Unnecessary noise has been raised in these columns about the perceived plight of a retired  IAS officer staying in an Old Age home. It does not evoke sympathy. Sheer media hype. How people treat you is their karma; how you react is yours. It can happen with members of  any service.

Look at the other side of the coin that civil servants are blissfully unaware of. Consider blatant insensitivity of some “serving” civil servants, holding senior positions. Betraying total lack of empathy and gratitude for their old parents. My experience has been heartbreaking. I sometime visit Old age homes in Delhi to provide much-needed company to the aged inmates- some as old as 80 to 90 years. Sharing experiences with them has been exhilirating.

Who are these old parents abandoned by their families ?There are a good number of senior officers of different organized Services ( including Secretaries ), public sector executives (names withheld for obvious reasons) who have lodged their old, ailing parents in old age homes. A paradigm shift has taken place in the attachment relationships between old parents and adult children.

A spy cell, euphemistically called the “ feedback unit” is allegedly functioning under  CM Kejriwal to snoop on top officers of NCT,Delhi, MCD and his political detractors. Retired officers of IB, CBI ,IT etc have reportedly been deployed for carrying out jobs surreptitiously. There have been complaints against their interference in award of contracts to ineligible contractors, inspection of schools and colleges by these “intelligence officers”. Sting operations are common.

The spies owing direct allegiance to CM Delhi, receive remunerations from out of secret funds, created without valid sanction. The expenditure has been kept outside C&AG's purview. Public funds to the extent of Rs 50 lakh have reportedly been spent during past one year CM, Delhi out of his illegal discretionary funds.

Discontentment simmering in bureaucratic circles, may soon reach the flashpoint, as admitted by some NCT officers on condition of anonymity. MHA  is expected to order immediate probe into several  irregularities : (i) Creation of the so-called Feedback unit without cabinet approval; (ii) How appointments were made into the said unit in a hush-hush manner, without inviting  applications and in stark  violation of recruitment rules; (iii) Financial improprieties in deciding remunerations and privileges and incurrence of questionable expenditure and (iv) Misuse of public exchequer for political ends.

MHA, without waiting for findings, must order LG,Delhi to disband  the  so-called  Feedback unit and eliminate incurrence of questionable expenditure.

Kejriwal, the confidence trickster promised : " AAP will  waive house tax for Delhi residents from next fiscal if voted to power in MCD polls." On the contrary, MCD has separately appealed for payment of pending house tax for the last fiscal, latest by 31 st March.2017 so as to avoid penalty. The dichotomy has caused terrible uncertainty in Delhi. Present defaulters are in a bind whether to pay house tax by 31 st March 2017 as appealed by MCD or await waiver if AAP wins in the ensuing MCD elections. Some have decided not to pay house tax for 2017-18, till results are out.

LG Delhi controls both BJP-ruled MCD& AAP-ruled NCT, Delhi.  Clueless and a mute spectator.

The Opposition instead of condemning Gaikward for his delinquent behaviour with Air India staffer, seems more concerned about retention of their own Air travel privileges.

Shivsainiks' brazenness raises suspicion about their brand of nationalism, sorry,sub-nationalism Politicos are shameless creatures , headless chickens, timid, chaos-creators. Country  upholds. The Apex court is urged to take suo moto cognizance of the FIR and teach a lesson to these goons citing violation of Constitutionally guaranteed Equality before Law.

A crucial sociological change is silently taking place in India.

Lonely senior citizens are hiring children/grandchildren through professional agengies for reading newspapers, having conversations,daily chores, visiting doctors etc.

The paid companions, security vetted, charge around Rs 20,000 p.m for spending 2 hours daily and meeting their school/college expenses.

Sufism alone can help Pakistan stem the tide of Talibani fanaticism, intolerance, bigotry and militarism besides building stronger ties with India. Interrogation of two clerics of Delhi's Hazrat Nizamuddin Aulia dargah by the ISI,confirms growing disinterest of Pakistan military and administration on Sufism. Under influence of salafism and wahabism,Pakistan is losing an opportunity to build stronger cultural ties with India.

It has a lot to learn from India.

Supreme Court has ordered the Election Commission to have VVPAT in all elections by 2019.

Voter Verifiable Paper Audit Trail – prints a paper version of electronic vote.

One trusts,this would satisfy sore loosers : Kejriwal,Mayawati etc who have joined the EVM controversy and are, any way, presiding over the destinies of dying parties.

Let me come straight to the point. No preface.

Why did  SC not issue a non-bailable warrant against Justice Karnan for contempt in the first instance?

If the wayward Judge fails to appear on 31st March,2017, would the Apex court order his immediate arrest and personal appearance?

Should SC not recommend immediate impeachment proceedings against the contemnor for failing to uphold the dignity of the highest court first by raising caste card then slamming the Chief Justice, Madras HC, SC judges and CJI ?

Why is he being treated as a celebrity despite insult to the Apex court ?

The common Indian is feeling discriminated against.

Whither the Constitutionally guaranteed Right to Equality before the Law?

Congress’s setbacks in assemblies’ elections should be attributed to its total disconnect with the masses and ground realities. Outsourcing election campaign to a private advertising agency was ill-advised.Hightech publicity does not impress voters. They are intelligent enough to see through the game. Neither naïve nor gullible. Dynasty-centric old guards of the Congress , instead of serving as doormats to dynastic overlords , must stop cult-worship. This perpetuated authoritarianism, bereft of intra-party democracy. Absence of effective Opposition is not healthy in a democratic polity.

Let me come straight to the point.

No preface. Could SC not issue a non-bailable warrant against Justice Karnan for contempt in the first instance?

If the wayward Judge fails to appear on 31st March,2017, would the Apex court order his immediate arrest and personal appearance?

Should SC not recommend immediate impeachment proceedings against the contemnor for failing to uphold the dignity of the highest court first by raising caste card then slamming the Chief Justice, Madras HC, SC judges and CJI ?

Why is he being treated as a celebrity despite insult to the Apex court ?

The common Indian is feeling discriminated against. Whither the Constitutionally guaranteed Right to Equality before the Law?

First some irritating facts. while 10 Janpath occupied by Congress supremo sprawls over an area of 15,181 Sq metres, 7 RCR , PM's official residence has 14,101 Sq metres. Why is 10-Janpath called the official residence of Sonia Gandhi when she does not ( she never held, nor ever will ) hold any Constitutional position? Even the post of Chairperson NAC was extra-Constitutional. Is her claim to a sprawling bungalow justified? Why separate bungalows for Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi? Total 3 , free of rent, electricity and Z+ security.

These  undeserved privileges  merely increase the tax payers’ burden. Should public money be wasted to massage the collective ego of a party, headed by someone belonging to a dynasty and bearing a certain “ surname”. There is Life after death. As if, the present privileges were not enough, Teen Murti and Indira Gandhi museum, official residences of former PMs,  were added to the list of Delhi’s tourist spots, besides,of course, their samadhis.

Consider Mayawati. Three Type VIII bungalows in Lutynes Delhi allotted to her,were amalgamated into a super bungalow involving unauthorized constructions in violations of rules. Besides the above 3, she was allotted another bungalow plus Z+ security and one more to a BSP trust. Total 5. Thanks to compulsions of coalition politics of the Congress.

Is the common man paying taxes for the comforts of infamous political celebrities of  Lutynes’ Delhi or implementation of  socio-economic  schemes ?

First some irritating facts. while 10 Janpath occupied by Congress supremo sprawls over an area of 15,181 Sq metres, 7 RCR , PM's official residence has 14,101 Sq metres. Why is 10-Janpath called the official residence of Sonia Gandhi when she does not ( she never held, nor ever will ) hold any Constitutional position? Even the post of Chairperson NAC was extra-Constitutional. Is her claim to a sprawling bungalow justified? Why separate bungalows for Priyanka Gandhi and Rahul Gandhi? Total 3 , free of rent, electricity and Z+ security.

These  undeserved privileges  merely increase the tax payers’ burden. Should public money be wasted to massage the collective ego of a party, headed by someone belonging to a dynasty and bearing a certain “surname”. There is Life after death. As if, the present privileges were not enough, Teen Murti and Indira Gandhi museum, official residences of former PMs,  were added to the list of Delhi’s tourist spots, besides,of course, their samadhis.

Consider Mayawati. Three Type VIII bungalows in Lutynes Delhi allotted to her,were amalgamated into a super bungalow involving unauthorized constructions in violations of rules. Besides the above 3, she was allotted another bungalow plus Z+ security and one more to a BSP trust. Total 5. Thanks to compulsions of coalition politics of the Congress.

Is the common man paying taxes for the comforts of infamous political celebrities of Lutynes’ Delhi or implementation of socio-economic  schemes ?

Hon’ble CJI, J S Khehar , in a recent case directed that : “ Responses of  Central Govt should be signed by officers not below the ranks of JS and Addl Secretaries who should be capable of taking responsibility for what is said in the affidavits filed by them “. It was also felt that " the Centre can't file affidavits through low-ranked officials like ‘ poor ‘ Under Secretaries ".

Consider the ground reality. Normally, in government litigation, replies / counter affidavits are filed by officers of the rank of Under Secretaries and above. So long as the affidavits confirm approval by the respondents/ Secretaries as competent authorities , one  may not stand on ego. The courts can always summon Secretaries and even ministers for personal appearance and haul them up for contempt of court or perjury, instead of being hierarchical in outlook? Under Secretaries are as responsible and honest as Secretaries to GOI ?

However, all things considered and in deference to the observation of CJI, the government, should raise the level of affidavit signing authority from Under Secretaries to Joint Secretaries. But, let this should apply only to cases sub judice before the Apex court. The change will also be in conformity with GOI guidelines that  the Cabinet Notes must be signed by officers of the level of Joint Secretary and above.

The GOI, in consultation with  the new CJI , may also take  corrective steps for liquidating huge arrears of court cases pending across the country to mitigate the sufferings of litigants and  expedite transformation of  the Collegium into NJAC for injecting  more transparency in selecting judges of High courts and Supreme Court.

India must go cashless.

Black money has no place in a cashless society.

Let political parties set examples to the common man by going cashless and use ATM, Debit/ credit / PayTM cards.

But, which party will submit audited statements of accounts, income/expenditure statements , balance sheets etc?

This will always remain a pipe dream.

So,the best option is to remain corrupt and happy.

No hassles.

China has no business protesting against Dalai Lama's visit to Mangolia and, of late, Bodh Gaya. It continues to provide " stapled visas " to indians from Arunachal Pradesh, staking its claim on indian territory besides making frequent incursions. Opposing India'a entry into NSG, let alone, permanent membership of Security council , China is refusing to declare Azhar Masood as a global terrorist. Its aggressive posturing in south- China Sea is a matter of grave concern for international community. China had forced ONGC Videsh (India) to pack up in the midst of  exploratory operations in south-China sea as per agreement with Vietnam. 

Construction of Gwadar port in Baluchistan and China Pakistan Economic Corridor by China pose threats to India’s security. The geo-political situation is fast changing in south Asia with the emergence of rogue nuclear power states like Pakistan and North Korea - both irresponsible and unpredictable. China is untrustworthy. 

We must learn from history or else the same will get repeated. Discarding One-China policy, India must work towards according immediate diplomatic recognition to Taiwan China . The USA , Russia, Japan and other countries of South Asia must be kept in the loop so that they could follow suit. This will act as a bulwark against bullying by communist China .One hopes, the PM, the NSA and the MEA mandarins examine the urgency of the above suggestion.

Government’s decision to release 710 files of NAC is welcome. An important source material for historians, researchers, political analysts, journalists etc to expose how legitimate powers of the executive were usurped by an extra-Constitutional authority. Created in 2004 (UPA-I) and dissolved on,2014 ( UPA-2) before PM Modi took over. Longest ever proxy rule by the de facto ruler.

Consider some home truths about NAC’s bizarre style of functioning . Located in a 5-star office in Lutyen’s Delhi its chain of command was carefully structured on need-to-know basis. Giving oral directions was the unwritten rule. These were quickly legitimized by the then de jure PM- who was richly endowed with pliability and a propensity to retain his comfort zone. Though incorruptible, he was dishonest, anyway.

Union secretaries used to be summoned direct to the NAC bypassing ministers. The nervous bureaucrats shared their predicaments with successive Cabinet Secretaries but without results. All hell broke loose. Scams after scams. CWG, 2G,Coalgate, Choppers gate, Rober Vadra’s illicit  land deals etc. Ottavio Quattrocchi,‘ grand  escape to Italy  via London and Argentina, was deftly manipulated.  Permission to CBI officers to fly to London to arrest Quattrocchi,was  deliberately delayed  to enable the culprit reach Italy and avoid arrest. Thanks to the Screening committee of Secretaries and the then Cabinet Secretary. Secretaries to the Chairperson NAC,were retired secretaries, handpicked  by the Congress supremo. They must be questioned. All  top appointments in GOI, PSUs and public sector banks  bore the informal ( unsigned ) approvals of the supremo followed by signed legitimisation by de jure PM.The Prime Minister’s Relief Fund was blatantly misused by the de facto PM. Unfettered freedom to the supremo, without an iota of accountability. Chairperson NSA acting as super-PM, had prior access to all discussion papers before decision by competent  authorities. Quiz the then Principal Secretary, Secretary or Joint Secretary to the then PM who carried files to NAC office for  seeking oral directions . In short, the NAC committed all illegalities behind the screen. PM chose to turn a blind eye for a decade to remain in power, citing  “compulsions of  coalitions”.

Short-term pains but with long-term gains for the country. Demonetization led to liquidity crunch. People stopped spending on unnecessary things. Food security for the poor was temporarily affected, marginally though.  

Achhe din aa gaye hain.  Raids by IT, ED and CBI have unearthed dirty money that will be utilized for funding social sector schemes for the deprived sections of society. 

People are now beginning to relax.Use of plastic money is increasing fast. Wallets are bulging with ATM and credit cards.

Hit by  a sense of deep insecurity, let the corrupt keep screaming, ranting, slamming PM Modi out of desperation, frustration

Shaktikanta Das (TN 80, IAS) Economic Affairs Secretary attended a conference of economic editors ,chaired by FM Arun Jaitley.

An editor from TN asked a question in english and then willy nilly switched over to his mother tongue Tamil.

Much to FM's bewilderment and others' amusement, Das responded in Tamil. The non-Tamilians without understanding a word of what he said, applauded, nevertheless. No rancour. FM enjoyed without knowing the Tamil language.

Now , an opposite experience.

I recall a cognate incident of 2014 under UPA regime that created a huge controversy.

Sudhir Krishna ,the then urban development Secretary,at a meeting chaired by Chidambaram, started speaking in english with smattering of hindi words. Though from UP, he belonged to Karnataka cadre. Suave and no-nonsense officer.

Chidambaram in his typical arrogance. humiliated the poor Secretary asking him to speak in hindi that could be subsequently translated by his officials into english.

Sudhir Krishna registered his protest with Finance Secretrary and also with his minister Kamalnath to bring the humiliation to PM's notice.

Nothing happened as Dr Manmohan Singh. the de jure PM, was perennially in silent mode.The actual power was exercised by the then Congress supremo,the de facto PM.

The incident demoralised the IAS fraternity,rather unfairly.

Such incidents do not occur in NDA with PM Modi at the helm.

Demonetisation of 500 and 1000 rupees  indian currency notes is like a surgical strike by PM Modi on dirty money followed by Income Tax raids on the filthy rich money bags across the country. An effective ,long overdue step to curb black money that all previous ruling dispensations failed to take.Is India heading for a cashless, paperless transactions in India ?We can surely look forward to cashless voting in the coming assemblies’ elections. The Opposition is desperate, frustrated, and confused. One wonders whether PM Modi's bold actions in India will trigger the anti- black money movement in Pakistani for de-thronement of corrupt civil and military establishments  leading to peace and stability in the sub-continent.

In an attempt to curb black money, GOI has decided to demonetize currency notes of Rs 500, 1000 denominations. These will be invalid.from mid-night onwards.

People can deposit notes of #Rs1000 and #Rs500 in their banks from November 10 till December 30, 2016,

Pakistan Terror funding and circulation of counterfeit currency notes will be largely stopped. China's funding to maoists will stop. Loads of black money held by builders,contractors, money-launderers, hawala dealers,whole-sellers,retailers etc will be on the run, for exchanging invalid notes.Black money, stacked in lockers , secret strong rooms will be invalid.Black money acquired through property transactions.will become invalid.

Use of PLASTIC MONEY must be encouraged.

The political parties including Congress,, BSP, SP, Commies, TDP, etc have been caught unawares like all of us.

PM MODI HAS EXECUTED SOMETHING SPECTACULAR WITHIN OVER TWO YEARS ,WHAT THE CONGRESS COULD NOT ACHIEVE IN 67 YEARS.

In a case of foreign deputation , DOP&T issued a corrigendum No- 35/02/ 2016- EO( SM1 ) dt Oct 28 , 2016 clarifying that : “Shri Kshatrapati Shivaji” mentioned in earlier OM dt Oct 4,2016 , be read as “Dr Kshatrapati Shivaji.The officer (Maha 1986) insisted that a corrigendum be issued, in the hope that his performance and dignity would probably go up after adding the honorific “ Doctor “. Getting posted as ED, ADB, Manila, is not easy particularly as the posting should have legitimately gone to a Foreign Service officer .But, the IFS officers don't serve in States’ districts and thus unable to cultivate politicians. Serving in districts is,therefore , considered more important than serving in foreign countries. This explains why the IFS,is no longer considered a sought-after Service.

As a pessimist, I visualise the worst scenario.

Repatriation of diplomats on tit-for-tat basis by both countries,has begun. This could soon lead to closure of High commissions in both countries.

Support from both the US and Russia, is crucial.

Against this background, I wish that wisdom dawns on the two duffers Rahul, Kejriwal and the Commies to rise above petty politics and refrain from doing anything that demoralises India's Armed Forces.

How is it that intelligent people are never happy ?

Is it because they over-analyze everything; weigh the pros and cons of everything around them and judge everything quietly which results in their unhappy nature.

Against this background, analyse why Rahul Gandhi is always happy.

He lacks gravitas along with pietas, dignitas and virtus.

This is NOT acceptable to common citizen of India, PM Modi.

Let me call a spade a spade.

Political parties can now deposit ANY amount of cash held and collected prior to November 8, 2016.

The scrutiny benchmark of 2.5 lakhs does not apply to them as it does to normal citizens.

A FRAUD on the country.

This is not a loop-hole but a massive Black hole in the demonetisation implementation.

You have obliged all political parties including your OWN.

Are political parties ,black money launderers?

Why ? The NATION wants to know.

Demonetization is a beautiful thing to have happened in the country.

Kudos to PM Modi for the game changing initiative.

But,it would be unfair to expect him micro-manage the implementation process..

Look at the flip side.

Re-monetization process is under question.

3000 crores INR in new currency seized by IT and ED.

Could this have happened without the collusive corruption of bankers?

Shortage of new currency is inevitable due to brazen leakages.

The super rich billionaires and.the political parties are being compensated by legitimizing their black money, stealthily though.

Grapevine has it that cash-carrying vans are being allegedly diverted from banks to hideouts of Ministers,CMs, MPs, MLAs,clandestinely.

Were bankers under political and administrative pressures ?

Too bad to be true

A clear denial by PM Modi will set the controversy at rest.

Opening a new window for Voluntary Disclosure Scheme offering " No penalty for past sins ", 50% tax penalty, will do more harm than good.

Voluntary disclosure does not mitigate the offence. 

Why change the goal posts in the middle? 

The hideouts of political parties are exempted from raids by IT/ED.

Their new-found love for the farmers and others ,was a farce. 

Hoarding of currency in new avtar would thus continue with vengeance.

The black money converted into white, would be as dangerous as its precursor. 

Restoring black money from foreign havens, remains a wild goose chase.

Hell-bent on escalating tension, Pakistan army is continuing with ceaseless cease-fire violations while brazenly brutalizing Indian brave hearts. There are enemies within, too.Farooq Abdullah, an ace opportunist, pledging support to the Hurriyat for Kashmir’s “ Azaadi", is a disturbing trend. Why can’t he be charged for sedition? He was a minister in UPA era and called himself a nationalist. When not in power, his nuisance value multiplies manifold. Itihaas gavaah hai.Opposition’ conduct inside Parliament and outside has been quite reprehensible. It merely helps Pakistan. Worse still, India’s cottage industry of “peaceniks “ is another trouble-maker. After each terror attack, the peaceniks’ lobby becomes suddenly active in suggesting engagement with the belligerent neighbour without realizing that the civilian govt there is powerless. Pak’s army is wise enough to realize that remote-controlling Pak’s civil government is far better than being a part of it. What is the solution ,then?

Let us be realistic . Repeated use of hackneyed phrase “ Mooh-tor- Jawaab  by our ministers ,is futile. We have to be offensively defensive, pro-active  rather than re-active. There is an urgent need for a paradigm shift in India’s over-all policy like :(a) Aggressive foreign policy ;(b)A long-term military strategy ; (c) End of candy floss diplomacy ; (d) Using unrests in Baluchistan, Sindh, POK and Gilgit-Baltistan to India’s advantage .PM Modi had promised support to Baluchistan  freedom movement.   Why have these issues been back-burnered ; (e)Tactical initiatives in form of surgical strikes must continue; (f) Never get trapped in Pak’s peace overtures.PM Modi’s demonetization initiative has disabled the Hurriyat and the ISI  in funding stone pelters and terrorists . 

Face-off between Judiciary and the Executive is snowballing into confrontation. The situation must not be allowed to deteriorate further.It is having adverse impact down the line from top to subordinate judiciary.

While the Judiciary must ensure transparency in judges appointment;the Executive must respect independence of Judiciary. Let both pillars of democracy respect doctrine of separation of power.

Mutual trust will restore public confidence in Judicial impartiality.

Don't forget, GOI is the largest litigant in the country. Eminent lawyers could exercise sobering influence to restore harmony in their relationship.

Failing this, the litigants and the bar would continue to suffer as the number of pending court cases is swelling exponentially.

After demonetization, PM Modi would do another service to the country by focussing his attention to reviewing VIP and V VIP security covers.Far from being security-based, granting X,Y,Z and Z+ covers, has always been  the discretion of the political dispensations. A mere status symbol for the protectees with zero benefit to the common man.

Why should former Presidents, Vice Presidents and Prime Ministers, and after them, their extended families get security covers?Strangely, some continue politicking, even after demitting high Constitutional offices. All at cost of public exchequer. Ironically, the tax payers do not participate in decision making. Presently, 450 persons are beneficiaries of security covers including a top business tycoon and his spouse ,who is reportedly paying for it.

Is public security less important than security covers 24x7 to the so-called VIPs ? It is paradoxical that even persons with clouded credentials  are enjoying Z+ security 24x7 , as part of the extended family of a deceased PM. A huge insult to the common man.

Rules must change. Review threat perceptions periodically to make security covers available to those in real need of it. Reject extraneous considerations like “ Status symbols”,  “ False sense of  in-security”  and “ hypocrisy of corrupt politicians” and their “ proximity to successive  ruling dispensations “. If these protectees can mingle with the crowds during canvassing, their security threat perception is zero.Let the authorities do not rely blindly on cryptic reports of  security agencies The number of 450 beneficiaries of VIP security should be scaled down to the barest minimum, not exceeding 50.

Several posts  accusing  bureaucracy betrays hair-splitting mentality. How could printing  new currency notes of Rs 500 and 1000 denominations pre-empt PM’s decision ? The objective was to take on blackmarketeers including jewellers, builders,colonisers, corrupt politicians, bureaucrats by surprise without allowing them time to legitimize their dirty cash by depositing in banks, resorting to hawala transactions , illegal purchase of  immoveable assets , gold etc.

Contributions made by banking and income tax officials merit appreciation for implementing  the historic decision. PM Modi  and the  officials would  surely be under threat from those who are adversely impacted by surgical strike on black money. The inconvenience caused to public-at-large, is also abating gradually.

PM Modi’s bold action besides leading to deflation , enhancing GDP,will also neutralize naxalism and terror attacks from across the border  in absence of terror-funding .Results will start appearing soon.Just wait and watch.

PM Modi is expected to come down heavily on Politicians, Bureaucracy, Judiciary, Police, Journos, Businessmen,Realtors and last but not the least, the Jewellers. They are the " Main Pillars of Corruption in India “. Raids by CBI must be intensified. In order to ensure completion of inquiries, prosecution and final convictions in a time-bound manner, continuity in command structure is imperative. It will be in public interest to extend the tenure of present Director, CBI, Anil Kumar Sinha, by another term of two years. He is to retire this month. The country is passing through a critical period that calls for multi-pronged attack on corruption.

Demonetisation of 500 and 1000 rupees  indian currency notes is like a surgical strike by PM Modi on dirty money followed by Income Tax raids on the filthy rich money bags across the country. An effective ,long overdue step to curb black money that all previous ruling dispensations failed to take.Is India heading for a cashless, paperless transactions in India ?We can surely look forward to cashless voting in the coming assemblies’ elections. The Opposition is desperate, frustrated, and confused. One wonders whether PM Modi's bold actions in India will trigger the anti- black money movement in Pakistani for de-thronement of corrupt civil and military establishments  leading to peace and stability in the sub-continent.

Assembly elections In Bihar being over, but, governance by Maha-gathbandhan  will not be a cakewalk as one would like to assume. The honeymoon between Nitish Kumar and Lalu will be short-lived.Nitish as CM with a scion of Lalu dynasty as Deputy CM,may not be a viable combination. It will always be under strain of coalition dharma.Lalu Yadav as leader of the largest party, is not the one to sit back and watch mutely.He will pull all the strings 24x7.The  Congress will demand its pound of flesh.

Let me come straight to the point. Donald Trump is an anti-outsourcing activist. This could jeopardise the fate BPOs in India. A hard core businessman, a top realtor, figuring in world's super-rich category, he has invested  in building two  business centres , one each in Mumbai and Pune. He could infuse foreign capital for infrastructure development and create jobs in India.

In international relations, India would not be wrong in pinning hopes on Donald.

There is a distinct possibility of emergence of a new regional Axis consisting of the US, Russia and India to counter China’s influence in the region. India should facilitate formation of such alliance by building bridge between Russia and the US. Going by the utterances in his campaign speeches, Trump would surely like to revisit its Pakistan policy as part of his commitment to fight terror.

Shaktikanta Das (TN 80, IAS) Economic Affairs Secretary attended a conference of economic editors ,chaired by FM Arun Jaitley.

An editor from TN asked a question in english and then willy nilly switched over to his mother tongue Tamil.

Much to FM's bewilderment and others' amusement, Das responded in Tamil. The non-Tamilians without understanding a word of what he said, applauded, nevertheless. No rancour. FM enjoyed without knowing the Tamil language.

Now , an opposite experience.

I recall a cognate incident of 2014 under UPA regime that created a huge controversy.

Sudhir Krishna ,the then urban development Secretary,at a meeting chaired by Chidambaram, started speaking in english with smattering of hindi words. Though from UP, he belonged to Karnataka cadre. Suave and no-nonsense officer.

Chidambaram in his typical arrogance. humiliated the poor Secretary asking him to speak in hindi that could be subsequently translated by his officials into english.

Sudhir Krishna registered his protest with Finance Secretrary and also with his minister Kamalnath to bring the humiliation to PM's notice.

Nothing happened as Dr Manmohan Singh. the de jure PM, was perennially in silent mode.The actual power was exercised by the then Congress supremo,the de facto PM.

The incident demoralised the IAS fraternity,rather unfairly.

Such incidents do not occur in NDA with PM Modi at the helm.

In an attempt to curb black money, GOI has decided to demonetize currency notes of Rs 500, 1000 denominations. These will be invalid.from mid-night onwards.

People can deposit notes of #Rs1000 and #Rs500 in their banks from November 10 till December 30, 2016,

Pakistan Terror funding and circulation of counterfeit currency notes will be largely stopped. China's funding to maoists will stop. Loads of black money held by builders,contractors, money-launderers, hawala dealers,whole-sellers,retailers etc will be on the run, for exchanging invalid notes.Black money, stacked in lockers , secret strong rooms will be invalid.Black money acquired through property transactions.will become invalid.

Use of PLASTIC MONEY must be encouraged.

The political parties including Congress,, BSP, SP, Commies, TDP, etc have been caught unawares like all of us.

PM MODI HAS EXECUTED SOMETHING SPECTACULAR WITHIN OVER TWO YEARS ,WHAT THE CONGRESS COULD NOT ACHIEVE IN 67 YEARS.

GOI decision on one day ban on NDTV " for its anti-National reporting ,is being reviewed, it is learnt.

The political Executive was surely misled by the I&B bureaucracy to keep it in good humour.

Can the NDTV be held solely responsible for the security breach ? .

Following questions need answers from I&B ministry :--

(a) How was NDTV crew allowed access into the prohibited military area including the armouries for filming?

(b) Why were crew members not briefed about the locational sensitivity?

(c) Why were precautionary guidelines not drawn-up by I&B mandarins in consultation with the Armed Forces for Media reporting in the aftermath of 26/11 attack in Mumbai ?

(d) Heads must roll in I&B ,if, culpability of its officials, is established.

(e) NDTV cannot go unpunished for not applying its common sense.

In a case of foreign deputation , DOP&T issued a corrigendum No- 35/02/ 2016- EO( SM1 ) dt Oct 28 , 2016 clarifying that : “Shri Kshatrapati Shivaji” mentioned in earlier OM dt Oct 4,2016 , be read as “Dr Kshatrapati Shivaji.The officer (Maha 1986) insisted that a corrigendum be issued, in the hope that his performance and dignity would probably go up after adding the honorific “ Doctor “. Getting posted as ED, ADB, Manila, is not easy particularly as the posting should have legitimately gone to a Foreign Service officer .But, the IFS officers don't serve in States’ districts and thus unable to cultivate politicians. Serving in districts is,therefore , considered more important than serving in foreign countries. This explains why the IFS,is no longer considered a sought-after Service.

The present Director, CBI retires in Nov , 2016 . Search for new incumbent , is underway. Recall the unsavoury experiences with two former Directors of the premier investigative agency. Both ran into rough weather due to their alleged proximity to a controversial meat exporter. Both IPS officers ( 1974 batch )were appointees of UPA , based on “pick-and-choose , arbitrary and discretionary approach”. Richly rewarded despite their clouded credentials. One was even re-employed as Member UPSC to select civil servants?

A national “ Kalank ”.

If we don’ t learn from history, we are doomed to repeat it? Due diligence is thus the hallmark of fair selection. The ruling political dispensation should keep this in view while making sensitive appointments.A 360 degree background check is necessary to avoid recurrence of faulty appointments.

Directors, CBI have usually been from the IPS. Attempts made in the past by the IAS Association to grab the post, did not succeed. Somehow, the surgical strike by the IAS association was forestalled by the powerful IPS lobby. Power struggle ensued. As a consequence, CVC, more often than not, headed by an IAS officer, was brought in to exercise superintendence and control over CBI.

Keeping in view the totality of circumstances, change in selection methodology is called for to identify the best person for the job. Consultative mechanism should be the preferred option.

An important source to know the credentials of officers is their Service fraternity. Getting secret feedbacks about eligible candidates, from serving States’ DGs(Police) is suggested. Feedbacks from the peer group, is useful. Total reliance on APARs is not considered appropriate.

The Cabinet Sectt should act as nodal agency to process all formalities. Based on inputs received , the Cabinet Secy may compile a list of all eligible candidates and place it ( with feedback details ) for consideration of the prescribed committee headed by the Prime Minister , LOP (LS) ( or leader of the largest opposition party) and CJI ( or any other SC Judge recommended by CJI) as Members. The PM’s committee should interview all shortlisted candidates and identify the most suitable person based on professional/ personal integrity, experiences in CBI , investigative skills etc.

Insiders of CBI may have natural edge over outsiders by virtue of professional skill .But, wild card entry from the Indian Administrative Service, should never be permitted.

As a pessimist, I visualise the worst scenario.

Repatriation of diplomats on tit-for-tat basis by both countries,has begun. This could soon lead to closure of High commissions in both countries.

Support from both the US and Russia, is crucial.

Against this background, I wish that wisdom dawns on the two duffers Rahul, Kejriwal and the Commies to rise above petty politics and refrain from doing anything that demoralises India's Armed Forces.

I have decided not to go to theatres to see movies as I do not wish to be hauled up for contempt of Supreme Court and slapped with charge of Sedition.

Moreover, I am not in the business of competitive Nationalism.

I feel, I am a great nationalist and a greater patriot.

But, I do not wish to carry the tag of Nationalism up my sleeve.

Let no one force me to become more nationalistic than what I am,now..

I am not aware of the practices.in other liberal democracies of the world.

National security is one of the most  important aspects of Governance.

China has massive vested interests in Kashmir due to its geo-strategic location. A part of Gilgit has already been grabbed by China from Pakistan.It now eyes the entire region.

China is providing financial support to Hurriyat separatists and rabid mullahs besides recruiting fresh blood for infiltration into India.

Pakistan is trying to push in Salafi-Wahabbi terrorists into Kashmir to replace its Sufi culture.

If, Baghdadi gets eliminated, all his jihadis would gravitate to indian sub-continent and play havoc in India.

The present proxy war restricted to Kashmir,is only a trailor.

India will have to fight two adversaries-- Pakistan and China.

DOP&T’s  decision (TOI, Oct 20 ) revoking suspension of  a Joint Secy ( IAS, AP- 93 ) in MHA , placing him under “compulsory wait”, is discriminatory, unjust, unfair and legally untenable. Two Deputy Secretaries and one Section officer are still under suspension. Their fault : Juniors belonging to “ inferior services “.  The favouritism shown to top officer of elite Service, weakens the Prosecution’s case in the court.  All officers should be treated at par for offences impinging on national security under doctrine of “collective responsibility “

Interceding in favour of the accused under pressure from 15 Joint Secretaries of MHA, is bad in law. The group used hyperboles like “suspension was demoralizing" and “harsh on the honest IAS officer" besides standing surity for officer’s "integrity and hard work”. Was this justified when investigations were and are reportedly still underway.

Who authorized the group of 15 joint secretaries to issue a clean chit to the accused? Gross interference in administration of justice? A clear misconduct. No wonder, if, Joint Secretary’s name is deleted from list of the accused. Is the group of 15 not liable for prosecution under IPC and the Conduct Rules for influencing the inquiry? Can one expect just and fair investigation? Due diligence was not carried out by the FCRA division headed by the re-instated Joint Secy before renewing licence of the  NGO ( IRF-Islamic Research Foundation )  headed by someone masquerading as a preacher. No transparency, no accountability. The Government will have a lot to explain to Parliament in the coming winter session.