CANDLES FOR WHO ?

Whenever an unfortunate incident like that of Ruchika takes place, statements from the Govt, from various political parties and from those who have a lot of free time suddenly find space in the media. Then there are those who want to be noticed and we suddenly see them going on candle lighting spree. Candles are lit for only one day-- then forgotten--when unfortunate incidents like;

Arushi--Ruchika—Priyadarshani Matto--Shivani Bhatnagar--26/11—Jessica lall--Uphaar--Manu bail – Parliament attack—etc, takes place.

In this process we seem to forget the main issue,which is not Rathore, - not Manu, -not Kasab, - not Parliament attack, - not 26/11, - not Koda, -not Satyam; it is the very basis of functional democracy.

In my opinion, if we need to light candles, let us do firmly to remove the CAUSE of the problem. Let all well meaning citizens, civil society light PERMANENT candles at Gateway-Jantar Mantar-Charminar and involve the electronic media in the effort.

Let us light candle to ensure Government is made ACCOUNTABLE

Let us light candles to insist upon GOOD GOVERNANCE.

Light candles to ensure likes of AFZAL GURU are hanged without being used as political tools.

Let us light candle to discourage MINORITY APPEASEMENT.

Let us light candle to remove CORRUPT POLITICIAN, to stop POLITICAL CORRUPTION.

Let us light candles to fight BLACK MARKETING—HOARDING---INFLATION.

Let us light candle to remove corrupt BUREAUCRATS.

Let us light candle for implementation of POLICE —JUDICIAL—ELECTORAL REFORMS.

Let us light candles to fight POLITICIAN-BUREAUCRAT and MEDIA-INDUSTRY NEXUS.

Let us light candles for beefing up of INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL SECURITY.

Let us light candles to provide better equipment to ARMED FORCES and POLICE.

Let us light candle to stop scams like KODA-SATYAM-RICE-SUGAR-TELECOM-BULLET PROOF VEST.

NOW IS THE TIME TO REMOVE THE CAUSE .NOW IS THE TIME FOR RUTHLESS SURGERY.

Unless we do so and highlight this through the media, there will continue to be more Arushi,-- more Ruchika, --more Jessica,- -more Shivani--more Priyadarshani--more Parliament attacks,-- more 26/11,-- more Uphaar,-- more rapes,-- more murders,- -more Kodas,- -more Satyams,-- more telecom scams,- -more Dinakarans, endless, endless, endless.............

Unless the root cause is eliminated, cancer of political interference, -- political corruption, - -political indifference, -- political insensitivity, - -political opportunism, --political patronage to goondas, -- political corruption, political patronage to black marketers, will remain and perhaps increase.

Let us stop lighting candles; we may just run out of wax stocks because of frequency of such shameful incidents.

PAPPU IS NOT HAPPY

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted 27/12/09 b k chowla

PAPPU ALL THE WAY

IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA

PAPPU, the common man was sitting besides his hut, watching the flood waters wash away his belongings. He looked towards the sky and saw a helicopter; Mantriji was on an aerial survey of the area...and soon flew back. Only a couple of months ago, PAPPU was sitting here and looking at the sky and praying for some rain for his fields and the drinking water needs of the village( it was floods now it is dry)

From a passerby, PAPPU enquired if he knew anything about the person who flew over the area. He was told that the person was a VIP and tried to explain to him what a VIP;

VIP is a person who comes to you as PAPPU for your votes before elections and promises you Roads, Electricity, Water, Schools, Hospitals, Jobs etc and we decide to trust him and send him to the Parliament to represent the constituency. Pressures at the Parliament, gives him the status of VIP, which entitles him Free furnished housing ,Free electricity, Free water, Free telephone, Free car, Petrol, Driver etc but he is very concerned about your welfare, hence ex chequer gives him Rs2 crores per year to look after his constituency., this is besides his salary, Free air travel, free train travel, and free medical attendance and not to forget security as now he suffers from a report called "threat perception". All this is only for you, because, if he is not comfortable he will not be able to look after his constituency.

PAPPU was surprised and said but all that you have mentioned above is what he promised me/us before we cast our vote and sent him to Parliament... I was promised Roads School, Hospital, Electricity, job, housing and a lots more.

He was a Pappu, because you/we trusted him, he is now a VIP and we are all PAPPUs.

He has everything he promised you...and you are looking towards the sky.

Rain, Mantriji, or Helicopter? Only a VIP can tell you.?

In 62 yrs we have created only VIPs.

Let us CHANGE INDIA for NDIA OF TOMORROW

reposted 20/12/09 by b k chowla

WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE?

We have a peculiar democracy and bureaucrats , a combo parting gift from the British.

A party is voted to power and historically it makes them or shall we say law makes them unaccountable to those who voted them to power. (It is a match played once in 5 years)

Bureaucrats are trained so as to help ruling party to Govern .Conveniently; they make such complicated laws which make them and the politicians unaccountable to the people.

As in colonial days, all that is expected of us is to pay taxes-follow the rules framed by them-ask no questions.

WHERE IS GOVERNANCE?

WHO IN THE GOVT IS ACCOUNTABLE FOR SOME OF THE FOLLOWING LAPSES/MESS/CARELESSNESS??

Chinese scream /shout from across the border and we stop construction of roads on our side in Ladakh. Chinese even justify the act and we remain silent spectators.

Delhi Municipal Corp allegedly has 22830 fake employees. Their salary of Rs 204 crores is being debited annually.There is no comment from either the opposition or the ruling party.

There is no water and electricity—only for the common man –even after 62 years.

Madu Koda siphons off Rs 4000 croes. Is it possible without connivance of those in power?

Alleged Rs 60000 crores telecom scam –Is it possible without connivance of those in power?

Manu Sharma gets parole during Haryana Elections when his father is active congress member whereas thousands of under trials are awaiting trial .

Lok Sabha gets adjourned during question hour as the ministers go missing.

Of 225 Rajya Sabha members, only 25 are present to discuss price rise/inflation.

Afzal Guru is still not hanged.

Even after one year, FIR is not filed on loss of Hemant Karkare’s bullet proof jacket.?

Headly comes to India 9 times inspecting prospective terror potential sites and goes back.

Headly’s “c” form goes missing from CID office. Intelligence failure?

Liberahan commission report gets leaked. Home minister and Liberahan both confirm it didn’t leak from their office.

Pradhan committee report has not been tabled but is leaked to the press.

Ranganath report though is ready for the last two years but is not placed in parliament.

(Ex) VIPs refuse to vacate the bungalows which were allotted to them.

An amount running into Rs crores is due from VIPs on account of telephone and electricity bills.

CBI to investigate alleged illegal mining by Karnataka ministers. Illegal mining—can it start without connivance?

Police reforms are not being implemented despite intervention of the Supreme Court.

As and when the Govt faces an embarrassing situation---one hears some of these oft repeated sentences-excuses-exit routes. They do succeed in fooling us.

WE WILL APPOINT ENQUIRY COMMISSION-----WE WILL LOOK INTO THE MATTER----WE ARE APPOINTING HIGH LEVEL COMMITTEE TO INVESTIGATE------JOINT PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE WILL BE FORMED TO INVESTIGATE---IT IS STATE’S RESPONSIBILITY----IT IS CENTER’S RESPONSIBILITY---WE GAVE INTELLIGENCE INPUT TO THE STATE-----WE NEVER RECEIVED ANY INPUT FROM THE CENTRE---CBI WILL HANDLE THE ENQUIRY-----CID IS COMPETENT TO HANDLE---LAW AND ORDER IS STATE SUBJECT---THIS IS NOT A LAW AND ORDER PROBLEM---STANDING COMMITTEE WILL SUBMIT REPORT—LAW WILL TAKES OWN COURSE—WE DON’T FOLLOW MINORITY APPEASEMENT POLICY---

How often have we heard such statements? Have we ever seen or read or heard the result ever of the problem?

At the end of it all what do we get? An inconclusive report which took 17 years----Rs 8 crores(direct cost)---without much of help except it created some humour in the Parliament.

WHO IS ACCOUNTABLE?

THOSE WHO ARE , ARE PROTECTED.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted 14/12/09 b k chowla

WE DESERVE THIS GOVERNMENT??

Inflation is a major issue facing the common man today. With the kind of (in) actions this Govt is taking are most repulsive.

Govt seems to be warning us that we have made a mistake by voting them into power second/third time over. Sure, in such case we deserve the punishment we are being given.

We have Dr Manmohan Singh as the PM, a distinguished economist.

We have Montek Singh Ahluwalia, an economist, as the Chairman of planning commission.

We have Chawla as the finance Secy,

We have Dr Rangarajan, a financial genius, as an advisor besides various other economists in and around the PMs office and Finance ministry and in each state.

We have sent some of the best economists to IMF.

We have sent some of the best economists to the World Bank.

So, why is controlling inflation not on Govt’s agenda?

The biggest shocker came on Sat the 5 th.

Govt has increased the VAT (value added tax) on 170 items under different “heads” resulting into increase in prices of over 400 food items which include edible oil, pulses and other food items. Common man is already under stress due to 17% inflation on food items including daily vegetables.

There are very pressing issues for the Govt including, security, global warming, terror and also inflation. If the Govt is able to find time to attend to other problems---why is it avoiding priority on inflation?

Are some elements in the Govt in connivance with hoarders and black marketers?

Is the Govt taking us for granted as we have no alternative?

Is it a challenge to the electorate?

Should the P M get involved personally in handling this problem?

I am unable to find an answer to my own questions----can you help?

OR

WE DESERVE THIS GOVERNMENT??

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted 07/12/09 by b k chowla

CONFUSING NUMBERS

IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA

Since media has so much extra time at their disposal, unknowingly they give away information. Try and figure out these complicated figures.

It is about seven months that the present Govt took charge. Ministers have moved into their respective offices. The amount they have spent on renovating their offices may send one in a dizzy. Even the earlier Govt was that of UPA who had spent Rs crores for office renovation. Details of expenditure of all the 78 ministers is not available yet. Some are...

Vilas Rao Deshmukh........Rs 17.54 lakhs on “modernisation”

Anand Sharma.................Rs 14.78 lakhs

Jyotiraditya Scindia.......... Rs 14.98 lakhs.

Jatin Prasad.....................Rs 11..40 lakhs

Kapil Sibal........................Rs 3.23 lakhs on “toilet and office texture painting”

Mukul Wasnik .................Rs 8.22 lakhs on “visitors” room.

Amount spent by other 70 ministers is not yet known, but considering the amount spent by six is bad enough example. It is estimated that total amount spent on renovations could touch Rs 100 crores.

Subject to confirmation, an amount of Rs 120 crores has been spent by the ministers on renovating their houses.

Offices and house renovation at tax payers cost?

Did we hear a few months back about a dirty word called “Austerity”?

Can someone please decode this mystery?

W.e.f Monday, the water charges in Delhi have been raised by two and half times. This at a time when the wage goods are out of reach of the common man.

Irony is that, the day water charges have been increased is the day Govt has announced reduction in the price of ATF(aviation turbine fuel).Rich man’s fuel will cost less and poor man’s water will cost more.

Could the common man have been saved the water burden?

Can someone please decode this mystery?

GDP reaches a figure of 7.90 % for quarter ending Sept 09.

So what?

Inflation,food prices, touches 14.35 % highest in the recent years.

Those who are concerned about GDP do not care about inflation and those who are dying under pressure of inflation do not understand GDP,they understand MEHNGAI only.

Can someone please decode this mystery?

Has the Govt lost touch with the ground reality?

Has the Govt lost touch with the common man?

Has the Govt decided to frame policies on GDP and SENSEX basis?

Can someone please decode this mystery?

Should there be a mechanism by which the tax payer's money is not misused ?

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted b k chowla 01/12/09

INDIAN VERSION

IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA.

Most of us must have read the story of the Ant and the Grasshopper.

Someone has translated it into an India Version (?) Read on;

The Ant works hard in the withering heat all summer building its house and laying up supplies for the winter.The Grasshopper thinks the Ant's a fool and laughs & dances & plays the summer away.Come winter, the shivering Grasshopper calls a press conference and demands to know why the Ant should be allowed to be warm and well fed while others are cold and starving.

NDTV, BBC, CNN ,TIMES NOW, ZEE, show up to provide pictures of the shivering Grasshopper next to a video of the Ant in his comfortable home with a table filled with food.

The World is stunned by the sharp contrast. How can this be that this poor Grasshopper is allowed to suffer so?

Arundhati Roy stages a demonstration in front of the Ant's house.

Medha Patkar goes on a fast along with other Grasshoppers demanding that Grasshoppers be relocated to warmer climates during winter.

Mayawati states this as `injustice' done on Minorities.

Amnesty International and Bal-ki-moon criticize the Indian Government for not upholding the fundamental rights of the Grasshopper.

The Internet is flooded with online petitions seeking support to the Grasshopper (many promising Heaven and Everlasting Peace for prompt support as against the wrath of God for non-compliance)

Opposition MPs stage a walkout. Left parties call for ' Bengal Bandh' in West Bengal and Kerala demanding a Judicial Enquiry.

CPM in Kerala immediately passes a law preventing Ants from working hard in the heat so as to bring about equality of poverty among Ants and Grasshoppers.

Mamta Banerjee allocates one free coach to Grasshoppers on all Indian Railway Trains, aptly named as the 'Grasshopper Rath'.

Finally, the Judicial Committee drafts the ' Prevention of Terrorism against Grasshoppers Act' [POTAGA], with effect from the beginning of the winter.

POTAGA will however, not be applicable in Gujarat,

Kapil Sibbal makes 'Special Reservation ' for Grasshoppers in Educational Institutions & in Government Services.

The Ant is fined for failing to comply with POTAGA and having nothing left to pay his retroactive taxes; its home is confiscated by the Government and handed over to the Grasshopper in a ceremony covered by NDTV.

Modi cries foul.

Arundhati Roy calls it ' A Triumph of Justice'.

Lalu calls it 'Socialistic Justice '.

CPM calls it the ' Revolutionary Resurgence of the Downtrodden’

Bal Ki-Moon invites the Grasshopper to address the UN General Assembly.

So many years later.....

The Ant has since migrated to the US and set up a multi-billion dollar company in Silicon Valley,while100s of Grasshoppers still die of starvation despite reservation somewhere in India.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

b k chowla from mail by vkseth.

GOOD MORNING

MORNING SHOWS THE DAY.......thus goes a famous saying.

MOST OF US GET UP IN THE MORNING,SAY OUR PRAYERS WASH OUR FACE ,GET FRESH AND LOOK FORWARD TO NICE, FRUITFUL, PLEASANT ,HAPPY AND A SUCCESSFUL DAY AHEAD .namaste

OUR FIRST CONNECT FOR INFORMATION TO THE WORLD IS OUR MORNING NEWSPAPER. Generally.

HOW WOULD ONE REACT,HOW WOULD ONE FEEL SAFE, WHEN ONE READS SOME OF THE FOLLOWING MOST DISGUSTING AND DEPRESSING FRONT PAGE NEWS BEFORE ONE GETS TO DAYS WORK?

1 1... COURT SLAMS SHIELA GOVT FOR MANU PAROLE.

2 2...THREE KIDS DIE EVERY MINUTE IN THE COUNTRY... Unicef’s State of the world’s children report

3 3... RECRUIT ONLY MARATHIS,MNS WARNS SBI

4 4... KARKAR’S 26/11 BULLETPROOF VEST “MISSING”

5 5... FOOD PRICES MAY SOFTEN AFTER THREE MORE MONTHS---SHARAD PAWAR

6 6... SWINE FLU CASES RISE AS CHILL SETS IN.

7 7... DON’T FALL ILL IN DELHI, HOSPITALS HAVE NO BEDS TO SPARE.

8 8... YOUR DAILY MEAL TO GET COSTLIER.

9 9... MAOIST TERROR REACHES CITY OUTSKIRTS

10 ... KODA IN RS 4000 CRORES SCAM.

11 ... SHO WITH ASSETS WORTH RS 20 CRORES.

12 ... WRONG TREATMENT LEAVES 23 BABIES ILL.

13 .. GOVT SPARES BABUS BRIBED BY U.S. FIRMS.(in depts. Ranging from customs, excise ,sales tax as per complaint lodged by Meera Shankar, Indian ambassador)

14 ... BLAST IN ASSAM, 6 FEARED KILLED.

15 ... INFLATION HITS 3 YEARS HIGH

16 .. SCUFFLE IN RAJYA SABHA, AMAR SINGH MANHANDLED.

17 ... LIBERHAN REPORT LEAKED.

18 ... RUSSIAN FIRM PAID NTPC RS 100 CRORES IN KICKBACKS.

FROM THE ABOVE HEADLINES ONE CAN FEEL HOW SAFE THE COMMON MAN IS, HOW CORRUPT POLITICIANS ARE, HOW DIFFICULT IT IS FOR COMMON MAN TO MEET THE INFLATION CHALLENGE, HOW CAN WE TRUST MEDICAL FACILITIES, HOW EASY IT IS FOR POLITICAL PARTY TO CIRCUMVENT THE LAW.???

I FOR ONE WOULD BE HAPPY TO SEE AND READ SOME OF THE FOLLOWING NEWS/VISUALS ABOUT INDIA IN THE MORNING PAPER.

SUN SHINE-SMILING GIRL CHILD-PICTURE OF COMMUNAL HARMONY-DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMMES-MILITARY STRENGTH-HEALTH PROGRAMME-ECONOMIC GROWTH-INDIAN FLAG-ANY OTHER ASPECT WHICH SHOWS US AS A STRONG, CORRUPTION FREE NATION, A FUNCTIONAL DEMOCRACY, A SECULAR AND SAFE NATION.

I would hate to see the picture of a politician on the front page

WOULD YOU ?

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted 25/11/09 by b k chowla

VAN-PAVEMENT DWELLERS.

IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA

It is almost one year since 26/11.

What India has learnt or otherwise, time will tell and that will be separate subject for a blog post.

Have we as a Nation been sensitive towards those who died for us?

Have we as a Nation been sensitive towards those who are ensuring that another 26/11 is avoided?

The answer seems to a very disturbing, unfortunate and a negative reply.

Post 26/11, The Taj and Trident/Oberoi are being guarded by the State Reserve Police Force.

Jawans , 25 of them, those who are guarding Trident/Oberoi have been living in a van and sleep in the van after 12 hours of duty. They naturally wash their clothes in the van, they cook in the van, and they wash their utensils in the van. Their living situation becomes worst during monsoons due to lack of a ceiling over their head.

Jawans, those who are guarding the Taj Hotel are worse of.

They are using historical Gateway of India as their house. Despite a rush of evening visitors/tourists to the the Gateway, these jawans cook their food, wash their clothes, dry their clothes, wash their utensils on the pavement.(SHAME)

Hemant Karkare lost his life fighting for the country. It is alleged that the bullet proof vest he was wearing was of sub standard quality. The Govt ordered an enquiry and----hold your breath----the file of procurement suddenly is lost.(SHAME)

Hemant Karkare’s wife did not give up. She followed up the case as the Govt still had the defective jacket Karkare wore which was the only substantial piece of evidence.---hold your breath---the jacket has gone missing.(SHAME)

Is that how we are going to honour our heroes who died for us?

Is that how we are going to treat our jawans who are securing us?

Mr Ashok Chavan, CM, is on record to say that the “THE GOVT CAN NOT PROVIDE THESE JAWANS HOUSES” (are we ashamed of such people and statements?)

Mr Ashok Dongre, the Deputy Inspector General of SRPF has this comment to make “THE MATTER WILL BE LOOKED INTO” (are we ashamed of such people and statements?)

Government has no house for the Jawans on duty against terror, but only last week there was a report in a local paper which said----

MEIRA KUMAR, LOK SABHA SPEAKER HAS BEEN ALLOTTED TWO SPRAWLING BUNGALOWS IN DELHI.

GULAM NABI AZAD, HEALTH MINISTER HAS BEEN ALLOTTED TWO SPRAWLING BUNGALOWS IN DELHI.

The only action I could take after writing this post was to stand in silence for one minute.

You may want to do so.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted on 20/11/09 by b k chowla.

NON EXISTANT OPPOSITION.

Democracy has the unique advantage in which the electorate takes two decisions. One is to vote in more than 50% to Govern-called ruling party. The other is to vote in a credible party to work as the watch dog-called opposition. If the opposition party does not perform, it can create a very serious problem for the country and democracy. It can make the ruling party undemocratic and insensitive towards the people.

Let us take only Delhi as a case in point.BJP,the main opposition party is invisible. Some of the following actions/decisions/statements by the ruling Congress will prove a point as to how an insensitive Govt can harm the common man.

In the last few months, the Congress Govt has announced the following hard and unpopular decisions, undemocratically, without a word of opposition from BJP (people’s voice is never heard).

DTC bus fares have been increased and only the middle class will suffer-BJP is silent and non existent

Metro rail fares have been increased - BJP is on a heavy dose of sleeping pills.

Fares of feeder bus service to metro stations have been increased-BJP is on a pause mode.

Milk prices have been increased by Rs 2/lt-BJP is busy fighting between themselves.

There is a continuous threat that Delhi Govt is considering withdrawal of subsidy of Rs 40/cylinder on LPG-BJP has no clue as to how to react.

The electricity tariff has been increased by 40%--BJP is ok with us getting electric shocks.

Delhi Jal Board has passed a resolution to increase the rate of water in Delhi-BJP couldn’t careless as they now drink only mineral water.

Manu Sharma was given parole in Sept and was extended by Shiela Dixit despite objection from the Delhi police-BJP,like all of us were not aware because BJP has failed as opposition party.

BJP lost elections in Delhi because the prices of onions had touched Rs 20/kg. Today the prices of vegetables have hit the ceiling and remain unaffordable. Instead of taking on Shiela Dixit, BJP are taking on Reddy Bros of Karnataka.

Butter is not available in the market.Yes plenty is available in black market from the hoarders.

The toll tariff on Delhi-Gurgaon-Delhi has been increased. It is estimated that more than 1.50 lakh vehicles cross every day. Considering an average increase of Rs 2/ vehicle, the extra collection per day has increased by about Rs 3.00 lakhs, which about Rs 11 crores per year. Where is the justification? -BJP remains a silent spectator.

Tariff on Delhi-Noida-Delhi has been increased on similar lines as DGD route. Extra collection per year on this route is about Rs 9 crores. - BJP remained a silent spectator.

Just by sitting on dharna at Jantar Mantar, a walk out in the assembly or a Delhi bandh is not an answer,it is a sign of tired and frustrated opposition, the BJP.

What is stated above is only about Delhi. We can imagine as to what havoc the Govt can play if there are no checks and balances by the opposition for which BJP was voted in

It is essential that nationally also the opposition is strong so that the ruling party performs the jobs they have been voted in.

It is in our national interest to have a strong ruling and the opposition party.

With the condition of the BJP on the National level, we may have to face a very serious situation in the country if the ruling party remains uncheked

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted by b k chowla 17/11/09

THE GREAT CM

IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA.

Shiela Dixit flags off Delhi metro to Noida

Shiela Dixit flags off Manu Sharma to parole.

Shiela Dixit is the CM of Delhi.

Manu Sharma's father is a congressman from Haryana.

Manu Sharma's parole date coincided with Haryana Elections.(WHAT LUCK)

Haryana is ruled by Congress

Delhi is ruled(I wish they governed) by Congress.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted by b k chowla 13/11/09

INFERNO---JAIPUR

IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA

Indian oil has seen one of its worst devastating fires ever at the Jaipur depot on Thursday. (29^Th)

Expected estimated loss is over Rs 1000crores. (Final tally still not known).

Reported official figure of dead as of now is 12 (Hard to believe).

Reportedly about 20000 people have lost their jobs due to spread of fire in the Industrial area.

The Rajasthan High Court has issued notice to Central and State Govts to explain as to what action has been taken to douse the fire.

Final figures of injured, dead, loss, compensations,etc will be known and assessed only after and when the fire is brought under control which is now spread to the ground.

The day the depot caught fire, it was news on most of the TV channels.Naturally.

But breaking news was most interesting......Petroleum minister Deora to go to Jaipur.....Then, Deora on way to Jaipur......Then, Deora reaches Jaipur.

Naturally, one was very impressed with the Govt’s visible concern about fire at IOC and to have deputed Deora to Jaipur.

One was shocked to see petroleum minister Deora’s picture in Sunday HT attending a party in Delhi which HT described as.....

‘’The party took place at the sprawling lawns at the Taj Palace with guests...........about leadership challenges over cocktails and dinner”

“The mood was festive as the delegates relaxed after a day of discussions on global and national issues. The menu featured dishes from across India.”

Did you notice.......Global and National issues------Cocktails and dinner-----Menu from across India?

Jaipur is burning---there are job losses---numbers of people have died---losses running into crores, but petroleum minister is at a cocktails and dinner party at a five star hotel in Delhi.

Should the minister have been supervising the operations at the IOC depot?

Should the minister have been taking care of those injured, at the hospital?

Should the minister have been involved in checking security measures at the IOC depot?

Was the minister a speaker at the summit? I don’t think he was?

Should the minister have been attending the cocktails and dinner party in Delhi at a five star hotel while destruction were taking place in Jaipur?(THREE HUNDRED KMs AWAY)

Were there enough fire tenders at the depot? (Tenders were brought from Mumbai and Delhi)

Why and who allowed the oil depots next to the industrial estate and residential colony?

A lady from Jaipur has filed a complaint of negligence against Deora. Can we have some more brave like Ms Sarika Luhadia please?

When will we have someone to govern rather than rule this country?

HINDUSTAN BOL RAHA HAI.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted by b k chowla on nov 6th 2009.

JUGGLING LETTERS

Just juggling with few letters can change the meaning.

What if we try and rearrange some of the meanings of our lives---it just might get better and more meaningful.

It is a bit funny-that is if rearrange the letters ---well. Let us try.

1 Mother-in law

WOMAN HITLER.

2 Eleven plus two

TWELVE PLUS ONE.

3 Florence Night ingle

FLIT ON CHEERING ANGEL.

4 Princess Diana

END IN A CAR SPIN.

5 Monica Lewinsky

ONE SILKY WOMAN.

6 Astronomers

MOON STARER

7 The eyes

THEY SEE.

8 George Bush

HE BUGS GORE.

9 Slot Machines.

CASH LOST IN ME

10 Election Results.

LIES-LET’S RECOUNT.

11 The Earthquakes.

THAT QUEER SHAKE

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted by b k chowla 31/10/09

received this story from manjit singh

DEVELOPMENT FUNDS.

IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA.

Rajiv Gandhi was one PM who was forthright and honest to the extent that he did not shy away from stating the truth in public.

In the year, 1985, Rajiv Gandhi ,then PM , was visiting Kalahandi in Orissa. He made a revealing statement that only 17 paisa, out of every Rupee, reached those that it was meant for. He was referring to the money the Govt gave for development schemes for the welfare of the poor.

This statement made headlines then (now we don’t react to corruption related statements)

This year in April, before elections, Rahul Gandhi,disappointedly referred to his Father’s sentiment of 1985 and said that the position has not improved since then, if at all, it has worsened.

Last week, in Mumbai, PM, Dr Manmohan Singh, said “Leakages of funds earmarked for development does exist but I don’t admit these leakages are as big as is being mentioned”.

Rajiv Gandhi raised the issue about funds misuse/ leakage. (an honest man)

Rahul Gandhi says, since 1985, the situation has worsened. (A man known to call a spade a spade)

PM Manmohan Singh says there is leakage but not to that extent. (No one can doubt his credibility)

Above three credible Indian personalities, have confirmed misuse and siphoning of funds meant for the poor.

Now consider these figures.

Previous year, an amount of Rs 3, 50,000 crores(three lakh fifty thousand crores) was budgeted for social sector/development by the States and the central Govts.

Consider the level of corruption of 1985, as said by respected Rajiv Gandhi...17 Paisa out of each Rupee reached the beneficiary. Thus.......out of Rs 3, 50,000 crores .

Rs 60,000 crores reached their destination

Rs 29,000 crores get leaked /siphoned out to various Politicians, Middlemen, etc (mind blowing amount. Isn’t it?)

It is 24 years since Rajiv Gandhi made a factual statement on corruption.!!!!!

Has any Govt at States or Centre taken any action to plug the leakage?

Has any political party made this as a national issue?

Has the bureaucracy made any effort to set things in order?

Has any NGO taken pains to take up this issue at any public platform?

Has any NGO cared to file a PIL so that judiciary could take action?

Has the media been responsible by not taking up this subject?

Who cares?

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted on 23/10/09 by b k chowla

SECULAR AND TOLERANT INDIA...

YES,IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA.

There are 52 Muslim countries in the world.

No one provides HAJ subsidy, except India.

No Muslim country extends special status to Hindus that we extend to Muslims in India.

No Muslim country has /had a non Muslim President or Prime Minister.

Hindu majority states in India have had Muslim as CMs, can we imagine a Hindu being the CM of J&K.?

In 1947, Hindu population in Pakistan was about 24%...Today it is about 1%.

In 1947, Hindu population in East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) was 30%, today it is about 7%.

In India, Muslim population has gone up from10.40% in 1951 to about 15% now, whereas, Hindu population has come down from 87.2% to 85% in 1991.

A.R Antulay was made trustee of Siddhivinayak Temple in Mumbai. Can a Hindu ever become a trustee of Madras or Masjid?

Can we find any other country in the world so sacrificing and tolerant?

Despite our being most secular, interested parties still call us communal.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted by B K CHOWLA on 15/10/09.

SALARY REDEFINED.

Democracy has the advantage that it brings subjects to centre stage for discussion.

Salman Khursheed, Minister of state for Corporate Affairs this week has objected to the high salaries the Pvt sector CEOs have been drawing, which he terms as VULGAR.

Mr Minister, we must recognise the contribution of the Pvt Sector in overall growth the country has witnessed. Post, liberalisation, most of the Indian companies have been on the fast track and have caught up with some of the best managed in the world. Time has come when we are witnessing a reverse brain drain. The best talent used to leave the country because of lack of opportunity, infrastructure, inadequate salary, high rate of IT, and Govt interference. . Since talent availability is based on the principle of demand and supply, naturally, the best will want the best (not vulgar) salary.

Mr Minister, situation has changed. Being rich is not an ugly word any more...And why should it be? (Most of MPs are now millionaires aren’t they?)Those CEOs, who are drawing high salary (vulgar), are the ones who have put in their best talent, blood and sweat to create employment and wealth for the country, deserve to be compensated and complimented.

Mr Minister, would you also like to discuss and put a cap on (vulgar) salaries and perks being drawn by the MPs?

Mr Minister, would you also like to discuss and put a cap on the constituency allowance of Rs 2 crores per year per MP? (Is it about Rs 1000 crores per year?)

Mr Minister, would you also like to discuss and put a cap on the VULGAR display of money spent on elections campaign by political parties?

Mr Minister, would you also like to discuss and put a cap on the way MPs become Millionaires (vulgar) immediately after coming to power?

Mr Minister, would you also like to discuss and put a cap on the Doctor’s alleged fees (vulgar) of Rs 3-4 lakhs for one heart surgery?

Mr Minister, would you also like to discuss and put a cap on the Senior lawyer’s alleged fees (vulgar) of Rs 2-3 lakhs of a for a single hearing?

Mr Minister, would you also like to discuss and put a cap on the Cricketer’s fees (vulgar) of crores of Rs of a single AD?

Mr Minister, would you also like to discuss and put a cap on the Bollywood actor’s alleged fees (vulgar) of Crores of Rs charged for a single film?

Mr Minister, would you also like to discuss and put a cap on the TV star’s fees (vulgar) of Crores of Rs charged per episode lasting one hour?

Mr Minister, instead of salaries, would you like to discuss with the CEOs the question of repayment of loans which are now called NPAs( is it over Rs one lakh crores?)

Mr Minister, instead of worrying about few thousand highly paid CEO s, would you worry about millions of workers in the unorganised sector, who may not even be getting minimum wages under the Minimum Wage Act.... child labour which is under exploitation within visible distance?

Mr Minister,none of the above will help.Let us see how can we use the Pvt sector to take country forward..isn't it?

Mr Minister, India’s CEOs are like the National Treasures.....Let us treat them so.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted 10/10/09 by b k chowla

BALANCE SHEET.

Today is my 150^th post which is coinciding with completion of my first year of blogging. It was not so planned,though. I am thankful to all those friends who have read and commented on my posts regularly.

I follow the teachings of Chinmaya Mission and would like to share some of those with my friends. It is not necessary that we all may agree with these, but it still worth a reading.

BALANCE SHEET OF LIFE.

Our birth is the Opening balance

Our death is our closing balance

Our prejudice views are our Liabilities.

Our creative ideas/good deeds are our Assets.

Heart is our Current assets.

Soul is our Fixed Asset.

Brain is our Fixed Deposit.

Thinking is our Current Account

Goodwill and Achievements are our Capital.

Characters and Morals are our stock in trade.

Friends are our General Reserves.

Values and behaviour are our Goodwill.

Patience is our Interest Earned.

Love is our Dividend.

Children are our Bonus Issue.

Education is Brands/Patents.

Knowledge is our Investment.

The profit or loss is our KARMA

So, before the Income Tax assessment (arrival of Death), balance your sheet.

HINDUSTAN BOL RAHA HAI.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted 03/10/09 by bk chowla

(c)chinamya mission

REACTIONS

IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA

A number of incidents take place around us every day that we react to on various considerations. At times the reactions are silly, considerate, real, customary, business like without realising the conesequences....Some of the incidents in the last few days come to my mind.

Maj.J.S.suri died fighting militants in Kashmir was given a tearful farewell in Hyderabad.

Reaction... The state says,"Maj. Suri sacrificed his life fighting terrorism that is threatening the world. The Govt will always be a source of support to the martyr’s family." (impressed? I only hope his family doesn’t have to run around for years for them to get their dues.)

Chief of the Air Staff makes a public statement that over 100 senior IAF pilots have resigned wanting to join the Private sector .According to the Chief, India’s air strength is 1/3^rd that of China

Reaction...No reaction from the Govt., (surprised?) except Chief’s junior contradicts him the next day

Rahul Gandhi goes on tour to UP without any hoo-hulla. (He is doing a good job).

Reaction...Mayawati overreacts, makes all sorts of noises as she is feeling insecure. Also Congress netas use this God sent opportunity to show their loyalty to their boss.

Yuvraj Singh is injured and will be out from the current series.(this was a bigger news than Maj.Suri’s)

Reaction...SATTA markets react. Rates take a plunge immediately.

Pakistan is not acting hard on Hafiz Saeed.

Reaction...Chidambaram goes to America to explain and complain to the international Policeman.(surprised?) S M Krishna makes some routine statements which no one cares for.

Sharad Pawar talks to TV media and informs of forthcoming Rice shortage in the country.

Reaction... Hoarders get into action and Rice starts to disappear from the shelves and prices expected to shoot up by Rs 10/kg.

Sharad Pawar, sometime back had done similar exercise for Sugar.

Reaction... Hoarders got into act,Sugar disappeared and prices now are at Rs 33/kg.

SM Krishna and Tharoor check out of five star hotels saying they paid their own bills. (Do you believe this joke?)

Reaction...BJP mentions, in connection with the payment of Krishna’s bills, that a Washington based lobbying firm, headed by a former diplomat that was engaged by the Govt to lobby for the nuke deal in the US congress, could be involved.

Rajendra Shekhawat, The President’s son gets Congress ticket from Amravati. Political morality takes a dip.(who cares)

Reaction...I am a congress soldier for the last 10 years and I want to serve the people of my country and the constituency, says Rajendra Shekhawat.(how patriotic?)

Govt decides to go on austerity drive and all ministers travel economy class.(impressed)

Reaction...Economy class passengers are being upgraded to business class to accommodate the VIPs and their security in the economy class.

YEH KYA HO RAHA HAI?

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted 27/09/09 by b k chowla

the GANDHI

YES, IT HAPPENS ONLY IN INDIA.

Deen Dayal Upadhayay Marg is a prime location in Delhi.

The Mahatma Gandhi Peace Foundation was allotted land at DDU Marg in 1959. It is an organisation involved in the study, research and promotion of the teachings of The Mahatma.

The central Govt is seeking to take back the allotted land to The Gandhi Peace Foundation on flimsy grounds that it had violated the terms of the lease by constructing sheds and letting other organisations to function from there and the Foundation was indulging in ”anti-Govt activities”.

The Govt counsel said that the basement, according to lease, was to be used as for storage but was being used as an office.

The case was decided in favour of The Gandhi Peace Foundation last year, but, Centre, not willing to give up its claim for the land, filed a Special Leave Petition before the Supreme Court.

Justice Agarwal, refusing to admit the petition, said that a number of politicians continue to occupy Government bungalows even after they were no longer entitled to stay there.

“These are sacred institutions and should not be treated like ordinary allottees, said a bench comprising Justice B. N.Agarwal and Justice G.S.Singhvi. They said this while dismissing an appeal filed by centre.

Govts seem to have virtually forgotten the real heroes like Gandhi, Bose, Bhagat Singh be it on their respective birth or death anniversary.

Why is the Govt so keen on getting back this piece of land?

Should such land allotments be disturbed and especially, this one in subject concerns the Father of the Nation?

Should we not show even basic respect to the Mahatma?? We still address him as MAHATMA?

Why is the nation losing respect for those actually fought and got us the freedom??

Why is the common man not reacting to such situations??

Why is the youth insensitive to such incidents?

Why is the Govt not taking similar action against those MPs/Ministers who have made unauthorised changes in the Govt bungalows?

Why is the national attitude of the country changing towards the national heroes??

If the Govt case has any credibility,should they not throw out all those MPs /Ministers who are over staying in the Govt accommodation?

Are the national heroes becoming irrelevant in the country?

Any guesses as to what the Govt may do with and intends to do with this prime property??

I think your guess is as good as mine.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW

posted on 20/09/09 by b k chowla

report courtsey from mailtoday

TRUST

TRUST......Recently,I read of an incident which I am told is a reality.

TRUST is a very important factor for all relationships. When trust is broken, it is the end of the relationship. Lack of trust leads to suspicion, suspicion generates anger, anger causes enmity and enmity may result in separation.

A telephone operator said that one day she received a phone call. She answered, "Public Utilities Board." There was silence. She repeated, "PUB." There was still no answer. When she was going to cut off the line, she Heard a lady's voice, "Oh, so this is PUB. Sorry, I got the number from my Husband's pocket but I do not know whose number it is."

Without mutual trust, just imagine what will happen to the couple if the telephone operator answered with just "hello" instead of "PUB".

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted on 14/09/09 by bk chowla

HARE (sm) KRISHNA

Time has come when we Indians have to come to terms with the living style of our modern Maharajas, of course at our cost. As usual, we look the other side.

After having been sworn in as the external affairs minister and minister for state for external affairs,S M Krishna and Shashi Tharoor,respectively, very conveniently moved into Five star hotels in Delhi. They both have been allotted official accommodation, but for Vaastu reasons, Krishna moves into Mauraya Shereton and Tharoor into TajMansingh.

Krishna‘s presidential Suite tariff is said to be Rs 1.75 lakhs per day. Till date the bill amount would add up to over Rs two Crores.

Tharoor’s hotel room tariff is said to be about Rs 50000/per day.

Between both of them they are spending more than Rs two laks per day as room tariff.

It takes a Pranab Mukherjee to remind them that they should be staying in Andhra Bhawan and Kerala Bhavan respectively. But these modern day Maharajas cannot do without five star stay and five star foods.

Till date, the hotel bills for these two modern Maharajas is said to be more than Rs 2 crores.

Krishna and Tharoor are part of the Govt who has suggested that CEOs of private sector should cut down on salaries.

Krishna and Tharoor are part of the Govt which has more than 80 crore people earning less than Rs 20/per day

Krishna and Tharoor are in a country which is in the midst of a terrible drought.

Krishna and Tharoor are part of the Govt which is facing the worst Inflation in years.

Krishna and Tharoor are part of the Govt which is seeing thousands of Farmers committing suicide.

Krishna and Tharoor are not buying sugar @Rs 35/kg and not buying Daal @ Rs 80/kg. They are eating at five star hotels at your and my expense.

Krishna and Tharoor are part of the Govt who’s most honest PM wants ministers to contribute 10% of their salary for drought relief. (And then they stay and eat five star meals)

Krishna and Tharoor are part of the Govt which is fighting recession.

Krishna and Tharoor are part of a Govt which is facing miserable job loss situation.

Krishna and Tharoor are part of a Govt which has been given a mandate for governance.

Krishna and Tharoor are part of a Govt which has to worry about falling exports.

Krishna and Tharoor are part of a Govt which is unable to find teachers for lakhs of vacancies.

Krishna and Tharoor are part of a Govt which had a definite first 100 days performance target.

Krishna and Tharoor are reported to have already spent 100 days each in five star hotels with lavish meals.

Krishna a nd Tharoor are part of a Govt which has yet to provide drinking water a nd electricity.

We must compliment Pranab Mukharjee and SoniaGandhi (without her nod he would not have done this to them in public).

What next?

Where are we heading towards??Let us think.It concerns the nation.Such Maharajas don't care.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted on 09/09/09 by b k chowla

AUGUST 2009

August,2009 was a very unique and auspicious month.

It had features which none of us living beings have experienced.

August had;

5....SATURDAYS.....1^st-8^th-15^th-22^nd-29^th

5....SUNDAYS..........2^nd..9^th..16^th..23^rd..30^th.

5.....MONDAYS.....3^rd...10^th..17^th..24^th...31^st..

This was an exceptional case. All in one month

We will never see this again.

This according to experts, happens once in 823 yrs. Yes 823 yrs.

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted by b k chowla on 07/09/09

SERVICE

It may sound very intriguing, but it is a fact that very simple words in English language are used frequently without us actually getting to know the real meaning.

SERVICE----------- is one such word.

I have always wondered why do the following bureaucratic jobs add the word -SERVICE

Indian Administrative SERVICE

Indian Police SERVICE

Civil SERVICE

Indian Revenue SERVICE

Indian Postal SERVICE

Telephone SERVICE

Indian foreign SERVICE

State, City, Public SERVICE

While returning from a drive today, I overheard two farmers talking. One of them said that he has hired a bull to SERVICE a few cows. I never realise that is what SERVICE meant


BAM!!! THAAAA!!! BANG!!! PHUSSSS!!! TONNN!!!

It all came into focus immidiately

Now I understand what all those bureaucrats are doing to us----aam aadmi---- for the last 62 yrs as part of SERVICE.

Now, are you are as enlightened as I am.???

let us CHANGE INDIA for INDIA OF TOMORROW.

posted on 06/09/09 by b k chowla

inspiration fromsurinder's mail.