I  was piqued by the deluge of caustic reactions from across the LOC, when one of my post was uploaded on Aman Ki Asha (AKA). The post was later removed from the site for being non-compliant with AKA policy guidelines.

How can we generate bon homie by ignoring ground realities.

The Indian defence analysts are unanimous that the site Aman Ki Asha,is controlled by vested interests in Pak by raising illusory hopes to cover their misdeeds..

It was never my intention to create acrimony between the two sub-continental cousins- India and Pakistan.

I pity that the Pakistanis are oblivious of ground realities. But, they are in a minority. The silent majority that knows the truth, is gagged.

Now, India’s NIA has confirmed Pakistan’s complicity in terrorists ‘attack at Pathankot airbase. The perpetrators were/are terrorists, NOT, highway robbers.

The proofs have been (or are being) sent to Pak’s NSA for investigation. But, who would trust the ISI ?PM Sharif, India's friend, is being manipulated by Pak army's dirty tricks deptt called the ISI.

The position is getting murkier by the hour. Delhi could be the next target.

Chorus of protests, demonstrations, effigies burnings galore.

Demand for retribution is growing louder.

It is now India’s turn to give a surprise to Pakistan army ?

But, when and how ?

The juvenile rapist Bill passed by Parliament may not mitigate crimes due to several unanswered questions like:

(a) Whether to continue with the Juvenile Justice Board;

(b) where to lodge the juvenile rapists- in jails with adults or in juvenile homes;

(c) Quantum and  type of of  punishment-whether  chemical castration for juveniles and 25 to 30 years of imprisonment for adults

(d) Why were questions of giving  retrospective effect to legislation and extension of detention  of Nirbhaya’s rapist, not debated by Parliament in terms of Supreme court’s  latest verdict/observations  in the case? Release of rapist would also force Nirbhaya's parents to live in constant fear of being attacked. The rapist will also live under threat of  public lynching due to extreme rage and contempt against him. Psychotic conditions could result in suicidal tendencies. One hopes, the President of India would address these concerns before

according his assent to the bill to enact the law.

Hats off to PM Modi for his birthday diplomacy by his stop over at Lahore, enroute India. Today is Qaid-e Azam's, Vajpayee ji's and Nawaz Sharif's birthdays. Credit goes to India's NSA-- Ajit Doval, Sir. Modi's honesty in walking an extra mile, must be reciprocated with matching warmth..Modi is a fast-track statesman with no time to waste. No room for mutual mistrust ,distrust and acrimony. People on both sides of LOC, want amicable relations. The moot question is: Will Pak army permit a defrost in relations between two neighbours?

Let the opportunity not be lost by a repeat of Kargil -like situation..It is understood that even MEA was not kept in the loop. But, Sushma Swaraj was privy to the secret decision.

But, why is the Congress opposed to the carry forward of dialogue between India and Pakistan ?

To hell with the hardliners on both sides of LOC.

The Parliament passing the juvenile rapist bill in a huff, is meaningless. It will not mitigate juvenile rapes and murders Many loopholes. Quantum of punishment, fate of juvenile justice board, where to lodge juvenile rapists - along with adults or separately. Could there be differential punishments like chemical castration for juveniles and 25 to 30 years of life imprisonment for the adults ? Why could the legislation not have retrospective effect ? Was it not possible in the light of Supreme court's latest observation on Nirbhaya case?

EVEN EXTENDED DETENTION OF NIRBHAYA'S RAPIST COULD BE ALLOWED BY THE PARLIAMENT DESPITE BEING FREED BY SUPREME COURT. PARLIAMENT IS SUPREME TO LEGISLATE ON MAKING RETROSPECTIVE LAWS. Justice was not given to Nirbhaya.even after three years. Release of Nirbhaya's juvenile rapist has put Nirbhaya's parents live in permanent fear. Even the rapist would face the danger of public lynching in the face of public outrage. In the absence of application of mind by the Parliament, the exercise has been a total failure. LET THE PRESIDENT OF INDIA NOT ACCORD HIS ASSENT TO THE BILL AND MAKE IT AN ACT, TILL THE ABOVE DEFICIENCIES ARE SORTED OUT TO MAKE THE LAWS MORE EFFECTIVE AND MEANINGFUL.

The indians are fed up with Parliamentary form of democracy. The advent of coalition govt. has made it worse with its glorious uncertainties and compulsions of coalition dharma. Accountability of Parliament to people is missing. Bills remain pending in Rajya Sabha for unlimited period. Opposition thronging the well of the house and shouting slogans, go unpunished. MPs get fat salaries, privileges and freebies without working. Huge expenditure is incurred on their elections with black money flowing. These modern Maharajas are more self-seeking and blood-sucking than their precursors - the 560 princes of native states. Should India experiment with the Presidential form of government ?At least, a public debate on reviewing the Constitution should start.

The suggestion to do away with IAS (WIC, Dec 21) seems irrational. In fact, according financial edge to the IAS smacks of bureaucratic racism. The IAS officers presently get a two-year edge over other services for getting empanelled to come on deputation at the Centre besides get two additional increments @ 3 percent over their basic pay at three promotion stages i.e.STS, JAG and NFSG levels. It thus becomes the primus interpares with other Services. The discrimination must be removed to bring all Services at par.

Out of six convicts of Nirbhaya case, one died in prison, four were handed death sentences. Their appeals are pending in Supreme court. The sixth, a juvenile rapist stands released. He was short of being a major (18 yrs.) by six months at the time of crime. Strange mathematics of juvenile justice delivery mechanism. The court acted as per Law? There exists so much societal contempt and hatred against the juvenile rapist that, once released, he could either attempt suicide or be shot at. Worse still, what is the guarantee that he does not repeat the same crime. Neither the Central govt nor the Court could be blamed.  It is the Congress - dominated Rajya Sabha, where the Bill is pending consideration.

The National Herald case stinks of fraud and misappropriation - a classic case where fraudsters allegedly create dodgy wealth, transfers and then sit on it - knowing full well that the legal system will take decades to resolve. What was the motive behind collecting goons and exhort them to create breach of  peace around the court’s premises in Delhi? What kind of message,a mainstream political party intends to send to people of India?

All Services must be treated at par. Inter-Services rivalry is growing nastier, leading to decline in morale and efficiency. Creating a unified single Service would have been ideal in order to remove the existing anomalies in service conditions. Members could be imparted training as per specific modules to meet the requirement of job profiles. This will require careful examination after taking into consideration the pros and cons. For the present, however, following steps should be taken to stop further heart-burnings and frustration among the non-IAS services and remove discrimination:

(a)Same initial pay-scales for all services;

(b) No time-scale promotions; this involves undeserved advantage ;

(c) System of performance-based promotions should be introduced;

(d) Break silos for senior level appointments ie Director and above;

(e) The posts of union Cabinet  Secy, Defence and Home secretaries should not be monopolized by one  elite Service.

These  posts  should be thrown open to other Services too provided there is a level playing field, as enumerated above. All Services have brilliant officers.

Considering compulsions of coalition govt , governance in Bihar may not be a cakewalk. With his politically immature son as Dy CM, Lalu Yadav as leader of the largest party will constantly interfere with decision making resulting in friction. Pre-election bon homie may not lead to post election good governance. The Congress party will also demand its pound of flesh. Do not forget, Nitish Kumar and Rahul Gandhi perceive themselves as the Prime Ministerial aspirants in 2019 General election. Absence of Mulayam Singh and UP,CM, is baffling. With multiple centres of power in the political Executive , the Bihar bureaucracy will be the worst sufferer.

The media report ( Indian Express, Dec 7,2015) about the lavish dinner hosted by Secretary, (Urban Dev) to elite officers on completion of probational attachments makes a disturbing reading. Ignoring officers of other Services , has revived the unsavoury controversy exposing the feudal mindset of the power that be. Feast was not important; but promoting inter-Services discrimination was certainly not in good taste. Against this backdrop, formal protests by officers of “weaker” Services, is justified. Inter-services friction must be mitigated, better still, eliminated by providing a level playing field. I would urge PM Modi to order an impact assessment study of the probational attachment experiment through an independent agency.

Here are excerpts from Lok Sabha proceedings, held shortly after independence, when the abolition of ICS was debated. A member quipped: "It is time we abolished the ICS, it is neither Indian nor civil and certainly what they do, is not Service". But , the anglophiles in Lok Sabha overruled the suggestion by  sheer "tyranny of numbers". This is how the monstrosity of a new bureaucracy was born.

Sonia Gandhi is in a political mourning. Congress is rudderless, directionless, totally rattled.

Pappu has gone berserk.Hit by foot-in-the mouth disease. Depression writ large on his face, covered by aggressive posturing.

The Congress wants to deal politically with a matter,purely legal..Legal luminaries-cum- congressmen are presenting their defence in press conferences while sceaming for public support. This is litigation, not an election rally. Rhetorics don't work.

More boycots,walk-outs, sloganeering in Parliament.is expected. Congress goons let loose to create 1984-like r iot situation.

Typical Indira Gandhi tactic. Why is Sonia and her morons blaming PM Modi of political vendetta. Utterly desperate,frustrated and demoralised.Hell bent on creating countrywide violence.

National Herald haunts the Congress..

Sonia - Rahul Gandhi are frightened leaving the Congressmen.confused.

Sonia ji asserts her identity : " I am Indira Gandh's daughter-in-law."

Who disputes it ? A matter of record.

She demonstrates her nervousness by stating:-- " I am not scared. I am not upset ".

Her body language does not match her arrogant assertions.

This is the beginning of the end of the corrupt dynasty.

Congress kay burrey din aa gaye hain.

Let it start its search for a new President and Vice President.

Intra-Congress disputes,hitherto in hibernation, could come to surface.

War of accession might start.

All the accused may have to appear before the trial court in Patiala on Dec 19.

Bail or Jail is the moot question ?

Every indian seeks an answer.

Delhi govt has demonstrated puerility by issuing executive orders without consulting the principal stake-holders-- the public, Delhi Police and  GOI. It has merely copied the Chinese model. India is a democracy where consultation is respected except during national emergency. The Delhiites would be the first to support any anti-pollution measure provided it is even-handed. The rule was partially enforced in China due to autocracy and an effective transport network. Both are missing in Delhi. Orders of NCT,Delhi, are considered discriminatory for not covering Delhi legislators, Ministers,MPs, Union ministers, top bureaucrats and their equivalents in Constitutional and statutary bodies and Judges.

The statement by India’s new CJI that “he could travel by buses or car-pooling” was a trailblazer. Other Supreme Court judges are equally modest. How could the politicians, ministers, top bureaucrats etc lag behind? When public health is at stake, all should lead by examples by resorting to car pooling, car sharing and travelling by public transport. The argument of security cover, should not be over-played except for the President, Vice President, PM and other dignitaries. Public and private sector executives must travel by hiring buses. The fleet of Delhi metros and buses must be re-inforced.At present, these are packed like sardines with commuters. Delhi Police is ill-equipped to catch the offenders. If the police goes on stopping vehicles, there'll be massive jams, arguments and chaos on roads. Delhi Police will get blame for no fault. There is a danger of commercial vehicles changing their number plates every day. A kid’s job in NCR that takes pride in selling urea as milk and milk products along with fake medicines.

Against this background, CM, Delhi is advised to defer the implementation, say by a month and review his unilateral decision by consulting all stakeholders. There should be application of mind.

After Uttranchal, J&K, it is now Chennai's turn to get devastated by incessant rains. But, we refuse to learn from mistakes.

Forget building 100 new smart cities for the present. Focus on existing metropolitan cities.  Tighten municipal governance. Punish  the corrupt  for dereliction of duties. Undertake regular de-silting of rivers, storm water drains, sewerage , small enough to fast growing population. Stop constructing new buildings by destroying water bodies.The climate change can play havoc with any city in the country,any time.

Watching Rahul Baba on TV addressing B’luru college students on Nov 25,2015, was utterly  disappointing. 

In his misplaced enthusiasm, Rahul saw himself as the Quizmaster in Bournvita quiz,but emerged instead as the brand ambassador of  Amul baby milk. 

Brimming with over-confidence, nullified by intellectual and political bankruptcy. No conceptual clarity, fumbling for words, cornered by girl students. A  cut-and-paste performance. No consistency. No home work. No wonder, he was briefed by Congress morons. In contrast, Rajiv Gandhi was groomed by P C Alexander, a competent Ex- bureaucrat, through intensive and extensive briefings.  

Why Sonia Gandhi is in a tearing hurry to elevate Rahul as party’s President? The guy is not fit even to hold the present post .Projecting  him as Prime Ministerial  candidate for 2019 general elections, is the  misplaced perception of the Congress.

"Modi’s most favourite bureaucrat"

Syed Akbaruddin has been one of India’s best MEA spokesperson during the past several years. His elevation as India’s permanent representative at the UN, is well deserved.

An emphatic NO. Here is an analysis.

(a) Massive cost of fighting a war on foreign soil,which it cannot afford.Our development plans will either not take off or will come to a grinding halt; India should remain focussed on spending its scarce  resources in  health, education, child development, social welfare sectors 

(b) It may not be appropriate to fight alongside NATO forces ,of which India is not a member;

(c) This will annoy Russia in view of  cold war like situation developing between the US and Russia;

(d) India’s internal fight with insurgency should not face road blocks; the Maoists are active in 223 districts in 20 States of India.

(e) India should strenghthen  its defence against China and Pakistan; border situation with the neighbours ,is explosive. We are already fighting terror attacks launched by Pakistan-both within and at the fronts.

(f) If India engages itself in the middle east against ISIS, Pakistan abetted by China ,would be  emboldened to escalate  terror attacks against  India;

(g) China would be happy to see India’s economy being shattered by terrorism 

Dear Aamir Khan

I thank you for not returning your Padma Shri and Padma Vibhushan awards. I appreciate your sense of maturity.

Come to specifics. Your ire against growing intolerance in the country is misplaced. Why, single out India? The evil is all pervasive across the world. Did terrorists’ intolerance not move you? Your’s were not off-the-cuff  remarks; but, were well-thought out.You sound like a victim of persecution complex besides suffering from “ short-term memory lapse”.

You are an indian celebrity of international repute. Such sweeping and impulsive remarks were highly divisive and least expected from a thinking actor.Your patriotism is unquestioned. 

You received huge love and respect, in return.

The remarks were meant to please a section of political class ?Just before Parliament session commencing Nov 26. This will lead to more boycotts and walk-outs.Your indiscretion enabled Rahul baba to get political mileage out of sensitive issue..You willingly fell into the trap laid by the Congress.

The country expected you to build bridges instead of inciting communal feelings.You don’t represent Indian muslims. You had no business to spread panic  among them. As India’s favourite, your speech and expression should enhance communal harmony; not disturb it.

I am not a BJP or RSS bhakta. 

I condemn loose cannons like Sakshi Maharaj, Babas, Shankara charyas, Sadhvis , Sangeet Som, Sanjeev Balyan, Mahesh Sharma , V K Singh, Assam Governor and other lesser mortals for  their vicious role through  communal outbursts. I also condemn  BJP / RSS leadership for its failure to rein in such lumpen elements. PM’s studied silence aggravated the atmosphere.

Putin's disclosures about IS's sources of funding, is revealing, startling and disturbing. With the assistance of 40 countries including some from G-20, the end to global terrorism by the Islamic State, is most unlikely. Saudi Arabia,Turkey,Iran  ,Pakistan will top the list,once the names are leaked out. Even, China and North Korea could be involved as IS's clandestine partners-in-crime. Violence begets violence. The retaliatory proxy war by the IS, will last longer than one hopes. The IS has its tentacles spread out widely across the globe. Huge network with thousands of sleeping cells, suicide bombers ,ready to strike anywhere,anytime. CIA fears more such attacks in the non-Islamic world Washington, Mumbai, Delhi,Moscow could be the next  target on the hit list.

Air strikes on IS's hideouts in Syria and elsewhere, will be followed by the backlash.

This will continue for years to keep the arms factories going along with  illegal  trading in oil.

When you don't want to fix individual responsibility, misuse the doctrine of Collective responsibility.

Partners -in-crime, co-sinners.

No one questions individual guilt in politics and Parliamentary democracy Manmohan Singh misused the ploy of Collective Responsibility. to justify his acts of commissions and ommissions in scams. Bureaucrats are the wisest.

For decision-making, the bureaucrats have invented the committee approach so that no one gets punished in case of malfeasance

Indian bureaucracy's secret impressions about PM Modi have undergone a paradigm change, of late.

Disgusted with the corrupt and indecisive Congress-led UPA, initial euphoria on change of guard was natural.

Top bureaucrats are now getting increasingly disenchanted with the peripatitic PM. 

Pontifical speeches, promises, acronyms galore.

Unwilling, disinterested and incompetent Ministers combined with excessive control of PMO, aggravated the slow decision making process..

The ministers must be shown the door, irrespective of RSS compulsions.

Things are back to Square One in BJP-led NDA. NEED FOR URGENT COURSE-CORRECTION BY PM MODI INTERVENE BUT DON'T INTERFERE, MODI JI WE TRUST YOU.

The Hindu (Oct 4,2015) reported that 30 percent candidates in Bihar assembly elections declared that they were facing criminal charges. This is disturbing. After getting rapped in the knuckle, PM Modi must rein in armed Senas of right wing fringe elements, drug mafias, smuggling gangs, drug peddlars that have over the years developed nexus with bureaucrats, police, the political class and the Media. All are running parallel governments by entering into local bodies, assemblies and Parliament. 

Threat of growing criminalization of politics and politicization of criminals is looming over India. N N Vohra , Ex- union home secretary and current J&K Governor  had exposed the nexus in his report in 1995. The draconian “Annexure’ contains  explosive material-- Names of politicians, bureaucrats, police officers, business houses, crime syndicates, mafia gangs who are in the business of protecting criminals on quid pro quo basis. The “ Annexure” to Vohra committee’s report has been lying under wrap for 20 years( 1995-2015). The country has not benefitted from it. Successive ruling dispensations have misused it as a political tool  for arm-twisting the detractors.

N N Vohra , being privy to annexure, manipulated by getting key appointments including Governorship of J&K,putting a seal on de-classifying the annexure for two decades, till date(1995-2015). His warning shot  was a master-stroke. Sample relevant excerpts in the narrative to his report  : “Any leakage of names annexed to the  report detailing crime Syndicates, senior Government functionaries or political leaders in the States or Centre, could have a destabilizing effect on the functioning of Government ”.

Let the law- makers make tougher laws for screening of candidates’ credentials and amend the RPA Act accordingly. This is not possible without unanimity among political parties. Let PM Modi take the initiative.

The inter-Services animosity is turning nastier by the day. Creating a unified single Service would have been the ideal , at least, theoretically. Its members could be imparted training with different training modules as per the assigned functions. However, if,it is not feasible to do so, the following steps must be taken  to stop the resultant  heart-burnings and frustration :-- (a)Same initial pay-scales for all services; (b) No time-scale promotions; this draconian provision is discriminatory ; (c) System of performance-based promotions should be introduced; (d) Break silos for senior level appointments ie Director and above; (e) The post of union Cabinet  Secy should not be monopolized by one Service but filled by rotation  by picking officers from  different Services.

Chhota Rajan claiming knowledge of Mumbai cops, bureaucrats and politicians, who allegedly help Dawood, India’s most wanted, reminds one of increasing      criminalization of politics and politicization of criminals in India. Several heads will roll. N N Vohra , Ex- union home secretary and current J&K Governor exposed the nexus among criminals, politicians and bureaucrats in his report( 1995). No wonder, criminals with political, police and bureaucratic patronage have been running parallel governments in the States and the Centre by entering local bodies, State assemblies and Parliament. Vohra report’s unpublished annexure has been lying under wrap for 20 years( 1995-2015). No action taken by successive ruling dispensations at the centre. Draconian  “Annexure “ contain explosive material-- Names of politicians, bureaucrats, police officers, business houses, crime syndicates/ mafia gangs who are in the business of protecting criminals on quid pro quo basis. The Congress-led UPA refused to put the annexed details in public domain. RTI requests were rejected citing ‘ national security’. Now, comes Vohra’s chicanery. In collusion with the power that be, Vohra,instead of cleaning the system from within, allowed himself  to be co-opted into the same system  that he had condemned in his report. Sheer opportunism. Richly rewarded by the Congress, he has been enjoying perks for two decades with no accountability. His warning shot in the report was a master-stroke. An excerpt : “Any leakage of names annexed to the  report detailing crime Syndicates, senior Government functionaries or political leaders in the States or Centre, could have a destabilizing effect on the functioning of Government ”. What a ploy to keep himself in high positions for several years after retirement. The Congress high command misused this for arm-twisting the detractors and coalition partners.

 Against this background, PM Modi is urged to take following steps :- (a) To consult Supreme court again (after 20 years) and declassify the “Annexure”  ; (b) The annexure is 20 years old. This must be updated in view of entry of new players into power game, during the inter-regnum; details of new players also to be kept in public domain; (c) Tighten internal security by making preventive detentions ; (d) For stalling escape by criminals , their passports must be impounded . 

This job has been crying for PM Modi’s attention. It is now or never.

The inter-Services animosity is turning nastier by the day. Creating a unified single Service would have been the ideal , at least, theoretically. Its members could be imparted training with different training modules as per the assigned functions. However, if,it is not feasible to do so, the following steps must be taken  to stop the resultant  heart-burnings and frustration :-- (a)Same initial pay-scales for all services; (b) No time-scale promotions; this draconian provision is discriminatory ; (c) System of performance-based promotions should be introduced; (d) Break silos for senior level appointments ie Director and above; (e) The post of union Cabinet  Secy should not be monopolized by one Service but filled by rotation  by picking officers from  different Services.

The Hindu (Oct 4,2015) reported that 30 percent candidates in Bihar assembly elections declared that they were facing criminal charges. This is disturbing. After getting rapped in the knuckle, PM Modi must rein in armed Senas of right wing fringe elements, drug mafias, smuggling gangs, drug peddlars that have over the years developed nexus with bureaucrats, police, the political class and the Media. All are running parallel governments by entering into local bodies, assemblies and Parliament. 

Threat of growing criminalization of politics and politicization of criminals is looming over India. N N Vohra , Ex- union home secretary and current J&K Governor  had exposed the nexus in his report in 1995. The draconian “Annexure’ contains  explosive material-- Names of politicians, bureaucrats, police officers, business houses, crime syndicates, mafia gangs who are in the business of protecting criminals on quid pro quo basis. The “ Annexure” to Vohra committee’s report has been lying under wrap for 20 years( 1995-2015). The country has not benefitted from it. Successive ruling dispensations have misused it as a political tool  for arm-twisting the detractors.

N N Vohra , being privy to annexure, manipulated by getting key appointments including Governorship of J&K,putting a seal on de-classifying the annexure for two decades, till date(1995-2015). His warning shot  was a master-stroke. Sample relevant excerpts in the narrative to his report  : “Any leakage of names annexed to the  report detailing crime Syndicates, senior Government functionaries or political leaders in the States or Centre, could have a destabilizing effect on the functioning of Government ”.

Let the law- makers make tougher laws for screening of candidates’ credentials and amend the RPA Act accordingly. This is not possible without unanimity among political parties. Let PM Modi take the initiative.

Allegations of favouritism in Delhi judicial Service exam conducted by Delhi high court, are disturbing.

The sons and daughters of Delhi high court judges, were allegedly helped in passing the exam.SC will give its verdict, soon on the basis of findings of a retired SC judge.

Are similar allegations of malpractices being received against States' high courts or State PSCs.

Back to allegations of corruption in top judiciary.

Has the NJAC V/s Collegium controversy, died down ?

What next ?

Attorney General’s suggestion to SC today ( Nov 3,2015) to bring total transparency in appointment of judges in HCs and SC , may not be implementable by the Collegium and thus unacceptable to SC.

Should the Executive not push up a modified NJAC Act to Parliament to re-create a re-structured Appointment Commission? There is a felt need to further delibrate on "eminent persons " clause . Politicians must be kept away from NJAC.

Has PM Modi conceded defeat ?

 The Constitution provides for creation of AIJS.The proposal has not fructified  despite Supreme court’s  support. Reason? Non-co-operation by the States and stiff opposition by the States’ Judicial Services. 

Presently, members of the Bar rise to become judges of high courts and Supreme court. The intake from the States Judicial Services (SJS) is minimal in case of high courts and practically nil in case of the Apex court.  

The  States’ Judicial officers ( SJS) strive for administration of justice and  reduce the pendency of courts.  Another anomaly. Inter se comparison among States’ judicial services  is not possible. Whatever one may say, the quality of intake into State Judicial Services , cannot be   uniform and consistent without a common entrance exam. 

Different States high courts hold their exams locally following different  ‘ difficulty levels’ of Question papers and the cut offs. Different media of answering in exams compounds the problem. Creating  

All India Judicial Service is the only solution. This will also help in improving quality of intake and their elevation to top judicial positions in high courts and Supreme court. 

Ground realities don’t permit the change due to  imponderables like  opposition from States high courts, fixation of seniority of existing incumbents etc. Creating AIJS thus remains far-fetched.

The CBI was initially perceived as an anti- graft agency. It has, of late, been  saddled with cases of murder mysteries, rapes etc leaving little  time for investigation of  multiple scams : CWG, 2G Spectrum, Coalgate, choppergate, Tetra truck, cash-for-vote, Adarsh gate, IPL, Sathyam, National Herald, Vadra land scam, Sunanda and Indrani  Mukherjea murder mysteries,Vyapam, the latest  Bank of Baroda money laundering scam etc. Number of references to CBI has been increasing by the day due to declining credibility of States’ police under political pressures.

 Consider CBI. Total 754 vacancies includes 283 inspectors, 195 constables/ head constables, 65 Deputy and Additional SPs, 41 SPs and Senior SPs, 12 DIGs and three vacancies each at the level of Joint, Special or Additional Directors. 

Whatever be the reasons : poor succession planning , failure in attracting 50% deputationists from  State cadres  and CPOs, delay in filling vacancies in CBI is criminal leading to miscarriage of justice by hampering investigations. These must be filled on a war-footing. Pending sanctions of prosecution of government officials must be expedited. Let the premier agency not become another  “caged parrot “

Bhim Sain Bassi , Delhi,Police chief followed the Congress agenda during UPA regime by taking orders from 10-Janpath.

Taking a somersault he, now, executes the RSS agenda faithfully.

Delhi Police's raid at Kerala house canteen in Delhi in search of beef ( that was never served) proves the allegation.

This is not patriotism , Mr Bassi,but a blatant act of sychophism to ruling dispensation.

Disgraceful indeed.

Incompetent, indecisive , committed police cop, that Bassi gives the impression of being.

Bassi ji, you have gone down in my esteem.

I am pained as I know you for three decades.

This is no way of pleasing the political masters for getting post-retirement assignments on Quid pro quo basis.

We would, surely, expect more such shenanigans by Delhi police before your retirement in Feb 2016.

By the way, who is this Vishnu Gupta belonging to some non-descript fringe organisation called "Hindu Sena " ?

Why has he not been arrested,yet for allegedly making a hoax call about beef cooking in Kerala house?

Every move was pre-planned, it seems.

This could not have been possible without the collusion of RSS , prior knowledge of home ministry and the PMO.

We must hang our heads in shame.

N N Vohra , the then union home secretary currently J&K Governor, was asked in 1993 to investigate growing criminalization of politics and the nexus among criminals, politicians and bureaucrats in India. Findings were on expected lines. Criminal networks with political patronage running parallel governments, getting elected to local bodies, State assemblies and Parliament.

Problem lay elsewhere. The infamous “Annexure “ to the report submitted in 1995 contain details politicians, bureaucrats, police officers, business houses, Bollywood bigwigs, crime syndicates/ mafia gangs who are in the business of providing protection to criminals on quid pro quo basis. 

The annexed details , it is understood, are based on inputs shared by India’s Most Wanted duly substantiated by documentary evidences and Indian intelligence agencies. The annexure has been in cold storage for 20 years( 1995-2015) with NO action by successive ruling dispensations--ostensibly due to clash of interests or coalitions’ compulsions or both.

The Congress party, rejecting RTI requests, has been refusing to share the Annexure with “We, the sovereign people of India“. They did so in case of Netaji files, too.

It is rather unfortunate that NN Vohra,instead of cleaning the system from within, based on his findings, allowed himself to be co-opted into the same system that he had condemned in his report. He was, more than, suitably rewarded by the Congress through crucial assignments without a break.He is happy enjoying his perks with no accountability.

His warning shot in the report that any “any leakage whatever about the crime Syndicate senior Government functionaries or political leaders in the states or at the centre, could have a destabilizing effect on the functioning of Government”, was a ploy to keep himself in position for several years after retirement. 

The Congress, NCP and other constituents of UPA, misused it. 10-Janpath misused it for blackmailing ministers and leaders of other political parties..

PM Modi,in national interests, is urged to take appropriate steps in addressing public concerns:

(a) To consult Supreme court again (after 20 years)before declassification of “Annexure” in view of growing public demand and the need for good governance; 

(b) The annexed list of criminals, being 20 years old must be got updated by the NSA due to exponential growth in criminal activities in the country and entry of new players during the inter-regnum. Directors CBI, IB, RAW,ED,etc must be ready with new details ; 

(c) Tighten internal security through preventive detentions:

(d) For preventing fleeing by criminals , their passports may be impounded and airports alerted.; 

(e) Prominent politicians, bureaucrats, crime syndicates/ mafia groups of builders and estate agents, and ,who knows, Members of the Bars and Benches also fall into the realm of possibilities. The CJI must be kept informed.

This job has been crying for your attention, Mr Modi. It is now or never.

China assisted Nepal in framing its Constitution, since promulgated.

India must now help it in amending it.

Nepal must realize the futility of Chinese oil supply lines due to difficult terrains, at exorbitantly high price compared to India's.

Nepal's future lies with India, not China.

It cannot succeed unless  the Madhesis, tharus and janjati communities are  given their legitimate rights through Constitutional amendments.

Religion is irrelevant now,at least, theoretically.

Nepal must remain a secular rather than a theocratic state.

TIMES-NOW debate with galaxy of legal luminaries and senior journalists, was thoughtful and profound, both for legal fraternity and the rest. The debate, it seems, will continue ad infinitum in the face of Supreme court's verdict on NJAC. 

Top judiciary like politicians -in-power comprise of mortals ,not super humans . Both could be fallible.

Both, collegium system and the NJAC, have defects.

Attempts should be to narrow down the differences and reach a consensus.

The clause about "two eminent persons", seems dangerous as selections are to be made out of the Minorities,SC ,ST, OBC and others,.

Reservation brings with it . politicisation.

At the same time, shelving the NJAC Act would be disastrous.

Let us not forget, the draft NJAC Bill,was passed unanimously by the Parliament and ratified by the States of the union of India.

Arun Jaitley held the ground firmly.

Rajiv Dhavan was at his caustic best.

One hopes, there are more such debates inviting Ram Jethmalani, Markandey Katju and other luminaries. The debate must be taken forward to logical conclusion.

In terms of Apex court’s verdict, the collegium’s recommendations will be required to be submitted to the President, who acts on the aid and advice of Union Council of Ministers i.e. the political Executive. Selection of judges of high courts and Supreme court involves search for essential core qualities in judges in a transparent manner.  Making 360 degree appraisal of aspirants’ credentials through NJAC, is the best option. The in-house mechanism would be opaque, fraught with biases and prejudices. The impasse must be resolved with Presidential intervention as otherwise the “sovereign people of India” will continue to suffer due to judicial delay caused by vacancies in high courts and Supreme court. About 3 crore cases are reportedly pending in courts across the country. This is no time for confrontation, debates and political wrangling.

DOP&T’s circular dt Sept 30,2015 advises all ministries to  create gyms at  work places to de-stress bureaucrats and overcome  threats of  “ frustration, low productivity, absenteeism, sedentary jobs, increasing workload, image  makeover of  offices by  creating a positive  and energetic work force , help in effective discharge of official duties etc.”

DOP&T’s pearls of wisdom or plebian arguments. Insiders reveal on condition of anonymity that suggestion for gyms came from a few top bureaucrats to burn their calories. Juniors do it, anyway, travelling by public transports. Why can’t  seniors emulate their subordinates  and eliminate VVIP racism? Have they forgotten  Modi mantra: Swachh Bharat Abhiyan.

Sweeping would surely keep them healthier and happier. Consider logistics. Shortage of office space in Delhi and outside is well known. Scouting for additional office space in the open market would be prohitively costly. Private gyms have sprouted at every nook and corner. Why not avail of  these facilities instead of creating duplicate infra-structure. The cascading effect  on the States has not been visualised?

Expenditure running into thousands of crores of rupees. This could be utilized on projects/schemes to help the less fortunately circumstanced. People are getting increasingly disillusioned. GOI must get its priorities right. Sooner,the better.

Instituted in 1954, Sahitya Akademi (SA)Award   carries a plaque and a cash prize of Rs. One lakh. It is a literary recognition by an autonomous body, independent of GOI.

I suspect a whiff of planned conspiracy hatched by a bunch of political parties headed by the Congress that triggered the award –returning spree by 25 awardees - in quick succession.

A sort of literary hysteria.

Why did the awardees remain unfazed by the anti-sikh riots of 1984, fall out of Mandal Commission report (1991), carnage in the aftermath of demolition of Babri mosque (1992), successive terror attacks on India, corruption patronized by the Congress during UPA I&II etc. Where was their conscience?

Was this a case of selective amnesia ?

It would be unfair to put the blame of Dadri lynching  on The Sahitya Academy  (SA) .Not ,even a shread of it.

The awardees in their naivete behaved impetuously—misled by politicians.

They must be blacklisted by SA for  future.

Other similar bodies may take appropriate action with approval  its General Council ,duly notified in mainstream and regional media.

No room for compassion.

They don’t deserve literary recognition  for shaming not only SA but their own works.

They are expected to return the plaque and entire award  money, with compound interests

Whispersinthecorridors’ Home Page  (2nd Oct, 2015) “ Yeh waala Jhadoo daale gandh...  MMS says all Coal files he did not read!... Or may be Sonia's orders he did heed files for her to see…”,  should serve as  wake up call to those who matter  CBI’s clean  chit to MMS have raised suspicions in public mind.

(a) How could  CBI ignore the Constitutional guaranteed Principle of Equality before Law?

(b) What convinced the CBI that file notings and ex-PM’s non-interference with screening committee’s recommendations, did not suggest his complicity? Misplaced perception;

(c) What precluded ex-PM from perusing files, applying his mind before approving illegal coal blocks allocations;

(d) Did CBI interrogate MMS’s top aides on their failure to advise ex-PM on the propriety of decisions taken ? Were they gagged by the political class? (e) Who is trying to save the wrongdoers? Is there any underhand political deal?

Manmohan Singh’s oft-repeated  public statements like: “ I have respect for judicial processes“… ; “ I am open for legal scrutiny”… ; “Truth will prevail”… ; I will get a chance to put forward my case with full facts” … , are political rhetorics. These cannot absolve him from his responsibilities as ex- Coal Minister in deciding illegal allocation of coal blocks in Jharkhand to Navin Jindal group of firms. It  was open secret that all decisions were taken by ex-PM under oral directions of  10-Janpath. He has now to pay for the sins committed by the “high command”

The public has faith in Judiciary. It trusts that the CBI is no longer the caged parrot?

The Indian Skill Development Service (ISDS), a new Group “A” service, is created by GOI under ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship. Recruitment could be through UPSC's Civil Services exams. All to meet the challenges of “Demographic Dividend".  Fair enough.

No wonder, the State govts  will rush for creation of similar Services.

A slim, trim and smart bureaucracy is not possible in digital India.

Parkinson's Law; "work expands to fill the time available for its completion ", is active.

Demand for creation of  top level posts, supporting and administrative staff, recruitment/ management of new Service,will be obvious corollaries.

There must be a total ban on creation of new posts, purchase of staff cars, hiring of office space etc. Let the GOI make-do from  its vast  human resources and physical assets. Dead wood must be weeded out on grounds of poor performance and corruption.

Will PM  please take the call ?

All eyes on OROP. The outcome is in limbo .The Golden Jubilee celebrations of 1965 Indo-Pak war was boycotted by war veterans. Blame game is on. The veterans blame top officers of Ministries of  Defence and  Finance for delaying crucial decisions. The ubiquitous presence of clones of  Sir Humphrey Appleby in Indian bureaucracy has deferred resolution of veterans’ demands. The bureaucracy, it is alleged, opposed OROP from inception ostensibly due to vested interests. Is  higher bureaucracy feeling threatened on quantum of pensions to veterans? 

The veterans seeking intervention of India’s Supreme Commander of Armed Forces ( The President) will be an exercise in futility? The latter failed to find a solution even as FM. Negotiations alone would help. Mutual acrimony would demoralize the armed forces. Prolonging the uncertainty would increase trust . Differences must be narrowed down and demands made affordable.Sooner,the better. One trusts, there will be light at the end of the tunnel? 

Jats and Gujjars already fighting for OBC status.

The existing SC,ST and OBC ,feeling threatened, are in agitation mode against Hardik Patel.

Simmering discontentment could spin out of control leading to a civil war.

It is time to scrap RESERVATION policy

The Indian Skill Development Service ( ISDS) Group “A”  organized service   created under  Union ministry of skill development and entrepreneurship is a good initiative by the Centre to meet challenges of demographic dividend. Its cascading effect in States cannot be stopped. Digital India requires  a slim, trim bureaucracy to replace the existing monolith. Demands for creating   top level posts with supporting and administrative staff, recruitment and maintenance cannot be stifled.

Solution?  A complete  ban on creation of new posts, appointment of superannuated bureaucrats  as consultants on contract basis , purchase of staff cars, hiring of office space etc. Let the GOI make-do it requirement from  out of its surplus  human resources and physical assets. Engage serving officers and staff on deputation from other ministries.

The list of 125 officers identified by PMO for sacking, will not make a dent.Dead wood has to be weeded out both on grounds of poor performance and corruption. Create ISDS by all means. But, aim for a slim and  smart  bureaucracy. It is now or never.

Referring to downsizing bureaucracy for better governance, PM Modi had  made a clarion call  : “ Minimum Government , Maximum Governance “. Did he measure upto the stated policy ? Here is the reality check . Was the dead wood chopped off ? Was intake into the oversized bureaucracy truncated? Inaction  has made the bureaucratic structure take  the shape of an inverted pyramid-  Top heavy  with a  bulging middle  and effete base to stand on.  Too many bosses to supervise too few subordinates , is a common sight. A joke in digital age, PM Modi is so passionate about.

 DOP&T  (Cadre Review Div), pushed by PMO, tenaciously  pursues the mandate of ‘ Cadre Restructuring of organized  services ‘ on quinquinnial basis. Motive:  Faster promotions at top echelons. The functional necessity and workload requirement behind creating higher level posts by abolishing posts at lower rungs ( to achieve  matching savings  and make the cadre review proposal  budget- neutral )  is never checked through M/Finance’s  SIU . Illogical and simplistic. Earlier, such proposals were shelved after notification of  successive Pay Commissions.  

Appointing “Consultants “ by re-employing retired officers (on contract)  is a scam going on in  Ministries/PSUs/ Autonomous bodies etc. Payment of huge emoluments in addition to pension is a drain on tax payers’ money . Existing dispensation ( PM and FM) is mute spectator of the profligacy initiated by P. Chidambaram in UPA regime.

PM Modi  is blissfully unaware. At least, so it seems. His top bureaucratic aides have much to explain.

Policy statements by successive governments, highlighting “ Zero tolerance to corruption” have been non-starters? Recent initiatives by the present political dispensation brazenly contradict the stated policy:-- (a)With amendment to Prevention of corruption Act, the already thin dividing line between  " corruption" and honest error " has  vanished . Giving benefit of doubt to corrupt civil servants is now discretionary , liable to be misused by the Executive apparently for boosting  the “ sagging morale “ of bureaucracy.

 (b) No smoke without fire. Verifiable anonymous complaints, at times, contain explosive information about illegal practices . Suppression  is unethical .These must be pursued to logical culmination . Trashing the same will oxygenate scams.  It would be simplistic to ignore un-named complaints citing  reasons like “Policy paralysis “ , shortage of manpower in anti-corruption  agencies like CBI, CVC, CVOs, ED, IT for verification. Fill vacancies with best brains instead of making excuses. Strengthen Vigilance wings in all ministries, deptts, PSUs and autonomous organizations.

(c)PM’s latest directive prohibiting govt. officers from sending  even named complaints to PMO , amounts to bureaucratic gag.What is the alternative,if, HODs in ministries refuse to take these seriously. Need for preventive vigilance has been diluted. Non-cognizance of anonymous complaints will force- multiply  corruption. Worse still, in absence of protection to whistleblowers, sending “ named “ complaints is  dangerous. 

PM Modi is urged to re-visit the policy decisions against this background.

Public awards and recognitions are arbitrary and discretionary , motivated by extraneous considerations.

Nehru and Indira Gandhi got their names recommended for Bharat Ratna, as serving PMs.

Bharat Ratna Sachin Tendulkar is brand ambassadors for commercial products like fans, inverters etc with enhanced endorsement fees.

Padma Vibhushan Amitabh Bachhan is selling " Chyavan Prash" and some " Kesh tail ".

Mera Desh Mahaan.

Paradoxically, the Padma awards catapulted some nondescript beneficiaries to sudden fame.

Why not scrap these awards ?

“ A lady that can tell her age, can tell anything “, so goes the adage.

Indrani Mukherjea might have had ulterior motives behind introducing her daughter Sheena as younger sister.No wonder, Indrani  suppressed the truth for 3 years.

 The short question remains : why do women hide their age ? 

 Is it to look younger to attract men folks? 

“ Duniya  umeed par  jeeti hai “

 In this hope, women spend a lot of money on cosmetics, anti-ageing creams and whatever else. Some women celebrate their 35th birthday a third time, while actual age is 40 + Old women want to look attractive so that they could still turn men’s head,more so, if, they are single.

Beauty parlours are the ultimate beneficiaries.

I wanted to wait till midnight,the MEA’s deadline .

But,the anti-climax came much earlier.

Pakistan insisted on a prior meeting with Hurriyat separatists.It is an article of faith for them.

India was justified in rejecting the pre-condition in the national interests. It was not a pilgrimage to Ajmer Sharif.

India and Pakistan are like two parallel lines. And, the twain shall never meet. Forget common culture, history,food habits,language.

Only common boundaries to fight besides more discussions on all outstanding issues including Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek, in keeping with the so-called Simla agreement and Ufa understanding, We are back to Square One.

More ceasefire violations, killings, terror attacks, accusations and counter-accusations, more acrimonious debates and acrobatics on TV channels.

DOP&T’s OM No- 21021/5/2015-Academy Desk dated 10th August,2015, to appoint 158 new IAS officers of 2013 batch as Assistant Secretaries for three months on deputation to central Ministries on completion of phase-II training at LBSNAA.

Absurd decision by the Govt of India.

On the job training at respective cadres is the best as it provides hands on experience of  withstanding  political pressures States of Tamil Nadu, Karnataka and others with non-BJP dispensations had opposed it. West Bengal Chief Minister’s office is miffed as it had already issued posting orders for 12 officers with directions to report . The unsavoury confrontation could have been avoided by keeping the State govts in the loop while reviewing the training format . Issuing fatwas without consultation merely generates mutual acrimony.

The State governments have the wherewithal for 90 days attachments and acquaint officers with policy formulation. One wonders, how will knowledge of central hierarchy and its functioning help officers in discharging their cadre responsibilities more efficiently? State governments have their own work cultures and officers should get attuned to it. Deputation to Centre after waiving the mandatory nine years period is not understood.

The grapevine has it that the idea of central grooming originated in the PMO. What is the motive? . Was the format issue considered by Secretaries committee ?

Be that as it may, feedbacks of trainees and State govts must be obtained for impact assessment of DOP&T’s order. dt 10-8-15.

What about the officers  of IPS and I FoS ?

Indo-Pak NSA-level talks called off.

I wanted to wait till midnight,the MEA’s deadline .

But,the anti-climax came much earlier.

Pakistan insisted on a prior meeting with Hurriyat separatists.It is an article of faith for them.

India was justified in rejecting the pre-condition in the national interests. It was not a pilgrimage to Ajmer Sharif.

India and Pakistan are like two parallel lines. And, the twain shall never meet. Forget common culture, history,food habits,language.

Only common boundaries to fight besides more discussions on all outstanding issues including Kashmir, Siachen and Sir Creek, in keeping with the so-called Simla agreement and Ufa understanding, We are back to Square One.

More ceasefire violations, killings, terror attacks, accusations and counter-accusations, more acrimonious debates and acrobatics on TV channels.

During the past one and a half years, PM Modi visited 25 countries. These were :-- Australia, Bangladesh, Bhutan, Brazil, Canada, China, France, Fiji, Germany, Japan, Kazakhstan, Kyrgyzstan, Mauritius, Mongolia, Myanmar, Nepal, Russia, Seychelles, Singapore, Sri Lanka, South Korea, Tajikistan, Turkmenistan, United States, Uzbekistan.

On visiting UAE ,the 26th  country, he received unprecedented welcome. Took the indian diaspora by storm.

The moot question is : why is Britain left out ?

 Is this exclusion a conscious decision or was it  due to absence of formal invitation from UK ?