The so-called Tyagi mahapanchayat , blessed by BJP-RSS, extends full support to Shrikant Tyagi.His offence was physically assaulting a woman inmate of  a society in NOIDA. Are women safe in UP? At least, CM Yogi claims so.Thousands of tyagis blocked the roads. Was the tractor rally organised with prior Police permission? Hooligans threatening Law & order machinary by asserting their numerical supremacy. UP police specialises in following orders of their political masters. If, the Yadavas,Thakurs,Rajputs,Jaats,Gurjar and others, behave similarly, disintegration of the country will be inevitable?

Where is Yogi hiding? Will UP police issue a look-out circular against him.

Is the Judiciary shielding the State, leaving the vulnerable poor to the mercy of God ?

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Pakistani avaam trusts anti-corona  vaccine made in India, more than  Chinese product. So cheap and effective. But, the vicious, backstabber Pakistan, has no face to seek  assistance from India.

Let WIC surfers from Pakistan ponder over this and de-throne Imran Khan. These Pak citizens are India’s ambassadors in Vaccinationalism.

A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

 

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The populist budget fy 21-22 , replete with confusing statistics, new economic jurgons, launching new schemes with chaste Hindi nomenclatures to dupe farmers and the common man.

Anti-kisan and anti- poor budget could escalate the kisan agitation irretrievably.

Budget is PM-centric ( not poor-centric) to get cheap publicity for the coming Assemblies' elections. Manipulating data, as always. Budget is high on promises and low on benefits to the poor. How many promises were executed successfully in the past?. Policy and implementation paralyses, would confront us as we go along.

Mobilising resources through gimmick like " Assets Monetization", is dangerous. It would lead to selling Railway, Defence, PSUs land assets, offloading PSU;s stakes to corporate houses , handing over construction and maintenance of airports, Railways to the two top Gujarati businesses honchos . Guess, who? They will construct ware houses, cold storages, fleece farmers and increase their illegal wealth.

Misplaced priorities. All dirty tricks are being applied to deflect public attention from core issues. Such unethical practices were common during the Congress- led UPA rule. Nothing unusual.

PM’s appeal to agitating farmers to contact him being only a " phone call away " amounts to mockery of farmers . Mere political rhetorics.

Is PM not aware that farmers at Delhi’s three borders are under siege of Delhi police surrounded by the 12-layered barricades, barbed wire fencing , concrete walls with iron nails to prevent the ingress and egress of protesting farmers and public. Assy gherabandi Lal Quila par kyon nahi banai ? Government in catch-22 situation!

Most baffling ? Where is the mysterious guy called Deep Sidhu who allegedly led the mob to Red fort to unfurl the religeous flag at the pole? His photograph in the privileged company of PM and HM has gone viral. Was he planted by the ruling party with specific mission to derail the otherwise peaceful march.? Where is he hiding? Why has Delhi police not booked him for sedition?

The ostrich-like attitude of paid media particularly since persons affected belong to the most vulnerable sections of society, reveals their motive is suspect.

No doubt, the public is being inconvenienced due to heavy police barricading. But, who is to blame ? Royal obstinacy of decision makers, directly or indirectly abetted by the ineffective, incompetent and irresponsible political Opposition led by the Congis , Commies and their moronic allies plus,plus,plus ! The nin-compoops have neither the spine, the calibre nor the face to oppose.

The adverse impact of budget will be felt, years later by the posterity ,who will never forgive the government for wonky priorities for petty political gains.

A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

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The Delhiites, it seemed, were re-living the horrors of 1984 riots. The agitators got the chance to released their pent-up anger of 60 days dharna. Swords, tear gas shells ,stone-pelting , lathi charge, violence galore in the name of tractor rallies on the Republic Day. Even assuming , the legitimate farmers had shunned violence; who could control the Pak-sponsored Khalistan goons, who stealthily intruded into the confusion to mingle with the agitators . Situation was grim ,uncontrollable. Police exercised maximum restraint. But, for, how long.? But, it seemed clueless, directionless. All this vandalism, could have been avoided , had the PM taken the initiative for a dialogue with agitators at the beginning itself. Why has the ruling political dispensation been so adamant ? Royal obstinacy never pays. The alleged role of corporate funding of political parties for financing the forthcoming assemblies' elections, must be probed. The collusion of agitators with the dirty tricks department of the Congress and the so-called urban naxals ,cannot be ruled out. Where did Yogendra Yadav disappear when violence was raging? He had promised a peaceful rally. All must be taken into custody. Fifteen FIRs have been registered. More will follow. Eighty six policemen of Delhi Police were injured. Farmers' promise of peaceful rally was not kept due to the entry of uprooted lumpen elements. Running commentaries by ill-informed, biased ,screaming TV anchors' added fuel to fire. End of 60 days old dharna by agitators is not in sight in the foreseeable future. The farmers have lost public sympathy. Sadly, the national capital was under siege for hours on the Republic Day. India was shamed. Delhi Police remained restrained, possibly under instructions from the top allowing the situation to escalate. The hoodlums must have been handled with a heavy hand. Giving the anti-national elements a free hand to enter and vandalize the Red fort, was wrong. Replacing the national flag by religious flag on the pole, was an act of sedition. MHA's instructions to Delhi police for taking a strict action against the goondas, is too late in the day. It was a case of administrative failure due to lack of political will. A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

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PM Modi has a lot to explain to the Parliament and the Nation regarding China's incursion into the union territory of Arunachal Pradesh with magical creation of a village. As a great escapist, Modi is ever- ready to collect political brownie points by taking credit for nothing. Modi ji is trying to deflect public attention by sharing experiences with vaccine beneficiaries followed by his free "medical advice", doubling as a ‘ fake’ medical specialist. A sheer waste of national time for nothing. Let us be ready to waste more time in the next broadcast of ‘ Man kee baat’. PM Modi is urged to keep himself motivated , his council of ministers, CMs of BJP administered States and their do-nothings. Let them be the first to take vaccine doses and lead people by example. Great Talkers Are Not Great Doers !!

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The country voted in 2014 to replace the erstwhile corrupt Sonia-led UPA  by the Modi-led NDA. The voting pattern was repeated in 2019 elections in the hope of getting Good governance.

Hopes were dashed after initial euphoria. A new narrative was created to deflect people’s attention from the promised dreams. An impression started gaining the ground that the ruling dispensation  is trying to outsmart its predecessor in the game of competitive corruption.

The public feels that decisions are being taken by  present government to help top business houses. Specific cases are in  public domain. Deals, it is alleged, carry quid pro quo tags. Crony capitalism . Illegal funds are collected illegally by all political parties either for staying in power or for coming to power. The allegations are very serious and must be taken note of by PM Modi for corrective steps.

The scandles of the so-called "Lutynes media" during UPA are not forgotten. The infamous tapes of Niira Radia- Barkha Dutt- Tata , keep haunting us . Open secret. Doubling as corporate lobbysts for top business houses, the media persons could pose serious threat to national security besides blackmailing the VVIPs within .

If , lessons are not learnt from history, it would repeat itself . Consider specifics.

WhatsApp chats leaks?

The alleged leaks of  WhatsApp chats between the  Republic TV Editor-in-chief and some VVIPs are disturbing. If  allegations are proved, this may cause considerable embarassment to the bigwigs including some cabinet ministers. The CEO is fighting back. He must. It is his right.

 One wonder how some TV editors, anchors manage to get tapes of classified information /documents  for their TV channels. Game of one-up-manship for TRP for more revenue through advertisements. Who is helping them in procuring propaganda material?

 It is noteworthy that Whispersinthecorridors.com, has avoided unethical practices. I do not recall any  unsavoury controversy having erupted  during the past twenty years, since inception.

Chinese incursion?

May I take the opportunity of raising the issue of China creating a  village in the Union Territory of Arunachal Pradesh  by constructing 101 pucca houses? Was this case of intelligence failure, suppression of facts or both?H igh resolution pictures are available in public domain. Honeytrap is common. The matter is very serious warranting consideration by the Cabinet Committee on Security. The culprits must be booked under the Official Secrets Act 1923 for espionage, sedition.

Consider UPA era. Why, no action was taken against Rahul Gandhi, when he tore off a copy of the draft cabinet note, A classified document. It was more than a mistake, A blunder by the UPA. Rahul’s arrogant and impulsive act attracted  the OSA 1923.

The moot point is : Who supplied such high resolution pictures of the ‘Chinese’ village to the prominent TV channel ? Could be the Congis and Commies in cahoots with China and ISI, their paymasters. The culprits must be tried under OSA 1923.

 A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

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Delhi High Court in its latest judgement  intends to stop all non-essential, discretionary expenses of the three municipal corporations here, including the perks of councillors and senior officers, "living like lords".

 A city’s health is measured by the quality of  civic services provided by local bodies. Sadly, India's national capital  suffers  from acute municipal decay.

 The three Municipal commissioners of Delhi, chief engineers and their subordinates, must be publicly indicted for dereliction of duties. MCDs corrupt top officers , engineers in cahoots with the local police, perpetuate encroachments on public land by illegally charging hefty bribes ( haftas). There is no practice of responding to public complaints, let alone, redressing public  grievances.

 This is the scenario in the national capital. Position in States is far more appalling. Nothing moves without  coercive or collusive bribes. Absence of raids by anti-corruption agencies  on  illegal wealth of officers, further embolden the defaulters.

 Office of LG, Delhi is powerless , toothless, even gumless. A burden on public exchequer. He merely follows instructions of MHA- passively watching, looking at,or listening to things rather than doing things.

The Delhiites continue to suffer stoically, in silence. PM’s Swachh Bharat Abhiyaan takes a hit!

 

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Agriculture is a state subject but, the union of India enacted with incredible speed the three farm laws 2020, based on brutal majority in Lok Sabha and the “ Voice Vote” in Rajya Sabha. All  without discussions and  without consulting the stakeholders ( States and farmers unions) naturally raised suspicions in the minds of the aggrieved.

Was there a national emergency during which the Union of India could have legislated on States’ subjects? Was ratification of any international treaty involved. None of these. Then, why undue haste?

How to break the impasse? Extraordinary situation demands extraordinary solutions such as : Suo moto  withdrawal of Presidential assent to the bills for abrogating the farm laws. At least, he could make his intentions clear to the ruling dispensation. In the alternative, the President could invoke the advisory jurisdiction of the Apex court. Political parties including the defunct opposition, must be exposed.

For how long, could the nation be expected to mutely watch the political drama?

A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

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PM has huge passion for inauguration and foundation stones  laying ceremonies. He laid the stone of permanent campus of IIM Sambalpur, Odisha on Jan 2. Then, in quick succession, GAIL’s much-delayed Kochi-Mangaluru natural gas pipeline project was inaugurated on Jan 4, 2021.

Fair enough. But, trumpeting achievements through long speeches is like addressing  a political rally. Public apathy. I do not blame  PM Modi ,but, his chatukaars. These  insidious enemies  include his ghost speech writers who takes pride in producing long speeches. More quantitative than qualitative.

I have always stood against PM’s detractors who have failed to advise him appropriately. Modi is irreplaceable.  As his fan , I consider it my duty  to be upfront.

Reverting to PM’s speech at IIM Sambhalpur, one is not sure  whether PM had the clear idea of what the Management schools are supposed to teach? What did he want to convey by his favourite expression : “ Innovation, integrity and inclusive ?” Are these subjects taught in IIMs? Or, was it just a south indian Saambhar-like phraseology that can be used on any occasions : political, scientific or religious. Why is PM fond of giving a stick to the wayward Opposition to beat his party with?

Does the country need more management schools? Absolutely not. For most  management aspirants , the objective of  getting  management  diploma or degree  from low grade schools, is not enterprise but a good job with attractive salary. A vast majority of them do not get anything like that because of  poor quality of intake and worse, teaching. The bitter truth is that  the top management schools  admit only the best students with exceptional academic records. Here is a revelation based on my decade long experience as a Mentor for  civil services aspirants. My long experience holding  a critical position in UPSC at senior level ,comes in handy.

Of late, the management aspirants are not getting attracted to new IIMs. The latest  trend is that  even managers  trained in top IIMs are now keen to join the  Civil Services  after appearing in  UPSC civil services examination.

The little known fact is   that students ,no longer, wish to compete  in the admission process for IIMs like Vizag, Bodh Gaya, Nagpur or Sambhalpur. The new IIMs are being mentored by old IIMs which are known by their alumni rather than competent faculties. The private management schools are money-making machines. Poor infrastructures and incompetent faculties.

All India Council for Technical Education (AICTE) as the  national-level Apex Advisory Body under Min of HRD ,is mandated  to conduct  surveys of facilities available for technical education and  promote development. A big farce. A den of corruption. No recognitions / No clean chits  without  money power.

Same opinion  is held  by me for opening new medical  colleges across the country. Bribes running  into crores of rupees. PM may  hold a judicial  and transparent enquiry as to how teams of  fake teachers and  medical doctors  are created with hired buildings infrastructures for getting NOC for opening  private managements institutes and universities . Congress-led UPA and its supreme, were specialists in games of corruption.

Flawed recruitment models  continue to produce accidental  bureaucrats. Too many  job seekers in the country.

Game-changing reforms are needed to grapple with India’s increasing responsibilities and bring about  Good governance, PM’s favourite dream, still remains a far cry.

 

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Pakistani avaam trusts anti-corona  vaccine made in India, more than  Chinese product. So cheap and effective. But, the vicious, backstabber Pakistan, has no face to seek  assistance from India.

Let WIC surfers from Pakistan ponder over this and de-throne Imran Khan. These Pak citizens are India’s ambassadors in Vaccinationalism.

A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

 

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January 2108

Condolences

Shri P C Hota’s passing away on Dec 31, 2020, is a sad loss . I served  under him  as Joint Secretary while he was Secretary, DOP&T. He later became Chairperson ,UPSC in 1996. He had been under acute depression for about  three  years.

A highly regarded IAS officer, 1962  batch.  Hota committee report  is a well known document on reforms in UPSC

May his soul rest in peace.

A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)

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Mamata Didi's retort to PM Modi for chanting: "Jai Shri Ram" during Neta ji's birthday function in Kolkata, was justified. There was no other option. How could a centrally- sponsored function in Kolkata, be misused for political gains? Chanting Jai Shri Ram on the stage with so much aggression, rancor, animosity, antagonism, antipathy, and hostility, merely confirmed PM's "deep-seated hatred” for TMC. I am apolitical. But, this was a great insult to Lord Ram, the embodiment of love and compassion for the common man.

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All CJIs, past and present, have  been  regularly expressing  concerns about massive judicial backlog due to non-availibility of judges. Out of total pendency of  3 crores cases , 2.7 crores  are reportedly pending in subordinate courts; 40 lakh in 24 High Courts; 40,000 or so  in Supreme Court? The situation is going  from bad to worse  due to non-functioning courts during  Covid-19  pendemic.

Delivery of timely judicial verdicts is  part of  Fundamental Right to Justice. The Indian society has grown highly litigious. Appeals are filed on frivolous grounds in the hope of getting favourable judgments. The courts must curb such tendencies. Justice M C Chagla in his autobiography (Roses in December) dealt with solutions to the problem. A must read for judges and lawyers.

The PILs are filed not to help the poor. The ulterior motive is to benefit the political heavy weights, top corporate houses , builders mafia etc. The lawyers charge hefty fees, getting free publicity with the help of  electronic media.

Following steps are suggested for consideration of  M/Law &Justice and the Judiciary :--

(a) Union of India as the largest litigant, must exercise restraints in filing appeals in High courts. Out-of-court  settlements must be encouraged.

(b) Strengthen judicial infrastructure; Use information technology; Taking help of  artificial intelligence could do wonders.

(c)Courts must club cases of same nature and treat them at par;

(d) Promote Gram-Nyayaalay with effective regulation through delegation of powers ;

(e) Conducting  Lok Adalats more frequently ;

(f)Fast- track administration of  justice to seekers of sexually assaulted victims, SC, ST and the minorities;

(g) Practising judicial activism by junior judges should be the new normal. Make judges accountable to deliver time-bound , well-reasoned judgements. Reasons for giving frequent adjournments must be probed by committees  set up by different High courts. The defaulters  must be reprimanded, wherever considered necessary. The SC may lay down guidelines;

(h)  Social issues should not be mixed with legal issues. The job of  judiciary is to interpret the law and deliver judgements and leave the job of creating laws to Law makers, the Legislatures;

(i) The Min of Law &Justice should consider appointing retired judicial officers as ad hoc judges by invoking Art 224 (A) of the Constitution of India ;

(j) Judiciary must review lists of pendencies and delete cases that have become in-fructuous and time-barred;

(k)The centre must fast track constitution of All India Judicial Services to fill vacancies in Subordinate  judiciary.

Let  PM Modi adopt it as country's  New Year’s  resolution.

A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

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One Congress chatukaar called D K Barooah, in his 1974 proclamation, stooped so low as to coin the ominous slogan :

"India is Indira and Indira is India".

Barooah soon got disillusioned and left the Congress in disgust. Who is interested in recalling the horrendous days of emergency,the age of sychophancy?

Unless, lessons are learnt, history is bound to get repeated. India failed to learn lessons. Results were obvious. It is unfortunately blessed with a new breed of sychophants to fill the void and relive the horror of autocratic emergency era .

The captive TV Media and BJP’s hired chatukaars in their rhetorics take pride in equating PM Modi with India and vice-versa.

Giving credit to PM Modi for someone else's endeavours , is sinful; an open affront to indians. But, the smart public understands everything and cannot be fooled.

India is neither Modi, nor is Modi India !

India means our Armed forces, farmers, the marginalised labourers, scientists,teachers , the bureaucrats, Police etc. It also covers celebrated criminals, politicians, their sychophants like the builders mafia,dons,criminals,rapists and hooligans who can incite communal riots, violence with foreign funding, at short notice.

The moot point is : Why should credits actually due to our Armed Forces , farmers, scientists at ISRO,DRDO etc be collected as political brownie points by our Prime Minister ?

Unfair, unjust, unmerited and inequitable.

 

 

Will PM Modi stop this and eat into others’ achievements . The public gets the impression that all TV scripts are written in the PMO,focusing only on one person.

 

 

War strategies are formulated by the three army chiefs and CDS, not PM Modi. Applauding Modi for all achievements in digital and print media breeds contempt.He is shown either while praying in temples or laying foundation stones.

 

 

Let me be upfront . PM Modi must lead the Nation in these hard times. There is no substitute for him.

 

But he must change his style of functioning by jettisoning autocratic, obdurate and egocentric approach with an overinflated sense of self-worth.

 

Let him follow the consultative approach in decision making.

 

 

A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)

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Drugs  pedalling and consumption are crimes in the country under the NDPS Act,1985. Ground realities  elsewhere in the country are shocking.  

In Varanasi,for instance,“ thandai ,pakoda,papad,samosas”mixed with “ bhaang" (Cannabis,hashish),are available with impunity .The organized gang of ‘pandas’ and fake thugs masquerade as pedallars. The authorities are not blind to such age old practices. CM Yogi is urged to ban misuse of prohibited  drugs and substances in the holy city which also happens to be PM Modi’s constituency. The NDPS Act 1985  applies to entire country without exemption. UP CM must demonstrate  the political Will  to clear up the mess from the entire Uttar Pradesh?

UP is not alone.Every  Indian state faces same problems. In hundreds of places  in urban and rural India, the menace is widely prevalent. All must be treated at par with Bollywood in taking punitive action.

A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)

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October 2030

Sins of Democracy

Farm bills passed in haste,without due diligence,deliberations and without taking the stakeholders on board, are unforgivable sins in a democracy. The ten trade unions  namely : NTUC, AITUC, HMS, CITU, AIUTUC, TUCC, SEWA, AICCTU, LPF and UTUC have have extended their support to a nationwide agitation called by the All India Kisan Sangharsh Coordination Committee  against the alleged  “anti-people, anti-farmer destructive  legislations pushed through by central government. This could lead to continuous  turmoil  at present juncture ,when the country is facing  heightened threat perception from hostile neighbours.

Punjab and neighbouring Haryana  fear that if big institutions start purchasing directly from the farmers, the state governments will lose out on the tax that these buyers have to pay at wholesale markets(Mandi  tax). Some experts argue that agents, who form the backbone of wholesale markets, would lose their income if large buyers start buying direct from farmers.These concerns must have been addressed before rushing through legislations  reducing democracy to a Number game. There is no room for " Royal obstinacy" in a democracy. Consultative approach is the key to success.

A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)

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Consider  their  hands-on experiences.

The Indian Administrative Service (IAS) officers have large public interface and can successfully manage the political class  and have  cosy relationships  with them. They have huge discretionary authority that is liable to be misused. Excellent  chances of  getting post-retirement assignments by encashing political contacts.

 The Indian Foreign Service (IFS) has been under-rated for several decades ,even though the IFS officers  have more legitimate income  by virtue of better pay scales and  handsome foreign allowances. But , their authority is confined to their domain. Being academically inclined,they have  better  oratorial skill.

Conclusion :

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Equipped  with wide administrative experience and project monitoring ,the IAS officers have the advantage of having a more  result-oriented approach.

 

 

 

Attaching IFS officers with ministers is waste of their talent. They are not cut out for such jobs.

 

 This is not to be-little the IFS officers.

 

 

If the IFS officers are considered worldly-wise, the IAS officers  can be considered street- smart.

 

 

 

A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)

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Hathras gang rape case has jolted the conscience of every indian. Such heinous crimes could not have been possible without the tacit support of political class. After PM’s belated intervention , CM,UP woke up to enhance the quantum of compensation from Rs 25 to 50 lakhs.

What is this awful thing going on in Uttar Pradesh,one wonders? The autocratic CM has a lot to explain. Incompetent administration and callous UP police fail to inspire confidence in lower castes. They are,more often than not, insensitive, incapable of taking decisions by defying political authority . Pliability to political masters,is considered a safe bet. Prized postings, no fear of transfers , suspension.

Haughty utterances by Hathras DM and the Police to victim’s family are shocking,unpardonable Who ordered forced cremation of the victim during graveyard hours and in absence of victim’s family members. UP,CM feels his job is over once delinquent officers are transferred / suspended.His experts do not advise him that transfers and suspensions of officers cannot be treated as punitive steps.

Unable to defend the indefensible, Chief minister,UP has now decided to refer the case to the CBI.But, the family of the deceased, is not satisfied. It demands a Judge-monitored, fast- track inquiry by the CBI. Is CBI losing credibility?A deep conspiracy is alleged by the ruling party.

The public is outraged. The Opposition led by the Congis take pride in activating  its dirty tricks department  for adding to the chaos and confusion in UP and for gaining political brownie points.

Unequal society, Political interference, callous Administration &Police ?

We are living in an unequal society, hierarchical , castes-ridden and in artificial silos . Upper castes are treated as the privileged class. Gang rapes,murders,domestic violence,acid attacks,dowry deaths are the new normal? Macabre pre-occupation of goons and misguided elements in Police force. Egalitarian society is a myth.

Situation  in all  Indian States , is equally reprehensible.

Is  there something seriously wrong with UPSC’s recruitment process and DOPT’s training module? Or, is the entire system flawed? Accountability and transparency are missing.

What steps have been taken to depoliticise  the top appointments in the States and reduce political interference in day-to-day policing  so as to improve the law and order situation in the states.

Will PM Modi please take the call?

A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)

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Due to Covid-19 infections in the country, the Union of India must consider scaling down celebrations of the Independence Day functions both at Centre and States,at least this year.

This can be achieved by eliminating participation of children, old citizens (both vulnerable to Corona infections) and general public to enforce mandatory physical distancing.

Extra-ordinary situations call for bold decisions.

A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

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The secret world of  drugs mafia,murders, rapes,  casting couch, alleged murders of two actors, are all that constitute the tinsel world . The secrets of  glamorous  Bollywood’s  underbelly  have jolted the conscience of every right thinking Indian.No attempt was ever made to weed out the scum. Investigations by ED,NCB and CBI have revealed an  organised racket with links in Dubai, deep state of Pakistan and Narco-terrorism! Count down has begun.

Of late , the # Me Too movement  lying dormant for sometime has resurfaced.The latest allegation  comes from an actress slamming  sexual innuendos against an infamous Director-Producer of Bollywood. Lack of  deterrent action in the past emboldens  perpetrators to carry on their business with impunity and perpetuate the evil practice. The Bollywood’s cultural standards and values  have reached their nadir. The film city can't take it any more.

Ironically, a large number of  Bollywood celebrities  continue to appear  as brand ambassadors  in  TV ads and participants in a famous  laughter show.These  exercise deleterious  influence on   gullible public  especially the impressionable  youth. There is an emergent need to  scrub, disinfect and purge the film city.

In this context, UP govt’s announcement to set up a film city at ,Noida, is timely.It will have production studios, outdoor locations, post production facilities, special effects studios, hotels, workshops, an amusement park besides an international airport in the neighbouring Greater Noida.The central govt will, no doubt, face opposition from the Opposition and criminal lobbies. But, a strong political Will should overcome it. The  outrageous public and the digital Media ,on their part, must boycott  all accused super stars, their movies and brand endorsements.

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Latest media reports on India’ bilateral relations with Iran are disturbing.Indian shias are not happy at these unsavoury developments.Reasons are not far to seek.Deals on development of Chabahar port and construction of Rail project signed in 2016, stand cancelled by Iran citing stoppage of fund flow to Iran by India,obviously under US pressure.

The serious setback has caused massive diplomatic embarassment & geo-political loss to India.

China, as always, was One-UP India . Taking advantage of growing mistrust between India and Iran , China was quick to play the Master stroke by promising huge investment in Iran for 25 years,promising  billions of US dollars to Iran.

Pathetic for MEA and PMO. India's  partial investment in Chabahar has gone waste. Now ,we have to search for new routes to Europe, Afghanistan and central Asia, Russia etc.

Could this not be attributed to failure of India''s foreign policy ? Lack of foresightedness on part of our laid-back mandarins in MEA , over-confident Foreign Minister, the NSA and ill-advised PM? Who monitored the Chabahar deals executed with Iran in 2016 in MEA and PMO. PM Modi would have much to explain to the Parliament.

Was this due to secret pressure from the US as widely reported in the Media?If,so, why was pressure not resisted to protect India's sovereignty?

 

A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)

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The world is slowly but surely edging forward towards World War -3. Procrastination by having frequent dialogues with China is enabling China-Pakistan to mobilise their resources.

Frequency of terror attacks by Pak is increasing by the hour. Arrest of Chinese spies in Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim for creating mayham,is disturbing.

Their intrusion through Nepal is the wake-up call. India must strengthen its guard at the " chicken neck ", which China is aiming to take over.

This could cut off the entire North-India from the hinterland. If, necessary, a small surgical strike at Nepal would be necessary to seize a part of Nepal to obfuscate China from further misadventure.

No candyfloss approach for Nepal under its present Oli dispensation. Time is of the essence. Are we awaiting arrival of S-400 air shield from Russia, Rafael fighter jets from France, Spice jets from Israel and F-22 & F-35 fighter jets from the US?

These would be useful in the long term perspective. Though India can take on China and Pakistan together, but the NATO forces led by the US will have to concurrently engage with China and north Korea.

This will force China to fight the war at multiple fronts. India will have the opportunity to take back POK, Gilgit -Baltistan and Aksai chin. India must also assist in the liberation // separatist’ movements in Baluchistan , Sindhu Desh and Pakhtoonistan.

Afghanistan must grab the opportunity of taking over Pakhtoonistan.

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India is passing through tough times due to Corona lockdowns.

The plight of civil services aspirants is pitiable due to lockdown of coaching institutes ,threats of eviction by landlords, exploitation by teaching shops.Let me start by revealing the unethical practices followed by some private institutes engaged in coaching of civil services aspirants.

Sample ground realities . Some filthy-rich coaching institutes are generously rewarding cash honoraria to top rankers of CS examinations conducted by UPSC, States PSCs, year-after-year .

This is not for charity but for promoting business interests of coaching institutes. Tough competition. The going rate is anything from 5 to 10 lakh rupees. Cash incentive violates conduct rules if it become a source of income.

There is otherwise no harm on part of top rankers in sharing their success strategy with new aspirants . Dirty secrets.Some even don’t mind haggling for the quantum of honoraria.

I cannot paint all aspirants with same brush.There are honest ones,too.But, it shocks when rank-holders receive regular invitations from coaching institutes with free air tickets and large honoraria in cash.

Worse, some over-enthusiastic ex- Chairpersons, Members of UPSC and States PSCs ( All Constitutional appointees) interact with the toppers, little realizing that they are denigrating the dignity of high constitutional positions ,they once held. Not to lag behind,even some " Serving” Civil Servants, especially those belonging to IAS, IPS,IRS etc, do not hesitate in stealthily taking leave from their employers to assist coaching institutes.

Is this permitted the under Conduct rules? Consider specifics. Of late, a private coaching institute headquartered at outstation, organized a webinar with civil services aspirants.

It invited a former President of India , an ex- Chairperson of UPSC and politician with dubious background like Shashi Tharoor . Nothing pro bono.

One wonders what secret mantra ,they gave to CS aspirants. Misled by names of eminent persons and politicians,the aspirants are easily attracted.

The burden of expenditure ultimately falls on the poor, hapless aspirants, who are charged excessively high fees offering “ attractive” packages by coaching institutes. By indulging in unethical practices, the coaching centres merely promote “dependency culture”.

In the present scenario of corona virus, I would urge the aspirants to follow PM’s mantra of “Atma-Nirbharta ”. No Regulatory Mechanism The coaching institutes are sprouting at every nook and corner of metropolitan cities .

There are no Regulatory Authorities at the Centre or the States to monitor their functioning including verifying the credentials of teaching faculties hired by coaching institutes.

The coaching industry in the country ,has a large turn-over running into thousands of crores of rupees per year. Certain institutes allegedly function under the garb of NGOs benefitting from foreign funding .

These need thorough investigations. It is high time for the Government of India to take the call by ordering a thorough probe into the functioning of coaching industry by IT, ED and CBI and lay down strict guidelines for all State governments and set up a standing body in each state to regulate their functioning.

A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)

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Some filthy-rich coaching institutes in Delhi and outside are ready to invest large sums of money as cash honoraria to Top rankers of UPSC Civil services examinations held year after year .

All to promote their business interests. Not for charity.The going rates are anything from 5 to 7 lakhs rupees per event.

Easy to fall for such lucrative cash awards. No payment by cheques. Disturbing Implications The gullible Civil services aspirants are the ultimate casualties.

Misled by names of high ranking officers,politicians, the burden of wasteful expenditure ultimately falls on poor, hapless aspirants, who are charged excessively high fees with “ attractive packages “ offered by coaching institutes.

First lesson to budding civil servants in managing corruption. No Regulatory Mechanism Strangely, there are no Regulatory Authorities at the Centre and States for verifying credentials of teaching faculties of coaching institutes.

There is no practice for carrying out regular Audits of expenditures and quality of teaching by faculty members. Big business. Total turnover running into thousands of crores of rupees.

The coaching institutes exercise huge corrupting influence on budding,uninitiated bureaucrats. Rest by on-the-job experience.They must be kept under scanners of CBI and other anti-corruption agencies.Releasing Audio recordings of negotiated settlements ,could be disastrous for several offenders. Simply disgusting. Top rankers acting like commodities for sale.The caucuses are active in Delhi and outside. All top rankers in civil services examination held by the UPSC, are not rotten eggs who indulge in unethical practices.

There are bright spots,too. Some " Serving” Civil Servants , Judicial Officers, officers belonging to IRS (IT),IRS (Custom),IAS, IPS etc, do not hesitate in taking leave from their employers and assist coaching institutes. Worse , some Ex-Chairpersons and Ex-Members of UPSC and States PSCs ((Constitutional appointees) do not refrain from such inappropriate practices. Nothing pro bono. All for handsome cash rewards. Besides this, they also denigrate the dignity of high Constitutional positions ,they once held. Will PM Modi, as in-charge of DOP&T, please take the call and order investigation by appropriate anti-corruption agencies ?

A K Saxena ( A former civil servant)

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Public is totally fed up with the worsening law and order situation that develops all over the country prior to and during elections.

Murders, physical assaults on rival political parties, allegations of police excesses etc especially in States like Bihar and West Bengal.

The Chief Election Commission must ban all physical rallies. These must be replaced by virtual rallies a for all future elections.

In order to avoid covid infections , maintain physical distancing , traffic congestions , control increasing crime rates and waste of public funds.

Consultations with political parties must begin. Supreme court is urged to take suo moto cognizance of the suggestion and send notices to all concerned including GoI and the CEC.

A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

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As per media reports, BJP is planning ‘digital rallies’ in every district, to mark the first anniversary of second successive Modi sarkar.

Misplaced enthusiasm. PM Modi is in " bad mood" with China,says Donald Trump.

What is there to celebrate,after all? PM Modi is expected to be furious due to China's double standards.

Is PM ill-advised by BJP's top notch or is this figment of his own imagination,one wonders? It is wasteful either way and out-of-sync with ground reality.

Such extravaganza during Covid 19 and stand offs with hostile neighbours,is unwarranted.

Austerity is need of the hour. Does not behove Modi ji who is Prime minister of India, not BJP's?

No time to earn political brownie points for impending elections in States. Indian public is feeling outraged,cheated

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CM Kejriwal orders"Sundarkaand path” to be organised by Delhi’s law makers every Tuesday, ostensibly to please Bajrangbali. But, secret motive is just the opposite: Capture hindu votes.The neo-Bhakti movement is to be funded out of public exchequer of NCT Delhi.

Not to lag behind, CM UP earmarks Rs 200 crores in UP's next year's budget for building Ram temple in Ayodhya.

With the Forty-second Amendment of the Constitution of India enacted in 1976, the Preamble to the Constitution makes India a secular Republic.

Against this background, what happens to secular credentials of both ruling dispensations?

Monumental electoral frauds. Hypocrisy galore.

The C&AG, as custodian of public expenditure , remains the mute witness,as always, forgetting its Constitutional obligations.

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 The year 2020 is going to be quite hectic for India.The ruling party is organizing rallies for trumpeting achievements to woo voters of impending assemblies’ elections. Mega rally at Ramlila ground Delhi on Dec 22 last year was totally unwarranted  in the midst of NRC- CAA related violence .The capital was under siege. Report on security threat to PM seemed fabricated . How was he having a free run violating  security protocol.

No one is impressed by the political drama. Massive  logistic support by deploying govt machinaries. Election Commission and C&AG are clueless about misuse of public funds . Huge information gag has developed as political parties  have been kept outside the purview of RTI Act.All political parties are unanimous on the exemption.

The ministerial Executive is marginalized, silenced by providing undeserved privileges.  All sign on dotted lines and keep their mouths shut.

Bureaucracy is growing increasingly pliant,malleable, more focussed on  prized postings rather than addressing  public grievances. Crisis of credibility afflicts the Media. Providing Good governance remains a pipe dream. Services delivery and accountability  mechanisms have failed. Corruption growing exponentially in local bodies and subordinate judiciary. Nothing moves without  illegal gratification.The local municipal bodies have grown totally inaccessible and unresponsive.MHA should stop pretending about its ignorance.

Total chaos and confusion. CM, West Bengal  demands UN- monitored referendum on CAA and NRC. All opposition-ruled States towing the same line.

Excessive digital visibility of PM Modi breeds contempt. We need vigorous appraisal of self-performance. Man ki baat, ( a monologue ) is getting boring, merely badgering the citizens. We need more dialogue, more consultation with public to avoid getting out-of-touch . BJP is sending its “ MLAs and MPs” for fostering  public awareness on CAA and NRC.They should worry  more about nursing their constituencies and solve people’s problems.PM should not consider himself infallible.

Time for ‘ Chintan and Manthan ‘ for the ruling political dispensation to analyse how the situation  has grown so antagonistic over the years? This is the wake-up call for the ruling coalition at the centre. Arrogance of the political class is bad; its over-confidence is a curse.

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Tension escalating at LAC by the hour. China has parked its PLA,tanks,ammunitions and fighter jets. India has responded by alering its army,IAF and the Navy. Skirmishes and attempts at infiltrating Pak-sponsored terrorists at LOC are routine matters.Battle lines have drawn between India on one side and Pakistan + China on the other ,at multiple fronts LOC,LAC,IB,could start along with maritime warfare. Laddhak , Arunachal Pradesh and Sikkim,among others, are the latest sore points. An eyeball-to-eyeball military stand-off at a tri-junction in Doklam for two months,would be infructuous. No time to waste. No military posturing, no mind games. But, a full-scale war seems imminent. And, India is not alone.The US and 192 other countries are itching for revenge against the Corona superspreader China.Situations around Eastern and South China sea might soon reach the flash point. Aggression is the best form of defence.We have to be agressively defensive. PM Modi has also to deliver on retrieving POK-Gilgit-Baltistan besides protecting existing States/UTs like Uttrakhand, HP, Arunachal Pradesh , Sikkim,Laddhak. It will not be offered to us on a platter. India would have to take the initiative and bell the cat. Real testing time for PM Modi to lead and keep the country motivated.India while forcibly and swiftly taking over POK-Aksai-chin, must fulfil its promise of supporting liberation movement in Baluchistan with help from Iran.And,India is not alone.All western democracies led by the US ,has to mull nuclear options against China to save HK,Taipeh,East-South-china sea,Vietnam and others. An all-out war by India at LOC,LAC and IB and Indian oceans is the sole option. And, Indian attacks must be fast, fierce and furious.Once joined by 192 other countries and the US ,we are not alone to teach the enemies of the World ,a lesson. It is now or never.

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Announcing Mega economic stimulus package of 20 lakh crores rupees by PM Modi to fight Covid -19 virus, is an act of magnanimity.What next? But, how much funds go to actual projects&how much is siphoned off to the deep pockets of politicians, bureaucrats and top business tycoons, remains a riddle inside an enigma wrapped in mystery. The simple-minded common folks are unable to figure out the nitty-gritty of financial packages. Others are clueless,speechless. Craving for recognition and earning political brownie points , are primary concerns of politicians.This drives all their decisions. Despite all possible efforts, the corona graph is reaching the peaks.Situation is supposed to reach alarming proportions in June-July,2020.But,let us not get panicky.We shall overcome the crisis. Balancing lockdown with gradual opening-up, needs monitoring. Spending authorities in States have no accountability , no transparency. Corruption galore. Action is not taken on the reports of Statutary Auditor. The C&AG reports are submitted annually to those very politicians in Parliament,who had participated in scams. Reports are, at times, not even read by politicians and irregularities are regularized in the name of emergent expenditure.Reports carrying damning indictment are taken as read. Conflict of interests.How could they become judges in their own cause? Are indians aware that politicians eagerly wait for natural calamities that hit the country, year-after-after.These include floods, cyclones, earthquakes, landslides,avalanches and other effects of climate change. Motive : Embezzlement of central relief funds. An open secret in bureaucratical circles. A K Saxena (A former civil servant)

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PM, at long last, has decided to quit Social Media accounts from the Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

A Non-news unduly hyped by the Media.

But, the initiative was long overdue in national interest.

Enough time was wasted with no concrete benefits to the country.

Sagging popularity rating of PM Modi was proved in the recent assemblies polls

Let the matter not rest here. Much more is expected from PM Modi.

People sincerely wish,he stops visiting temples and inaugural ceremonies wasting crores of rupees out of tax-payers money.

The practice of laying Foundation stones ceremonies must be scrapped.Sheer waste of time, scarce resources and manpower.

PM Modi has achieved great heights. He does not require more publicity. No TV crews .

People are getting bored.Excessive visibility and familiarity breeds contempt.And,this has started happening.

Let him lead the country by examples,not rhetorics.

He must keep his chatukaars at an arm's length.

The Congress must also learn to keep shut up and put up.

We do not pay taxes for providing security covers and unwarranted privileges to the dynastic dumbwits .

PM Modi must spend more time in the national capital and focus on providing Good governance and ensure effective service delivery mechanism.

Total implementation paralysis.Total lack of supervision.

Enough is enough.Public is getting restless, alienated and disillusioned.They have grown wiser with experience.

Time for political rhetorics is over.

Country wants PM Modi to take steps for countering joint threats from China-Pakistan. He,alone has the grit and risk-taking capacity to take over POK. No one else.

It will be foolhardy to expect Pakistan

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PM, at long last, has decided to quit Social Media accounts from the Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

A Non-news unduly hyped by the Media.

But, the initiative was long overdue in national interest.

Enough time was wasted with no concrete benefits to the country.

Sagging popularity rating of PM Modi was proved in the recent assemblies polls

Let the matter not rest here. Much more is expected from PM Modi.

People sincerely wish,he stops visiting temples and inaugural ceremonies wasting crores of rupees out of tax-payers money.

The practice of laying Foundation stones ceremonies must be scrapped.Sheer waste of time, scarce resources and manpower.

PM Modi has achieved great heights. He does not require more publicity. No TV crews .

People are getting bored.Excessive visibility and familiarity breeds contempt.And,this has started happening.

Let him lead the country by examples,not rhetorics.

He must keep his chatukaars at an arm's length.

The Congress must also learn to keep shut up and put up.

We do not pay taxes for providing security covers and unwarranted privileges to the dynastic dumbwits .

PM Modi must spend more time in the national capital and focus on providing Good governance and ensure effective service delivery mechanism.

Total implementation paralysis.Total lack of supervision.

Enough is enough.Public is getting restless, alienated and disillusioned.They have grown wiser with experience.

Time for political rhetorics is over.

Country wants PM Modi to take steps for countering joint threats from China-Pakistan. He,alone has the grit and risk-taking capacity to take over POK. No one else.

It will be foolhardy to expect Pakistan

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PM, at long last, has decided to quit Social Media accounts from the Youtube, Instagram, Facebook and Twitter. 

A Non-news unduly hyped by the Media.

But, the initiative was long overdue in national interest.

Enough time was wasted with no concrete benefits to the country.

Sagging popularity rating of PM Modi was proved in the recent assemblies polls

Let the matter not rest here. Much more is expected from PM Modi.

People sincerely wish,he stops visiting temples and inaugural ceremonies wasting crores of rupees out of tax-payers money.

The practice of laying Foundation stones ceremonies must be scrapped.Sheer waste of time, scarce resources and manpower.

PM Modi has achieved great heights. He does not require more publicity. No TV crews .

People are getting bored.Excessive visibility and familiarity breeds contempt.And,this has started happening.

Let him lead the country by examples,not rhetorics.

He must keep his chatukaars at an arm's length.

The Congress must also learn to keep shut up and put up.

We do not pay taxes for providing security covers and unwarranted privileges to the dynastic dumbwits .

PM Modi must spend more time in the national capital and focus on providing Good governance and ensure effective service delivery mechanism.

Total implementation paralysis.Total lack of supervision.

Enough is enough.Public is getting restless, alienated and disillusioned.They have grown wiser with experience.

Time for political rhetorics is over.

Country wants PM Modi to take steps for countering joint threats from China-Pakistan. He,alone has the grit and risk-taking capacity to take over POK. No one else.

It will be foolhardy to expect Pakistan

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Shaheen Bagh is not leaderless.It is not a movement,but a conspiracy.The old grannies did not receive an " ilhaam " to squat and block public space 24x7.

Riots in N-E Delhi did not happen suddenly on the spur of the moment and under an impulse. Instead, these were part of a grand strategy jointly crafted by the congis, the commies, the aaptards and others. All played into the hands of anti-nationals.

Now,the congress supremo is preaching ‘ Raj Dharma’ from the high pedestal. Shameful.

Conspiracy was hatched in advance with Pakistan's complicity. Massive preparations must have gone into the making of acid bombs, petrol bombs,mobilising stones on terraces. It must have taken weeks , even months

Was there intelligence failure,one wonders?

Delhi Police was ordered to behave like clueless nincompoops. Inert,inactive and speechless.

BJP goons went berserk. FIRs were not registered against the loose cannons.Their jingoistic utterances added fuel to fire.Headless chickens. Top leaders were busy with Donald Trump.

“Kaum ke ranj mei, dinner khaatey hain hukkaam ke saath, Ranj leader koh bahut hai magar aaraam ke saath” (Akbar Allahabadi)

A Delhi HC judge who " dared " to question Delhi police for failing to file FIRs, was transferred at late hours. Ill-advised,motivated.

Orders, as per media reports , were issued by Deptt of Justice (MHA) on Feb 12, 2020 after the approval of Supreme court collegium. If implementation of order could be delayed by over one week, it could as well be delayed by few hours till completion of hearing, the next day.This raises suspicion in public mind.

All things considered, the nightmare was a joint venture of all political parties.How brazen?

Hamaam mei sab...?

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Some ex-babus have an insatiable appetite for power.They know exactly which string to pull and remain in power. Such blue bloods in bureaucratic parlance are known as Field Marshals. So apt.

Nripendra Mishra is one such specimen. He manipulated his upward mobility post retirement. Courtesy : proximity to the power that be.

Please recall how PM Modi  against severe opposition , had to seek Parliamentary sanction to amend the then prevailing laws in order to rehabilitate Mr Mishra  as his Principal Secretary in the PMO. He was later accorded the status of a Cabinet minister.

Then,one day,he was suddenly asked to pack off. God knows, under what circumstances? Media did not care to investigate. Nripendra Mishra then managed his comeback. He  was  rehabilitated as CEO of Nehru museum council a few days back, replacing M J Akbar.

Another shock.In his latest move, PM Modi’s trusted former IAS officer, will now head the "Ram temple construction panel”. The silent majority of  more competent  retired  bureaucrats and professional engineers of proven integrity was totally ignored. All feel  utterly 

slighted and amazed at such blatant  misuse of discretionary powers. PMO’s control on Ram temple in a secular country. Modi hai toh Mumkin hai.

Lesson : Pliability to political class and  secret backing  of  an extra-Constitution body ( One can imagine,who ) are quintessential  requirements for out-of-turn placements of  bureaucrats both while  in- service and post retirement. Merit has tertiary or no  importance.

PM Modi has definitely undergone a transformation.He is under the influence of  coterie of bureaucrats , out-of-sync with ground reality.He is Prime minister of India, not BJP and RSS.

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February 2022

Bajrangi Bhaijaan

CM Kejriwal orders"Sundarkaand path” to be organised by Delhi’s law makers every Tuesday, ostensibly to please Bajrangbali. But, secret motive is just the opposite: Capture hindu votes.The neo-Bhakti movement is to be funded out of public exchequer of NCT Delhi.

Not to lag behind, CM UP earmarks Rs 200 crores in UP's next year's budget for building Ram temple in Ayodhya.

With the Forty-second Amendment of the Constitution of India enacted in 1976, the Preamble to the Constitution makes India a secular Republic.

Against this background, what happens to secular credentials of both ruling dispensations?

Monumental electoral frauds. Hypocrisy galore.

The C&AG, as custodian of public expenditure , remains the mute witness,as always, forgetting its Constitutional obligations.

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Redevelopment of Central Sectt complex and Central Vista would mean demolition of Parliament House and other prestigeous office buildings including Udyog,Krishi,Nirman , Shastri Bhawans and various ancillary structures Lutyens Zone — an integral part of the history of  New Delhi.

In October 2019, CPWD awarded the project to a Gujarat-based company HCP Designs.

The same company had revamped Kashi Vishwanath corridor in Varanasi and the new BJP headquarters in Rouse Avenue Delhi.

All of us have grown watching these elegant buildings

Now, there will be a single triangular composite building to accommodate all ministries.

Security will be compromised by locating all ministries in a single building.  A separate Parliament house will be constructed. Work will start in May 2020 and completed in 2024.

The new structures will rob the area of much of its heritage importance. Public was not consulted despite being the largest stake-holders.Sheer waste of public resources that could be diverted to strengthen existing infrastructures.

There will be utter chaos ,dislocation during the three years period of construction roads, clogging with traffic congestions.

PM Modi is hell-bent on undertaking the project,come what may.

An instance  of Rajhath,the Royal Obstinacy.The One-man show.

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Supreme court's in its Feb 7 Landmark judgement slammed the State government against misuse of Reservation policy.Its operative portion is re-produced below :

 x x x x x

" The State government ( Uttara Khand) is not bound to provide reservation for appointments and promotions to public posts and that an individual does not have a fundamental right to claim such quotas "

 x x x x x

In the light of the above SC 's verdict , the Centre must scrap Reservation policy in its present form across the board.This is an politico-electoral fraud to promote vote bank politics. Indian citizens dream for a casteless,classless society.The existing discriminatory policy violates 

Right to Equality, enshrined in the Constititution of India.

Reservation policy is not provided by the Constitution. Its duration is being continued after every ten years. Successive political Executives ,for fear of losing Vote banks, have been extending the tenure of such despicable practice decennially. Obnoxious practice that promotes 

mediocrity. Merit becomes the casualty.

Following course is suggested :-

(a) Restrict benefits to only one generation of all communities ;

(b) Let us extend the benefits to one generation alone of all communities ie  SC,ST ,OBC, and those with bench-marked Disablity;

(c) Failing (a) and (b) , orders must be taken to disenfranchise all those who continue to receive reservation benefits in violation of above rules and by suppressing the facts

If India wants to become a superpower, annihilate castes distinctions and stopping  doles of reservation benefits.

PM Modi must support meritorious bureaucracy or meritocracy in the national interests.

Let us recall Singapore's late founder Lee Kuan Yew ( 1923 – 2015) sharp tirade against India's Reservation policy responsible for slowing down its economy. He advised against the regular misuse of the policy by India. He was the first Prime Minister who transformed Singapore 

from a small port city into a wealthy global hub.

The Law makers and the ruling political Executive are urged to be circumspect before  embarking  upon filing an SLP in the Apex court or even taking recourse to Legislative route to supersede SC’s vedict.

Enough is enough. The on-going protestations may snowball into a revolution to teach the politicians a lesson.This is the ground reality.

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The Chief of Defence Staff ( CDS) is a critical position in modern era of hybrid warfare. Present post of CDS was created in India after due diligence and with the approval of Cabinet Committee on Security. Defence Secretary will continue to be the main "defence" advisor, whilst the CDS will assume the role of being the main "military" advisory, IN secretary rank acting as the single-point military advisor to the government and Prime Minister Let me come to the point.

A video showing one retired Major appealing to PM Modi, is going viral after kicking an unsavoury controversy involving the appointment of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS). To put it briefly, besides suggesting upgradation of the newly created post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS) to the rank of a Cabinet minister , it also hints at de-bureaucratising the Ministry of Defence. The suggestion is simplistic and does not take into consideration the far-reaching implications. Illogical and motivated.

The CDS, as per MOD’s order, is to be treated at par with the chiefs of other three wings : Army,Air and Navy.All four will carry 4 stars ranks. Due diligence must have been applied by MOD. The CDS is supposed to be  first among equals. 

It now emerges that the CDS  will be given the status of Secretary heading the newly created Deptt of Military Affairs.

It will be wrong to assume that appointing the ex-Army chief Gen Rawat as CDS with 4 Stars, may not be effective as other three Chiefs may not give him the respect he should deserve. Armed forces work on unitary command. It is not clear under what circumstances the unsavoury controversy has suddenly erupted for no valid reason.

Nevertheless, the Government couldconsider assigning the new CDS 5 Stars rank after taking into consideration all the prosand cons especially the sensitivities of the matter. Late Field Marshal Sam Manekshaw was the first Indian Army officer to be promoted to the five-star rank. Reports have it that after the Indo-Pakistan War of 1971, Chief of the Air Staff, Air Chief Marshal P C Lal, had threatened to quit if the post of CDS was created.There were fears that such a post would be too powerful.Later in 2001 the government was on the brink of making the then Chief of the Naval Staff Admiral, Sushil  Kumar, the CDS.

However, due to turf wars, among other reasons, the idea was scrapped.

Even in the present case, the Chiefs of Air Force and Navy are opposed to the creation of  Joint theatre commands. Their concerns must be addressed.

The suggestion to give CDS the rank of a Cabinet minister seems motivated and ill-advised. Will the idea to bypass the Raksha Mantri (RM) not create chaos and confusion of the worstkind? Who will be responsible to the Parliament? The CDS or Raksha Mantri ?

The powers and responsibilities of all three Chiefs and the co-ordinative role of CDS must be spelt out clearly to avoid confusion and squablings among them .This is  very important.

It does not behove an ex-Army man to discredit the bureaucracy in such a sarcastic manner and trigger a war within the Armed forces.The video aims at dividing the Army and the bureaucracy.

Motive is mischievous. Indians would never like India to be reduced to the level of military dictatorship like Pakistan.

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In Personality Cult, maintaining legitimacy of a political party is the function of its Leader. PM Modi is expected to fight enemies within and outside.Let him keep distance from party’s sychophants . Let him follow the advice of his detractors and above all, “the dictates of his conscience”.

Ironically,the personality cult worship created during the Nehruvian era ,continues unabated. PM Modi's obsession with opportunistic bureaucracy,islegendary. Pro- UPA bureaucrats still continue to flourish.

Come to the brasstacks. Plethora of bodies were created to perpetuate Nehru- Indira - Rajiv Gandhi dynasty.

Foundations,memorials,stadia,hospitals,universities,Airports named after Nehru-Gandhi-Rajiv Gandhi, are on govt records. Total Nos 445.

I had complained to PM Modi about this in 2015. Questions were asked in Parliament.No action was taken. On the contrary and much to my chagrin,instead of replacing names of Nehruvian dynasty, I noticed old cities were named after RSS-BJP icons.

Have a look at the other side of the coin. Aided by advisers, the Italian lady continues to preside over a virtual empire of trusts and committees. Brazenly,she heads a parallel government to discredit the existing ruling dispensation. This is simply not acceptable.

NGOs,Memorials,Centres and other innocuously worded Foundations are created to receive grant from foreign agencies.Some are headed by urban Naxals,who supply funds to the naxalites for carrying out heinous killings of tribal innocents and security forces.

JNU is very much in the news .How could Nehru give permission to JNU to receive foreign grants from the Commies.Several skeletons emerged.Now, the Kejriwal's NGO that allegedly received secret funds from the Ford Foundation, a conduit of CIA.

These must be scrapped.Enough intelligence materials exist supporting their malpractices. No background verification, is necessary. Their source of funding, fudging of accounts are known.Retired officers are being appointed as Consultants, scholars getting fat salaries,free 

foreign trips for "research" on themes to discredit India.

The Nehru foundation, Indira Gandh National Centre of Arts and Rajiv Gandhi Foundation were were usually reserved for official banquets in honour of visiting heads of state and other dignitaries during UPA era. Strangely, GOI Officers were permitted to join such fake private 

limited companies on deputation .One may recall cases of massive funds being forked out by MHRD to foot the air passage for scores of pseudo-intellectuals with 5-star comforts. All from public exchequer.

My unsolicited advice to PM Modi.

(a) Never ignore history. Learn lessons from it

(b) Be a Change Agent.You have the capacity to take decisions independently

(c)Treading the beaten path does not serve any purpose.

(d) Keep away from your sychophants in BJP/ RSS and even your colleagues in the council of ministers.

(e) Always take the advice of your detractors seriously.

(f) Remain guided by the" Dictates of your Conscience "

(g) Replace confrontations by wider consultations

(h) Never take credit for others' achievements

PM Modi is to lead the country through harder times ahead. He is first and the foremost the Prime minister of India, before being a politician of his party.

Top of Form

Bottom of Form

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106 children died reportedly of septicaemia in Kota hospital in 4 days.

CM,Rajsthan must commit suicide if he has an iota of remorse Minister-in-charge must own the responsibility.

He must either be sacked straightaway,or asked to submit his papers.

CMO, hospital administrative staff must be suspended and inquiry completed within 48 hours.

Who allowed the pigs, monkeys and wild rats to have a free run within hospital precincts and even inside hospital rooms.

Such lapses are not uncommon in BIMARU states.

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The media report makes  disturbing reading. Fantastic going rates of bribes : Rs 70 lakhs for posting/transfer of top officers in Meerut,50 lakhs in Agra and so on. Doctrine of of  quid pro quo works. Nothing  pro bono .

Could this be possible without the knowledge of  political executive and the collusive bureaucracy. The incompetent chief minister  keep repeating  his policy of zero tolerance in corruption. Hollow rhetorics,as always.UP CM instead of addressing governance issues is usually 

spotted with his camera crew, visiting temples,laying foundation stones etc. A publicity hunk with eyes set on earning political brownie points.Totally inexperienced , out od sync with ground realities. A glib talker  does not make a CEO.  

Corruption  in Uttar Pradesh mirrors the negative state of affairs in all States and union territories of India. Unholy nexus of politicians with the corporate sectors, builders mafia,the Police and pliable bureaucrats ,jointly contribute to the mess. Maintaining Status quo suits all of them.

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PM Modi,it seems, is now a regular counsellor for children  on all  matters for their betterment.  

In his "Pareeksha pe Charcha " discourse of Jan 2020, PM Modi advised all parents to refrain from imposing themselves on children during the examination period. I think, all parents know about these aspects too well in the interest of their children .This is the mandate allocated for HRD ministry. One wonders what prompted the PM treat  same symptoms again and again through his famous : “ Pareeksha pe Charcha”, a sub-set of  “ Chai pe charcha” ?

A majority of  HRD minsters in the past, never cared to address these concerns.It is their domain. They lack out-of-box  thinking. They have done absolutely nothing in the past, suggesting steps for managing stress among children.

Schooling must be made enjoyable to children. HRD ministry must take experts’ advice, draw up guidelines  for implementation  through its educational institutes. Let it conduct impact assessment studies , carry out mid-course corrections in sync with changing time. A one-time 

monologue may not help.Parents and teachers have many questions to ask. Schools and colleges must be encouraged to intereact with psychologists and  professional confidence boosters. Just an unsolicited advice to our worthy, well-intentioned Prime Minister.

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Tablaux  proposals received from Bengal,Maharashtra and Kerala  are rejected by the Centre.

The States complain “You scratch my back, I'll scratch yours”. The vendetta politics ultimately harms the Republic of India.

Is India sliding from Co-operative federalism to Competitive federalism ?

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 The year 2020 is going to be quite hectic for India.The ruling party is organizing rallies for trumpeting achievements to woo voters of impending assemblies’ elections. Mega rally at Ramlila ground Delhi on Dec 22 last year was totally unwarranted  in the midst of NRC- CAA related violence .The capital was under siege. Report on security threat to PM seemed fabricated . How was he having a free run violating  security protocol.

No one is impressed by the political drama. Massive  logistic support by deploying govt machinaries. Election Commission and C&AG are clueless about misuse of public funds . Huge information gag has developed as political parties  have been kept outside the purview of RTI Act.All political parties are unanimous on the exemption.

The ministerial Executive is marginalized, silenced by providing undeserved privileges.  All sign on dotted lines and keep their mouths shut.

Bureaucracy is growing increasingly pliant,malleable, more focussed on  prized postings rather than addressing  public grievances. Crisis of credibility afflicts the Media. Providing Good governance remains a pipe dream. Services delivery and accountability  mechanisms have failed. Corruption growing exponentially in local bodies and subordinate judiciary. Nothing moves without  illegal gratification.The local municipal bodies have grown totally inaccessible and unresponsive.MHA should stop pretending about its ignorance.

Total chaos and confusion. CM, West Bengal  demands UN- monitored referendum on CAA and NRC. All opposition-ruled States towing the same line.

Excessive digital visibility of PM Modi breeds contempt. We need vigorous appraisal of self-performance. Man ki baat, ( a monologue ) is getting boring, merely badgering the citizens. We need more dialogue, more consultation with public to avoid getting out-of-touch . BJP is sending its “ MLAs and MPs” for fostering  public awareness on CAA and NRC.They should worry  more about nursing their constituencies and solve people’s problems.PM should not consider himself infallible.

Time for ‘ Chintan and Manthan ‘ for the ruling political dispensation to analyse how the situation  has grown so antagonistic over the years? This is the wake-up call for the ruling coalition at the centre. Arrogance of the political class is bad; its over-confidence is a curse.

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Writing TV news script is a lot harder than one might think.Indian TV news script writers never write for ears. Hence, more often than not, these are out of sync with visuals based on ground realities.

All TV channels have the inherent propensity to show every news as Breaking News.All under TRP compulsions.In the competition for One-up-manship,news are hyped so much that the script writers, invariably end up making a mockery of themselves and worse, mislead the viewers.  

Sample the following " Breaking News " that appeared simultaneously on all TV channels, on Dec 30.

First Breaking news :- Priyanka Gandhi is reaching Delhi by road as the flight was cancelled due to fog.Worse, the news was repeated several times in succession.

Second Breaking news : Fire breaks out in PM House ( PMH) ;

Third Breaking News : PM Modi promptly consoled all his fans by tweeting " that there was no fire in PMH ( 7 Lok samiti marg) and there was a short circuit in SPG House (9 Lok samiti marg) "

Questions

(a) Whether there are criteria  for categorizing the News.Priyanka Gandhi’s travel mode is a non-news ; (b)How did the PM butt in ?Is he a specialist?; (c) Where did engineers disappear despite ? Who leaked the news to the Media?; ( d)Was attempt was made through the Tweets 

to attract global attention; ( e) Are there any  standard guidelines to regulate media hypes?

Will the News Broadcasting agency or m/I&B issue appropriate advisories to TV channels to exercise utmost restraint in analyzing the news-worthiness before classifying them as normal or breaking news?

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Rallies after rallies by the ruling dispensation in quick succession. Purpose? Trumpeting achievements to seek voters’ support for impending assemblies’ elections.

On Dec 22,2019, Delhi organised mega rally at Ramlila ground at 1.30 PM.

Dance shows organized to entertain the audience till PM's address. Absolutely, moronic, in the midst of NRC- CAA related violence in the country. With roads closed, the national capital was under siege,once again.

The news-report about looming security threat to PM,though disturbing, seems fabricated news. Public is not impressed. Instead, shocked.

Massive security and logistic arrangement by deploying govt machinaries. All at taxpayers' cost ; not party's funds. No cost-benefit analysis ever carried out by any independent agency? Is the Election Commission neutral?

Office of C&AG seems clueless about misusing public funds for earning political brownie points.Its lips are sealed.

Information gag. Political parties are outside the purview of RTI Act.

Central ministers are marginilised. All are kept happy through hefty remunerations plus undeserved privileges . Motive? To ensure they sign on dotted lines and keep their mouths shut.

Bureaucracy is becoming increasingly pliant,malleable, compliant for keeping their mouths sealed. It is more interested in getting prized postings rather than having concern for  public service.

India specialises in cult worship; reminiscent of  continuing Nehru-Gandhi dynasty .Crisis of credibility afflicts the captive news media

The public had expected PM Modi to take back POK. On the contrary,the ruling coalition is busy organising political rallies for garnering peoples' support by carrying out " phoney " referendum on CAA and NRC.  "Missed calls" on Mobile No: 7836800500.

Strangely, Mamata Banerjee demanding UN- monitored referendum.Brainless  suggestion.The frivolous  goings-on are akin to TV Reality shows.

Poll counting for Jharkhand poll is underway. Initial trends are disturbing for BJP.

This is the wake-up call for the ruling coalition at the centre. Arrogance and over-confidence are anathema to nasty politicians.

Excessive visibility of PM Modi on TV , his inane Man ki baat, ( a monologue ) constantly badgering the voters and rendering the NDA out-of-touch with them .

Time for ‘ Chintan and Manthan ‘ in BJP.

Ethics demand ,some one must own the moral responsibility for the ignominious defeat.The moot point is whether this can be taken as a verdict on NRC and the Citizens Amendment Act (CAA)? How  have the voters  suddenly grown so antagonistic ?

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Eruption of violence at Jamia Millia Islamia against the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA) and National Register of Census ( NRC ) could not have been sudden. It was pre-planned with molotov cocktails. Police assaulted Jamia students in library ,wash rooms, administrative blocks. Utterly sinful, shameful.

Some suspect such incidents of violence as the handiwork of AAPtards, in collusion with Congi goons abetted by Pak-sponsored intruders. Some claim,it was stage-managed by BJP.

Whatever may be the truth, demand for instituting a court-monitored inquiry by CBI is growing.  Supreme court has advised the petitioners to approach the respective High courts,instead of Supreme court.

Unrest in JNU and Delhi university are caused by reasons different from JMI,Delhi. While the JNUiites are agitating against fee hikes, DU is in protest mode against regularization of ad-hoc teachers. Exams in DU are over. The job of invigilation was carried out by the administrative staff as the ad-hoc teachers were on dharna.

A monumental Intelligence failure of Delhi police which could trigger a civil war. Invisible divisive forces seem to be at work. Strangely, BJP leadership is busy politicking for impending elections. Totally unfazed , unperturbed.All politicians have same DNA.Their inaction is criminal.

The callous, brainless police failed to arrest escalation of violence to other institutes across the country- JMI, JNU, DU, AMU, Hyderabad, LKO, Bareilly,Kanpur and elsewhere.

Innocent JMI students were reportedly trapped in the cross-fire without fault. Delhi police failed to distinguish between genuine students and local riff-raffs.

Why should heads not roll in Delhi Police

What was the SPG-protected Priyanka Vadra doing in JMI? What were Aaptard Amanullah Khan,Salman Khurshed, D Raja and others doing ? Inciting the students.Their motive was to stoke the fire of hatred between the hindus and the muslims by inciting the student community.

Blame game is a ready excuse. Dirty hands of ISI and a Pakistan- sponsored mini-proxy attack of sort,cannot be ruled out. SIMI radicals and PFI activists are surely behind violence, destruction of public property.

Infiltration from Pak, over-active rumour mill, unprofessional police force, conflicting political interests, mishandling of situation by the ruling dispensation or a cocktail of all.

All things considered,it is our vulnerability combined with the opportunistic political class contributing to growing anarchy in the country covering Delhi, AMU, LKO, Hyderabad, Kanpur,Bihar,Bengaluru,North-east etc. And, the violence is still spreading with vengeance to other areas.

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The union government’s decision to regularise 1728 unauthorised  colonies in the national capital benefitting 50 lakh Delhiites ,is highly disturbing. The mercies have been bestowed on ghetto-dwellers,the depressed  and chronically  poor people who have been living in slums for decades. Another shocker. The regularized slums are devoid of bulk municipal services like pucca roads,houses, potable water, sewer lines etc. Political gimmicks before the impending  elections in NCT,Delhi. Unfair for the ruling dispensation to take crdedit by simply issuing ownership certificates? No substantive works. Our’s is ,perhaps, the only country in the world that  brought in a new legislation,as a tribute to bad planning.

Conferring land rights to property owners in 1,728 unauthorised colonies at a nominal charge. Nothing unusual. The move comes in the wake of a series of populist  measures, freebies announced by Kejriwal  sarkar.

DDA is to start conferring ownership rights after 90 days at throwaway rates of 0. 5% of local circle rate for properties  measuring less than 100 sq mtrs and @ 2.5 % of areas measuring larger than 250 sq mtrs.

No Government decision is perfect. These always have loopholes, black holes for exploitation by sly, manipulative forces. The unquestioned authority of the elected Executive on the pliable appointed Executive(bureaucracy) and the latter’s propensity to oblige the corrupt politicians for getting undeserved promotion and  juicy postings on quid pro quo basis. A favour for a favour.

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Four Telangana rapists killed in police encounter.Country in euphoria,  celebratory –dancing mood. Hyderabad Police  hailed for ‘ timely action’

Unfortunately, the Unnao  gang rape victim died of 90%  burns in a Delhi hospital  last night. Country is sullen and depressed. A police cop was allegedly caught  in a sting operation by  Republic TV while destroying  real evidences and fabricating  fake evidences  before filing report. The Public  is hugely outraged .

The incredible was yet to come . A five year old girl has been reportedly raped in Bihar’s Darbhanga . Keep counting . Another inhuman act in Uttar Pradesh. A 14-year-old minor teenager was held hostage in a farm, and was gangraped in UP’s Bulandshehr . Rapists  reportedly arrested.

Hyderabad’s Good Police  V/s Bad police of UP,Bihar,controversy . Rapes  have become a national  hobby.Politicians have no time to visit the aggrieved.Chief ministers have no time to spare as they are busy politicking, wooing voters, wasting tax payers funds.

Strangely, no one accuses the Judiciary for delaying  the prosecution of the accused by granting frequent  adjournments on flimsy grounds. All Lords to themselves, not accountable to higher courts or the public.

No one blames the political and administrative  Executive in union Home ministry for delaying  processing  of mercy petitions. All must be identified and prosecuted for non-performance. In the Nirbhaya case, MHA officers and successive union home ministers should be held accountable and punished for dereliction of duties. Conduct a case study in the Nirbhaya case and analyse the results.

Police, across the country is usually corrupt,inefficient and unprofessional . It is rarely effective and co-operative. Always interested in out-of-court settlements and extracting money from both parties.

Change Laws

Law makers in consultation with  top Judiciary ,must change the laws relating to outraging the modesty of women  by covering the following aspects :--

(a)  All criminal proceeding must be completed within three months by the  fast-track courts on day-to-day basis  without adjournments. Delay must attract appropriate punishments. With no  faith in the Rule of Law, the outraged public  demands  time-bound executions ;

(b)   Death penalty must be the Rule rather than the Exception.Life sentence is a liability on public exchequer.They all emerge as hardened criminals. Punishment like  physical and chemical castrations  do not eliminate the menace of rapes;

(c) The juveniles and adults must be treated at par for applying the Laws ; No distinction, based on  age criteria. Instant  gratification is the common factor ;

(d)  Level of Inquiry Officers (IO) must be upgraded from Sub-inspectors to SHOs (Inspectors). Normally, hawaldaars are sent  to crime sites for inquiries

(e)  Laws on granting bails  must be made  extremely stringent in cases of rapes,molestations and other acts of outraging the modesty of women;

(f)    Duty officers in all police stations who dilly dally  in filing FIRs,complaints to fudge records to show low crime rates  or even refusing to give a patient hearing to the victims and their kins,must be identified and sacked straightaway.They do not deserve milk of human kindness by applying  the Principle of Equity and Natural Justice. Instal Audeo and CCTVs at all police stations for factual recordings.

(g) Surprise checks of  thanas’ functionings  by senior  officers and usually absent beat constables. They are more interested in collecting  haftasThe senior police officers are usually more crazy about appearing on TV channels  for briefings,sometimes irrelevant. Let such jobs be left to SHOs with Questions and Answers by the media and public .

(h) Quantum of  punishment  like life imprisonments and/or  death penalties, must be finalized and executed within three months.

The public  is feeling  hugely outraged by incidents of rapes from Telangana’s Hyderabad to  UP’s Unnao to Bulandshehr and Bihar’s Darbhanga. All in quick succession.

The rage is not impotent, this time. The  Public must keep up the pressure on  Law makers,Judiciary , political and the administrative  Executive must  take the call.Media will ,no doubt continue to play its role,as always.

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About A.K.Saxena

A K SAXENA, an Indian national, is a retired civil servant from Government of India He is also a freelance journalist with several published investigative articles and columns in various fields to his credit. His writings are a reflection of his interest in writing on divergent themes and making the topics relevant to a wider audience. A post graduate in Chemistry from University of Delhi,he could not sustain his interest in pursuing research and instead chose to enter the government service through the IAS etc exam held by the UPSC. “KALASAVYA” that brought out several publications besides organizing cultural shows.


You can contact me at

aksaxena1947@gmail.com

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