Something unusual happened last week in Delhi’s corridors of power, exposing the callous attitude of Delhi’s bureaucracy towards the law makers. Mainstream media covered the event  extensively as the Delhi-NCR was, and still is, reeling under severe air quality with thick smog.

A meeting of the Parliamentary committee of the union ministry of Urban ministry was fixed well in advance on 15 th Nov, 2019. There were only 6 presentees out of 29 members. Notable absentees were Secretary (Environment) , 3  Commissioners of Delhi MCD (East , North and South) , Vice Chairman DDA, CEO,Delhi Jal Board. All conspicuous by their absence.

No prior permission; no nominees. The lapse amounted to administrative misconduct and, more importantly , a clear contempt of Parliament.Absence of key officers from the Parliamentary meet was pre-planned,not  co-incidental.

Who is protecting these elite officers ,one wonders?

It is noteworthy that the pollution in Delhi was one of the most prominent items on the agenda for deliberations.In absence of  key officers for briefing the Law makers,the meeting was deferred.

Why are DOP&T, MHA and Min of Urban Development speechless?

DOP&T in its  detailed 2016 hospitality guidelines  issued to bureaucracy for welcoming MPs, MLAs,had promised strict action for non-compliance.The present blunder is far more serious and calls for exemplary action against one and all.

Strangely, all the above-mentioned  officers have neither been show-caused nor transferred,let alone, suspended.

Even, Gautam Gambhir, the cricketer-turned- BJP, MP chose to ignore the Standing committee meet. The arrogant  sportsperson will have much to explain for insulting  Delhi’s  public-at-large.He was seen enjoying  jalebis at Indore test match against Bangladesh.  No merit , no accountability.

PM Modi as  protagonist of  Good governance, is urged to take the call and penalise the guilty.

Operation INX Media scam is sub judice? Former FM P Chidambaram is cooling his heels in Delhi’s Tihar jail. All tactics to delay the proceedings have failed.

Prosecution sanctions has been granted  by the Govt to  CBI to proceed against four  ex-officials of  Finance ministry who are allegedly involved in the scam. The controversy suddenly took a curious turn creating ripples in  bureaucratic circles. Reason? A cabal of 71 ex-bureaucrats recently wrote to PM Modi expressing annoyance, displeasure against the ruling dispensation for granting  prosecution sanctions.The protestorsinclude ,among others, former cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar, former foreign secretary and NSA Shivshankar Menon, former Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and former DGP of Punjab Julio Riberio.

While  expressing concern over prosecution of  four former officials , the group of 71 ex-bureaucrats has sought to defend the accused by raising fallacious arguments. Briefly stated, some prominent arguments are : (a) Serving officials will be demotivated if diligent and honest officers are selectively targeted for punishment for no fault of theirs other than that they were implementing the policy decisions of the government of the day ;  (b) It will not be surprising if civil servants procrastinate before processing and examining every proposal of importance, as they have no guarantee that they would not be implicated in criminal proceedings many years later; ( c) "selective targeting" of retired and serving officers, apparently for "gaining narrow political advantages”.

One is entitled to know the rationale of raising simplistic issues.Did the ex-bureaucrats  have access to actual records? If not, how could it pre-judge the case and give  clean chits to the four accused,portraying  them with same dirty brush? How could the protestors attribute motives to the Government, accusing it of political vendetta? There is surely something  more than meets the eye. Unholy nexus in a high profile scam involving a former union Finance minister of UPA vintage seems  a certainty. The  matter cannot be allowed to rest. Why not await court’s verdict on  the charge-sheet framed by the CBI? On what basis, is the court being brazenly influenced by extraneous  considerations ? Some invisible political power is at work to protect the principle accused.

Recall the background of introducing prosecution sanction by competent authority. Taking prior sanction for prosecution of officers of the level of Joint Secretaryies and above, was included to safeguard the  honest civil servants and senior PSUs executives,who are engaged in rendering policy advice and taking commercial decisions. The  requirement is mandatory under Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 and Art  197 of IPC. Further, CVC has also to recommend sanction for prosecution. The  cabal of  71 ex-bureaucrats ,has no business to interfere and vitiate the process of law. Only a special judge is competent to take cognizance of an act of corruption.

While , honest public servants do require protection,it is equally necessary to assure the public that  provision was not meant to be misused as tools by the Government to protect its  favourite public servants,who are otherwise corrupt. The sanctioning authority must have taken into account all facts and circumstances of the case before  granting prosecutions sanctions. 

The CVC has been regularly urging successive governments in its annual reports to expedite prosecution sanctions in several cases to facilitate investigation by the CBI.  The CVC is furnishing statistics of cases pending prosecution sanctions cases by the Government. On the contrary, in present case,71 ex-bureaucrats are  questioning the issue of prosecution sanctions. Worse still, they are trying to obfuscate the government and the court rather than enlighten them by bringing in extraneous factors like ‘political vendetta ’. Does this not attract the Contempt of Court?

No Government decision is perfect. These usually have loopholes for exploitation by sly, manipulative forces.

A deadly combination of unquestioned authority of the elected executive on the appointed executive and latters' pliability to  political class determines the final decision.

On the economic front, top industrial houses operating through mafia, influence all decisions in the guise of  fake stake-holders,

Rampant quid pro quo deals between top business houses and the politico- bureaucratic Executive. Open secret for the gullible masses.

No place for Ethics and morality in Governance. Uninformed public willingly   fall in line and remain callous,insensitive,unruffled.

Top Judiciary is helpless ,as always , in preventing the subordinate courts from blatantly indulging in corrupt practices, particularly in matters of  granting bails, long adjournments etc. All pronouncements  are non-speaking and hence without accountability. All courts are Lords to themselves.

India's economy is in a shambles. With fast-paced economic slowdown , the GDP growth rate slippped to 4.5 %, in  second quarter of the current fiscal , lowest ever during the past 6 years of NDA's rule or misrule,one cant say.

Where is India heading for?  No one knows?

God is clueless and is repeatedly failing . And,so has PM Modi.

" Modi ji's Man kee baat" is increasingly sounding more hollow, more boring. Sheer waste of  national time. Resentment against BJP is rising exponentially. A wake-up call for all political parties. BJP’s super-moronry is gain to all its detractors

We celebrate the ‘Constitution Day’ every year on Nov 26.

This is despite rampant discrimination both Constitutional and Statutary, that prevails in our hierarchy- driven society

Consider case of women prohibited from entering Hindu places of worship. Supreme court got scared of non-compliance of its rulings on Sabrimala temple by Kerala government.

The Apex court wants to take a final view only after considering practices in other religions.

No deadline was fixed for final decision. Procrastination amounted to avoidance of decision.

In the meanwhile,  police atrocities against the ' ineligible hindu women' continues brazenly unabated,unabashed, in Kerala and elsewhere.

Can devotees of all religions in India, who are feeling discriminated against in their own religions , not form a Union to fight the case jointly in the Apex court ?

The Unions of devotees will give their members the strength to negotiate with their  biased co-religionists  for equal rights through collective bargaining.

Gender equality is intrinsically linked to sustainable development and is vital to  realization of human rights for one and all.

Democracy with brutal majority by single party,leads to one-man dictatorship and institutional marginalisation. Democracy gives us freedom to elect our own dictators. No rule of Law. Growing  intolerance.

Democracy with fractured mandate leads to political chicanery,the game of 'Snakes&Ladders',horse-trading for quid pro quo, kidnapping elected representatives and locking them inside 5-star hotels, resorts in differen cities to obfuscate their hijackings, transferring black money to allure greedy politicians.

There is cut-throat competition in Maharashtra among unscrupulous politicians to achieve the elusive magic number. Massive scramble for lucrative ( cash-rich) portfolios in Cabinet, as part of package. There is no room for  political ethics and morality in the Indian polity.

In our country, politicians must be changed as often as diapers!

If not done, democracy in India will die a slow death,which it has already started doing anyway.

If Yogi is worth his salt,the bigoted hindu protestors must be arrested forthwith for sowing the seeds of inter-faith hatred between the hindus and muslims.

The brazenness with which the protestors have been on dharna for a couple of weeks, reveals they are creating nuisance at the behest of misguided elements who own divisive mindsets.

Yogi has proved himself as an incompetent ,callous, biased and insensitive leader. A liability on Uttar Pradesh and a stigma on hinduism.Totally unfit to hold the sensitive portfolio of Chief Minister. The loose cannon poses a potential threat to maintenance of communal harmony in the country. Must be booked under IPC for instigating hindus against the muslims.

Why is BHU management speechless? Why are misguided goons given a long rope and vitiate the  relaxed ambience of the campus?

PM Modi is urged to take the call to avoid further escalation of tension in the present volatile scenario.

Apropos Whispersinthecorridors.com’s political News dt Nov 12,2019 : "After demolition in 1992, the then PM Narasimha Rao had publicly announced that the damaged mosque would be re-built; but, even after 27 years, the Congress taking a complete U-turn did nothing "

Some noteworthy points about funding.

The cost of rebuilding the mosque at the allotted site must be met by the Congress.On the same analogy,the cost of building the temple should be borne by the BJP- VHP.Due to secular credentials of the Constitution, taxpayers’ money cannot be utilized on religious activities.The issue relating to source of funding must be settled.

The alternate plot of land ( 5 acres) in a prominent area in Ayodhya, should be allotted free of cost by the Centre for constructing the mosque. Similarly, no cost could be charged for handing over the ownership of the Ayodhya land for temple construction.

Let us also have a look at other implications of SC’s verdict .

The Apex Court while settling the Ayodhya title suit, termed the demolition of Babri Masjid as a crime that “shook the secular fabric of the constitution”. This is a serious indictment by the highest court ,entailing punishment to the guilty from 2 to 5 years imprisonment.

It may be recalled that eight leaders like LK Advani, MM Joshi, Uma Bharti and Vinay Katiyar, Ashok Singhal, Giriraj Kishore, Vishnu Hari Dalmia, and Sadhvi Rithamabara, were charged with promoting enmity and hatred through “false and mischievous news”.

Let us ignore those who were held guilty but are no longer alive to receive the punishment. These are: Bal Thackeray, Giriraj Kishore, Ashok Singhal, and Paramhans Ramchandra Das. Some were given Constitutional assignments to provide immunity against legal proceedings. Kalyan Singh was a prominent beneficiary.                                                            

The Allahabad High Court ( Lucknow Bench) ordered dropping of charges of criminal conspiracy against L K Advani, M M Joshi, Kalyan Singh, Uma Bharti, and others.

The UP government has asked for extension of time till April 2020 to wind up the case.

Special judge S K Yadav, who retired on September 30,2-019 was granted extension till completion of the trial and the delivery of the judgement in the Babri Masjid case.

Even his extended term was over on Nov 9,2019,the day of judgement.

What Course of Action is needed in the given circumstances :--

(a) Having regard to Supreme court's reiterating serious indictment terming demolition of Babri masjid as a Crime, the authorities could consider re-opening all cases, if legally tenable, including those closed by District court and Allahabad high court on technical grounds.

(b) Further,in order avoid miscarriage of Justice, the progress of proceedings must be monitored by Hon’ble Supreme court that has made scathing observations.

(c) A new District judge must be appointed with directions to complete the proceedings and pronounce punishment to those who are having a free run despite being charge-sheated by CBI.

It was unjust and unfair to utilize the services of a judge who was granted extension beyond superannuation. Patently wrong per se.

There is no intention to caste aspersions on court’s ’s sense of fair play and justice.However, appointment of a new judge is considered essential to dispel suspicions ,if any, from the public mind in a highly sensitive case like this.

 (d) The entire case must be completed on priority under Supreme court's monitoring.

After consulting Gen Bajwa , Indian Congis and Commies, Pakistan minister Sheikh Rashid has announced a full-scale war between the two countries during Oct-Nov,2019.

Naya Pakistan is far more hostile,untrustworthy than Purana Pakistan.

Has India agreed to refrain from launching surgical strikes, till then, even despite daily killings at the LOC?

Is India waiting for more 26/ 9 type Mumbai type terror attacks or onsets of snow falls?

Pak-trained commandos about to enter Gulf of Kutch and fidayeens through the LOC.

Pak is continuously shelling indian civilians.

What happens to the doctrines of Cold start and Pre-emptive strikes.

A Hybrid war against Pakistan involving the Navy, Airforce and the Army and opening multiple fronts, are urgently needed.

Delay will be counter-productive.

No single  woman politician in India is fortunate enough to be endowed with  twin qualities of talent and glamour. Brain and beauty are antithetical.

I have still made an honest attempt. Nusrat Jahan ,the newly elected MP from TMC ,could be rated as the most glamorous, progressive, open-minded leader-cum-actress.

No intention to hurt any one out of 30 women shortlisted by WIC.

Apropos news item on ' Shifting PM's house closer to South Block ' in TOI , dated Nov 3,2019.

The selected Gujarat-based architect wants PM's house to be shifted near South block.This means razing of several bungalows and offices in Lutyens Delhi.

What happens to present PM's house on which crores of rupees have been wasted including building an underground tunnel upto IG international airport and helipad.

PM Modi rarely uses his present bungalows,anyway,being mostly abroad or out of Delhi

I suggest both PM's office and residence involving cluster of bungalows,may be built near airport.

One facet of PM's overall personality startles every one.

How could one with a humble background is so self-indugent with passion for living a luxurious life style.

Scant or zero concern for poor tax-payers' money.No austerity,no simplicity.

On same considerations, PM's obsession for revamping Central vista complex at an estimated cost of Rs 10,000 crores (Completion cost will be many times over) raises suspicions about pressures of builders' mafia.

Was the RBI compelled to transfer Rs 1.76 lakh crore of its surplus reserve to the government to undertake such activities of tertiary importance ,bypassing priorities like roads, national highways, hospitals and other socio- economic schemes/projects. Investment is also needed for development of UTs of J&K, Ladhak and finally POK after its annexation

Nation wants to know,how funds are going to be utilized?

The Media is usually the first to protest to is no longer free. It has become captive by lending its secret support to policy formulation by successive ruling dispensations.

The jingoistic Media has always been on the right side of party in power.Paid news,fake news. Journos change narratives for pecuniary considerations. No ethics, no morals. No accountability. No self-regulatory mechanism.They can go to any extent for fabricating news replete with sensationalism.No one can question them

Freedom of Speech is a farce. Debates in a majority of mainstream of TV channels are moderated by journalists, especially chosen to favour the ruling party. Anchors are ordered by media barons controlling majority stakes, to toe a particular line.The panellists who oppose government policies , are shouted out, blacklisted.

No consistency. Ad-hocism galore in all departments of governance. A  deep state, seems to be influencing  decision making, sometimes leading to ludicrously improbable situations. The ostensible government is being constantly manipulated by the invisible deep state.

EU MPs, admired india for hospitality,condemned Pak's continuous terror attacks, appreciated abatement of corruption in Kashmir.Quick reality checks.

Statements made at the Press conference seemed guarded, ostensibly out of gratitude to the hosts.

Credibility became the casualty.

Whether,the guests will be able to influence european nations in India’s favour (and, if so, to what extent),only future will tell. Support of every small country counts. However, its impact in moulding world opinion, is debatable .

Acknowledging thanks-giving by foreign guests is discretionary.

Pakistan is a pastmaster in organising such jamborees for foreign media and members of civil society. To that extent,a matching Tit-for-Tat by India. Let no indian make mountain out of a mole hill and support Kashmiri separatists.

EU lawmakers' pro-India narrative surely enhanced the feel-good factor of every Indian.

Now,it is Pakistan's turn to invite Congis' and Commies' traitors from from India for a reality check of the situation in their country and enjoy hospitality at Lahore's food street.

India invites 27 members of European Union Parliamentarians to show normalcy in Kashmir.One wonders why so much hue and cry is being raised by the Opposition?

It is India's sovereign right to invite anyone for mobilising international opinion. This will bolster up our stand on Kashmir especially as the EU had recently expressed concern about the situation in Kashmir. More importantly,India must gather support of as many countries as possible before embarking on legitimate annexation of POK including Gilgit and Baltistan.

The Congressmen and pseudo intellectuals were blocked from visiting Kashmir due to their unholy nexus with Kashmiri separatists and the ISI. It was , a clear threat to national Security at that point of time.

There could possibly be no issue with MEA's invite to the EU lawmakers to visit the valley, though selection of delegates could have been arbitrary, based on pick and choose. They allegedly belong to the right wing parties of Europe. The entire west is turning to right-wing ideology,anyway.

So far ,so good. But, I am somewhat perplexed by the private nature of the visit (not officially sponsored by the EU). Will the MPs influence their countries,back home?

One hopes,the foreign jaunt does not end up as a 5-Star holiday,enjoying MEA’s hospitality.Surely, the decision on invite must have been taken by the MEA on holistic considerations after taking into account all secret aspects to which the critics are not privy.

PM wil surely be able to convince the indian Parliament, starting from Nov 18,2019.

All terror alerts sounded are fake, fabricated.Mere tactics to create false scare in the public mind , divert attention amid political rhetorics by leaders with scant or no regard for security threats from across the border.

The leaders,after Assemblies’ poll results,are now obsessed with governments formations through horse-trading. Scramble for power, quota-sharing of ministerial portfolios, sweet promises to public (Not necessarily honest) are prominent activities taking away their times.No time for redressal of public grievances. Splitting of  5 years tenure in Maharashtra with two chief ministers in succession.

Leaders are part-time ministers and full-time politicians. At micro-levels, 90% time spent on politics and 10% on public welfare.

The gullible public refuses to react,protest.The paid media is callous,unfazed. Politicians' sole objective is to earn cheap publicity and brownie points for others' hard labour and achievements. Brazen, Power-hungry political creatures.

Democracy,surely, is bludgeoning of the people by the people for the people.

Economic parameters taking dangerous down-turn.

PM's excessive reliance on crooked bureaucrats and financial advisors will boomerang.

Dr Subramanian Swamy must be appointed as the new Finance Minister with full freedom and accountability. One knows, PM may not be comfortable with Swamy, who is supposed to be blunt and unstoppable. He would be the best choice to lift the country out of financial morass.

No time to stand on ego by delegating authority to new FM. No time for experimentations.

Nirmala Seetharaman may be given another important portfolio.She was doing very well in MOD,anyway. Political compulsions must over-ride national interests.

Emotive issues like Ayodhya title dispute, Triple Talaaq etc are secondary to financial recovery, and security.

Days after Xi's exit from Chennai,he started his usual mind games by conducting military exercise in Tibet near Arunachal Pradesh. India had also recently conducted military exercise in Arunachal Pradesh.This was condemned by China through diplomatic demarche.

So, mistrust still exists between two neighbours.This will always remain. All words of emotional bondings uttered by President Xi at Chennai are farce.Let India’s diplomats demonstrate more foresightedness rather than be swayed by sweet pillow talks of China which is adept in playing mind games.

Consider a concomitant development.

India is making its presence felt by pledging a $1 billion Line of Credit for development of the Russian Far East.This region though minerally rich , has a hostile climate and is sparsely populated.Some separatists tendencies have reportedly been noticed, of late,by Russia in the area due to low investment on infrastructural development. Russia is suspicious about wily intentions of the expansionist China,having its eyes set on the area.

India is governed by its geo-political compulsions, not business interests. It is also trying to counter growing Chinese presence in Russian Far East.It would also guard against China's growing hegemony around south-China sea region.

Nations have no permanent enemies or friends. But, only interests are permanent.

Contemplating switch over from Parliamentary to  Presidential form of government ,seven decades after independence could be part of the wishlist of the present ruling dispensation. But,it is the favourite timepass for the aimless and unproductive bureaucrats in the corridors of power.

No wonder that even former Prime minister Ms Indira Gandhi had secretly toyed with the idea of exercising all executive powers as President of India. All after getting brute majority in Parliament. After tasting power ( 15 years as CM Gujarat plus 5 years as country’s PM) PM Modi is also attracted to the pampering makeover as the combined  Head of Government  and the State like the US President .

Who does not want Authority without Accountability ?.But, the ground reality is in a state of flux. No permanence should be attached to the phenomenon of brute majority.The electorate is impatient. It wants rapid results  of its expectations than are possible from the new policies of Modi sarkar 2.0 in ‘ Naya Bharat’.

Failing this, the unpredictable electorate can always switch to a different party at the next general election in 2024. Worse,  there is a great danger of  Political gridlock  whenever the Presidential head  and the legislative majority are from different parties.

Indian citizens are very sharp and intelligent. Never underestimate them.

They are becoming increasingly aware of the growing tendency in PM Modi towards authoritarianism. All decisions on governance appear to be Modi-centric. Bureaucrats see  him as a “ Control freak ”,who loves centralisation of powers in the PMO but hates decentralisation and delegations of authority. Hates Accountability,too .

Decisions like lateral entry into bureaucracy, appointments of retired civil servants etc are merely symptoms, manifestations ,omens of  a deeper malaise.

Politicians think they know everything; but, actually they know nothing.

BJP may have a comfortable position in the Rajya Sabha in due course besides brute majority in Lok Sabha.

But, re-writing or amending the Constitution of India will not be so easy that can be done with eyes shut.

Contemplating switch over from Parliamentary to  Presidential form of government ,seven decades after independence could be part of the wishlist of the present ruling dispensation. But,it is the favourite timepass for the aimless and unproductive bureaucrats in the corridors of power.

No wonder that even former Prime minister Ms Indira Gandhi had secretly toyed with the idea of exercising all executive powers as President of India. All after getting brute majority in Parliament. After tasting power ( 15 years as CM Gujarat plus 5 years as country’s PM) PM Modi is also attracted to the pampering makeover as the combined  Head of Government  and the State like the US President .

Who does not want Authority without Accountability ?.But, the ground reality is in a state of flux. No permanence should be attached to the phenomenon of brute majority.The electorate is impatient. It wants rapid results  of its expectations than are possible from the new policies of Modi sarkar 2.0 in ‘ Naya Bharat’.

Failing this, the unpredictable electorate can always switch to a different party at the next general election in 2024. Worse,  there is a great danger of  Political gridlock  whenever the Presidential head  and the legislative majority are from different parties.

Indian citizens are very sharp and intelligent. Never underestimate them.

They are becoming increasingly aware of the growing tendency in PM Modi towards authoritarianism. All decisions on governance appear to be Modi-centric. Bureaucrats see  him as a “ Control freak ”,who loves centralisation of powers in the PMO but hates decentralisation and delegations of authority. Hates Accountability,too .

Decisions like lateral entry into bureaucracy, appointments of retired civil servants etc are merely symptoms, manifestations ,omens of  a deeper malaise.

Politicians think they know everything; but, actually they know nothing.

BJP may have a comfortable position in the Rajya Sabha in due course besides brute majority in Lok Sabha.

But, re-writing or amending the Constitution of India will not be so easy that can be done with eyes shut.

The recent incidents of political misbehaviour with the bureaucrats at the Centre and the States, have been very disturbing.These have jolted the conscience of the common man.It is time for their punishment and withdrawal of undeserved privileges.

Politicians in India enjoy extra-ordinary privileges. All from public exchequer. Free furnished bungalows, Security, unlimited telephone calls, free power, car fuel, passes for Rail, Air trips and many more. And, above all,food at highly subsidised rates in Parliament and State legislatures (Rs 20/25 for Veg/ non-Veg thalis).

They have the authority to fix their Salaries, allowances and privileges. No debates, no walkouts.  Total unanimity among elected representatives,cutting across party lines. All adding up to lakhs of crores of rupees per annum out of  public exchequer. No austerity measures. The politicians take pride in behaving in the most uncivil, uncouth and arrogant manner.  Such  brazen display of  VVIP status and high comfort levels are abhorent to common man.

I am amazed by the hospitality guidelines issued by the then Chief Secretary ,UP for hosting MPs ,MLAs and local politicians by officers in their chambers. Micro details include asking for cold water and nimbu-paani in the first round followed by chai or coffee with two spoons of  sugar, biscuits,burfi etc in the second round. Receiving the VVIPs at the portico and escorting them to officers’ chambers and the reverse. Such heightened scale of hospitality to politicians who are ever ready to give taste of their tongue-lashing to bureaucracy,if the job is not done. All, at the behest of CM Yogi.

No VVIP status for politicians. Remove all VIP security covers barring  the usual exempted categories like the President, PM, SC Judges, HM, Raksha mantra, Finance minister, NSA.

Media had reported security cover for NSA’s son. What is the threat perception to the son who is a private person? No Z+ Security covers for Priyanka Gandhi , her family including Vadra  and Rahul Gandhi. One body guard for the rest.

Why should Tax payers hard-earned money be utilized for such senseless expenditure , one would like to know? Why separate bungalows and separate security covers for them.

Ethics committees of Parliament are urged to lay down clear guidelines for LS/RS members. Non-compliance  must attract appropriate penalties.There is a need to discipline MPs by the Parliament, not mollycoddle them.

Parliament must intervene. All MPs must be asked to stay at borders, share boardings and lodgings  with army jawans, para-military forces etc.This will  help them in inculcating  fine qualities of head and heart. A week-long stay, once every quarter in a year in difficult terrains including insurgency –infested areas , would suffice in imparting them lessons in austerity and tolerance .Let them come out of their comfort zones. Same drill  may be ordered by States’ Assemblies to cover their MLAs.

Operation INX Media scam is sub judice? Former FM P Chidambaram is cooling his heels in Delhi’s Tihar jail. All tactics to delay the proceedings have failed.

Prosecution sanctions has been granted  by the Govt to  CBI to proceed against four  ex-officials of  Finance ministry who are allegedly involved in the scam. The controversy suddenly took a curious turn creating ripples in  bureaucratic circles. Reason? A cabal of 71 ex-bureaucrats recently wrote to PM Modi expressing annoyance, displeasure against the ruling dispensation for granting  prosecution sanctions.The protestorsinclude ,among others, former cabinet secretary K.M. Chandrasekhar, former foreign secretary and NSA Shivshankar Menon, former Foreign Secretary Sujatha Singh and former DGP of Punjab Julio Riberio.

While  expressing concern over prosecution of  four former officials , the group of 71 ex-bureaucrats has sought to defend the accused by raising fallacious arguments. Briefly stated, some prominent arguments are : (a) Serving officials will be demotivated if diligent and honest officers are selectively targeted for punishment for no fault of theirs other than that they were implementing the policy decisions of the government of the day ;  (b) It will not be surprising if civil servants procrastinate before processing and examining every proposal of importance, as they have no guarantee that they would not be implicated in criminal proceedings many years later; ( c) "selective targeting" of retired and serving officers, apparently for "gaining narrow political advantages”.

One is entitled to know the rationale of raising simplistic issues.Did the ex-bureaucrats  have access to actual records? If not, how could it pre-judge the case and give  clean chits to the four accused,portraying  them with same dirty brush? How could the protestors attribute motives to the Government, accusing it of political vendetta? There is surely something  more than meets the eye. Unholy nexus in a high profile scam involving a former union Finance minister of UPA vintage seems  a certainty. The  matter cannot be allowed to rest. Why not await court’s verdict on  the charge-sheet framed by the CBI? On what basis, is the court being brazenly influenced by extraneous  considerations ? Some invisible political power is at work to protect the principle accused.

Recall the background of introducing prosecution sanction by competent authority. Taking prior sanction for prosecution of officers of the level of Joint Secretaryies and above, was included to safeguard the  honest civil servants and senior PSUs executives,who are engaged in rendering policy advice and taking commercial decisions. The  requirement is mandatory under Prevention of Corruption Act 1988 and Art  197 of IPC. Further, CVC has also to recommend sanction for prosecution. The  cabal of  71 ex-bureaucrats ,has no business to interfere and vitiate the process of law. Only a special judge is competent to take cognizance of an act of corruption.

While , honest public servants do require protection,it is equally necessary to assure the public that  provision was not meant to be misused as tools by the Government to protect its  favourite public servants,who are otherwise corrupt. The sanctioning authority must have taken into account all facts and circumstances of the case before  granting prosecutions sanctions. 

The CVC has been regularly urging successive governments in its annual reports to expedite prosecution sanctions in several cases to facilitate investigation by the CBI.  The CVC is furnishing statistics of cases pending prosecution sanctions cases by the Government. On the contrary, in present case,71 ex-bureaucrats are  questioning the issue of prosecution sanctions. Worse still, they are trying to obfuscate the government and the court rather than enlighten them by bringing in extraneous factors like ‘political vendetta ’. Does this not attract the Contempt of Court?

Digital media has been at its jingoistic worst ! All TV channels are jubilant at the arrival of PM Modi from US. What an ostentatious, flamboyant reception organised to greet PM Modi at Delhi airport and  beyond . All at cost of taxpayers’ money.

Full marks to Modi ji for diplomatic achievements. However, was that the occasion for celebrations in the present scenario.An undeclared war with Pakistan is raging at the LOC and IB.The country is passing through grave crises due to unprecedented floods.All this calls for strict measures to arrest the slowed-down economy.

However, on the contrary, the need for taking austerity measures is being totally ignored,especially so at a time when our jawans are being martyred and injured every day due to terror attacks in Kashmir. Public is hugely outraged by such premature show of extravaganza.

It cannot be negated that leaders’ first priority lies in earning political brownie points. Their priorities are wonky, crooked ,not public-friendly.They survive on sycophancy and ego massage, their staple diet.

Against this background, was organising a mega event like the one arranged for PM Modi justified in the present circumstances. The job in Kashmir is still incomplete. Forcible occupation of  POK  by India's Armed Forces, remains.Pakistan will not offer it to us on a platter.

The public  has lots of expectations from PM Modi.Much still remains to be completed.

One trusts, such non-events are not celebrated, in future, out of sync with ground reality.

I would urge PM Modi to issue standing instructions to the cheer leaders, sycophants including partymen , council of ministers and bureaucrats, not to waste  time.

Only, a few top ministers, Cab Secy and Principal Secretary to PM could be present. Presence of party functionaries must be totally banned. PM Modi must look different from UPA era.

Another noteworthy point. How did the Intelligence Bureau in the light of  grave threat perceptions, give security clearances for such a mass gathering of 30,000 people?

As per Media reports, both PM Modi and the NSA are under target of Pakistan-sponsored terrorists? Are media reports fabricated,one wonders?

The passage  of Triple Talaq bill by Rajya Sabha makes the pronouncement of instant oral talaq or talaq-e-biddat void and illegal, criminalizing it as a cognizable offence punishable upto three years in jail.

A historic win for nine crores indian muslim women. A landmark   achievement by PM Modi for his determination and persistence in fighting the unholy alliance between misguided muftis and politicians.A milestone in the quest for gender justice; a moment of satisfaction for the entire ountry. A historic  fallacy has been ultimately corrected through Parliamentary legislation, consigning the weird medieval practice to the dustbin of history. This will  give the Indian muslim women the dignity they deserve.

Where is “ the intolerance gang of 49 pseudo-liberals who had recently written to PM on the “Lynchistan” affair, screaming that their freedoms and the minorities were under threat. Strangely, none of the morons hailed the emancipation of Indian muslim women from the vicious medieval practice. Their silence is baffling ; confirms their hypocrisy.

Abstentions and walk-outs by the Opposition MPs helped in passage of bill in Rajya Sabha. The Opposition has charged the ruling dispensation of clandestinely manipulating the listing of triple talaq bill for voting.This shows how much divided the so-called Maha-gathbandhan is.

The mysogynistic muftis and self- styled Islamic scholars must get used to new protocol,while others open windows of their medieval mindsets. The Media must immediately report instances of violation for investigation by the Police and filing the FIR. Monitoring cells must put maulvis , muftis and the filthy-rich Sheikhs from the middle east, under surveillance against indulging in unethical practices.

Could Trump , the most powerful man on earth, speak a lie? Can Trump Indulge in double-talks.?  Sample some questions.

Was there no prior briefing by his officials before meeting with Imran Khaan ? Trump did not even spare UK's ambassador to the US,seeking his repatriation.He is unpredictable,impulsive and diplomatically naïve.

May be, Trump is upset with India for imposing heavy import duties on american products. India was marginalised during Afghanistan talks while China,Pakistan, Russia and the US were associated. All this left Trump totally confused. At least,so it seems.

Could PM Modi suppress the truth? Is his silence diplomatic ? Parliament mei hangama hota rahega?  But, India must hit back and keep its self-esteem intact

Modi's " Mei chup rahoonga ", doctrine will not work. He must speak up and set the entire controversy at rest. Sending a strong signal to the US,is more important than taking things lying down. Hopefully, he does so, sooner than later.

All things considered, Pakistan may not get a single penny as aid from the US. He will return empty-handed.

Instances of courts reversing or withdrawing their original decisions are becoming increasingly commonplace.The subordinate courts are the worst offendors.

I am referring to the recent case of “ judicial over-reach” by one Manish Singh, a Jharkhand magistrate. He imposed the condition of  distributing 5 copies of  Holy Quran to School libraries for granting bail to a student Richa Bharti who was arrested for allegedly making communal comments over a “ post shared by her in the Facebook regarding lynching of one Tabarez Ansari.

By the time, the magistrate concerned could replace his earlier orders, damage was already done to law and order situation besides causing mockery of judiciary.

An absolutely flawed verdict by the subordinate judge without application of mind.He cannot be permitted to go scot free for making mockery of justice. Jharkhand high court is urged to take suo motu cognizance of the case and reprimand the magistrate for non-application of mind for disturbing communal harmony. He cannot be allowed to have his way.

Furthermore, whether, replacement was motivated by public outrage or belated  realization of blunder , reflects poorly on the deteriorating  quality of subordinate judiciary in the States.

The malady affecting  the subordinate judiciary is spread across the board. Nothing moves without the help of touts hovering around the courts. Unethical reasons: Collusive or Coercive corruption. Possibility of  non- application of mind. All WIC surfers must have had the unsavoury experience of meeting such intermediaries once in their lives outside Courts, local bodies, Police,transport offices, DDA,NOIDA  and similar other bodies having large public interfaces.             

There is  urgent need to create a uniform All India Judicial Service to replace the present subordinate judiciaries in States recruited by their High Courts and /or PSCs. Scams are often reported by the Media. Absence of  different recruitments agencies leads to differential standards, difficulty levels of question papers and different standards of assessment.

Let the Union of India expedite the creation of  an All India Judicial Service to replace the States Judicial Services.The Constitutition of India provides for it, buttressed by  Supreme court pronouncements, Law commission’s recommendations.

ICJ’s ruling on Kulbhushan Jadhav in our favour,  is no doubt,a defining moment.A victory for international human rights. Kudos to Mr Harish Salve for his historic presentation in the court, a lawyers’ delight.

But, for India, it may be too premature to celebrate the verdict. It is going to be a long drawn-out process for India lasting several years.

While putting Jadhav’s  death penalty on hold, the ICJ has directed Pakistan to allow consular access to him. He can move a plea  for review of military Kangaroo court’s verdict on his execution.

The matter is not as simple as it is made out by Indian media especially TV channels. Pakistan is celebrating the verdict as the accused is still  under their custody. No wonder, the frustrated Pakistan will make all out efforts to delay the process of implementing court’s verdict on flimsy grounds.

The ICJ  is silent about transferring the case from Pak’s Kangaroo court (which had awarded  death penalty to Jadhav) to a civilian court. Pakistan is a military state  and not a democracy.

Its military can go to any extreme in obfuscating the legal issues before its captive military court. It will continue to treat Jadhav as a spy.

We cannot expect a fair trial from Pak’s military courts.

Will international pressure alone  work on a rogue state like Pakistan? Jadhav case may linger on in Pakistani courts for years. Never expect Pakistan to return Jadhav to India on a platter.

Worse, the wounded Pakistan is bound to escalate with vengeance its terror activities in India. This calls for a disproportionately heavy  (not  matching)  military response from India.

The bottom line is: India  cannot get Jadhav released by Pakistan through legal and diplomatic efforts alone. Building international  opinions in our favour, is  important in world politics. But, will power of public opinions influence Pakistan’s decision ?

What will happen  if the Pakistani military court decides after review to convert Jadhav’s death sentence into life sentence for 14 years? 

Let us take lessons from history.International military sanctions may not help.  India ,ultimately, will have to respond to Pakistan’s Armed Forces in their own lingo,if experiences in the past, is any guide.

Extremely temperamental, arrogant , prone to mood swings, unpredictable, egoistic, choleric, autocratic, impulsive, a bully, devoid of emotions and finesse. Enjoys his speech more than the audience.

No wonder, UK ambassador to the US, recently retorted back and labelled Trump as diplomatically clumsy, incompetent and inept . He informed his government appropriately through wire.

Trump’s perversity makes him fond of dishing out insults and criticisms on others.

It seems,he is out of the world, an alien.Expects all heads of Governments and States to prostrate before him. Considers himself as Inspector of the World.

Can PM Modi exercise sobering influence on Trump through his “Jaadoo ki Jhappi ?

As a sadist, Trump enjoys practising nuclear brinkmanship.

He lacks the requisite traits of a Presidential personality as evident from his body language.

A total contrast from Barak Obama and Clinton.

Budget documents wrapped in a red cloth ( An affront to saffron ?) with national emblem,did not inspire any one.Thumping desks by ruling party with a “ thumping majority” in Lok sabha polls , shlokaas, urdu shayris quoted in FM’s maiden budget speech typifies Congress perversity.No break from the past tradition. The ruling dispensation continues to follow the beaten path.Politicians have similar genetic code.Political ideologies are irrelevant.

Confidence is bad; over-confidence is self deception. Excessive reliance on assumptions to sustain 8% GDP growth with 4% inflation to raise a 5 Trillion dollar economy by 2025, has left most indians confounded.At least,so it seems.

Why did the budget rely on revised estimates when the figures of actuals were available?Economic Survey wants retirement age to be raised to 75. Not a word about wasteful expenditure on political hypocrisy, austerity measures etc. What about the growing economic disparity between the filthy rich and the down-trodden?

Pardon my ignorance of basic Economics.I leave budgetary micro details and their far-reaching implications for discussions by the specialists.

All things considered ,one has to admit that on the analogy of the practice in the past, this is an over-confident budget, high on rhetorical promises with no immediate reliefs for the downtrodden and senior citizens.No major structural reforms announced. Massive discrepancy in GDP figures indicated in the Economic survey and the Budget documents.

Outcomes in the form of concrete results are in the womb of the future.Time will prove their worth or otherwise. Time is a great leveller.

Use of complicated economic jargon in the budget speech,as always, has been baffling the common man year-after-year. Apparently, the budget is meant primarily for academic discussions among financial analysts.

All beyond the masochistic common man’s comprehension ,who

is always available to be fooled by the sadistic governments.

Lastly, invocation of Lord Basaveshwara’s teachings in FM's budget speech,was something pleasant. I never knew,such a Lord existed.

BJP-ruled Haryana govt backs 42 days parole  for the convicted murderer , rapist  and the most sinful Ram Rahim . The justification given  is  to enable the godman look after his fields in Sirsa district The good conduct certificate has been submitted by jail authorities to Haryana CM Khattar. As per jail manual,the parole application filed before the jail superintendent  is forwarded  to the Deputy commissioner concerned. A report is then sought from the SP and, finally , the recommendation is made by the divisional commissioner.Khattar  had the gall to  brazenly  state during TV interview :

“Any decision, which is in the interest of the state, will be taken. If we have to take any decision that is not in the interest of the state, then it won’t be taken. We have not taken any decision so far”.

A drama for garnering votes for next year’s Assembly election,is disgusting. The nexus of the ruling politicians in Haryana with Mafia stands exposed. The country is appalled, amazed and disgusted, feeling  utterly cheated by the unprincipled stand stand by Haryana CM and his ministers and BJP spokespersons.

Undoubtedly, the competent court would decide the case after taking into account the heinous crimes committed by the self-styled godman and the massive violence that followed the sect chief’s conviction in August 2017.

Another round of violence is not ruled out,in case,Haryana’s current dispensation  continues to extend its overt and covert support  to a criminal due to electoral compulsions  for retaining power by hook or by crook. Let them not be shocked to receive similar requests from other fraudsters and serious offenders like Asha Ram Bapu,his son Narain Sai, Rampal, Nirmal baba,Sachchidanand Giri (builder baba) Swami Omji and many more, still counting.

Means are not important for politicians; but ends are. Unprecedented, condemnable and unpardonable

BJP-ruled Haryana govt backs 42 days parole  for the convicted murderer , rapist  and the most sinful Ram Rahim . The justification given  is  to enable the godman look after his fields in Sirsa district The good conduct certificate has been submitted by jail authorities to Haryana CM Khattar. As per jail manual,the parole application filed before the jail superintendent  is forwarded  to the Deputy commissioner concerned. A report is then sought from the SP and, finally , the recommendation is made by the divisional commissioner.Khattar  had the gall to  brazenly  state during TV interview :

“Any decision, which is in the interest of the state, will be taken. If we have to take any decision that is not in the interest of the state, then it won’t be taken. We have not taken any decision so far”.

A drama for garnering votes for next year’s Assembly election,is disgusting. The nexus of the ruling politicians in Haryana with Mafia stands exposed. The country is appalled, amazed and disgusted, feeling  utterly cheated by the unprincipled stand stand by Haryana CM and his ministers and BJP spokespersons.

Undoubtedly, the competent court would decide the case after taking into account the heinous crimes committed by the self-styled godman and the massive violence that followed the sect chief’s conviction in August 2017.

Another round of violence is not ruled out,in case,Haryana’s current dispensation  continues to extend its overt and covert support  to a criminal due to electoral compulsions  for retaining power by hook or by crook. Let them not be shocked to receive similar requests from other fraudsters and serious offenders like Asha Ram Bapu,his son Narain Sai, Rampal, Nirmal baba,Sachchidanand Giri (builder baba) Swami Omji and many more, still counting.

Means are not important for politicians; but ends are. Unprecedented, condemnable and unpardonable

Govt of India has been consistently following the policy of Rotational transfer of its employees every 3 years. Reason : to disable them  from developing vested interests and stop from indulging in corrupt practices. The rule has stood the test of time. All State governments are following  same policy, which was laid down after careful consideration by several bodies including the Administrative Reforms Commissions , CVC, Standing / Select committees etc. DOP&T’s guidelines apply across the board to  bureaucracy.  Personal sections of ministers, considered as sensitive postings, come within the purview of the aforesaid guidelines.

Now comes the surprise move by the ruling dispensation.The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)  headed by the PM ,has reversed the policy. The ACC  has fixed a tenure of 10 yrs for the personal staff of central ministers. No wonder,the policy will start covering the entire bureaucracy.The new rule of “ freezing” erstwhile  appointments for further five years at a stretch ,is fraught with serious implications on the role of Ethics in bureaucracy. It has hit the very basis of rotational transfer policy.

A little suspicion . Was the new rule prompted by considerations of legitimising extended tenures of personal staff of erstwhile Ministers who were cherry-picked to continue in the new council of ministers. Members in personal staff  are expected to ensure implementation of  unethical orders of ministers- by hook or by crook. Changes in transfer policy guidelines of all Cadres will  required. 

During the misrule of Nehru, Indira and Rajiv Gandhi, officers were continued ad infinitum in violation of rules. Position went berserk when Madam Sonia Gandhi remained as the de facto Prime Minister for ten years.

Public expects PM Modi to be different.Even, Principal Secretary and Addl Pr Secy in the PMO are continuing with elevated status. But,their cases stand on a different footing.Not comparable to ministers’ personal  staff. However, no one should be considered indispensable in bureaucracy. PM Modi is expected to learn lessons from  UPA scams instead of repeating same blunders.

If, lessons are not learnt, the history is bound to repeat itself.

The selective decision to transfer Nine  PSUs from Defence ministry  to M/Heavy Industries&PE,seems bizarre.Why single out MOD, especially when status of about 250 other central utilities remain unchanged. Is  there any  trust deficit with Raksha mantri ? Is new RM, like his illustrious predecessors, not  competent enough to manage PSUs under his charge? Was there prior consultation with him , one wonders?

There is surely something more to it than meets the eye.

Recall the “ alleged leakage “ of MOD’s file notings  related to Rafael deal. PM must surely be upset with it .Was any internal or external inquiry carried out? If,so,with what results? How did the leaked information reach the Congress President  to embarrass the ruling government ? Was there any Corporate rivalry? Whatever may be the reasons, a repeat of leakage has to be prevented as it has a bearing on the  national  security?

No doubt, it is PM's prerogative to change  orders on Allocation/Transaction  of Business rules ,re-structuring of ministries etc or even fix the inter se seniority among ministers. But, arguments should be buttressed  by logic .

Justification given by the “ think-tank committee” for recommending transfer of  nine defence PSUs from MOD ( Nodal ministry)  to M/Heavy Industry and Public Enterprises,does not stand to reason.

The Department of Heavy Industry seeks to achieve its vision by providing necessary support to the Auto, Heavy Engineering, Heavy Electricals and Capital Goods Sectors.Every ministry is responsible for bolstering profit making Public Sector Enterprises as well as restructure and revive sick and loss making Public Sector Enterprises under its administrative control .

M/Heavy industry has about 25 PSUs under its controle.A majority of these are loss-making. Against this  background, what is the logic behind transferring additional  Nine defence PSUs which are   engaged in manufacturing  sensitive defence-related equipment. All  profit making.

There has to be some connect between the functions of a nodal ministry and the core competence of PSUs under its charge.

Going by government logic, why not shift the administrative  control of all Oil and Power utilities from the Petroleum and Power ministries respectively to Heavy Industries ?

Contemplating switch over from Parliamentary to  Presidential form of government ,seven decades after independence could be part of the wishlist of the present ruling dispensation. But,it is the favourite timepass for the aimless and unproductive bureaucrats in the corridors of power.

No wonder that even former Prime minister Ms Indira Gandhi had secretly toyed with the idea of exercising all executive powers as President of India. All after getting brute majority in Parliament. After tasting power ( 15 years as CM Gujarat plus 5 years as country’s PM) PM Modi is also attracted to the pampering makeover as the combined  Head of Government  and the State like the US President .

Who does not want Authority without Accountability ?.But, the ground reality is in a state of flux. No permanence should be attached to the phenomenon of brute majority.The electorate is impatient. It wants rapid results  of its expectations than are possible from the new policies of Modi sarkar 2.0 in ‘ Naya Bharat’.

Failing this, the unpredictable electorate can always switch to a different party at the next general election in 2024. Worse,  there is a great danger of  Political gridlock  whenever the Presidential head  and the legislative majority are from different parties.

Indian citizens are very sharp and intelligent. Never underestimate them.

They are becoming increasingly aware of the growing tendency in PM Modi towards authoritarianism. All decisions on governance appear to be Modi-centric. Bureaucrats see  him as a “ Control freak ”,who loves centralisation of powers in the PMO but hates decentralisation and delegations of authority. Hates Accountability,too .

Decisions like lateral entry into bureaucracy, appointments of retired civil servants etc are merely symptoms, manifestations ,omens of  a deeper malaise.

Politicians think they know everything; but, actually they know nothing.

BJP may have a comfortable position in the Rajya Sabha in due course besides brute majority in Lok Sabha.

But, re-writing or amending the Constitution of India will not be so easy that can be done with eyes shut.

Moradabad DM Rakesh Kumar, as per media reports ,locked up journos in the district hospital to shield Chief minister against quizzing by the inquisitive media persons. The job  needs careful handling by the bureaucracy. Locking them up in the city hospital is crass insensitivity, stupidity.

The Fourth estate is under threat – both by the political and bureaucratic arms of the Executive. The short point for consideration is : Should DOPT & AR headed by the Prime minister himself, take measures to rationalise the recruitment process of UPSC ?

Consider a few suggestions. Assessing cognitive knowledge of civil services aspirants alone does not suffice. Special traits located through Personality Tests ( PT) conducted by the UPSC, must be given higher weightage. Securing a pre-fixed minimum marks in PT ,must be made mandatory.The practice was prevalent in earlier times.

Growing insolence of politicians is fueled by the pliability and spinelessness of bureaucrats.They are untrained in handling the uncouth political class,who are everready to frighten the timid bureaucrats by giving taste of their tongue lashing. Handling the Fourth Estate requires skillful handling by the bureaucrats,which they lack.

The opportunistic,ambitious and spineless bureaucrats can go to any limit to please their political masters. For accelerated promotions, good postings. Quid pro quo deals. Unethical. The brazen misconduct is disheartening.

This is the unanimous view of the veteran civil servants.

 Will hiring domain experts through lateral entry from the open market , help retrieving the pristine glory of Civil Services,one wonders ?

PM Modi failed to punish the corrupt in 1st term. Voted back in 2019, the public with higher expectations is keeping a close watch on Modi-2 sarkar. Unwilling to be fooled again in 2nd term.

PM Modi had left the punishment task totally incomplete. Rather, gave it the lowest priority.

India's most wanted: the Nehru- Gandhi dynasty, the Chidambaram, Karti, Mallya, Choksi, Vadra, Lalit,Nirav Modi, Tharoor, several UPA ministers etc are all having a free run.

People not only wanted to vote out the corrupt but also want them to be punished, at least now, without delay.

The reasons for granting frequent and long adjournments and bails by courts ,must be diplayed in public domain.

Why blame India's Kanoon ?  Blame,India's laidback Judiciary.

Culprits are receiving frequent bails, adjournments by Indian courts without substantive justifications. Subordinate courts are not accountable to higher courts.At least,so it seems.

The system is flawed. The Collegium system looks like a private club.

A total revamp of courts, including investigation into the assets of corrupt judges  has been long over due.

Concept of NJAC as the only transparent  alternative must be revived . Kanoon koh bhi badal daalo. An amended bill must be passed  afresh by the Parliament making it mandatory for the Apex court to enforce the Law.

The recent incidents of political misbehaviour with the bureaucrats at the Centre and the States, have been very disturbing.These have jolted the conscience of the common man.It is time for their punishment and withdrawal of undeserved privileges.

Politicians in India enjoy extra-ordinary privileges. All from public exchequer. Free furnished bungalows, Security, unlimited telephone calls, free power, car fuel, passes for Rail, Air trips and many more. And, above all,food at highly subsidised rates in Parliament and State legislatures (Rs 20/25 for Veg/ non-Veg thalis).

They have the authority to fix their Salaries, allowances and privileges. No debates, no walkouts.  Total unanimity among elected representatives,cutting across party lines. All adding up to lakhs of crores of rupees per annum out of  public exchequer. No austerity measures. The politicians take pride in behaving in the most uncivil, uncouth and arrogant manner.  Such  brazen display of  VVIP status and high comfort levels are abhorent to common man.

I am amazed by the hospitality guidelines issued by the then Chief Secretary ,UP for hosting MPs ,MLAs and local politicians by officers in their chambers. Micro details include asking for cold water and nimbu-paani in the first round followed by chai or coffee with two spoons of  sugar, biscuits,burfi etc in the second round. Receiving the VVIPs at the portico and escorting them to officers’ chambers and the reverse. Such heightened scale of hospitality to politicians who are ever ready to give taste of their tongue-lashing to bureaucracy,if the job is not done. All, at the behest of CM Yogi.

No VVIP status for politicians. Remove all VIP security covers barring  the usual exempted categories like the President, PM, SC Judges, HM, Raksha mantra, Finance minister, NSA.

Media had reported security cover for NSA’s son. What is the threat perception to the son who is a private person? No Z+ Security covers for Priyanka Gandhi , her family including Vadra  and Rahul Gandhi. One body guard for the rest.

Why should Tax payers hard-earned money be utilized for such senseless expenditure , one would like to know? Why separate bungalows and separate security covers for them.

Ethics committees of Parliament are urged to lay down clear guidelines for LS/RS members. Non-compliance  must attract appropriate penalties.There is a need to discipline MPs by the Parliament, not mollycoddle them.

Parliament must intervene. All MPs must be asked to stay at borders, share boardings and lodgings  with army jawans, para-military forces etc.This will  help them in inculcating  fine qualities of head and heart. A week-long stay, once every quarter in a year in difficult terrains including insurgency –infested areas , would suffice in imparting them lessons in austerity and tolerance .Let them come out of their comfort zones. Same drill  may be ordered by States’ Assemblies to cover their MLAs.

Govt of India has been consistently following  the  policy of Rotational transfer of its employees every 3 years. Reason : to disable them  from developing vested interests and stop  from indulging in  corrupt practices. The rule has stood the test of time. All State governments are following  same policy, which  was laid down after careful consideration by several bodies including the Administrative Reforms Commissions , CVC, Standing / Select committees etc. DOP&T’s  guidelines  apply across the board to  bureaucracy.  Personal sections of ministers, considered as sensitive postings, come within the purview of the aforesaid guidelines.

Now comes the surprise move by the ruling dispensation.The Appointments Committee of the Cabinet (ACC)  headed by the PM ,has reversed the policy. The ACC  has fixed a tenure of 10 yrs for the personal staff of central ministers. No wonder,the policy will start covering the entire bureaucracy.The  new rule of “ freezing” erstwhile  appointments  for further five years at a stretch ,is fraught with serious implications on the role of  Ethics in bureaucracy. It has hit the very basis of rotational transfer policy.

A little suspicion . Was the new  rule prompted by considerations of legitimising extended tenures of  personal staff of  erstwhile Ministers who were cherry-picked to continue in the new council of ministers. Members in personal staff  are expected to ensure implementation of  unethical orders of ministers- by hook or by crook. Changes in transfer policy guidelines of all Cadres  will  required. 

During the Nehruvian and Gandhian times, officers were continued ad infinitum in violation of rules. Position went berserk when the Congress supremo during UPA, remained as the de facto CEO for ten years.

Public expects PM Modi to be different.Even, Principal Secretary and Addl Pr Secy in the PMO are continuing with elevated status. But,their cases stand on a different footing.Not comparable to ministers’ personal  staff. However, no one should be considered indispensable in bureaucracy. PM Modi is expected to learn lessons from  UPA scams instead of repeating  the similar blunders.

If, lessons are not learnt from history, it is bound to repeat itself.

At long last,a beginning has been made in sacking bureaucrats on charges of corruption and non-performance.Section 56 (J) remained mostly non-functional,dormant for decades due to lack of political Will. All erstwhile ruling dispensations protected their pliable, corrupt bureaucrats especially during UPA misrule. All on quid pro quo basis.

Strangely, several UPA scamsters continue to prosper till date in Indian bureaucracy. Thanks to their powerful  political connections. This explains why despite best intentions even,PM Modi failed to invoke provision of FR 56 (J) during the first stint.

Removing the deadwood  is not a one-time but a continuous job. Cadre authorities of all organised services must be ordered to complete the exercise within three months in the current initiative and sack the delinquent officers.

Similar action is required to be taken by State governments especially against staff and officers posted in local bodies having large public interfaces.

At long last,a beginning has been made in sacking bureaucrats on charges of corruption and non-performance.Section 56 (J) remained mostly non-functional,dormant for decades due to lack of political Will. All erstwhile ruling dispensations protected their pliable, corrupt bureaucrats especially during UPA misrule. Motivated by quid pro quo deals.

Strangely, several UPA scamsters continue to prosper till date. Thanks to their powerful fraternity. For same reasons, even,PM Modi failed to invoke provision of FR 56 (J) in his first stint.

Removing the deadwood is not a one-time but a continuous job. Cadre authorities of all organised services must be ordered to complete the exercise within three months in the current initiative and sack the delinquent officers.

Similar action is required to be taken by State governments especially against staff and officers posted in local bodies having large public interfaces.

Let the BJP-administered States lead by examples.

Enough is enough. I refrain from according VIP status to PM Modi.Why? He is the most profligate consumer of privileges  in India which even an emperor would covet.

Since a month of  taking over, the new sarkar is still celebrating its glorious victory citing achievements. No time for addressing serious issues. Rhetorical slogans don’t solve the problems.

What about PM's extravaganza. Who is funding the expenditure running into hundreds of crores of rupees? Obviously, it is we, the income tax payers. No importance is given by our VIPs for observing austerity in avoidable expenditure.

The newly inducted ministers picked up arbitrarily on basis of their communities, castes, sub-castes,regional compulsions and other considerations, are morons. Always ready for photo Ops with PM by the ubiquitous TV channes  All for public consumption.

PM Modi  has always enjoyed his speeches being  telecast  on national and regional TV channels 24x7. It seems ,he also enjoys the company of sycophants who are always ready to act as doormats. Why should we encourage VIP racism in a society that is already hierarchy- conscious? Are normal citizens treated at par with politicians?

Visiting  the Maldives and then  Srilanka. No one could  spare time to visit Muzaffarpur due to pre-occupation with political negotiations. Also, scared to face the mob. Bureaucrats being elevated to Cabinet level. Unprecedented.Will this solve country’s problems?

Having confidence is good. But,over-confidence is self-destructive. It leads to arrogance that has started showing up with vengeance. Will a spendthrift economy give a push to GDP ,without fudging Statistics?

PM Modi's histrionic ability has a multiplier effect on his oratorical skill.This triggered Modi Tsunami during  election time.

Now, consider the obverse. BJP is a party  of  morons, doormats chatukaars. Devoid of  self-respecting individuals. A majority of newly inducted central ministers are specimens of Himalayan idiocy.Their selections are based on political weightages given to factors like communities, castes,sub-castes,regional representations etc. Merit is irrelevant.  “ Yes Prime minister”  types get encouraged. Ex-bureaucrats-turned-ministers are not popularly elected. Sab Bhagwaan bharosey chal raha hai, Aagey bhi chalega.

Some have started believing that a quiet transformation is taking place from Parliamentary to Presidential form of government. One hopes, the Public does not get swayed by another promise of rising expectations. If, BJP feels secure under new dispensation, So be it.

I do not subscribe to every domestic initiatives of PM Modi. He is being Ill-advised by his kitchen cabinet and bunch of ambitious bureaucrats. Growing arrogance of power,is worrisome and a matter of deep concern.Modi’s penchant for flamboyant attire irritates. Conferences reduced to fashion/ ramp shows. No respect for simplicity and austerity. As a well-wisher, I wish him all well. But, I do trust, he makes amends. But, let him guard against his detractors within the party.

Conducting  foreign affairs has been PM’s favourite. He has surely carved out a niche for himself in world politics. The frequency of foreign visits remain recklessly excessive. As a control freak, he does not seem to trust his ministers. No delegation of powers.

All things considered , with war clouds hovering over India, Modi  could hopefully prove to  be an effective war-time PM for thwarting foreign attacks and for playing peace-keeping role in international politics. Foreign intelligence agencies are active.

Tough times ahead. Wait and watch.

Actor Akshay Kumar's light-hearted chat show with PM left every one with a heavy heart. Standard of interview touched the nadir. Modi ji should not have settled for it. The show was telecast on all TV channels denigrating the high public office,he holds.

Ill-advised by the Media advisor and morons in the trusted coterie of bureaucracy, party’s publicity wing has gone overboard without assessing the long term implications. Voters are getting bored,frustrated by his public rhetorics. "The promise given was a necessity of the past: the word broken is a necessity of the present." (Machiavelli)

Playing the  religion card irritates. Relationship with God is personal, not for public consumption.This is causing alienation in a section of society.

Modi's chatukaars are his worst enemies,particularly a majority of his nincompoop ministers.Public is sensitive enough to notice his increasing arrogance. Watch PM's body language, mannerisms,postures and gestures and above all the choice of words.

My assessment could go wrong. Modi ji could get comfortable majority for other considerations. Following or dismissing my unsolicited advice is his prerogative.

But, I would  continue to stand against his detractors without being counted as a rabid fan.

I wish him good luck

Nehru created the Kashmir issue to let his dynasty perpetually  remain in power . The Congis' manifesto released besides being  pro-Pakistani, pro-separatists,it seems, has been scripted by ISI,China, urban naxals, Khalistanis and their congi sympathisers.

Calling indian Army chief as "Sarak kaa gundaa ",attracts the severest  penalty. Why did the ruling dispensation not invoke provisions of “Gunda Act” against the loose cannon?

All political parties, BJP included, must stop making stupid promises in their manifestos having huge financial implications. How could they commit future generations of taxpayers,without their consent.This is unethical and will never stand the scrutiny of the court. Let a PIL  be filed against it in the Supreme court. The posterity will never forgive them.

It is high time that appropriate Amendments are carried out in the Representation of Peoples' Act.Prior approval of Election Commission  against judicially-approved  guidelines,should be made mandatory in public interest.

DOP&T has invited applications from officers of organised services subject to fulfilment of certain criteria.Those interested may apply to DOP&T with an “ Essay “ (300 words) to justify their suitability for the assignment.

But,who will evaluate the essays?  This remains a riddle inside an enigma wrapped in  mystery. Babus in DOP&T,Cab Sectt or PMO ?Chintan aur Manthan kee zaroorat hai.

A small suggestion. Personality tests of written-qualified shortlisted candidates must be conducted by a three- member committee headed by the PM, with CJI and LOP ( or  Rahul baba) as members.

Civil Services aspirants should  be available for providing  free coaching  to the applicants in Essay writing.They have a compulsory paper on essay writing in UPSC’s civil services examination.

Watching inane TV debates 24x7 involving second rate politicians, professing third rate ideologies, is making us insane.The media wants us to eat,drink and breath politics and die like morons.To hell with this intellectual terrorism.

No right-thinking indian should support  subtle manipulation of gullible minds of voters. Freedom of speech is a farce.And, so is the sham democracyWe are filled with hatred,anguish and contempt for politics. Media is sold out to media barons remote-controlled by politico- criminal- bureaucratic mafia.

Corruption grows many times over during elections. And,so do communalism,casteism and sub- nationalism  causing permanent damage to country's secular fabric. Some politicians  demand a separate Prime minister for Kashmir.Election Commission is speechless, helpless. Permanent executive has failed, as always,awaiting orders from the political class that is presently pre-occupied with politics.

It was a tight slap to India by China after last month's bloody suicide-bombing in Pulwama by Pakistan,  its dirty ally. The global terrorist Azhar Masood continues to have a free run in Pakistan.

The Security Council is ineffective in thwarting China's nefarious designs and  in enforcing UN sanctions. Manifestation of dragon’s expansionist policy. The US, USSR,UK,France and other like-minded  nations must jointly cripple China economically by boycotting all Chinese goods.

India,on its own, is incapable of taking  on China. Thanks to  its candyfloss foreign policy. Desh-bhakt indians  feeling humiliated, demoralised, outraged. Let the Desh-drohi Nehru-Gandhi-Vadra dynasty and their cheerleaders remain ecstatic at our dis-comfiture.

China remains India’s enemy no 1, not the impoverished Pakistan. Hindi-Cheeni bhai-bhai slogan,coined by Pt Nehru  emboldened China to annex Tibet followed by unauthorizedly occupying of one lakh sq miles of Indian territory (Aksai Chin) from India  during  1962 debacle. Nehru’s  magnanimity in relinquishing  permanent membership of UNSC in favour of China, made India the object of international derision.

PM Modi must rise to the occasion, forget vote-bank politics and focus on national security. Representing 130 crores indians,he must deal with China  on one-on-one basis  by rapidly building   its own economic and military prowess.

The Tibetan and Uyeghar  populations of China are ready to join the movements by  the persecuted  Baluchis, Sindhis and Pakhtoons  of Pakistan for independence.

The lobbies supporting  recognition of nationalist China must wake up.China must have the taste of terrorism. Now, the belligerent Pakistan’s latest wish is to  name “ Kartarpur  Sahib “  as “ Capital of Khalistan” and the station as “ Kartarpur Railway station “.

How willingly we fell to Imran’s googly.No time for de-escalation of tension by India. We must  escalate before the situation goes out of spin.

Attack, Mr Prime minister. Don't talk of peace

The Nehru- Gandhi dynasty, its congis, commies lapdogs and rabble-rousers, deserve to be hanged by the neck for insulting India's Armed forces. They cannot be allowed  to go scot free.

Congress’s slugfest with Modi is political. Mutual recriminations by their dirty tricks departments.

Opposition's trust deficit in India's Armed Forces,their unholy nexus with enemies need to be investigated. Clear sedition.These fifth columnists are on ISI's pay rolls. All are anti- Nationals.

PM Modi has also much to explain for his failure to take action against UPA scamsters. The footloose Pradhan Sevak has been perennially on tour throughout his tenure. Either, abroad or visiting temples . Misplaced priorities.  A drain on tax payers' money. The public is expected to be just and fair in applying its mind at the time of voting.

India has been perennially in a state of  undeclared war with Pakistan, facing terror attacks  in succession by Pak- sponsored terrorists. All are citizens of Pakistan though labelled as non-state actors.

Indian jawans , military installations, civilian  properties are being continuously. targeted. How could India restrict its action to demolishing terror structures. Garnering diplomatic support is a good initiative. But,this cannot ensure lasting peace. Far from it. Why not wipe out Pak’s ISI and Army?

With entire world on our side , India must not lose time. This opportunity may not be available again.We have to protect our progeny instead of leaving them to fight a “ thousand year jehaad ” by the rogue neighbor. Scales of operations must increase manifold .China, though  presently non-committal, may suddenly turn belligerent. Still blocking Azhar Masood’s declaration as a global terrorist.Treacherous,untrustworthy.

Against this backdrop, Aar-paar kee ladai chahiye. Pak Army-controlled Imran Khan’s peace offer is a trap. Destroy Rawalpindi Hq of ISI and Army.

Pak PM Imran Khan offers peace talks to India.

He is in total denial mode.Wants actionable, credible evidence of Pak hands in Pulwama attack.

Please recall Madam Indira Gandhi's leadership during 1971 war. While giving free hand to indian army, she led the country throughout, instead of indulging in domestic politicking,She was one of the best war-time Prime minister,India had.

This is not the time to run away from responsibilities.

India reposed confidence in you. Act fast. Do not allow the momentum to die down. Every passing day is important.

Making political jumlas and trumpeting self-achievements at public rallies, is not considered appropriate during these hard times.

Whispersinthecorridors.com  has been regularly throwing up names of probables for appointment as union Cabinet Secretary. This would make the job of PM easier in selecting the right person for the job without gender bias.

Women have held key portfolios in the past. Madam Indira Gandhi as de jure PM, President of India, an Italian lady as the de facto PM of India during the UPA era, Speaker (LS), Governors of States etc.

But, all in political domain. None as chief  of  Indian bureaucracy.

Regrettable. Country’s successive CEOs failed to locate a woman officer to fill the position of union Cabinet Secretary ? Whether the omission was inadvertent or a conscious decision, one wonders? But,  this surely, reveals the deeply ingrained  misogynistic mindset of successive Prime ministers. 

Are women officers less competent , less manipulative, less pliable, more difficult to handle than their male counterparts?

Let us go down the memory lane. Recall supersessions of  senior civil servants like Ms Roma Majumdar , Ms Reva Nayyar and Ms Sudha Pillai despite their relative merit and  inter se seniority vis-à-vis male aspirants.Ms Sarla Grewal was , appointed as Principal Secy to the then PM- Rajiv Gandhi,but not as Cabinet Secretary.

One hopes. PM Modi takes the call by allowing merit-based, out-of-turn promotions of  a lady officer when the extended tenure of Mr P K Sinha ,present Cab Sec, expires in June 2019. No UPA trick. Let no one keep the seat of cabinet secretary warm for facilitating the posting of a junior favourite of the male specie.

Recall, how Senior-most IAS officers were even shunted out as Chairpersons of Trade Fair Authority of India with status and pay scale of Cabinet Secretary. Motive : to plant a favourite,otherwise junior, as Cabinet Seretary.

The wind seems to be blowing in favour of Modi returning as PM after 2019 elections.The exercise must begin before EC’s Code of Conduct comes into operation so that the new incumbent could work as under-study to present CS.

If, PM Modi wishes to postpone selection of new Cabinet Secretary on ethical consideration till his re-election,it is his prerogative.

Ahead of polls, the ruling political dispensation,it seems, is hell-bent on adding to chaos by increasing current reservation quota for SC,ST&OBC by 10%.

Worse, the UOI reportedly also plans to create another category of Economically Backward class among the Upper Castes for availing of reservation quota of 10% in public jobs and educational institutions.

Beneficiaries in upper castes would be communities like the Rajputs,Jaats, Gujjars, Bhoomihars, Vaish, Brahmins et al. All filthy rich communities.

The Union cabinet has already approved the proposal.

"If the Constitutional Amendment bill is not passed by Parliament ( 2/3 rd majority ) promulgation of Ordinance will be the inevitable option,seeing the mood of the GOI.

Merit will become the casualty once again by the Electoral fraud.

Will the proposed Constitutional amount not amount to violation of SC's ruling in Indira Sawhney's case?

Will the Supreme court strike down the amendment by taking suo moto cognisance , without waiting for the PIL that may be filed soon?

One more query on behalf of Civil Services aspirants. .If the orders come into force , will this not impact the distribution of vacancies for the final results of UPSC's Civil Services exam-2018, the interviews for which are starting shortly?

Whether the seemingly game-changing initiative motivated by political considerations be regarded as a “ Pro-poor or Anti- national” move,one wonders ?