമപ്രധാനമാണ്. നമ്മുടെ ഭരണഘടന ഉയർത്തിപ്പിടിക്കുന്ന പ്രധാന മൂല്യം ഇതാണ്. അഖണ്ഡത പരിപാലിക്കുന്നതിലും രാഷ്ട്രനിർമാണത്തിലും ഓരോ ഭാരതീയനുമുള്ള പങ്ക് പ്രൈമറി തലം മുതൽ ഏറ്റവും ഉയർന്ന ക്ലാസുകൾ വരെ പാഠ്യപദ്ധതിയിൽ ഉൾപ്പെടുത്തി ഒരു പുതിയ സംസ്കാരം രൂപപ്പെടുത്താൻ അധികാരികൾ തയാറാകണം. രാഷ്ട്ര പുരോഗതിയുടെ ദർശനം യുവതലമുറയിൽ എത്തിക്കാൻ രാഷ്ട്രീയ സാംസ്കാരിക നേതാക്കന്മാർ പരിശ്രമിച്ചാൽ സാധിക്കും. രാഷ്ട്രങ്ങളുടെ സൗരയൂഥത്തിൽ എന്നും തിളങ്ങുന്ന ഒരു നക്ഷത്രമായി ഇന്ത്യയെ മാറ്റിയെടുക്കുവാൻ എല്ലാ ഭാഗത്ത് നിന്നും പ്രചോദനമുണ്ടാകട്ടെയെന്നു ആത്മാർത്ഥമായി ആഗ്രഹിക്കുന്നു, പ്രാർത്ഥിക്കുന്നു.

A Dilapidated System

Medical education in India has been witnessing the heights of injustice for quite some time. The plight of some the meritorious students and their parents is really miserable. Though the National Eligibility cum Entrance Test is (NEET) conducted by the CBSE for admission to MBBS/BDS courses,  lot of unjust practices have been going on in the matter of admission to medical courses. The private Medical Colleges have been extracting exorbitant amounts running to lakhs/crores from the parents of students for admission. The existing ruined system sees meritorious students not securing medical admission as their parents are not able to spend lakhs of money, while students who have secured very low ranks in NEET are getting admission only because their parents are in a position to pump in colossal amounts of money. And when academically backward students secure medical admission, how far it affects the standard and quality of the doctors ‘produced’ by such a system is a matter of concern.

The above money game coupled with the existing reservation system for certain sections of students is resulting in denial of justice to meritorious students whose parents are not in a position to pump in lakhs of money and those who do not have any reservation benefits. It is a fact that this is sheer denial of justice to certain sections of students and crass discrimination based on the power of money. In some States, nativity issue also seals the chances of students of other States.

There is no regulatory mechanism as of now to oversee and control the shabby practices going on in the realm of medical admission. The responsibility of the CBSE is limited to the conduct of NEET, declaration of result and providing All India Rank to the Directorate General Health Services, Government of India for the conduct of counselling for 15% All India Quota Seats and for supplying the result to state/other Counselling Authorities. It is high time that a Medical Admissions Regulatory Authority was set up to oversee, monitor control and regulate the medical admission regime. A suggestion to this effect has been submitted to the Union Ministry of HRD and Union Ministry of Health and Family Welfare, Government of India.

Justice Demands It

Corruption and black money are like twin brothers or twin sisters. And both are always hand in hand. The history of independent India eloquently illustrates that all the initiatives taken by a few of the various Governments at the centre so far to tackle the menace of the twin most dangerous issues, viz; black money and corruption in varying degrees have been thwarted by the concerted efforts of a powerful lobby comprising of various ruthless sections of the society which are all hands in glove. The strategy of this abysmally unholy but unlimitedly powerful lobby in defeating such well-intended measures has been to feign their blessings to those measures outwardly but doing everything possible to sabotage them by stooping to any level.

There is no denying the fact that these lobbies are behind most of the problems faced by the country. Their power is enormous. Their share in the nation’s resources is unimaginable. They are financial power houses. They would see to it that when a Government does something to tackle corruption or black money, a situation is created which prompts the Government to divert its focus from the well-intended measures and change the priorities. The might of the right thinking citizens is trivial compared to this cold blooded lobby. This explains the reason for the lackluster impact of many of the well-intended reforms undertaken by the present and previous governments to cleanse the economy of the above mentioned twin devils.

Every day we are hearing sordid stories of recovery of huge amounts of black money earned through corruption from individuals and how corruption has poisoned the economy to an extent of near no return. But what happens to the culprits after the money is seized always remains behind the curtains. It is an unfortunate sight, seeing the legal system miserably faltering before corruption and black money. No right thinking citizen will ever say that the corrupt deserve a compassionate treatment. When will our country start treating the corrupt in a manner which justice demands, which the honest people crave for?

Truth Vs. Reality

This thought is in the context of a few current happenings.

The legal system will command respect from all sections of society when and only when all the citizens irrespective of political or official or financial power or position or status or religion or any other factor get the same treatment under law without any differentiation, whatsoever.

The concepts of 'Equality before Law' and 'Equal Protection of Law' are comprised in Article 14 - Right to Equality in the Indian Constitution. While the originating concept is the same, i.e., every citizen of India is equal in all aspects, however, the two above mentioned concepts are interpreted as slightly different in their nature.

It has been widely agreed that "Equal protection by law" is a corollary of "Equality before Law". The concept "Equality before Law" envisages that basically, the State cannot deny anybody equality before the law. This is more of a restriction on the State, i.e., it will treat everyone in the same manner. No distinction on the basis of caste, creed, religion, or any other factor will be shown by the State in determining our rights and status before the State. The concept "Equal protection of Laws" is a more positive concept implying equality of treatment in equal circumstances. That equals must be treated alike is the underlying factor. 

So, they are the two wings of the same bird. They fly in the same direction. Firstly, the State cannot differ between any one and you, and in equal circumstances, and secondly, you and anyone else are to be provided the same rights and protection measures by the State.

The above was the intention of the framers of the Indian Constitution. But how today's society interprets ‘Equality’ or what is the ground reality, is totally another matter. About that, the less said, the better. A mere look at the current society will tell the reality.

Diversity

We often read or hear many comparisons of India with the other democratic Republics of the world. Often the comparison ignores a fundamental issue which is the root cause of the situation that mostly surrounds sensitive aspects like civil liberties, religion, minorities etc. The issue is that the Fundamental Rights enshrined in the Constitution are either not properly understood by the citizens or they are wrongly interpreted deliberately.

The Constitution does not envisage freedom as absolute or unconditional. Allegiance to the Indian Republic by the citizens is what is envisaged as the paramount element in the Constitution. The vast diversity prevailing in the Indian population - ethnic, linguistic, religious etc. - is a factor which makes India different from other democratic Republic countries. Often this fact is forgotten by many.

Secured Job

It is not surprising that politicians aspiring for a 'secured job' in the Parliament prefer to be a Member of the Rajya Sabha (Council of States) rather than the Lok Sabha (House of the People). Here are a few reasons.

1. A politician who does not have any chance of getting elected by people if he contests in an election has the chance of getting nominated to the Rajya Sabha if he has special knowledge or practical experience in matters like literature, science, art and social service.

2. Politicians who have every chance of getting rejected by people if they contest in an election have the chance of getting elected to the Rajya Sabha through the Electoral College.

3. Sitting members of Lok Sabha who are uncertain of getting elected for a consecutive term have the option of finding their way to Parliament through Rajya Sabha, even if lot of maneuvering is required for the same.

4. The hazzles involved in directly facing the people can be avoided.

5. Rajya Sabha is not subject to dissolution and hence the tenure is fully ‘secured’.

6. Rajya Sabha members are also eligible for Ministerial berth.

7. Rajya Sabha members are eligible for all the benefits enjoyed by Lok Sabha Members during the term as well as post term.

8. People do not expect Rajya Sabha members’ presence and involvement in the development of the constituency as  much as in the case of Lok Sobha members.

9. Rajya Sabha members are more of ‘free birds’ than Lok Sabha members.

The Essence of Human Life

The essence of human life is that it is a heterogenous mixture of happy, sweet, fulfilling, thrilling, sad, testing, challenging, tough, perplexing, tense, stimulating, exciting, tough moments or phases. And what is more important is the fact that the composition of these different kinds of moments or phases in one's life depends as much on one's individual perceptions, perspectives, outlook, attitude, beliefs, convictions and priorities, as on circumstances beyond one's control. There is thus a considerable, repeat considerable, degree of control which one can exercise on one's life.

Facts, not comments

The deregulation of petrol and fuel prices since 2010 coupled with dynamic fuel pricing introduced in 2017 has been pinching the hapless citizens of the country through ever rising fuel prices defying any rational explanation. But the other side of the picture is that the Oil Marketing Companies (OMCs) are one of the major beneficiaries of the dismal fuel price scenario.

In addition to pure marketing, the three big OMCs in the public sector – IOCL, HPCL and BPCL and a host of private sector players also refine and market oil that they buy from upstream oil exploration and production companies including ONGC, Oil India, Reliance Industries etc. Their purchase price is directly related to international crude price.

The 3 public sector OMCs have been consistently making huge profits over the years. All of them have a top heavy structure with astronomical numbers of top executives (Chief General Managers and above) with very high compensation packages. IOCL has 85 EDs and 138 CGMs. HPCL has 30 EDs and 63 CGM.  BPCL has 30 EDs and 61 CGMs.  Not surprisingly, the staff cost of all these OMCs is colossal, consuming a sizeable portion of their expenses, since the pay, perquisites and post-retirement benefits of their executives, officers and employees are phenomenally exorbitant and go on increasing. 

The fact is that OMCs are reaping huge profits, giving whopping returns to the Government and giving the best financial support, comforts, luxury and security to their employees, all at the cost of the poor citizens.  It is high time that the central government looked at the cost structure of the public sector OMCs and explore the possibilities of a cost rationalization in them, which could result in an easing of the fuel prices.  The point is that on the one side in spite of their stunningly employee compensation intensive pattern and top heavy structure, all the OMCs are making colossal profits, while on the other side the prices of fuel are skyrocketing making the common man gasp for breath.

Hallmarks

Anyone who critically looks at the chequered history  of democratic governments in the world would find that for a democratic government to become a successful and delivering one, it should have many, if not all, of the following hallmarks.

1. Matured leadership with vision.

2. Ability to provide stability in governance.

3. Absence of conflicting ideologies within the Government.

4. Political ideology which keeps common man’s welfare above everything else.

5. Ability to build a feeling of security and confidence among the people.

6. Orientation towards an egalitarian society. 

7. The will to keep corruption at bay.

8. Respect for dignity and civil liberties of citizens.

9. Respect towards the established legal system.

10. Non-interference in the free functioning of the fourth estate, i.e. the media.

It is the paramount responsibility of an enlightened electorate to become instrumental in setting up such a government.

The Nation Is Watching

It is common knowledge that the factor having the highest impact on cost of living is the prices of petrol and diesel. These commodities with prices consistently on swift increase have a tax component of about 50% and 34% respectively and have been kept outside the purview of GST, which itself was introduced for rationalisation of prices. Even the highest tax rate under GST is only 28%.

Treating petrol and fuel as two major sources of revenue for developmental projects as was being done by most of the governments at the centre so far has a highly adverse impact on the economy and the life of the common man. Alternate sources of revenue should be explored like more steps for unearthing black money, taxing the agriculturists, curtailling public expenditure, increasing industrial production and the like. Too much of dependence on petrol and diesel for earning revenue for any developmental activity needs to be brought down. The government at the centre and also of the States should intervene expeditiously instead of waiting to see the price crossing century. Petrol and diesel should at least be brought within GST framework to give some relief to the common man.

Fuel Economy

The doubts expressed by many when the dynamic fuel pricing was introduced by the Government about two years back giving freedom to the oil companies in India to revise the fuel prices in very short intervals have been vindicated by the subsequent frequent hikes witnessed in the price of petrol and diesel. Small price hikes in close succession are not much different from slow poisoning of the economy. Irrespective of the inflationary figures being churned by the Central Statistics Office which do not have any semblance to the reality, the cost of living is being severely affected by the very frequent rises in fuel prices.

The fact being that more than 60% of the price of petrol consists of central excise duty, VAT, dealer’s commission, entry tax, OMC margin and State Government taxes (with a similar pattern in the case of diesel also), it is well within the central and state governments to bring in adequate mechanisms to keep the price hike under check. The central government is stubbornly reluctant to bring fuel prices within the ambit of GST either. Bringing fuel prices within GST structure would reduce the prices by more than 25%. Incidentally,  it is a miracle that the fuel prices remained unchanged for 19 days before the Karnataka Assembly polls.

Fuel price hikes in quick succession are affecting almost all segments of the economy and making life a miserable experience. It is shocking that precious little is being done by the powers that be to address the situation prevailing on the fuel price front. It is high time that the governments both at the centre and of the States took steps not only to apply brakes on fuel price hike but also to bring down the prices to a reasonable level. Otherwise, the wave of national resentment which is gaining strength may become uncontrollable.

Their Fancy, Our Burden

In every election, there are some candidates who contest from two assembly or Parliament constituencies at the same time due to many reasons including their over-confidence or over fear. The main motive of such candidates is undoubtedly to seek insurance against any shock defeat. Some of them win both seats as well, but they have to leave one as legally they can represent only one constituency at a time. Relinquishing one seat imposes an avoidable bye election in that constituency resulting in unnecessary burden on public funds.

The absence of any legal bar in a candidate contesting from two  constituencies when he can represent only one is illogical.  Further, it is totally irrational and grossly unjust that the public exchequer has to bear the cost of an unnecessary bye-election imposed solely by the fancy, or confidence, or fear of such candidates. It is high time that the Representation of People Act was amended to bar a politician from contesting an election from more than one seat. This suggestion was mooted in several forums and before several authorities including the Election Commission (EC). It is learnt that the EC is now seized of this issue and contemplating a move in the matter.

Whither Democracy?

Democracy will become a reliable form of government when and only when the electorate vows to send only those with high educational background  and moral strength to the assembly and the parliament. You can fight today's system only with high levels of literacy. There is hope only if educated and liberal minded individuals enter active politics.  And, looters, goondas and thugs doning the mantle of people's representatives is the most disgusting sight in a democracy. There is nothing to prevent this mishap, happening in a massive way.

The Ever Eluding Black Money

The common man in India has been seeing and will continue to see that the anti black money measures instituted by any Government at the centre strongly alienate many powerful segments of the society from the establishment. These segments include politicians, real estate mafia, hawala dealers, fake currency dealers, terrorist organisations, film industry, sports world,  fake charitable trusts, rich agricultural land owners, money launderers, hoarders of black money, corrupt bureaucrats, educational institutions, hospitals, some sections of professionals and self-employed, dealers in cash oriented / non-receipted transactions, income tax evaders, etc. They become irritated and antagonistic against the establishment which does not promote their interests.

Majority of these segments are so powerful and influential that they can virtually control the economy and even the media and turn the wheels of the economy and the nation in their favour. This factor has been standing and will continue to stand in the way of the success of all anti black money measures ever instituted and will be instituted in future by any central government.

Then the question arises – what can be done to eradicate black money? For this, many laws of the country need to be revisited, overhauled and re-written. The task is huge and stupendous.