Dr Singh, how do you want to be remembered?

By Rakesh Khar/DNA-Daily News & Analysis, 16/08/2011
Dr Singh, how do you want to be remembered?

The basic challenge of our time is to ensure that wealth creation is not only tempered by equity and justice but is harnessed to the goal of removal of poverty and development for all,” declared Dr Manmohan Singh in his famous July 24, 1991 budget speech.

Twenty years have passed since Dr Singh came to be recognized as the architect of the economic reform story in India but the challenge of either the goal of removal of poverty or development for all is far from over. The challenge has actually become bigger, tougher, and more complex, with no easy solutions in hand.

Ironic as it is, nobody is celebrating the 20 years of reforms era including Dr Singh himself. This is because the ground reality today is that the reform story, despite its many successes, faces the biggest credibility test: the ever growing chasm between the haves and have-nots.

It is a throwback to either the regulatory powers reigning supreme or a total policy paralysis for fear of being caught in the twin spin of judicial and media activism, a space created due to the total governance failure in the second stint of Dr Singh at the top job.

Dr Singh's supporters are out to trot some numbers but the significance of these is lost on the fast gaining view that the poor became poorer and rich became richer during the last 20 years. This has pitch-forked Dr Singh and his reform policy as the villain.

Consider the following:
Estimates say between a low of 37% (Tendulkar Committee) and a high of 77% (Arjun Sen Gupta committee report) Indians live in poverty (these are figures drawn from government appointed committees). For company they have about 25 to 35 dollar billionaires (Credit Suisse Wealth Report 2010). The same report said there were 1,080 Ultra High Networth Individuals (HNIs) in the wealth strata of $50 million-$500 million and 7,800 HNIs in the wealth strata $10 million-$50 million.

Worse, India's performance in the UNDP Human Development Index (HDI), which is a comparative measure of life expectancy, literacy, education and standards of living for countries worldwide, has got worse in last two decades, receding from 95 in 1990 to 119 in 2010. Yes, there is a counter figure as well: 390 million Indians now belong to the middle class; one-third of them have emerged from poverty in the last 10 years. At the current rate of growth, a majority of Indians will be middle-class by 2025.

But the truth of the curse of poverty in the country is as cold as death. It is visible all over like a scar on our psychology. Blaming it purely on the reform programme is being as simplistic as it is a wishful thinking that more reforms would redeem India of all its problems.

Lack of nuance in our public debate as also Dr Singh's inexplicable silence in wake of falling credibility of his government due to a plethora of corruption scandals has only added to his woes. The PM has made it worse for himself and his paltry supporters by repeatedly saying "he has a job to do". The truth gaining ground is that he has merely a job to keep.

Management thinker Subroto Bagchi wrote in 'The Professional' that "if you qualify to be called a professional than you should be able to self certify completion of your work without supervision. And that is all about integrity. That is how only a true professional as opposed to a tactical climber can scale the summit of his profession and remain there."

Dr Singh, time you switched off for a while, to self-introspect. If not anything else, you might as well let us know how would you like to be remembered for posterity?
(The writer is Editor, Zee Research Group)
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Dr Singh, how do you want to be remembered?

Can CRPF manage Inter State Insurgency seamlessly?

The Tribune Monday, May 31, 2010, Chandigarh, India
The state armed police and the CPOs on counter-insurgency/guerrilla operational tasks and missions require different rules of engagement, training, equipment, leadership and man management.

People who have worked alongside the CRPF are aware of the constant moves of their companies at short notice, non-existent command and control at the battalion level, their inhuman living conditions, poor physical fitness, and lack of the basic equipment like bullet-proof jackets, radio sets, bullet-proof and mine-protected vehicles. How can we expect high results from such psychologically depressed personnel?

Counter-insurgency operations against the Maoists require integrated operations because insurgents when pursued in one state manage to take shelter in the neighbouring states. Every major operation requires detailed planning, coordination, and follow-up on the intelligence and combat aspects. Inter-state coordination and disputes over the state or Central responsibility can be resolved if there are effective Unified Command Headquarters with clear-cut political, operational and coordinating responsibilities.

We need a synergised Centre-state strategy and doctrine to deal with the different aspects of the Maoist insurgency. This should cover the earlier mentioned internal security-related reforms as well as policies on accelerated economic development and social justice in the affected areas.
The writer is a former Army Chief.
Read the full analysis: Different aspects of Maoist problem: How to handle it effectively by Gen V. P. Malik (retd) click here

Indian fakes galore: Now a fake GOI Memorandum

‘Fake’ allowance hike order fools central govt employees
Was it an April Fool prank or a case of an adventurous babu arbitrarily announcing increase in overtime allowances to please colleagues in central government offices?

The case in question is that of a “fake” order being circulated in these offices on increasing allowances on the basis of a circular issued by the finance ministry on April 1 last.

Although a high-level inquiry has been ordered by the finance ministry and the department of personnel and training (DoPT), no clue has yet been found on who was behind the mischief. The office memorandum number 1(4)/2010E-II dated 27/3/2010 was issued by the finance ministry with the signature of under secretary S Rajan Chandranaydu.

“The case is being probed by senior officials. But nothing as yet has been found,” a DoPT official said. “The possibility of it being an April Fool prank is also being looked into. But even in such a case, the guilty could face the music,” he said.

The official clarified that it had nothing to do with DoPT, which is the nodal department on such issues. “It pertains to the finance ministry and they are probing it,” he said.

The issue came to the notice of DoPT after enthusiastic central government officials started seeking details of the hiked overtime allowances, such as the date from which they would become operative. Acting swiftly, DoPT got in touch with the finance ministry, only to discover that the order was fake.

To set the record straight, DoPT issued a fresh office memorandum to clear doubts about the veracity of the order. “It is clarified that no such instruction has been issued by either DoPT or the finance ministry. The ministries and departments are advised not to take cognisance of the fake instructions being circulated in central government offices,” the office memorandum signed by DoPT director Simmi R Nakra said.
Source: DNA India
CG Staff News: Fake Office Memorandum from Government Ministries

HIGHLIGHTS – NOW FAKE GOVERNMENT ORDERS UNDER CIRCULATION

We have heard about fake currencies under circulation.

We have heard fake and counterfeit Stamp Papers under circulation.

We have heard of indian art fakes.

We have heard of fake colleges and degrees.

We have heard of fake distilled water.

We have heard of fake Indian Doctors.

We have heard about life saving fake drugs.

We have heard of fake encounters to bump off criminals by police.

We have heard of fake Politicians taking the garb of Political criminals.

Not forgetting fake passports, fake ids, fake licences, fake land documents, fake registration and so forth.

Now for the first time “Fake Government Orders” under circulation.
Government of India– Ministry of Finance Department of Expenditure– has issued an order stating that there had been a Fake Government Order enhancing the OT Rates from 1.1.2008 in the name of Department of Expenditure dated 27.03.2010– All are warned that no payment shall be made on the basis of the Fake Order!!

It is really funny that even Government Orders are being faked in this country!
Are we heading towards...

A fake democracy?

Criminal Charges Against IAS/ IPS Officers to restore Public Confidence

A LETTER TO THE EDITOR-IN-CHIEF THE TRIBUNE
To: The Editor-in-Chief, The Tribune
Sir,
In a written reply to Rajya Sabha, Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances and Pensions Prithviraj Chavan said 84 IAS officers and 33 IPS officers are "facing trial on criminal charges in CBI cases as on March 31, 2010".
While much is made of acts of alleged wrong-doing on the part of military personnel with certain sections of the media indulging in witch-hunting and going overboard in reporting them in blazing headlines, we hardly come across any follow-up coverage of cases against other culpable elements of society.
Why it need be so? Are there two different norms set by the media- one for the Armed Forces personnel and another for the remaining citizens of the country- to highlight blameworthiness of individuals?
Warm regards.
Sincerely,
Wg Cdr S.C. KAPOOR (retd)
(Member IESM Veterans Groups)
CBI Criminal Charges Bureaucrats

The number of IAS and IPS officers facing trial on the Criminal charges in CBI cases as on 31.3.2010 are as under:
IAS: 84
IPS: 33
AS on 31.3.2010, the number of cases being investigated against IAS and IPS officers by CBI are as under:
IAS: 21
IPS: 6
As on 31.3.2010 the number of IAS & IPS officers against whom cases under PC at are being investigated by CBI are as under:
IAS: 15
IPS: 1

Government have taken several steps to restore the public confidence in the IAS & IPS. These inter-alia, include, speedy trial of corruption cases through setting up of Special CBI Courts, conducting disciplinary proceedings against the delinquent officers in a time bound manner, inculcating appropriate values, introducing mid-career mandatory training programme for IAS officers, recognizing and rewarding the good performers by instituting the PM’s awards of excellence etc.

This information was given by the Minister of State in the Ministry of Personnel, Public Grievances & Pensions, Shri Prithviraj Chavan in written reply to a question in Rajya Sabha. *** RS/SR
OVER 110 IAS, IPS OFFICERS FACING CRIMINAL CHARGES

IAS churning Indian Democracy to Autocratic Feudal Aristocracy

Dear Sh KK Punchhi,
This matter/ message- click here is based from following inputs:

World Development Report 2009

The book" Breaking Free of Nehru- let's Unleash India by an Ex IAS officer available in Oxford Book Stores click here for synopsis

My discussion with CEC of India and consequent enquiry

My dealing with district IAS officers as President of Residents Welfare Association

The way IAS officers have played with Natural Justice by tempering with 6th CPC Report for their vested interests and consequent flooding of cases in Courts/ Tribunals and many other inputs where IAS officers play the game of shuttle cock to avoid taking decisions, etc

Army Jawans/ officers going on fast unto death and returning service gallantry awards/ medals are bad signals for India. In the last 25 years IAS officers have done nothing to solve this major issue troubling Defence forces (serving and retired) inspite of all financial and administrative data supplied to them.

Since I also retired in the rank of Special Secretary to Government of India (former Controller General of Defence Accounts), and my son and daughter-in-law both were in IAS as SDM, DRDA, Deputy Commissioner, Commissioner/ Secy etc. I have seen their functioning at various levels from the lowest to the highest.

My fear is if we delay in winding up this rusted steel frame of bureaucracy/ modifying/ overhauling to suit our Freedom, Swaraj (self rule), we shall soon be declared as a Failed State.

If there is any positive improvement in India, it is all due to Private Sector. Both IAS officers and political leaders are failing us in attaining Freedom (Independence is not called Freedom), Security, Justice, Accountability, making cities after cities as urban nightmare (Thank God People of Jamshedpur are refusing IAS officers/ Political leaders to take over their local government) and almost in all social, economic, secular and other areas.

People of India should think over this serious matter before it is too late. The moment we cross the rating of 90, we shall be failed State. Bell is ringing very loud.
with regards,
Prem Sabhlok

Is India a failed State?
Audio has been disabled

Failed State, INDIA, will soon FALL to NAXALITE Insurgents - India is DOOMED!


India's deplorable human rights record may get a free pass from the western media, but not from its own people who suffer directly from the brutual oppression. You can just tell them to stay poor and be happy, while the rich get richer. 450 Million Dalits, Untouchables and Scheduled classes are enslaved as indentured classes in the inhuman caste system. 150 Million Muslims are marginalized as 2nd class citizens. 50 million Widows are incarcerated in temples as prostitutes. Almost every state has an insurgency. The Naxalite militancy rages from the Nepal border deep into Andhra Pradesh and to the Tamilnadu border.

India's Internal Security at Peril due to lack of Governance and Galloping Graft of Civil Administrators

India signals new anti-Maoist offensive By Rupam Jain Nair (AFP) – Oct 9, 2009
NEW DELHI — India looks set for a major offensive against Maoist rebels, whose growing influence and increasingly brazen attacks have been branded a national security failure, officials and sources said Friday.

"A new anti Maoist plan has been approved by the cabinet. States hit by this insurgency are instructed to follow the new plan and get their act together," senior home ministry official Kashmir Singh told AFP on Friday.

The cabinet met Thursday just hours before left-wing guerrillas gunned down 17 policemen in western India, the latest in a series of assaults in an increasingly lethal insurgency.

At least 150 Maoists attacked the policemen in a forest village in Maharashtra state, near the border with Chhattisgarh state where the rebels have their stronghold.

Security sources cited by the media said the new strategy was for a large-scale, coordinated offensive involving seven states worst affected by Maoist violence, with support from federal security services.
India signals new anti-Maoist offensive

Indian Express Sunday , Oct 11, 2009 at 1411 hrs
Refusing to bracket Naxals with terrorists, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on Sunday ruled out use of armed forces against them and said that the government is willing to hold talks with them if they abjured violence.

"They (Naxals) are banned organisations and are covered under Unlawful Activities (Prevention) Act," he said replying to a question if the government proposed to declare the ultra-left groups as terror outfits.

"We are not in favour of using the armed forces against the Naxalites. The para-military forces and police are adequate (for counter-Naxal operations)," he told a press meet here and underscored the need for looking at the causes of alienation of the people, particularly the tribals.

While terming Naxalism as the biggest internal security threat, the Prime Minister said dialogue with them was possible only if they shunned violence.
PM rules out use of armed forces against Naxals

Genesis of Maoist and Naxalite terror in India
'Naxalism'- The Retreat of Civil Governance by Ajai Sahni

IIT- IIM Professors Strike and Bureaucracy

IIT and IIM Professors are going on strike. Anything strange?? What is strange is that they are not workers in a factory. They are the Gurus of India’s best brains, the best engineers and management professionals, who are sought after by the top most companies in India, America, Europe and other developed countries. They are the brains behind many path breaking inventions like the Pentium chips, exotic software and running of internationally renowned companies like Pepsi!! These professors are the best and if they want to join the private sector or go abroad, they will earn lakhs of dollars/ Euros. The bureaucracy is behind such learned and revered professors being forced to go on Hunger strike.

There is a pattern that the bureaucracy is following. As is well known by now, it is they who are responsible for creating dissatisfaction amongst another center of excellence; the Defence Forces, by cunningly awarding them inadequate salaries and pensions than their due. By downgrading the in-terse status of the Defence Services officers vis a vis the bureaucrats and the Police/paramilitary forces. They are the ones who forced the hands of the three Service Chiefs to refuse to implement the award of the 6th Pay Commission, for the first time!! It is they who are the cause of Indian Military Veterans going on hunger strike and returning their bravery and other medals to the Supreme Commander, the President of India, for the first time in their glorious history.

Have you ever seen IAS officers going on strike!!! Not they are overly loyal and devoted to the Nation (even more than the Defence Services!!!!!) The plain reason is that whenever a Pay Commission is set up, they are the ones who take the creamy layer and add to their pay and perks. This they do as they provide the secretariat, draft the report, interpret it, explain to the ministers and sit on judgment when other organs of the Government who feel aggrieved, put forward their requests. So they never have no reason to resort to any strikes.

The IAS which is present in all organs of the Government are so self centered and crafty. The politicians who are supposed to control them when they come in power have no experience and time for governance. They depend so heavily on the noting of the Babus on files. They have no courage to take any action against the bureaucrats even if they know that the facts put up in the noting are wrong. In any case the IAS has made such rules for themselves that to punish an erring Babu is well nigh impossible.

The bureaucrats are bent upon breaking the back of all centers of excellence in the Country. It is such a sad happening that they are forcing soldiers and elite professors to go on strike due to their short sightedness. They sit on important matters, procrastinate, cause delays, look at each and every issue with a myopic and bureaucratic angle. And they think they are doing yeoman’s service to the Nation!!!

There is hardly any project, acquisition of military equipment, construction of airports, roads etc on time. If all such delays are enquired into, the prime cause would be the bureaucracy!!

India’s progress in economic, industrial, health care, agriculture and other such areas is so slow and way behind. Its National security is at peril. Till IAS is reformed, nothing will change. India will crawl along and left way behind other nations. We may have even to suffer humiliating defeat, since no combat aircraft, artillery guns, aircraft carriers, submarines and other important weapon and other systems have been added to the three Defence Services for decades. Bureaucratic intransigence, controls and delays are also the primary cause of India being branded one of the top most corrupt nations!!

There is a dire need for administrative reforms, the way the government functions and manner of working of the IAS, if India is to survive as an independent nation. Indian polity should raise its voice and start a movement to safeguard the future of the Country and take the functioning out of the clutches of the IAS.

Lt Gen Harbhajan Singh, PVSM (Retd)
Related reading:
IIM faculty wants pay hike, NIT teachers do not want to be second in pay row
IITs go the Munnabhai way, turn to 'Gandhigiri' to secure pay hikes