Keep Talking.

Keep talking.

You have rightly pointed out the fact that both the government and the opposition must be blamed for abandoning their duty to the democratic process (IE,30/11/11). All the parties, especially the Congress and the BJP, have to rescue the institution of parliament from public ridicule. Lokpal bill, price rise, black money, nuclear power, FDI in retail and many other issues confront the country. Instead of discussing these issues in the parliament, all parties are posturing at the cost of the public welfare. This may erode the legitimacy of the democratic system.

However, the ruling party has to realize that it has more responsibility in running the parliament smoothly. There is no reason why the government should not concede adjournment motions of the opposition to voice reservations on the government policies. Last time there was a confrontation on the issue of PAC on 2G and later, it had to concede it after wasting an entire session. Let the opposition have its say, the government can have it way later. The government has failed to evolve a consensus on most of the issues especially on FDI in retail even among its allies. Rushing through without a consensus is neither good politics, nor good economics.

http://www.indianexpress.com/news/keep-talking/882053/

November 30,2011.

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Affordable housing ?

Affordable housing?

The report on affordable housing (DNA,8/11/11) makes sad reading. That the prices of flats in Mumbai have gone up by ten times in a decade is a slap on the face of all politicians in Maharastra who swear by 'am admi'. They have repeatedly talked about affordable housing for the masses for the last two or three decades. Mill workers have been denied their rights to a dwelling while the mill owners have built their malls and luxurious housing. No wonder slums have proliferated from 55 to 70 percent in Mumbai. Slum re-development programmes have become a farce where elite have been able to corner flats. With prices zooming so high only the rich and the super rich only can afford to live in Mumbai. Over-crowded trains and buses, unending traffic jams, pot-holed roads and high power tariff characterize Mumbai today. The city is being ruled by greedy politicians and unscrupulous builders. This is not a city of dreams. If Singapore can provide housing for all, Mumbai too can do it. However, that requires vision and imagination which our politicians do not have.

http://epaper.dnaindia.com/

Nov.8,2011.

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SSA, RTI - A reality check.

SSA, RTI – A Reality check.

Lant Pritchett, in his interaction with the editors of the Indian Express (8/11/11) has given a reality check to our politicians and bureaucrats. Just as iron bars do not make a prison, school buildings and even teachers do not show educational progress. As he has pointed out, "What India does not have is any semi-skilled labour, or high school-educated labour, people with basic literacy but advanced skills." What India today requires is a large number of vocational courses to be provided to the high school students so that they can find work easily or be self-employed. We also require teachers' training schools which just trains but motivates them to do justice to the students. The teachers should be properly remunerated. We read in newspapers that the government fails to release educational grants to schools and colleges in time. It is not lack of resources but lack of imagination and commitment by the government that retards our education of the masses. He has rightly said that India has emphasized elite education at the expense of mass education and that politicians use SSA for patronage. GDP growth and maga projects have no value as long as the government cannot provide proper education and health to our people. Will the reality check of an expert wake up the politicians and administrators to do the right thing by the people?

http://epaper.indianexpress.com/16162/Indian-Express-Mumbai/08-November-2011#p=page:n=9:z=1

November 8,2011.

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