tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-233523602024-03-19T08:42:40.935+05:30Arise BharatObservations, opinions and suggestions to improve the Quality of Life of citizens and accelerate the reach of opportunity to all who wish to aspire for a better life and are willing to work for it.Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.comBlogger62125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-54402593820805778562020-12-03T22:03:00.006+05:302020-12-07T20:16:23.041+05:30P. Sainath Interview with Faye D’Souza<p><span face="-apple-system, HelveticaNeue" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto;">I </span><span face="-apple-system, HelveticaNeue" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;">jotted down notes as I listened to this interview. </span></p><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><a href="https://youtu.be/wDDUdkA2Cjk">https://youtu.be/wDDUdkA2Cjk</a></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;">I have read Sainath’s book, “Everyone likes a Drought”. Sainath is a jhole walla, he is a good man, his intentions are good and is very good at identifying problems but offers few viable solutions. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><span data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 1rem;">In his book he alluded to the unviability of marginal farming, saying people who don’t have farm land have other options like migrating for work. I have written about this years ago. Marginal farming is dead! A link is provided at the end. </span><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 1rem;">The need for Fertilizers, pesticides, buying seed has hastened marginal farming’s demise, but we keep throwing good money after a bad practice. Growing value crops is more lucrative but some require years to start yielding. </span><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 1rem;">In my write up I mention cooperative farming. Now there has been success in Zero budget farming as a possible solution for a collective marginal farmers. Something on the lines of Amul. Querying Google Guru with Zero Budget farming will provide explanation.</span><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><span style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0);"><span data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 1rem;">Currently only tea and coffee can be under large corporates. Putting these items under essential commodities was a way to keep corporates out of “farming” these commodities. </span><br /></span></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;">From an overall perspective the country has been run in some sectors like farming and rural economy on a jhole walla ideology steeped in socialism. These sectors are riddled with problems that Sainath describes very eloquently. No mention of corruption! </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;">On the other hand the suit/boot sector has been doing relatively well. The pandemic hit everyone. <br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;">What we are seeing is a transition from Nehruvian policies that constrained the suit/boot sector till liberalisation, ignoring Rural Bharat and sprinkling some money in Rural endeavours as advocated by Jhole Wallas. Some of their recommendations involve large amounts of money to be spent regularly. Where is that going to come from? Regarding many subsidies even Man Mohan Singh once mentioned money does not grow on trees. Side note: Many trees yield money. So these Jhole Wallas provide good information on problems being faced and tilt at windmills in proposing some solutions. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;">Modian policies include retaining NREGA which he criticised but realised it as a necessity, along with a mixture of programs intended to incentivise people to pursue opportunities even if it means opening a pakoda stand. Modinomics also includes allowing suit/boots to venture into agriculture, from which they were barred. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;">Corporations cannot be allowed to run unbridled. They have to be constrained by guidelines. The farming sector is controlled extensively by unscrupulous middle men. This is an attempt to break these shackles. In Sainath’s mind it might lead to additional shackles. The operative word is “might”, without giving it a chance. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;">P.S. Sainath refers to them as Armani clad people which is an exaggeration steeped in sarcasm. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;">The first bogey is the allowing entry of big companies into buying. There will be competition and that will regulate prices. Right now we have middle men dictating the prices and they show no mercy. <br /></div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;">Faye asks what about the small farmer with two sacks of onions? What a ridiculous question. A big company is going to deal with big farmers and consolidators. </div><div dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 16px; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;">This whole argument is just speculating problems steeped in mistrust of big business. </div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="-webkit-tap-highlight-color: rgba(255, 255, 255, 0.25); -webkit-text-size-adjust: auto; border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); caret-color: rgb(212, 212, 213); color: #313131; font-family: -apple-system, HelveticaNeue; font-size: 1rem; word-spacing: 1px;"><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">The lack of contractual follow through is an issue. That can be addressed through futures trading (like shares) and/or a third party escrow agent who is given the clout to ensure both parties deliver to their commitments. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Sainath talks about farm family income. That is the current reality. It has nothing to do with the farm bill. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">The fragmenting of farms through successive generations is real. The fights that erupt are happening and has nothing to do with the Farm Bill. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Faye mentions farmers growing cash crops and ignoring everyday items, pointing out sugarcane growing in water scarce area. This has been happening for years. Again speculating more of this will happen. What nonsense. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Sainath talks about contract farming of tomatoes. He throws out a statement that no self respecting Punjabi will eat those Tomatoes. Another speculation. And again mentions the issue of reneging the agreed upon prices. Yes, it can be a problem and needs to be fixed. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">There is always an issue of supply and demand economics. It is prevalent today. Onion prices shot up, due to heavy rains. And then has come down. As long as supply stays slightly short of demand we won’t see this problem. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">He mentions the problem of vanilla growing that resulted in farmer suicides in Kerala, in 2001. Nineteen years ago? There was frost in Brazil and Mexico resulting in extreme shortage. Buyers approached farmers the world over. Prices held up for a while and crashed. He claims he warned the farmers who were consumed by greed. Who is to blame? He goes into great detail to claim “I told you so!” Bravo! This is an issue to criticise this Act! What nonsense! </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">He is living and dwelling in the past! <span data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Providing info to farmers is key. We have better communications today that can be researched and disseminated. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">BTW there were health issues regarding the spraying of endosulfan over cashew crops. The govt did not ban it because of corporate pressure. Ultimately farmers stopped using it. People have choices. </div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><div style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">He mentions the PepsiCo controversy over potatoes. It was settled due to public pressure. So why is this a problem. These issues can be fixed. Saying this is going to be institutionalised is throwing another problem that can be fixed by institutionalisation. This is an excellent example how farmers can take on a corporate. Try taking on a Zamindar!</div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">For instance Monsanto wanted to sue farmers whose crops supposedly benefited from pollination from a neighbour’s farm! Here too farmers agitation overcame the clutches of a corporation. Does Sainath get this?</div></div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Regarding APMC’s, claiming that they are going to be disbanded is not true. There will be competing mandis and farmers will have a choice to take their produce to the mandi of their preference. Provided their local goon allows them to. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Sainath goes to great lengths to explain a solution which proposes a Bill be passed in Parliament that Guarantees MSP. Really? There has been a method of establishing MSP which involves a lot of back and forth and that will continue. The issue is adoption of Swaminathan method. Why does this need a Bill to be passed. Next there will be demands to establish prices for other items. There will always be an MSP. That is assured. What is not assured is whether it is adequate or not. That has been the case all these years. The <span data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"> Swaminathan method is a reference point. It is not the gold standard. Yes, it was apparently a campaign promise by the BJP that was not kept. This happens all the time regarding many unkept promises. </span></div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Regarding guaranteed procurement, he has hit the nail on the head. Punjab and Haryana farmers have been enjoying guaranteed procurement at a preferential price, which has been retracted. Hence the protest. Instead the govt should forecast demand and indicate what should be produced. Managing supply and demand across multiple parties, and produce is complicated and needs to be addressed. Sainath should stay away from economics. Doesn’t look like his forte. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Doubling farmer’s income by 2022 is a wish and a vision. Expecting the farmer to continue what they are doing and expecting a doubling is a pipe dream. If Sainath wants to call it a lie, he can. Call it a jumla. There are so many rights in the Constitution that have been ignored. This is not a constitutional issue. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">The worst possibility is inflation goes out of control. The farmer’s income is doubled but real income stays the same. If this is the measure, real income for labourers have gone up over a period of years, and farmer’s income has not, then the solution is to provide farmer’s with other opportunities. Like Sainath mentions, brothers migrate to urban areas and help the farming father with remittances. </div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Stick to exposing problems, which he is very good at and demand govt address the problem. In some cases like the Vanilla episode, govt should provide advice if they have relevant info and let people decide. <br /></div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Why ban procurement by large parties. Let the farmer decide. Right now many farmers are beholden to middle men who exhort the farmers to sell at a lower price. How come Sainath fails to mention this? P.S. He does later on. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">He talks about debt relief. How many times should this be done. How do you provide debt relief to a farmer who has borrowed money from a money lender at exorbitant rates. Indentured debt is a social problem. What has that got to do with this Bill. He wants all the problems identified by him to be resolved by this bill! Keep tilting at Wind Mills. There is a case for giving farmer’s cash subsidies. But this carrot should be accompanied by a stick. If the farmer does not perform, unless due to uncontrollable circumstances, he should be made aware that he might lose his farm. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">While describing the role of APMCs he finally mentions the grip of private traders on farmers to whom they have loaned money. This bondage has been unbroken since the British established the Zamindari system. The farm bill is the governments attempt to break this bondage. One possibility is to increase the number of govt mandis. The issue then is should the govt invest more in procurement or invite privatisation. Sainath and his fellow <span data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 1rem;">Jhole</span> Wallas are dead set against private industry participation. They will complain about the status quo and criticise any attempt that does not align itself with their ideology. The farm act has been likened to liberalisation. Rather than giving the process a chance, they are acting like those who cried wolf when liberalisation occurred. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Farming is the largest private industry in Bharat that according to him is stifled by the govt controlled APMC, not to mention the grip of the middle men as mentioned earlier. On the one hand, it seems he is warning about the closure of APMCs, which is not true, and at the same time warning about a new grip that will be imposed by corporatisation. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">What he doesn’t acknowledge is that the organised sector despite its periodic problems with labour has been productive. Maybe astute farmers might partner with corporates and settle for a steady stream of income from their partner who takes up most of the risk. The worst that would happen is that the farmer sells out and squanders what they were paid. That too has frequently happened in cases where eminent domain was imposed for public projects and the criticism has been that the farmers were not paid a fair price. The Land Acquisition Bill passed by the UPA has provisions to overcome that. But here too the people have to share the blame, since sales price recorded is far less then what was paid in order to save on stamp duty. You reap what you sow. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">It is true, the pandemic and shut down disrupted the distribution chain. And unscrupulous traders took advantage wherever they could. He attributes some of the problems due to in unavailability of labour provided by migrants. What! There was mass migration of migrants from urban centers to their villages and we were made aware of the problems they faced. This allegation of Sainath doesn’t make sense. Where does he pull this from? </div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Then he talks of mandating that farmers should be forced to grow crops that will feed the people. Essentially bring government control over Bharat’s largest private sector!</div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">He finally mentions the suit boot transition from the hitherto <span data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" style="border-color: rgb(0, 0, 0); font-size: 1rem;">Jhole</span> Walla dominated situation. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">The cotton surplus is another instance of tragic circumstances. Farming is risky business. Are all farmers equipped to undertake this risk? </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">He then embarks on the problems in health and education. The lack of laptops and no smart phones. The pandemic has effected everyone. Hopefully it is a short term phenomena. Both he (and I and our generation) grew up without computers and smart phones and we have done very well for ourselves. Yes, the digital divide is an issue, poverty is an issue. BTW, govt can and will provide WIFI hotspots where people can download for free. Yes it is becoming more and more a necessity. Focus on farming yaar. Refrain from boiling the ocean. Incidentally, many parents in small towns send their children to private schools. This does not mean we should privatise government schools. How about giving the amount spent on a child to the parent by way of a voucher. Allow them to enrol their child in a private school if they choose. I’m just saying. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Faye makes another attempt to bring focus to farming from Sainath’s ramblings. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Again he launches off on a tangent about GST after stating Agriculture is a State responsibility. If so relieve the Center from that responsibility. Stop complaining about the Bill. Don’t expect the Center to assist in fixing State issues. All the problems the country faced prior to GST, Farming, Education, Health, Poverty, Law & Order are State issues. The State can establish their own MSP. Why appeal to the Centre?</div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">He talks of the Vashi APMC, bemoaning lack of corporate participation around it. For what? Corporates have set up outlets all over the place. They can obtain supplies from wherever they want. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">He slips in the fact that APMC’s are a source of revenue for the States. Fine, but why should it be a monopoly?</div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Then he takes a pot shot at NABARD. A valid one. Good point raised. But what has it got to do with the Farm Bills? Yes it should be addressed. Maybe they are getting better rate of returns from Urban Borrowers rather than face delinquencies from rural borrowers. Whatever it is, the objective has to be changed or it should be eliminated. Good luck with doing the latter. </div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><div style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Again Faye brings him back from his rambling tirade against NABRD. He responds to the question about forming cooperatives. Much as I pointed out way in the beginning before listening to this part. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Direct farm to home is a good idea, but it is not a panacea for the entire farming sector. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Farmers market is another good idea and does happen in Karnataka on a weekly basis. They were shut down during Covid lockdown and opened in Nov 2020. Nothing new here. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">There was no mention of Zero Budget Farming which is an essential component of cooperative farming. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">To solve the overall problem there are many issues to be addressed. There has to be a shift from farm labour to other jobs, mitigation from climate issues, improve productivity, land consolidation from fragmentation due to successive inheritance, crop insurance, subsidies where appropriate and a whole lot more. </div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Here is a link to my article:</div></div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><div style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><a data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" data-saferedirecturl="https://www.google.com/url?q=https://deshbandhu.blogspot.com/2007/03/what-is-indias-agricultural-policy.html?m%3D1&source=gmail&ust=1607091359826000&usg=AFQjCNH3zsrHgZQPwi8Oor6FBsBTWLWnUw" href="https://deshbandhu.blogspot.com/2007/03/what-is-indias-agricultural-policy.html?m=1" style="border-color: rgb(66, 133, 244); color: #4285f4; font-size: 1rem;" target="_blank">https://deshbandhu.blogspot.<wbr style="border-color: rgb(66, 133, 244);"></wbr>com/2007/03/what-is-indias-<wbr style="border-color: rgb(66, 133, 244);"></wbr>agricultural-policy.html?m=1</a></div><div style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);">April 2093 Farmers protested UPAs ban on corporates from procuring wheat. Farmers were forced to sell at MSP, whereas the would have got a better price from corporates. </div><div style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><br /></div><div style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49);"><p style="font-family: Helvetica; font-size: 12px; font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal; margin: 0px;"><a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/IndiaSpeaks/comments/k8g49p/allow_corporates_to_procure_wheat_farmers_the/">https://www.google.com/amp/s/amp.reddit.com/r/IndiaSpeaks/comments/k8g49p/allow_corporates_to_procure_wheat_farmers_the/</a></p></div></div></div></div></div></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Here are more details on why farmers were upset:</span></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><a href="https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/www.opindia.com/2020/12/in-2008-punjab-and-haryana-farmers-led-by-bharatiya-kisan-union-protested-against-upa-govt-for-forcing-them-to-sell-at-msp/amp/">https://www.google.co.in/amp/s/www.opindia.com/2020/12/in-2008-punjab-and-haryana-farmers-led-by-bharatiya-kisan-union-protested-against-upa-govt-for-forcing-them-to-sell-at-msp/amp/</a></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">August 2010 Sharad Powar wrote to Sheila Dixit citing the need to amend the State APMC Act to promote private investment:</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><a href="https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.freepressjournal.in/article/india/fpj-explains-what-amendments-did-sharad-pawar-as-agri-minister-recommend-in-apmc-act-and-how-is-it-different-from-new-farm-laws/49c464e3-9e28-41cd-9392-d464a202f084">https://www.google.com/amp/s/m.freepressjournal.in/article/india/fpj-explains-what-amendments-did-sharad-pawar-as-agri-minister-recommend-in-apmc-act-and-how-is-it-different-from-new-farm-laws/49c464e3-9e28-41cd-9392-d464a202f084</a></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">The report goes into great lengths about differences in what Pawar is advocating. These differences can be ironed out it relevant. The overall recommendation is for private investment and participation. </div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><span style="font-size: 1rem;">Here is another article on why Punjab, Haryana and Western UP farmers are agitating. They are upset on being weaned off of FCI gravy. Sainath provides a rear view mirror description of the past which is well known with some anecdotes like the Vanilla and Cotton crisis. It is clear his view regarding “liberalising” the farm sector is jaded with his bias of anti-corporate ideology. </span></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">https://swarajyamag.com/politics/punjab-farmers-are-fighting-to-protect-their-privileges-they-should-stop-pretending-to-be-representatives-of-all-farmers</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Finally here is an interesting opinion on resistance to change. </div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">As received in WhatsApp. Point of view. </div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">Modi Government passes Farmers Bills!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*The Real Story: When I was in school, one rainy day I found a small bird 🐦 which was just hatched from an egg 🥚 & had fallen down from a tree; it’s Mother was no where in sight!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*I brought it home and fed it small worms 🐛 and brought it up! After it grew up, my Dad wanted me to let it off to the wild, but the bird didn’t want to go!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Whenever I set it free, it came back to our home! My Dad used to say that manyatimes we are so adapted to our mental prisons, that we feel pained, even when someone liberates us!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*I was in school when Prime Minister PV Narasimha Rao opened up India to foreign companies and industries!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Then there was a huge furore, that we will be enslaved by foreign companies, like that of the East India Company once again, and we will become Ghulams of foreigners!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Leading the pack who protested, were Indian Companies like Bajaj, who virtually had a monopoly in two-wheelers, and Ambassador Cars by Birla's Hindusthan Motors, which was the only car available, and then the usual suspects like C@mmunists (they were still powerful in those days!), workers Union leaders and media!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*I never understood why we should protest, when we are getting the Fords and the Hondas to Indian markets, as it will create more jobs, and give us better cars, than those horrible Ambassador cars!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*I was like we should also start growing up like China and Korea!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*But Dad said we are protesting as we are afraid of the unknown, just like that little bird I had!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*We are content with staying poor and malnourished, with the so called Hindu Rate of Growth!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*These protests went on all 5 years during PVNR rule, and he eventually lost the national general elections after 5 years!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Today, everyone says he is the man who truly liberated India! And today, if we are among the 5 biggest Economies of the world, it is due to his policies!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*The same thing happened when computers came to India! They said it will take away jobs, and everything will be controlled by software companies!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*But, today, India is a software powerhouse and it has created millions of jobs!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Now, Agriculture Reforms are happening after 74 years of Independence! For the first time, farmers will be free of clutches of middlemen and Dalals!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*It is the middlemen who became millionaires in India, while the Farmers are always in debts!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*And the consumers end up paying more and more for food and commercial crops every year!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*These middlemen are so powerful people, that they form the backbone of many parties like NCP, the Akalis, the Punjab Congress and many other regional parties!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Hence, no one tried to tamper with Agriculture Market Reforms!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Once, when Indira Gandhi was told to control these middlemen, she asked: "Should we stop contesting elections ?"*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Many of my Family members and relatives are in controlling positions in APMCs, and they are all crorepatis!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Many of my Family members and relatives are Farmers, and I have often seen them only struggle in their lives!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Once I met a famous Professor in MIT, who was working on the Concept of a unified National Agriculture Market (NAM) in India, where the Indian Govt had asked him to design an AI model to connect all the markets of India!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*His team worked on it for 2 years, and told the Govt that we can’t create a NAM until we allow Farmers to sell in an open market!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*He told me the same, and said in 2018, that if the Modi Govt. wins in 2019, they would bring in huge Agricultural Reforms in their second term, which will double or treble the Farmer incomes, and since they make up for 60% of the Indian population, it will truly transform India!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Hence, I was rooting for Modi to come back and bring in these Reforms!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*These Agriculture Reform are bigger than what PVNR did in 1991!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*India will truly become a middle income country, as more and more people will get fruits for their labour!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Yes! There are many Farmers who are apprehensive!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*They say MSP will go, and hence it is a loss! </div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">But the fact is, that the Govt will continue with the MSP!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*And mark my words, after a few years, no one will need any MSP, as Farmers will be selling to the best market and making more money than MSP!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*They said big corporations will monopolise, and control farming! It was told the same when GM, Ford, Toyota, and Honda came; or when McDonalds or KFC came!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*But fact is, GM ran away from India and Maruti controls 51% market share, and Honda has 3%!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*It is Cafe Coffee Day which is India’s biggest brand, than McDonlads or KFC!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*And a Wagh-Bakri Chai Point is bigger than Starbucks!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*In the same way, market forces and proper regulations will never let some one control the whole of farming in India!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*India is too big, too diversified, for any one company to monopolise it!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*And most importantly, Digital Tech and AI will transform market intelligence, and make every farmer access any good market, without selling it to a Dalal or a big company!*</div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;">*Now Democracy has truly reached Agriculture, and Farmers have got their</div></div><div data-originalcomputedfontsize="16" data-removefontsize="true" dir="auto" style="border-color: rgb(49, 49, 49); font-size: 1rem;"><br /></div></div></div>Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-58594899666727538922017-11-23T19:00:00.002+05:302017-11-26T10:04:05.307+05:30Autonomous Weapons are the wave of the Future<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This is scary stuff, but it is going to get real. The following is an article that points to a video that demonstrates the carnage autonomous weapons can inflict:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/UC-Berkeley-killer-robots-artificial-intelligence-12368152.php">http://www.sfgate.com/news/article/UC-Berkeley-killer-robots-artificial-intelligence-12368152.php</a></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The video is produced by <span style="background-color: white; color: #222222;">UC Berkeley professor Stuart Russell and references the website: </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://autonomousweapons.org/</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The organization takes a very "Western" centric view of this issue. Furthermore the proponents of the ban are missing the point entirely. We have past the point of no return. The Genie is out of the bottle. Drone strikes are being conducted by State actors. With miniaturization, this capability will be available in the hands of hobbyists. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An anonymous "hit" can be executed by person who remotely controls a little drone with a lethal injection or chemical to get rid of a target in sight while sitting in a car that is either stationery or while in motion. If he/she misses, it will be chalked to collateral damage. No need for AI, no need for facial recognition (camera will do) for executing this hit. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Anyone who can control a miniature drone can annihilate a target and there will be no traceablility. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">How are non-state actors going to be stopped? </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Political Leaders will have to move around in bomb proof enclosures and use holographic images for public appearances. Public figures will have establish a public Avatar so that they can lead a private life. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On one hand this is an excellent way to neutralize big budget
Military spending. On the other hand (I am talking like an economist)
the implications are many. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For Bharat, this technology is the best way to
neutralize Terroristan (Pakistan) and constant needling from China.
It obviates the need for boots on the ground, piloted Jet fighters, sitting
ducks like Aircraft carriers and heavy artillery. As mentioned in
the excellently produced video it makes nuclear weapons obsolete. In the future military arsenal will consist of rockets and drones of various capacities. Whether they are autonomous or remotely controlled is just a degree of sophistication. An army of soldiers can control an army of drones.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There
is no stopping technology. What we need to think is how to neutralize
this trend. Trying to ban it is like pushing rope. We can't let rogue
actors who have this capability utilize it. No amount of surveillance (CCTV, Cell Phone monitoring) will be adequate. At some point this will reach a crisis stage. One solution is Mind
Control. Shades of 1984. This will have to start at the preschool level and the mind of the individual checked periodically. Bursts of anger will be monitored and violent actions would be punished. We will
have to kiss the Western notion of Democracy and Privacy goodbye. Personal
privacy will be a thing of the past. The challenge is to leverage
technology while addressing its pitfalls like this one.
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Mind control is another frontier that is rapidly progressing. Take a look at this:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://www.ted.com/talks/greg_gage_how_to_control_someone_else_s_arm_with_your_brain</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">What if neutralizing this anonymous hit threat, requires that everyone be embedded with sensors that monitor their thoughts?</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">This article elucidates the socio-political-economic impact of automation. Technology could very well herald the Utopian Dream:</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://deshbandhu.blogspot.in/2017/04/usa-2100_21.html</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Hopefully rue
merit will be rewarded and it will end the current trend towards mediocrity and
populism. Maybe we will realize John Lennon's dream some day.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://vimeo.com/18730165</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maybe, just maybe. We hope!</span></div>
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Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-3019002429469479712017-04-21T11:35:00.002+05:302022-02-04T21:04:10.946+05:30USA 2100<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While
technologists point to the advances in automation that will displace
many jobs that humans perform, economists are scratching their heads
and are not looking beyond the near future. Sociologists haven't a
clue other than forecasting an ominous future. Educators are noting
that we are moving towards an unstructured world and our current
education system is tailored to a factory oriented assembly line.
Technologists, economists, sociologists and educators focus on their
own silos of expertise and don't look at the complete picture.
Opinions are expressed in the context of the silos of each opinion
maker. Politicians are concerned about getting elected, responding to
the immediate needs of their constituents and responding to crisis.
There needs to be some thought given to what children born today will
encounter when they reach middle age and their senior years. There
are competing predictions. However there is no analysis that ties it
all together in a socioeconomic and political context.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This
article takes a comprehensive view of the developments and forces at
play in looking at what the future could well turn out. It focuses on
the US, since that is where the initial impact would occur.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br />In
the beginning of the 22nd Century:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">By
the year 2100 Automation will have penetrated every aspect of
American life. Cars will be self driven. So will trains, buses and
planes. Robots will do the cooking and cleaning. Everything conceivable
that requires human effort will be automated. Robots will even look
after children, the elderly and the invalid. Only the most
sophisticated, delicate and intricate tasks will be performed by
humans. That too will be a rarity. It will be an era of plenty.
Energy will be plentiful; mostly safe renewable solar, wind and
nuclear energy. Even defense will be highly automated, consisting of
missiles, jet fighters that fly by themselves, drones and
micro-drones. These micro-drones will be able to seek and
incapacitate an individual by stinging them with a powerful sedative
or kill them with a lethal injection. Hunger and poverty will be
banished. There will be no shortage of essential goods and creature
comforts. Technological breakthroughs in energy, automation in
manufacturing, construction, farming etc. will have brought the cost
of goods and services down significantly and it will become
economical and viable to just give everyone their basic necessities
along with robots to serve them. </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With
increasing unemployment a Guaranteed Minimum Income Program (GMI) will have
to be instituted. It will be further expanded. Credits will replace the
Monetary System. Everyone will be given Monthly Basic Credits (MBCs)
– Housing Credits, Food Credits and Discretionary Credits.
Education and Healthcare will be free. People will be able to earn
more Credits in a variety of ways, reminiscent of jobs as defined in
the 21st Century, to afford more. Inflation will be virtually
non-existent since everything is indexed to the Credits. A commodity
will cost the same number of Credits regardless. Money will have
ceased to be important and the notion of banking and investing might
even be disbanded which may precipitate the demise of Wall Street.
Wall Street may exist only in name. </span></span>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Private
Capitalism will be replaced by State Capitalism. The importance of
“Capital” itself will diminish. Technology will devour the
current notion of Capitalism. National self-sufficiency which is an
embodiment of what Gandhi postulated will be the prevailing mantra. </span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">There
will be peace and happiness. It will take significant changes and
cataclysmic shifts to get to this situation. Even with a few
detractors, the majority agree that the solution achieved will be as
close to Utopia as one can get.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The
path to the Age of Leisure:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
US consists of:</span></span></div>
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<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Makers,
who add “real” value to the economy</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Takers,
who live of entitlements and subsidies</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With
the advent of automation, more and more people will be forced out of
work. The Taker population will comprise of not only habitual Takers,
but others forced into this predicament due to the unavailability of
jobs or their inability to function as Makers in the highly
specialized environment. As more and more automation sets in, even
the service economy will be affected and service jobs like gardening,
burger flipping, waiting & busing tables etc. will get automated.
This will create a major rift between the Haves and the Have Nots.
The country will have a dwindling population of Makers, Servers
(Service Providers) and an expanding population of Takers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Food
Stamps to the Rescue:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">To
counter the trend of increasing poverty, the Food Stamp Program and
Unemployment Benefits will have to be expanded. Providing and
extending these entitlements will be heavily fought over by fiscal
conservatives. Their point well taken. Money spent on entitlements is
not effective in solving the problem. Government and the poor have
one thing in common. Both live beyond their means and spend more than
they have. Furthermore, money poured at the bottom and near bottom of
the pyramid bubbles up to the top and the income gap widens. But the
government will be faced with rising unemployment resulting in
increasing poverty and less money being spent. The consumer economy
will collapse and this will set a downward spiral in the price of
produce and manufactured goods. Massive deflation will set in. The
country will get thrown into deep depression. Guaranteed Minimum
Income (GMI) is the only answer and will have to be introduced. The
alternative is “refugee colonies” where people are taken care of
and live a structured communal life. Meanwhile due to investments in
automation, the entire Farm to Fork chain will be automated. As a
result the agriculture economy will go into a downward tail spin.
With falling prices, farmers will default on their loans banks will
be left holding the bag and the government will be forced to take
over bankrupted farms. With the ever expanding Food Stamp program, it
will make eminent sense for the government to own agriculture. This
will introduce State Capitalism and impact Free Market Capitalism. A
Food Stamp Economy will emerge, it will be a success. Hunger and
malnutrition will be eliminated. </span></span>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
situation in cities will deteriorate. Homelessness will be on the
rise to unprecedented levels. The country will be driven to the brink
of disaster by uncontrollable law and order. Prisons will over flow
and the government will have to start building more prisons to
accommodate the increasing population of criminals.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Enter
Housing Credits:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">While
the situation gets worse; and on the verge of reaching a tipping
point of anarchy, the politicians citing the success of the Food
Stamp program will recommend that the government apply this
principle to Housing as well and just give minimum housing to Takers.
The rationale will be instead of building more prisons, why not build
housing. Food is already taken care of and housing will take care of
giving people a roof over their heads. And so along with Food Stamps,
the government will issue Housing Credits. This will bring about
significant relief to the situation and more Monetary relief.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The
Collapse of Commodity Prices:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Extensive
recycling and reuse will result in judicious use of non-renewable
resources. This will extend the availability of non-renewable
resources for the 22nd Century and beyond. The drop in demand will
crater the prices of raw materials. Mining, refining, transportation,
manufacturing, delivering will be automated with minimal human
intervention. Technological breakthroughs in energy, automation in
manufacturing, construction, etc. will bring the cost of goods and
services down even further. With the collapse of prices and
subsequent defaults, the politicians will recommend that the
government take over of mines and oil fields as well. That will
sound the death knell of Free Market Capitalism and will be replaced
fully by State Capitalism. Fossil fuels will become yesterday’s
energy source and demand for it will evaporate. With that the debate
on climate change will be put to bed. The cost of goods will drop to
such an insignificant level that it becomes economical and viable to
just give the Takers the essentials that they need along with robots
to serve them as well, to enjoy a comfortable Quality of Life of
Leisure, since energy is cheap and everything is automated. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The
New US:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
US will become completely self sufficient. Trading with other
countries will decrease to a negligible level. The world will be
forced to survive without relying on the US economy. Europe and the
BRICS countries will pick up the slack. The US will no longer be
accused of pursuing an expansionist foreign policy. The
rhetoric will shift to the rest of the world accusing the US of
being an isolationist. National self sufficiency which is an
embodiment of what Gandhi postulated will be the prevailing mantra.
China that copies US innovations indiscriminately will cry fowl since
Chinese innovations will be replicated in the US. The Dollar may
continue to be an International Currency, but most of the Dollars
will circulate overseas since the US finds little use for it
domestically. A Dollar to US Credit exchange will emerge. This will
be utilized by tourists visiting the US, and by US citizens wishing
to travel abroad and for existing trade to acquire Rare Earths and
the like. The entire Product Cycle from Supply Chain, Manufacturing
and Distribution being automated requires very little human
intervention. Robots will build and produce, humans will consume.
Technological advances will reduce or eliminate the reliance on
Capital. The new order is not “Capitalism” (State or Private),
Socialism or Communism. Scholars will wrestle with what to call it. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Fundamental
Rights:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Entitlements
will be re-branded and will become Fundamental Rights which will
include Basic food and Housing; institutionalized as the Right to
Food and Right to Housing. To this Right to Education will be added;
which will become essentially free and dispensed through Massive Open
On-line Courses (MOOCs), and the Right to Health Care; which which
will also be highly automated and free. The much fought over and
maligned Affordable Care Act will be re-branded as Right to Health
and made Universal.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Cradle
to Grave Security:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With
cradle to grave support provided for by the government, there will be
no need for 20</span></span><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">th</span></sup></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Century entitlement programs - Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid,
Disability, Welfare, Unemployment Benefits, subsidies etc. will all
be eliminated. With the basic set of Rights established, all forms of
Subsidies and Entitlements will be eliminated. Everyone will be
entitled to these Rights and in order to avail of these Rights a set
of Responsibilities will have to established to maintain social
balance and harmony. All of these transitions will provide more
Monetary relief to the government. A new category of people will
emerge; Servers, who serve Makers; Servers who serve affluent Makers
who prefer to be served by humans rather than robots. And so we have
Makers, Takers and Servers.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Credits
will Replace Currency:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In
implementing these fundamental rights the government will establish a
new currency of exchange called Credits. Since Food Stamps and
Housing Credits will already be in place, all rolled into a Basic
Credit System of Food Credits, Housing Credits. Education and
Healthcare will not require any Credits. A new Credit will be
introduced called Discretionary Credits. These could be commonly
called FC, HC and DC. Discretionary Credits could be applied to
anything. Takers will able to live within the Basic Credits they are
given. The income inequality that widened in first part of the 21st
Century will vanish. Makers could earn more Credits by virtue of
their occupation and contribution to society, much like today, which
will allow them to live a more “affluent” life style. Makers will
be able to upgrade their housing by applying Discretionary Credits or
chose to live a simple lifestyle on their entitled Housing Credits.
They could use their Discretionary Credits (entitled and earned) for
whatever they chose. Inheritance rights will be preserved. People,
who inherited property, will have no use for their unused Housing
Credits. The Commercial and Rental Real Estate market will collapse
with dwindling demand. It will become the property of the government
by default. The oldest profession may continue to exist. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Inflation
and Deflation Eliminated:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Goods
and Services will be pegged to Credits and their cost in Credits will
remain the same. For instance a Pound or Kilo of Salt; the very basic
essential could be pegged at One Food Credit. The price of all food
items could be derived in relation to a Pound or Kilo of Salt. Each
individual could be given one Housing Credit per month. A family of
four would be entitled to a four bedroom apartment. With this system
of Credits, inflation or deflation will be completely eliminated.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The
Demise of Wall Street:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">With
the establishment of Credits which is a virtual currency; with
inflation/deflation beaten, the notion of banking and investing will
be disbanded which will lead to the demise of Wall Street. The demand
for Bankers, Brokers, Investment Counselors, and Economists will be
eliminated, except for a few in the government to deal with
International Trade, which will be minimal. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The
Leisure Reality of the 22nd Century:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
age old saying, “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop,” is an
axiom that transcends generations and holds true for the human race.
Kids will be kids, they challenge authority and some get into
trouble. The educationalists who critiqued the “assembly line”
education system that was devised for the industrial age and prepared
graduates for “structured” work in a “structured”
environment, will finally have their say. Factories requiring
organized human labour will cease to exist. Working on innovation
involves a significant amount of flexibility and self direction. The
criticism of these educationalists will come home to roost in this
new era. A child who grows up and chooses not to seek a “job”,
will be given the “tools” to keep preoccupied and out of trouble.
The emphasis of education will have to be reoriented to prepare
children for this unstructured society by instilling civic
responsibility and discipline. Schools will have to teach children to
think independently, work in groups to solve problems with adequate
assistance and minimal supervision. Habitual offenders might have to
be assigned to boot camps to remedy their behaviour. As a result, the
criminal population will decline and include only the “hopeless”
cases. A walled predominantly self governed township could be set up
to isolate criminals and these exceptions.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Preparing
for the Age of Leisure:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A
number of initiatives will have to be introduced to handle the
majority Taker population. The following are some suggestions.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Promote
the idea of Entertainment & Activity Centers where people can
utilize their Discretionary Credits to access the recreational
facilities provided. Many activities can be provided free; others
purchased with Discretionary Credits. Tournaments, games could be
conducted to enable people to earn Discretionary Credits that they
can use for special privileges like golfing, horse back riding, etc. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There
can be many avenues like volunteering, taking courses etc. to earn
DCs and that could be used to acquire things to satisfy human vanity,
such as human made items or works of art. </span></span>
</span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While
these Entertainment and Activity Centers could be accessible to
everyone, exclusive Country Clubs can be set up as well that require
significant DCs to access. These would be the places frequented by
affluent Makers. This would be a true meritocracy wherein competence
and creating value earns more DCs. The more one earns the more they
can afford, while no one is denied their Basic Rights. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">There
can be other things established to ensure Quality of Life. For
instance by using Discretionary Credits, people can take vacations. A
Time Share like system would allow individuals and families to select
the type of vacation they wish to have. Airfare, ground
transportation and lodging would require Discretionary Credits. Food
Credits will cover Food. The more Discretionary Credits a person
possesses the more they will be able to afford, like upgrades to a
more luxurious vacation. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">An
exchange facility can be established whereby a person, couple or
family living in one location could exchange places with an
equivalent in another location. Individuals and families can move
around as and when they wish provided they are able to find an
exchange opportunity. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Another
phenomena that may emerge is that every once in awhile some Takers
who excel in creativity and an art form or innovation would emerge
and achieve some recognition. This will earn them more Discretionary
Credits. It will not uncommon for a Maker to transition into a Taker
and then re-emerge as a Maker.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">People
would have lots of choices. Farmers could migrate to cities to
experience a new life. Many city dwellers could move to rural America
and chose the simple rural life of being close to nature and mother
earth.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Towards
a new World order:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
tumultuous period the US will go through while automation displaces
humans, will be decried by the rest of the world as the curse of
Capitalism. On the one hand, the GDP will increase rapidly, the US
may become a net exporter of goods and food grains, that will wipe
out the trade deficit. Initially as the US economic indicators look
good people’s lives will be decimated, with the rest of the world
not faring better. It is only when the US realizes that the economic
principles in vogue are irrelevant and that a rapid transition to a
new world order is the solution.</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The US will emerge from its
predicament and reinstate its position of world leader and become the
beacon for other countries to follow. With plenty to give and nothing
to want, US can take an active role in aiding the rest of the world
and replicate its success. </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">A
path to a new world order might emerge where borders become
meaningless and the term; “citizenship” would become a term of
association as opposed to a term of privilege or rights. The world
might look more and more like it does from space; a Blue Marble with
people living in harmony and peace.</span></span></div>
<div dir="LTR" id="Section2">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><b>References
and supporting information</b></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">:</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">John
Maynard Keynes, wrote an article in 1930 titled - Economic
Possibilities for our Grandchildren where he takes “wings into the
future.” What can we reasonably expect the level of our economic
life to be a hundred years hence? His basic premise is that
productivity will continue to increase rendering more and more humans
jobless.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.econ.yale.edu/smith/econ116a/keynes1.pdf"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">http://www.econ.yale.edu/smith/econ116a/keynes1.pdf</span></span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">2030
is more than a decade away and John Maynard's forecast is amazingly
on target. Advances in automation, is affecting workers in developed
countries and the impact is undeniable.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Jeremy
Rifkin has coined the phrase, “The Zero Marginal Cost Society,”
and written a book pointing</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet";">
</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">out
that the rapid advances in technology is “speeding us to an era of
nearly free goods and services.”</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet";"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></span>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://thezeromarginalcostsociety.com/">http://thezeromarginalcostsociety.com/</a></span></span></u></span></span><br />
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="color: #de7008;"><br /></span></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet";"><br /></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">He explains the impact on society in a talk he gave at the Churchill Club:</span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCLPizjSe6I"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCLPizjSe6I</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , "trebuchet";"></span></span><br />
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
</div>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #424858;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"><br /></span></span></span>
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #424858;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“</span></span><span style="color: #424858;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Nonemployed
- As robots grow smarter, American workers struggle to keep up”:</span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/102270242"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.cnbc.com/id/102270242</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">This
trend will continue to pick up pace and in the future we will see
more and more jobs being performed by robots. So what does the future
hold? Watch this video on humans need not apply:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pq-S557XQU"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pq-S557XQU</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">And
the alarm it raised for the author of the following article:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucekasanoff/2014/08/18/if-humans-need-not-apply-will-all-our-jobs-disappear/"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucekasanoff/2014/08/18/if-humans-need-not-apply-will-all-our-jobs-disappear/</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Computers
are becoming smarter and the implications are described in this talk:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/jeremy_howard_the_wonderful_and_terrifying_implications_of_computers_that_can_learn?language=en"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.ted.com/talks/jeremy_howard_the_wonderful_and_terrifying_implications_of_computers_that_can_learn?language=en</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
children of the 21</span></span><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">st</span></sup></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Century
will have bigger challenges in bringing up their children, than the
20</span></span><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">th</span></sup></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"> Century
generation. The world has changed so much since our parenting
experience. While the pace of change is accelerating society's
ability to keep pace with its impact is not.</span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Society
will have problems coping with the rate of change being brought about
by technological advances and innovation. The rate of change is
accelerating and every indication is that the effect on mankind will
be cataclysmic unless it is planned for.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
following is a Sixty Minutes feature: Are robots hurting job growth?</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2lDmF8ZShI"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2lDmF8ZShI</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here
is an opinion piece on the same subject:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.roubinisedge.com/nouriel-unplugged/rise-of-the-machines-downfall-of-the-economy"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.roubinisedge.com/nouriel-unplugged/rise-of-the-machines-downfall-of-the-economy</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Kurzeweil</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">,
who is considered by some to be the world's leading artificial
intelligence (AI) visionary, </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">coined
the phrase, “Singularity” to describe</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> the
moment in the future when humans and machines will supposedly
converge. He sees this happening by 2029 just fifteen years away.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="line-height: 0.15in; margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6adugDEmqBk"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6adugDEmqBk</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/22/computers-cleverer-than-humans-15-years"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/22/computers-cleverer-than-humans-15-years</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pundits
are conflicted about this trend as portrayed in these TED talks:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/erik_brynjolfsson_the_key_to_growth_race_em_with_em_the_machines.html"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.ted.com/talks/erik_brynjolfsson_the_key_to_growth_race_em_with_em_the_machines.html</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Listen
to the last 60 secs, of the opposing talk below, if you don't have
the time. The title is half misleading. Innovation is not dead.
Whether it will contribute to growth is the issue. Innovation will
make things better for some and hurt others.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_gordon_the_death_of_innovation_the_end_of_growth.html"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_gordon_the_death_of_innovation_the_end_of_growth.html</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Notice
the difference in age between the two speakers. Both agree on the
rising income gap and the impact of automation. Education will be
revolutionized by technology. This is not acknowledged by the second
speaker. It will become more accessible. But, will people take
advantage of it. What the US faces today and in the near future, the
developing world will experience, not too far in the future.
Innovation will continue, however currently, there is a diminishing
rate of uplifting return due to innovation. More people are being
rendered jobless due to automation. The first speaker acknowledges
the challenges, and has a Utopian response; the second predicts
society will be unable to cope and he challenges the current
generation to deliver innovation that have the same uplifting impact
as the past generations did.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">None
of these opinions delve into the massive socioeconomic-political
changes that need to take place to address this trend.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Podcasts:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
Rise of the Machines: </span></span>
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2018/10/24/660297140/the-rise-of-the-machines">https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2018/10/24/660297140/the-rise-of-the-machines</a></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Will
Your Job Be Done by a Machine:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2015/05/21/408234543/will-your-job-be-done-by-a-machine">https://www.npr.org/sections/money/2015/05/21/408234543/will-your-job-be-done-by-a-machine</a></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<h1 align="LEFT" class="western" style="font-weight: normal; margin-bottom: 0in; margin-top: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Gotham SSm, Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: large;">As
Our Jobs Are Automated, Some Say We'll Need A Guaranteed Basic Income</span></span></h1>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="https://www.npr.org/2016/09/24/495186758/as-our-jobs-are-automated-some-say-well-need-a-guaranteed-basic-income">https://www.npr.org/2016/09/24/495186758/as-our-jobs-are-automated-some-say-well-need-a-guaranteed-basic-income</a></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<span style="font-size: large;">
</span><br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Parting
Thoughts - Income Inequality:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
</div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Growing
income inequality is a world wide phenomenon. For instance say one
person makes 5,000 a month and another makes 10,000. Both get a 5%
increase which takes their wages to 5,250 and 10,500 respectively.
The income gap of 5,000 becomes 5,250. The wages for an unskilled or
same skilled job is not going to keep pace with jobs that require
special skills. It doesn't take a new set of skills to perform
existing manual jobs like "load carrying", picking fruits
and vegetables, etc. Any wage increase is not because of
upgraded skills. It will be paying more for people doing the same
job, to keep pace with inflation. The solution to the rising
income gap is to reduce the cost to these people by way of subsidized
housing, food, healthcare and education. Just about all countries
provide these subsidies in some form or the other. The outlay for
these “hand outs” is going to increase and needs to be planned
for.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Developing
countries face the problem of lack of opportunity for their citizens
while developed countries are losing jobs to automation. Both are
faced with people willing to work but lack opportunities.
Furthermore, every country is faced with ‘Takers’ who are
unproductive people, be it due to unavailability of opportunity,
inability, age, or unwillingness to work.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">With
increasing automation, more and more jobs will be eliminated, which
will increase the supply of workers and put a downward pressure on
wages. There will be more and more people who are unable, or
incapable and hence shut out from the "automated economy".</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
short term solution to this problem is for the "productive"
people the “Makers” to support the "unproductive"
people the “Takers”. This is being practiced in some form or the
other by every country.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Given
the current socioeconomic-political situation this solution is not
sustainable. We will be faced with a decreasing number of Makers that
will have to support an increasing number of Takers.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
undeniable facts are:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">Automation
and design for manufacturing will become localized, but it will
require fewer workers. The developing world will benefit and affected
by this trend.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In
the US the Middle Class that comprised mainly of Joe Plumber, Jack
Electricians and Bob the construction man is being decimated. Wages
are either stagnant or declining.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<br />
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">In
the Developing World the opposite holds true, the Middle Class is
growing and wages are improving for skilled, semi skilled and
workers. But this “dividend” may be short lived. The rate at
which technology is adopted by the Developing World is increasing as
well. The downside of not increasing productivity is increased costs
and reduced efficiency.</span></span></div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-80440369073839430092017-04-05T11:50:00.003+05:302017-07-12T01:32:00.247+05:30Oh Kashmir!<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: x-small;"><br /></span><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Kashmir
is one of India's biggest colossal disasters. Regardless of the past,
and whatever maybe the reason, India's inability to manage Muslim
dominated areas of Kashmir has led to dire consequences.</span></span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: medium; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;">One
of the contributing issues to this situation is the Armed Forces
(Special Powers) Act. AFSPA</span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
</h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_(Special_Powers)_Act" style="font-weight: normal;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Armed_Forces_(Special_Powers)_Act</a></span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">It
was a break down of Law and Order that resulted in the introduction
of AFSPA. It is clear that this did not resolve the matter. It seems
to have made matters worse.</span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
purpose of the Army is to defend the country. Soldiers are trained to
kill/destroy enemy forces in case of an invasion. It is not the
function of the Army to get involved in Law and Order issues in
“Disturbed Areas”. That is the function of the local police. On
occasion, during a crisis they would be assisted by the Central
Reserve Police force.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">In
addition to the disastrous use of force to maintain Law & Order,
there are multiple components at stake here:</span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><ul style="text-align: left;">
<li>Pakistan's
Jihadi attitude.</li>
<li>The
call for Azadi or merging with Pakistan</li>
<li>India's
stance on Kashmir</li>
<li>Article
370</li>
</ul>
</span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: normal;">Pakistan's
Jihadi Attitude:</u></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><br /></u></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">The
sparks to set things afire were initiated by Pakistan. India's AFSPA
response to the “disturbances” added to the flames. The situation
became explosive. Besides supporting the separatists, Pakistan
engages and supports terrorist activities in Kashmir and other border
areas. The response to this is beyond the scope of this opinion
article. </span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: normal;">The
call for Azadi or merging with Pakistan:</u></span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></u></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">What
is being cast as a situation that requires a “political” solution
is just another word for the majority Muslim population not wanting
to be governed by a country where Hindus are a majority. </span></span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">The
following is an article that appeared in Outlook that interviews a
few teenagers. It is ironic that they hold the peace sign in the
photograph.</span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/armed-with-the-original-weapon/297804">http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/armed-with-the-original-weapon/297804</a></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">
</span></span></span></div>
<div>
<br /></div>
<div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;">These
are rebellious kids are addicted to their cause. When a child
misbehaves, the parents usually steps in to disciplining them. In
these cases the parents seem to have no control and the State has to
step in. It is not possible to reason with them. The answer is to
arrest and warn them once, twice and on the third incarcerate them in
a boot camp where they are given continued excellent education along
with disciple to make them productive citizens when they are
released. They could be released if they provide a signed commitment
that they will not engage in anti-State activity. If they break the
commitment, it is back to boot camp.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;">Arundhati
Roy is usually off the mark and impractical in her opinions, but her
reporting is very relevant on the issues she reports on. </span></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/azadi/297536" style="font-weight: normal;">http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/azadi/297536</a></span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">While
there are die hard “Azadi” zealots who are unyielding, it is not
just a matter of what Kashmir wants. It is also a matter of what
India expects of Kashmiris.</span></span></span></h2>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">The
following hard hitting opinion bears some truth and also indicates
the depth of the problem.</span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u><a href="http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/stone-manifesto/297544" style="font-weight: normal;">http://www.outlookindia.com/magazine/story/stone-manifesto/297544</a></u></span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">India
spends on providing protection and Services to the Separatists who
are calling for Azadi. Besides being outrages it tantamounts to
stupidity. Paying for the very people who are against India's
position. </span></span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.oneindia.com/india/india-spent-rs-356-crore-5-years-on-protection-privileges-for-kashmir-2202969.html" style="font-weight: normal;">http://www.oneindia.com/india/india-spent-rs-356-crore-5-years-on-protection-privileges-for-kashmir-2202969.html</a></span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><a href="http://www.firstpost.com/india/kashmir-unrest-miffed-centre-to-toughen-stand-against-separatists-cut-funds-and-security-2993574.html" style="font-weight: normal;">http://www.firstpost.com/india/kashmir-unrest-miffed-centre-to-toughen-stand-against-separatists-cut-funds-and-security-2993574.html</a></span></span></span></h2>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Kashmiriyat, Insaniyat (humanity) or Jamhooriyat (democracy), has been turned into
Cash Me In, Insanity and Jihadi Jamboree. Inviting them for talks is
fine, but if they cling to their position of demanding <span lang="en">Secession,
then there ought to be no seat for them at the table.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in; text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span lang="en"><br /></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: normal;">India's
Stance on Kashmir:</u></span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></u></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">India's
stance on Kashmir has a lot to do regards the situation in Kashmir.
In the past the approach seems to have been, we can talk, we will, we
won't discuss Kashmir. Oh nol We will discuss anything but Kashmir.
At least that is the perception people have. It has been a wishy
washy approach to an issue that Pakistan and India have never agreed
upon.</span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Some
propose Kashmir ought to be given Independence. Really? Does that
mean anytime there is a majority in a jurisdiction demanding
Independence, it should be considered? What about the North East, and
the agitation for Khalistan? On the International stage, what about
Hong Kong? They have a different currency and would prefer autonomy
from China. Besides “Kashmir” consists of Kashmir Valley, Jammu
and Ladakh. All of these areas have strategic importance to India by
way of rivers and border control. More autonomy is an option, not
just for Kashmir, but under the federal structure of India applicable
to all States. Independence is off the table.</span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">It
is only recently that thanks to the Modi administration that India
has forcefully declared that Kashmir is an part of India. No ifs and
buts, that is it. That said, any mention to the contrary has to been
responded with, “Kashmir is an integral part of India”. This is
the official party line and ought to be repeated as often as
necessary if the topic is broached by any state or non-state party.</span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Second
India has clearly stated that India will not discuss Kashmir with any
external party. That means Pakistan, the UN and other external
wannabe interlocutors. In this matter any discussion on Kashmir is
“off the table.” It is strictly an internal affair and it is
India's business to resolve. Any suggestion/approach by an external
party ought to be responded with, “Sorry, Kashmir is an integral
part of India, India will not entertain any discussion on Kashmir
with anyone.” Finally, it's about time, this has been communicated
by the Modi administration.</span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Third,
India should politely refuse any discussion on this matter in the UN
forum. India's position is that the past is the past. In the present
context, with the new leadership, this is not an external issue that
India will participate in the UN. The UN may bring this issue and
discuss it, but India will not participate and will deny any
resolution contrary to India's stated position.</span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Finally,
Pakistan has to be put in its place. It has and continues to be a
hostile and aggressive neighbour, behaving like a five year old child
who is adamant that Kashmir belongs to it and will never give in. It
is like a child that cannot be reasoned with. It will continue to
whine, complain, cry to whoever will listen. India's message to
Pakistan ought to be, “go to your time out corner, when you exhibit
mature behaviour and India concurs, then and only then will there be
bilateral talks. Until then India should break off all diplomatic and
political interaction and communications. There are good people in
Pakistan and it would benefit both countries if there are cultural,
sports exchanges, cross border visits and business. By all means back
channel discussion can continue. But from an official standpoint
India treats Pakistan as “persona non grata”.</span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: normal;">Article
370:</u></span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: normal;"><br /></u></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">This
is a major political issue. </span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_370">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Article_370</a>. </span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">One asymmetrical aspect is non-Kashmiris cannot buy land or own
businesses in Kashmir, while Kashmiris can own land and businesses in
the rest of India. Autonomy of all States should be entertained under
the federal framework of India.</span></span></span></h2>
<div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span></span></span></div>
<h2 style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-size: xx-small;"><span style="font-size: medium;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: large;"><u style="font-weight: normal;">In
Summary:</u></span></span></span></span></div>
<span style="font-size: x-small;"><span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-size: large; font-weight: normal;"><br /></span><ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">The
focus should be in establishing Law and Order without the army.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Political
discourse is confined to Jammu, Kashmir and Ladakh being an integral
part of India.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">The
house of Kashmir is in disorder and it is incumbent of Kashmiris to
put it in order, with help from the Center. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Deal
with the attempts by the hostile neighbour. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">The
army's role is to stop intrusion from the border and collaborate
with internal security forces only on specific occasions when overt
conflict occurs. </span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Establish
three States; namely – Kashmir, Jammu snd Ladakh.</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; font-size: large; font-weight: normal;">Consider
modifying Article 370 with the entire country in mind, with inputs
from all the states.</span></li>
</ul>
</span></span></h2>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-12622119630359807262016-10-05T09:18:00.001+05:302016-10-05T09:18:44.124+05:30What should be India's Response to Pakistan<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
recent position taken by PM Modi and Sushma Swaraj is to be
applauded. Finally India is showing some spine. However, it needs to
be taken a step further.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pakistan
has to be put in its place. It has and continues to be a hostile and
aggressive neighbour behaving like a five year old child who is
adamant that Kashmir belongs to it and it will never give in. It is
like a child that cannot be reasoned with. India's message to
Pakistan ought to be, “go to your time out corner, when you exhibit
mature behaviour and India concurs, then and only then will there be
bilateral talks. Until then India should break off all diplomatic and
political interaction and communications. There are good people in
Pakistan and it would benefit both countries if there are cultural,
sports exchanges, cross border visits and business. Facilitate
applications via web based applications. Apply on-line for a fee. It
gets vetted and if approved, visa is granted upon arrival. By all
means back channel discussion can continue. But from an official
standpoint India treats Pakistan as “persona non grata”.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">India's
Stance on Kashmir:</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">India's
stance on Kashmir has a lot to do regards the situation in Kashmir.
In the past the approach seems to have been, we can talk, we will, we
wont discuss Kashmir. Oh no we will discuss anything but Kashmir. At
least that is the perception people have. It appears like a wishy
washy approach to an issue that Pakistan and India has never agreed
upon. So how should India go about addressing this disagreement?</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Thanks
to PM Modi's administration India has forcefully declared that
Kashmir belongs to India, no ifs and buts, that is it. Any mention to
the contrary has to be responded with, “Kashmir is an integral part
of India”. This is the official party line and ought to be repeated
as often as necessary if the topic is broached by any state or
non-state party. However, it needs to be taken a step further.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">India
should clearly state that India will not discuss Kashmir with any
external party. That means it will not be discussed with Pakistan, or
the UN or other external wannabe interlocutors. In this matter any
discussion on Kashmir is “off the table.” Issues in Kashmir are
strictly internal affairs and it is India's business to resolve. Any
suggestion/approach by an external party ought to be responded with,
“Sorry, Kashmir is an integral part of India, India will not
entertain any discussion on Kashmir.” This has been the
communicated to Pakistan by the Modi administration. It has to be
taken further and leads to the next step.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">India
should politely refuse any discussion on this matter in the UN forum.
India's position is that the past is the past. In the present
context, with the new leadership, this is not an external issue that
India will participate in the UN. The UN may bring this issue and
discuss it, but India will not participate and will deny any
resolution contrary to India's stated position.</span></div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-24925189416767507002015-10-30T13:47:00.002+05:302015-11-04T16:34:32.820+05:30Addressing Pakistan's Nuclear Threat<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
nuclear threat to India from Pakistan is real. Reports indicate that
India's and Pakistan's nuclear arsenal is on par</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/Nuclearweaponswhohaswhat"><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">1</span></sup></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.
Reports also indicate that Pakistan is stockpiling nuclear warheads
at the rate of about 20 a year</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/report-pakistans-nuclear-arsenal-could-become-the-worlds-third-biggest/2015/08/26/6098478a-4c0c-11e5-80c2-106ea7fb80d4_story.html"><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">2</span></sup></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
and poised to become the third largest nuclear armed country</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/945689/pakistans-nuclear-arsenal-could-become-worlds-third-biggest-report/"><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">3</span></sup></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.
India has repeatedly stated</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
its traditional policy of not using nuclear weapons first and not
targeting non-nuclear weapons nations. India has also indicated that
it is prepared to convert these into bilateral or multilateral
legally binding “No First Use” (NFU) agreements incorporating
these two principles, while ruling out joining the non-proliferation
treaty</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-ready-for-nuclear-no-first-use-agreements/articleshow/44906401.cms"><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">4</span></sup></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.
Pakistan on the other hand has made no such indications. Being the
weaker of the two nations, it holds the nuclear option as a threat to
mitigate massive losses in the event of an all out war. </span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Pakistan
Foreign Secretary Aizaz Ahmad Chaudhry said that his country has
“low-yield, tactical nuclear weapons” (TNWs) to deal with India’s
so-called Cold Start doctrine</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-shouldnt-abandon-its-nuclear-doctrine-because-of-pakistans-tactical-nukes/"><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">5</span></sup></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">TNWs
are usually short range lower-intensity “tactical” weapons,
whereas strategic weapons are high-intensity long range weapons. This
disclosure of possessing TNWs prompts India to update its Nuclear
Doctrine</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr2003/rjan2003/04012003/r040120033.html"><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">6</span></sup></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">While
India has always maintained it wishes to coexist peacefully with
Pakistan, the reverse doesn't hold true. Consequently, India has to
temper and measure its responses to Pakistan's border infractions
with no clear advantage of possessing nuclear weapons. To counter
this, India has to develop a strategy to counter this disadvantage.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
worst case scenario is if Pakistan, when pushed to the wall,
experiences a break down in the change of command resulting in a
rogue nuclear attack, which is then responded to by India, with force
majure, resulting in a Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD)</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pakistans-nuclear-weapons-may-not-deter-indian-retaliation-but-destruction-mutual/"><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7</span></sup></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
and the possible annihilation of Pakistan. No one in their right mind
would wish this, but the specter of nuclear war prompted George
Fernandes, as India's Defense Minister in 2003, to allude to this
response</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2003-01-27/news/27560676_1_defence-minister-george-fernandes-internal-problems-bbc-world"><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">8</span></sup></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Given
the possibility of MAD, what should India do?</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">On </span></span><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">7 October 2001, less that a month after the 9/11 attack, t</span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">he US officially launched Operation Enduring Freedom</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001%E2%80%9314)#U.S._invasion_of_Afghanistan">9</a></span></sup></span></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">, invading Afghanistan, demanding that the Taliban hand over Osama
bin Laden and to expel Al Qaeda</span></span><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">. Preparations
started on Sept 26</span></span><span style="color: #252525;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">th</span></sup></span><span style="color: #252525;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
2001, fifteen days after the attack.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">India's
Nuclear Doctrine, besides specifying the response, should include
comprehensive processes and protocols to ascertain, confirm and
communicate that a nuclear attack has taken place. There can be
absolutely no scope for error in determining and communicating this
to the Prime Minister. India's nuclear doctrine should specify how
long it will take from verification of incident, to communication, to
action. Once the decision is taken to act, the impact of the response
should be over in minutes. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
issue being debated currently is what should India's response be if
Pakistan detonates a TNW, even if it targets Indian ground forces in
Pakistan's territory</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/RevisitingIndiasNuclearDoctrine_gbalachandran_200614"><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">10</span></sup></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">.
The question is should India unleash its nuclear arsenal on Pakistan,
shrug it off and continue fighting or initiate a measured response? </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">A</span></span><span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">
Nuclear Weapon is a Nuclear Weapon and even if one TNW is launched by
Pakistan, India should respond with such force that it debilitates
Pakistan and prevents it from responding. This response could well be
with conventional weapons that targets military installations and
known TNW installations which by their very nature are situated close
to the border.</span></span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: #222222;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">It
is imperative that all conceivable scenarios be identified and
responses vetted militarily and politically such that if a situation
arises depending on its nature, the option(s) are presented to the
Prime Minister and the PM's council for a Go/No Go decision. This
includes whisking away the PM and the PM's council to a “safe”
location. Until this point there is no room for debate. A decision
making process must be followed based on an established criteria. The
PM may choose to make a few calls to the Pakistani counterpart before
deciding. </span></span>
</div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">That
said, a number of initiatives ought to be taken as preventive
measures. A nuclear attack can occur from Land, Air or Sea. The
challenge for India is to institute defensive mechanisms to thwart
any such attacks. This includes:</span></span></div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Comprehensive
border security</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Naval
and Air patrolling and exercises to ensure readiness</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Develop
Interceptor missiles to form an “Iron Dome”</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Accumulate
significant conventional weapons with missile delivery systems</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Maintain
a strategic nuclear advantage</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Regular
testing of India's nuclear readiness, both defensive and offensive</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In
depth intelligence of Pakistan's nuclear deployments both Strategic and Tactical with s</span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">ignificant Conventional Weapons pointed at these nuclear deployments</span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Satellite
surveillance systems with Infrared capability</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Develop
autonomous air and ground combat systems</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">In
summary a strong defense is the best offense to respond to any
conflict that India might encounter with Pakistan. In addition this
should be accompanied by preparedness and flawless execution of the
nuclear doctrine, should the need arise.</span></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Notes:</span></div>
<ol>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/Nuclearweaponswhohaswhat"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.armscontrol.org/factsheets/Nuclearweaponswhohaswhat</span></a></u></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/report-pakistans-nuclear-arsenal-could-become-the-worlds-third-biggest/2015/08/26/6098478a-4c0c-11e5-80c2-106ea7fb80d4_story.html"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/asia_pacific/report-pakistans-nuclear-arsenal-could-become-the-worlds-third-biggest/2015/08/26/6098478a-4c0c-11e5-80c2-106ea7fb80d4_story.html</span></a></u></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://tribune.com.pk/story/945689/pakistans-nuclear-arsenal-could-become-worlds-third-biggest-report/"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://tribune.com.pk/story/945689/pakistans-nuclear-arsenal-could-become-worlds-third-biggest-report/</span></a></u></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-ready-for-nuclear-no-first-use-agreements/articleshow/44906401.cms"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/india/India-ready-for-nuclear-no-first-use-agreements/articleshow/44906401.cms</span></a></u></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-shouldnt-abandon-its-nuclear-doctrine-because-of-pakistans-tactical-nukes/"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/india-shouldnt-abandon-its-nuclear-doctrine-because-of-pakistans-tactical-nukes/</span></a></u></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr2003/rjan2003/04012003/r040120033.html"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://pib.nic.in/archieve/lreleng/lyr2003/rjan2003/04012003/r040120033.html</span></a></u></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pakistans-nuclear-weapons-may-not-deter-indian-retaliation-but-destruction-mutual/"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://indianexpress.com/article/opinion/columns/pakistans-nuclear-weapons-may-not-deter-indian-retaliation-but-destruction-mutual/</span></a></u></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2003-01-27/news/27560676_1_defence-minister-george-fernandes-internal-problems-bbc-world"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://articles.economictimes.indiatimes.com/2003-01-27/news/27560676_1_defence-minister-george-fernandes-internal-problems-bbc-world</span></a></u></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001%E2%80%9314)#U.S._invasion_of_Afghanistan"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/War_in_Afghanistan_(2001%E2%80%9314)#U.S._invasion_of_Afghanistan</span></a></u></span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/RevisitingIndiasNuclearDoctrine_gbalachandran_200614"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">http://www.idsa.in/idsacomments/RevisitingIndiasNuclearDoctrine_gbalachandran_200614</span></a></u></span></span></div>
</li>
</ol>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-80326794835438289912015-05-11T19:19:00.001+05:302015-05-11T19:19:36.310+05:30The Brilliance in Modi’s Land Bill Strategy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">By issuing an ordinance, which is a privilege granted in the
Indian Democratic “Socialist” constitution and by reissuing it to extend it
before the Rajya Sabha can vote on it, the Modi government has probably given a
window of opportunity to initiate land acquisition in critical disputed areas.
Furthermore, by adjusting their opening bid to stave off major objections, the
Modi administration has taken a “balls to the wall approach” by calling a Joint
Session to pass the amendments, since it is likely to be stalled in the Rajya
Sabha.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">This article by Swaminathan Aiyar provides some insights to
the way Modi could succeed in getting his way.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/Swaminomics/new-land-bill-will-win-not-lose-votes-for-modi/</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are stipulations in the Land Acquisition Act that are
major obstacles to Rural Land Acquisition, most of which is categorized as
either Agricultural or Forest regardless of no forest cover and no agricultural
activity taking place. These are:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Social impact assessment</span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-indent: -0.25in;">Rehabilitation and Resettlement</span></li>
</ul>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Both of the above pertain mostly to the landless that rely
on the land they do not own for their subsistence. There is also a consent
clause which may or may not apply.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Given the right price, conditions and benefits, farmers
could be convinced that they stand to gain by selling their land. It is dealing
with the affected landless that can present an insurmountable challenge. This
is what Modi’s modification is attempting to overcome. The amendments
facilitate the preference to industrialize established “corridors” rather than
developing new industrial corridors for large projects in the hinterland.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scaling down the obstacles mentioned above, would result in
a “pro farmer” bill for the land owners. At most the amendments can be cast as
an “anti-farming” bill since it may result in farm land being acquired for
non-farming purposes. People who might be affected adversely are the landless
who squat on land, often to the frustration of the rightful owner. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Addressing the Social Impact goes hand in hand with
Relocation and Rehabilitation. Past experiences have shown the success rate of
rehabilitating the landless, even when attempted with the best of intentions.
It requires significant intervention at the personal level. It may look good on
paper, successful execution is another matter.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Land Acquisition is a State issue and there are provisions
permitted for the States to address the hurdles mentioned above. The NDA could
have quietly gone about pursuing the development strategy in NDA controlled
States and let the Opposition controlled States deal with their obstructive
approach.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rahul Gandhi has responded in typical Indian obstructionist
manner in hoping that by thwarting development, the Congress can claim failure
of the NDA and thereby make a better show at the next election. By making this a National issue, and banking on
the NDA showing the fruits of development, show casing happy farmers, Modi
could point to Rahul claiming we have proved him wrong.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Rahul is right in stating that an election cannot be won by
angering 67% of the population. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The contrasting article, heavily left leaning
and socialist in bent, feels Rahul has scored a point. In actuality, Rahul has bet
on Modi not delivering. </span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><a href="http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/rahul-may-just-have-put-bjp-on-the-defensive-759859" target="_blank">http://www.ndtv.com/opinion/rahul-may-just-have-put-bjp-on-the-defensive-759859</a></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="background: white; color: #1155cc; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">And so if Modi wins, India wins and it would be a justified
set back for Rahul and his party.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-54799815208474823572015-04-03T11:35:00.002+05:302015-04-03T11:35:46.137+05:30Why not institute guidelines that get rid of Floor Space Index<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
The setting of FSI is a constant battle in India. The forgone conclusion is that we have to build up in Urban areas. The debate is how high?</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
Why not get rid of FSI and allow builders to build as high as they want with the following stipulation:</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
</div>
<ol style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Government chalks out green space for parks and play ground as part of the city’s master plan.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">The building can have as many flats as can be accommodated, however 50% of the units must be a mix of studio and 1 BHK staff quarters that are strictly for servants and staff. Structure should be within defined plot boundaries.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Number of car parking spaces is 1.5 times the number of flats plus parking spaces for two wheelers, plus parking for visitors.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Building contracts with a private power supplier for power. Subsidized for the Staff.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">The building recycles its water and minimizes its water consumption. Water is priced at a premium for owners, subsidized for staff.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">The building has its own sewage treatment plant (STP) that is part of the recycling system. Local Power Generation from Bio-Gas, Bio-Mass.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">One lift for every ten floors. One service lift for every 20 floors.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Rainwater harvesting</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Common areas lighted with solar power.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">The building does garbage separation – compostable (wet), recyclable, thrash.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">The only commercial activity allowed is a convenience store for residents.</li>
<li style="margin-left: 15px;">Usual fire, hazard, safety infrastructure.</li>
</ol>
<div style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: arial, sans-serif; font-size: 12.8000001907349px;">
More conditions can be added to get rid of FSI all together.</div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-65017871786198376562015-03-27T09:02:00.000+05:302015-03-27T09:06:57.005+05:30Disappointment in Sydney<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
1. India cannot beat this Australian team with just one all rounder, besides the keeper. A rematch would probably lead to the same outcome.<br />
<br />
Saurav Ganguly articlualted it best without mentioning the importance of all rounders. He said Australians have deep batting.<br />
<br />
Here are some stats:<br />
<br />
G. Maxwell, in at 4, scored 23 (14b, 3x4, 1x6) Bowled 5-0-18-0<br />
S. Watson, in at 5, scored 28 (30b, 2x4, 1x6) Bowled 4-0-29-0<br />
J. Faulkner, in at 7, scored 21 (12b, 3x4, 1x6) Bowled 9-1-59-3 (1nb, 1 wide)<br />
M. Johnson, in at 9, scored 27 not out, (9b,4x4,1x6) Bowled 10-0-50-2 (2 wides)<br />
<br />
These four all rounders added 100 runs! Each one of them bagged a 6! Everyone except Watson scored more runs than the balls they faced. Watson missed only by 2. Compared to the other three, he was a Turtle.<br />
<br />
Starc and Hazelwood are the two only bowlers in the team.<br />
<br />
Finch 81 of 116b,7x4,1x6, Watson and Clarke 10 of 12b, 1x4, were the only three batsmen that scored less runs than balls faced. Finch was the stabilizer, Smith and the others were the accelerators.<br />
<br />
Everyone in the team except Clarke bagged a 6.<br />
<br />
Note to selection committee "Think Strategy". It is a game of Brawn AND Brain<br />
<br />
2. India pretty much had a cake walk to the Semis. SA was the only real competition India faced. Australia is clearly the better team. Their pace bowling was superior. The pitch is tuned for pace. Australia butchered India's bowling, India did not respond in kind.<br />
<br />
3. Batting second changed the nature of the game. Scoring over 300 is a requirement at this stage of the game. Could India have pulled it off if they batted first?<br />
<br />
4. Australia has about 25 Million people. If we selected and trained cricketers from our Middle Class pool of 250 Million people, India's B Team should beat any country's A Team! This is an environmental issue that involves facilities, opportunities and culture.<br />
<br />
5. Strike should be rotated to the set batsmen. Every dot ball is a run for the other side. Kohli - 13 balls 1 run! Indians lack the killer instinct. When the odds are against you, you go down fighting, take big hit risks not running risks and getting run out.<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-16555135662100637152014-12-24T16:59:00.002+05:302016-04-16T10:54:04.548+05:30The Rise of Automation<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">John
Maynard Keynes, wrote an article in 1930 titled - Economic
Possibilities for our Grandchildren where he takes “wings into the
future.” What can we reasonably expect the level of our economic
life to be a hundred years hence? His basic premise is that
productivity will continue to increase rendering more and more humans
jobless.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.econ.yale.edu/smith/econ116a/keynes1.pdf"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">http://www.econ.yale.edu/smith/econ116a/keynes1.pdf</span></span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">2030
is more than a decade away and John Maynard's forecast is amazingly
on target. Advances in automation, is affecting workers in developed
countries and the impact is undeniable.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: #424858;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">“</span></span><span style="color: #424858;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">Nonemployed
- As robots grow smarter, American workers struggle to keep up”:</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.cnbc.com/id/102270242"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.cnbc.com/id/102270242</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This
trend will continue to pick up pace and in the future we will see
more and more jobs being performed by robots. So what does the future
hold? Watch this video on humans need not apply:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pq-S557XQU"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Pq-S557XQU</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">And
the alarm it raised for the author of the following article:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucekasanoff/2014/08/18/if-humans-need-not-apply-will-all-our-jobs-disappear/"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.forbes.com/sites/brucekasanoff/2014/08/18/if-humans-need-not-apply-will-all-our-jobs-disappear/</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Computers
are becoming smarter and the implications are described in this talk:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/jeremy_howard_the_wonderful_and_terrifying_implications_of_computers_that_can_learn?language=en"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.ted.com/talks/jeremy_howard_the_wonderful_and_terrifying_implications_of_computers_that_can_learn?language=en</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
children of the 21</span></span><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">st</span></sup></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Century
will have bigger challenges in bringing up their children, than the
20</span></span><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">th</span></sup></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> Century
generation. The world has changed so much since our parenting
experience. While the pace of change is accelerating society's
ability to keep pace with its impact is not.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Society
will have problems coping with the rate of change being brought about
by technological advances and innovation. The rate of change is
accelerating and every indication is that the effect on mankind will
be cataclysmic unless it is planned for.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
following is a Sixty Minutes feature: Are robots hurting job growth?</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2lDmF8ZShI"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=w2lDmF8ZShI</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Here
is an opinion piece on the same subject:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.roubinisedge.com/nouriel-unplugged/rise-of-the-machines-downfall-of-the-economy"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.roubinisedge.com/nouriel-unplugged/rise-of-the-machines-downfall-of-the-economy</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kurzeweil</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: #ffffff;">,
who is considered by some to be the world's leading artificial
intelligence (AI) visionary, </span></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">coined
the phrase, “Singularity” to describe</span></span><span style="color: #333333;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background: #ffffff;"> the
moment in the future when humans and machines will supposedly
converge. He sees this happening by 2029 just fifteen years away.</span></span></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6adugDEmqBk"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6adugDEmqBk</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/22/computers-cleverer-than-humans-15-years"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.theguardian.com/technology/2014/feb/22/computers-cleverer-than-humans-15-years</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Pundits
are conflicted about this trend as portrayed in these TED talks:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/erik_brynjolfsson_the_key_to_growth_race_em_with_em_the_machines.html"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.ted.com/talks/erik_brynjolfsson_the_key_to_growth_race_em_with_em_the_machines.html</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Listen
to the last 60 secs, of the opposing talk below, if you don't have
the time. The title is half misleading. Innovation is not dead.
Whether it will contribute to growth is the issue. Innovation will
make things better for some and hurt others.</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_gordon_the_death_of_innovation_the_end_of_growth.html"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://www.ted.com/talks/robert_gordon_the_death_of_innovation_the_end_of_growth.html</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Notice
the difference in age between the two speakers. Both agree on the
rising income gap and the impact of automation. Education will be
revolutionized by technology. This is not acknowledged by the second
speaker. It will become more accessible. But, will people take
advantage of it. What the US faces today and in the near future, the
developing world will experience, not too far in the future.
Innovation will continue, however currently, there is a diminishing
rate of uplifting return due to innovation. More people are being
rendered jobless due to automation. The first speaker acknowledges
the challenges, and has a Utopian response; the second predicts
society will be unable to cope and he challenges the current
generation to deliver innovation that have the same uplifting impact
as the past generations did.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
companion article: “</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://deshbandhu.blogspot.in/2014/12/the-forthcoming-leisure-age.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
Forthcoming Leisure Age</span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">”,
is all about an age of abundance while recognizing that many people
will experience some hardships during this transition.</span></span></span></div>
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</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">Jeremy
Rifkin has coined the phrase, “The Zero Marginal Cost Society,”
and written a book pointing</span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">out
that the rapid advances in technology is “speeding us to an era of
nearly free goods and services.”</span><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><br /><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://thezeromarginalcostsociety.com/"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">http://thezeromarginalcostsociety.com/</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><br /></span><span style="color: black;">He
explains the impact on society in a talk he gave at the Churchill
Club:</span></span></div>
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<span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCLPizjSe6I"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=wCLPizjSe6I</span></span></a></u></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">None
of these opinions delve into the massive socioeconomic-political
changes that need to take place to address this trend.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Growing
income inequality is a world wide phenomenon. For instance say one
person makes 5,000 a month and another makes 10,000. Both get a 5%
increase which takes their wages to 5,250 and 10,500 respectively.
The income gap of 5,000 becomes 5,250. The wages for an unskilled or
same skilled job is not going to keep pace with jobs that require
special skills. It doesn't take a new set of skills to perform
existing manual jobs like "load carrying", picking fruits
and vegetables, etc. Any wage increase is not because of
upgraded skills. It will be paying more for people doing the same
job, to keep pace with inflation. The solution to the rising
income gap is to reduce the cost to these people by way of subsidized
housing, food, healthcare and education. Just about all countries
provide these subsidies in some form or the other. The outlay for
these “hand outs” is going to increase and needs to be planned
for.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Developing
countries face the problem of lack of opportunity for their citizens
while developed countries are losing jobs to automation. Both are
faced with people willing to work but lack opportunities.
Furthermore, every country is faced with ‘Takers’ who are
unproductive people, be it due to unavailability of opportunity,
inability, age, or unwillingness to work.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With
increasing automation, more and more jobs will be eliminated, which
will increase the supply of workers and put a downward pressure on
wages. There will be more and more people who are unable, or
incapable and hence shut out from the "automated economy".</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
short term solution to this problem is for the "productive"
people the “Makers” to support the "unproductive"
people the “Takers”. This is being practiced in some form or the
other by every country.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Given
the current socioeconomic-political situation this solution is not
sustainable. We will be faced with a decreasing number of Makers that
will have to support an increasing number of Takers.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
undeniable facts are:</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
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<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Automation
and design for manufacturing will become localized, but it will
require fewer workers. The developing world will benefit and affected
by this trend.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In
the US the Middle Class that comprised mainly of Joe Plumber, Jack
Electricians and Bob the construction man is being decimated. Wages
are either stagnant or declining.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In
the Developing World the opposite holds true, the Middle Class is
growing and wages are improving for skilled, semi skilled and
workers. But this “dividend” may be short lived. The rate at
which technology is adopted by the Developing World is increasing as
well. The downside of not increasing productivity is increased costs
and reduced efficiency.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Barring a man or nature made catastrophe, we can see a new world
order with the “<a href="http://deshbandhu.blogspot.in/2014/12/the-forthcoming-leisure-age.html" target="_blank">Forthcoming Age of Leisure</a>,” as described in the article of the
same name.</span></div>
</div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-11889885057196509422014-12-24T16:56:00.001+05:302016-04-16T10:52:18.884+05:30The Forthcoming Leisure Age<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-bottom: 0.0001pt;">
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<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While
technologists point to the advances in automation that will displace
many jobs that humans perform, economists are scratching their heads
and are not looking beyond the near future. Sociologists haven't a
clue other than forecasting an ominous future. Educators are noting
that we are moving towards an unstructured world and our current
education system is tailored to a factory oriented assembly line.
Technologists, economists, sociologists and educators focus on their
own silos of expertise and don't look at the complete picture.
Opinions are expressed in the context of the silos of each opinion
maker. Politicians are concerned about getting elected, responding to
the immediate needs of their constituents and responding to crisis.
There needs to be some thought given to what children born today will
encounter when they reach middle age and in their twilight years.
There are competing predictions. However there is no analysis that
ties it all together in a socioeconomic and political context.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
companion article, “</span></span><span style="color: navy;"><span lang="zxx"><u><a href="http://deshbandhu.blogspot.in/2014/12/the-rise-of-automation.html" target="_blank"><span style="color: #de7008;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
Rise of Automation</span></span></a></u></span></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">” provides references to information that covers the State
of the Art in the beginning of the 21</span></span><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">st</span></sup></span><span style="color: black;"><sup><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">
</span></sup></span><span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Century
and what experts see coming.</span></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">This
article takes a comprehensive view of the developments and forces at
play in looking at what the future could well turn out.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b><br />In
the beginning of the 22nd Century:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
year 2100 has ushered a new era in the US. Automation has penetrated
every aspect of American life. Cars are self driven. So are trains,
buses and planes. Robots do the cooking and cleaning. Everything
conceivable that required human effort has been automated. Robots
even look after children and the invalid. The US continues to attract
the best and the brightest of the world. Innovation has taken center
stage. Only the most sophisticated, delicate and intricate tasks need
to be performed by humans. That too is a rarity. It is an era of
plenty. Energy is plentiful; mostly safe renewable solar, wind and
nuclear energy. Even defense is highly automated, consisting of
missiles, jet fighters that fly by themselves, drones and
micro-drones. These micro-drones can seek and incapacitate an
individual by stinging them with a powerful sedative or kill them
with a lethal injection. Hunger and poverty have been banished. There
is no shortage of essential goods and creature comforts.
Technological breakthroughs in energy, automation in manufacturing,
construction, farming etc. have brought the cost of goods and
services down significantly and it has become economical and viable
to just give everyone their basic necessities along with robots to
serve them. Everyone is given Monthly Basic Credits (MBCs) –
Housing Credits, Food Credits and Discretionary Credits. Education
and Healthcare are free. People can earn more Credits in a variety of
ways, reminiscent of jobs as defined in the 21st Century, to afford
more. Inflation is virtually non-existent since everything is indexed
to the Credits. A commodity costs the same number of Credits
regardless. Money has ceased to be important and the notion of
banking and investing has been disbanded which precipitated the
demise of Wall Street. Wall Street that held sway until the mid 21st
Century exists only in name. There is peace and happiness. It took
significant changes and cataclysmic shifts to get to this situation.
Even with a few detractors, the majority agree that the solution
achieved is as close to Utopia as one can get.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The
path to the Age of Leisure:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In
the early 21st Century, the US consisted of:</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Makers,
who added “real” value to the economy</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Takers,
who lived of entitlements and subsidies</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With
the advent of automation, more and more people were forced out of
work. The Taker population comprised of not only habitual Takers, but
others forced into this predicament due to the unavailability of jobs
or their inability to function as a Maker in the highly specialized
environment. As more and more automation set in, even the service
economy was affected and service jobs like gardening, burger flipping
etc. got automated. This created a major rift between the Haves and
the Have Nots. The country had a dwindling set of Makers, Servers
(Service Providers) and an expanding population of Takers.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Food
Stamps to the Rescue:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To
counter the trend of increasing poverty, the Food Stamp Program and
Unemployment Benefits were expanded. Providing and extending these
entitlements were heavily fought over by fiscal conservatives. They
had a point. Money spent on entitlements did nothing to solve the
problem. Government and the poor had one thing in common. Both lived
beyond their means and spent more than they had. Furthermore, money
poured at the bottom and near bottom of the pyramid bubbled up to the
top and the income gap widened. The government could not cope with
rising unemployment. The consumer market collapsed and this set a
downward spiral in the price of produce and manufactured goods.
Massive deflation set in. The country got thrown into deep
depression. The entire Farm to Fork chain had been automated and the
bottom fell out in the agriculture economy. With falling prices,
farmers defaulted on their loans and instead of giving farmers
subsidies, the Thinkers in government suggested that the government
take over farms. With the ever expanding Food Stamp program, it made
eminent sense for the government to own agriculture. Many farmers
opted out and surrendered to the government. With government owning a
significant portion of food production, a Food Stamp Economy emerged,
wherein Food Stamps were involved in most transactions pertaining to
produce and processed food. The monetary relief on the government was
significant. The Food Stamp program became a success. Hunger and
malnutrition was eliminated. Farmers benefited too, many migrated to
cities and became Takers. The ones that stayed back approached
farming as a hobby. Many city dwellers moved to rural America and
chose the simple rural life of being close to nature and mother
earth. The back to nature form of living gained popularity. But the
situation in cities deteriorated. Homelessness was on the rise to
unprecedented levels. The country was driven to the brink of disaster
by uncontrollable law and order. Prisons were over flowing and the
government started building more prisons to accommodate the
increasing population of criminals.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Enter
Housing Credits:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">While
the situation got worse; on the verge of reaching a tipping point of
anarchy, the Thinkers in government citing the success of the Food
Stamp program recommended applying this principle to Housing and just
give minimum housing to Takers. The rationale was instead of building
more prisons, why not build housing. Food was already taken care of
and housing will take care of giving people a roof over their heads.
And so along with Food Stamps, the government started issuing Housing
Credits. This brought about significant relief to the situation and
more Monetary relief.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The
Collapse of Commodity Prices:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Extensive
recycling and reuse resulted in judicious use of non-renewable
resources. This extended the availability of non-renewable resources
for the 22nd Century and beyond. The drop in demand cratered the
prices of raw material. Mining, refining, transportation,
manufacturing, delivering was automated with minimal human
intervention. Technological breakthroughs in energy, automation in
manufacturing, construction, etc. brought the cost of goods and
services down even further. With the collapse of prices and
subsequent defaults, the Thinkers in the government recommended take
over of mines and oil fields. Fossil fuels were yesterday’s energy
source and demand for it evaporated. With that the debate on climate
change was put to bed. The cost of goods dropped to such an
insignificant level that it became economical and viable to just give
the Takers the essentials that they needed along with robots to serve
them as well to enjoy a comfortable Quality of Life of Leisure, since
energy was cheap and everything was automated.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The
New US:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
US became completely self sufficient. Trading with other countries
decreased to a negligible level. The world was forced to survive
without relying on the US economy. Europe and the BRICS countries
picked up the slack. In the past the US was accused of being a war
monger, involved in an expansionist foreign policy. The rhetoric
shifted and the rest of the world began accusing the US of being an
isolationist. China that once copied US innovations indiscriminately
started crying fowl since Chinese innovations were being replicated
in the US. The Dollar continued to be an International Currency, but
most of the Dollars circulated overseas since the US found little use
for it. A Dollar to US Credit exchange emerged. This was utilized by
tourists visiting the US, by US citizens wishing to travel abroad and
for existing trade to acquire Rare Earths and the like. The entire
Product Cycle from Supply Chain, Manufacturing and Distribution being
automated required very little human intervention. The new order was
not Capitalism, Socialism or Communism. Scholars wrestled with what
to call it. Branding this socioeconomic order as an “ism” was
rejected. That debate still goes on.</span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The
Passage of Fundamental Rights:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
Thinkers in government then went about proposing a set of Fundamental
Rights (re-branded entitlements) that were passed by Congress. Basic
food and housing were institutionalized as the Right to Food and
Right to Housing. To this was added Right to Education; which was
essentially free and dispensed through Massive Open On-line Courses
(MOOCs), and the Right to Health Care; which was also highly
automated and given free. The much fought over and maligned
Affordable Care Act that came into existence in 2014 was re-branded
as Right to Health and made Universal.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Cradle
to Grave Security:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;">With
cradle to grave support provided for by the government, there was no
need for 20</span><span style="color: black;"><sup>th</sup></span><span style="color: black;">
Century entitlement programs - Social Security, Medicare, Medicaid,
Disability, Welfare were all eliminated. With the basic set of Rights
established, all forms of Subsidies and Entitlements were eliminated.
Everyone was entitled to these Rights and in order to avail of these
Rights a set of Responsibilities were established to maintain social
balance and harmony. This provided more Monetary relief to the
government. A new category of people emerged; Servers, who served
Makers; Servers who served affluent Makers, Makers who preferred to
be served by humans rather than robots. </span>
</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Credits
Replace Currency:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">In
implementing these fundamental rights the government established a
new currency of exchange called Credits. Since Food Stamps and
Housing Credits were already in place, all of this were rolled into a
Basic Credit System of Food Credits, Housing Credits, and
Discretionary Credits. These were commonly called FC, HC and DC.
Discretionary Credits could be applied to anything. Education and
Healthcare did not require any Credits. Takers were able to live
within the Basic Credits they were given. The income inequality that
widened in first part of the 21st Century vanished. Makers earned
more Credits by virtue of their occupation and contribution to
society, much like the 21st Century, which allowed them to live a
more “affluent” life style. Makers had choice regarding housing.
They could upgrade their housing by applying Discretionary Credits or
chose to live a simple lifestyle on their entitled Housing Credits.
They could use their Discretionary Credits (entitled and earned) for
whatever they chose. Inheritance rights were preserved. People, who
inherited property, turned in their unused Housing Credits. The
Commercial and Rental Real Estate market collapsed with dwindling
demand. It became the property of the government by default. A small
demand for Servers emerged created by Makers who wished to be served
by Humans. The oldest profession continued to exist. Servers got paid
for services provided.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>A
Focus on Quality of Life:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">To
enhance the Quality of Life, the Thinkers in government, promoted the
idea of Entertainment Centers called Forever Lands, much like Las
Vegas and Disney Land in each and every City and Town. People could
utilize their Discretionary Credits to access the recreational
facilities provided. Gambling was curtailed, in that when a person
exhausted their Discretionary Credits, they had to quit and wait till
they got their next allotment or earned more DCs. Many activities
were free; others were purchased with Discretionary Credits. Many
tournaments, games enabled people to earn Discretionary Credits that
they could use for special privileges like golfing, horse back
riding, fishing etc. There were many avenues like volunteering,
taking courses etc. to earn DCs and that could be used to acquire
things to satisfy human vanity, such as human made items or works of
art. While Forever Lands were accessible to everyone, exclusive
Country Clubs were set up as well that required significant DCs to
access. These were the places frequented by affluent Makers. What
resulted was a true meritocracy wherein competence and creating value
earned more DCs. The more one earned the more they could afford,
while no one was denied their Basic Rights. There were other things
established to ensure Quality of Life. For instance by using
Discretionary Credits, people were able to take vacations. A Time
Share like system allowed individuals and families to select the type
of vacation they wished to have. Airfare, ground transportation and
lodging required Discretionary Credits. Food Credits covered Food.
The more Discretionary Credits a person possessed the more they could
afford, like upgrades to a more luxurious vacation. An exchange
facility was established whereby a person, couple or family living in
one location could exchange places with their equivalent in another
location. This flexibility was popular among Takers. Takers with
young children could move around as and when they wished provided
they were able to find an exchange opportunity. Another phenomena
that emerged is that some Takers excelled in creativity and every
once in awhile an art form or innovation would emerge and achieve
some recognition. This earned them more Discretionary Credits. It was
not uncommon for a Maker to transition into a Taker and then
re-emerge as a Maker.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Inflation
and Deflation Eliminated:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Goods
and Services were pegged to Credits and their cost in Credits
remained the same. For instance a Pound of Salt; the very basic
essential was pegged at One Food Credit. The price of all food items
was derived in relation to a Pound of Salt. Each individual was given
one Housing Credit per month. A family of four was entitled to a four
bedroom apartment. With this system of Credits, inflation or
deflation was completely eliminated.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>The
Demise of Wall Street:</b></span></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">With
the establishment of Credits which was a virtual currency; with
inflation/deflation beaten, the notion of banking and investing was
disbanded which led to the demise of Wall Street. Makers consisted
primarily of Innovators, Entrepreneurs, Entertainers, Artists,
Educators, Lawyers, Doctors, etc. which earned them Discretionary
Credits. The demand for Bankers, Brokers, Investment Counselors, and
Economists dropped, except for a few in the government to deal with
International Trade, which was minimal.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Democracy
Turned on its Head:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Centralized
democracy as practiced till the late 21st Century was disbanded. The
country transitioned itself into self governance. District lines were
drawn to contain approximately one million adults. Each district was
represented by a Mayor and his/her Council Members. Each Council
member had a specific area of oversight such as; Human Rights,
Commerce, Law, Education, Environment, Agriculture, Health, Safety,
Code of Conduct, Quality of Life etc. Council members were elected by
citizens from a pool of experts. The elected local representatives
consisting of Mayor and Council Members gained more power over
national issues through a Council System. Council Members met
regularly with their counterparts through teleconferencing. Changes
to existing rules and regulations were ratified at Quarterly National
Conferences. The President became like the King/Queen of England, a
nominal head. Debate by citizens was encouraged and dissension
tolerated. Places called Rebel Worlds and Opinion Worlds were set up
where people could voice their opinions, suggestions and complaints.
Issues had to be backed by facts. People were warned when making wild
allegations, which had to be retracted or face litigation. Legitimate
issues resulted in petitions that were debated and voted upon, then
taken up by the Mayor and the Council Member to be ratified. If the
resolution had a multi-district or national implication, it was taken
up at the appropriate Council Meeting to be ratified at the
appropriate level. Changes proposed at the Council Meeting were sent
back to the people for debate and discussion and voted upon again.
These petitions were at times debated for months and years and went
through many cycles of voting before being agreed upon. All proposals
and resolutions had to pass the Fairness Principle.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><b>The
Fairness Principle:</b></span><span style="color: black;"> </span><span style="color: black;">The
Fairness Principle was guided by the following:</span></span></div>
<ul>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Do
unto others as you would have them do unto you.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
needs of the many outweigh the needs of a few.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Equality
of Rights extended to every human.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Minority
Rights had to be protected, no matter how small the Minority.</span></span></div>
</li>
<li><div align="LEFT" style="orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Equal
opportunity for all did not mean everyone was equal.</span></span></div>
</li>
</ul>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">Additional
privileges were awarded in proportion to Merit. The establishment of
Fundamental Rights was accompanied by a System of Responsibilities.
For instance, even though the population was falling, preventive
measures to ensure a healthy population and prevent teenage
pregnancies were introduced. This involved all girls of child bearing
age to have a “reversible” birth control procedure. Approval was
required of single women and couples wishing to bear children, which
included a course on parenting and passing of tests. One of the tests
that had to be taken was DNA analysis. This was a contentious issue
but the law was passed nevertheless after much debate. By analyzing
and matching the DNA, it was possible to determine the physical and
mental characteristics of the baby. Draconian as this may sound, it
actually worked very well once instituted. Women were given the
choice of either artificial insemination or fertilized implants to
ensure a healthy baby. This DNA analysis suited single women who
wished to have children. Women were permitted to have only two
children after which they had to undergo the reversible “birth
control” procedure. The “two children law” was fiercely
contested by conservatives. So an amendment was introduced whereby,
couples/individuals wishing to have more than two children had to
qualify and obtain permission. After much debate and wrangling a
quantifiable set of qualifiers was agreed upon. To monitor and
address obesity children had an embedded capsule in their body that
broadcasted their vital signs. This capsule served as an embedded
health monitor that notified health services if any intervention was
required. The benefit of this was that the children grew up to live a
long and healthy life. Broadcasting a person’s position was another
feature which enabled monitoring of children. This monitoring, even
after an individual reached adulthood, became a contentious issue.
The ACLU fought this vigorously, but had to rescind because of its
inherent medical benefits. Broadcasting the person’s location
enabled delivery of emergency services.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><span style="color: black;"><b>The
Leisure Reality of the 22nd Century:</b></span><span style="color: black;"> </span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
age old saying, “An idle mind is a devil’s workshop,” is an
axiom that transcends generations and holds true for the human race.
Kids will be kids, they challenge authority and some get into
trouble. For many years a group of educationalists critiqued the
“assembly line” education system that was devised for the
industrial age and prepared graduates for “structured” work in a
“structured” environment. Factories requiring organized human
labour ceased to exist long ago. Working on innovation involves a
significant amount of flexibility and self direction. The criticism
of these educationalists came home to roost in this new era. A child
could grow up and chose not to seek a “job”, and would have to
have the tools to keep preoccupied and out of trouble. The emphasis
of education was reoriented to prepare children for this unstructured
society by instilling civic responsibility and discipline. Schools
taught children to think independently, work in groups to solve
problems with adequate assistance and minimal supervision. Habitual
offenders were assigned to boot camps to remedy their behaviour. As a
result, the criminal population declined and included only the
“hopeless” cases.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><b>Towards
a new World order:</b></span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">The
tumultuous period the US went through while automation displaced
humans, was decried by the rest of the world as the end of
Capitalism. On the one hand, the GDP increased rapidly, the US became
a net exporter of goods and food grains, and the trade deficit was
wiped out. And yet the plight of people deteriorated. The US economic
indicators looked good but people’s lives were being decimated, the
rest of the world was not faring better, except that both the
economic indicators and the Quality of Life was deteriorating. It was
then that the US realized that the economic principles in vogue were
irrelevant and that a rapid transition to a new world order was the
solution. The emergence of the US from its predicament reinstated its
position of world leader and the beacon for other countries to
follow. With plenty to give and nothing to want, US took an active
role in aiding the rest of the world and replicate its success. As
more and more countries adopted the US way, people freely moved
between these countries.</span></span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;"><br />
</span></div>
<div align="LEFT" style="margin-bottom: 0in; orphans: 2; widows: 2;">
<span style="color: black;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: large;">A
path to a new world order emerged where borders were soon to become
meaningless and the term; “citizenship” would become a term of
association as opposed to a term of privilege or rights. The world
started looking more and more like it does from space; a Blue Marble
with people living in harmony and peace.</span></span></div>
<br />
<div style="margin-bottom: 0in;">
<br />
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-31698049029297017512014-10-24T17:13:00.000+05:302014-10-24T17:31:21.324+05:30India’s Literacy Challenge<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div align="center" class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Overview:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Addressing illiteracy in
India has to be undertaken in an accelerated manner to overtake the rate of
population growth. It is estimated that a million youth are going to be
entering the workforce every month. In providing jobs and opportunities for
these new entrants, the illiterate among them will have to be factored in. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">A number of
recommendations are made to reduce illiteracy:</span><br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 0.25in;">
</div>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The
solution has to be driven by a Central Organization for Consistency and
expediency. This should factor in the multiplicity of languages and input from
the States.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Adult/youth
illiteracy and child illiteracy are two different problems each requiring its
own unique solution.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Instructor
involvement is indispensable and the solution has to include and augment the
traditional methods of teaching students such as black board, slate, chalk,
paper, pencil/pen, books and charts. The outcome of the solution should enable
an interested and marginally competent individual to effectively impart
literacy.</span></li>
</ul>
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Involvement
of urban students of all disciplines, like rural internship of medical students
must be mandated to assist in this endeavor. </span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The situation:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">According to a report by
United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization, India has the
highest population of illiterate adults at 287 million. This amounts to 37 per
cent of the global total.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The 2013/14 Education for
All Global Monitoring Report said India’s literacy rate rose from 48 per cent
in 1991 to 63 per cent in 2006, the latest year it has available data, but
population growth cancelled the gains so there was no change in the number of
illiterate adults.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.thehindu.com/features/education/issues/india-tops-in-adult-illiteracy-un-report/article5629981.ece" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">http://www.thehindu.com/features/education/issues/india-tops-in-adult-illiteracy-un-report/article5629981.ece</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The data indicates that
progress is being made, but not fast enough. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The Cause:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Illiteracy results from
any of the following:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-indent: -24px;">Teacher incompetence and/or absenteeism</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Access to schools</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="font-stretch: normal; line-height: normal;"><b> </b></span></span><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">Student absenteeism</span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">While the above reasons has
resulted in the current number of illiterate adults the issue going forward, is
whether it will continue to fall short of reaching the desired level of
literacy.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Setting Realistic Goals:<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; text-align: justify; vertical-align: baseline;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">A relevant statistic to put things in
perspective is to compare the illiteracy rate of the US. <span style="border: none windowtext 1.0pt; color: #333333; mso-border-alt: none windowtext 0in; padding: 0in;">According to a study conducted in late April 2013, by the U.S.
Department of Education and the National Institute of Literacy</span><span style="color: #333333;">, 32 million adults in the U.S. can't read. That's 14
percent of the population. 21 percent of adults in the U.S. read below a 5th
grade level, and 19 percent of high school graduates can't read. It had not
changed in 10 yrs.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div style="background: white; line-height: 15.75pt; margin-bottom: .0001pt; margin: 0in; vertical-align: baseline;">
<br />
<a href="http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/06/illiteracy-rate_n_3880355.html" style="background-color: transparent; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%; text-align: justify;">http://www.huffingtonpost.com/2013/09/06/illiteracy-rate_n_3880355.html</a></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">So if India were to take
the situation in the US as a baseline and India achieves 85% literacy rate,
then that would be a significant achievement.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Adult and Student
illiteracy – Two issues requiring two solutions:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Addressing adult
illiteracy and the ensuring literacy of current students require different
initiatives.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">India faces the challenge
of a million youth entering the workforce every month. A significant number of
these youth are Uneducated, Unskilled and will be Unemployed (U3), if Jobs or
Opportunities are lacking. The situation is further acerbated with a significant
number of them being illiterate (U2I). India is staring at the “Demographic
Dividend” turning into a “Demographic Disaster”!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Jobs for illiterate youth
– consider jobs that don’t require reading and writing skills:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Addressing Adult
Illiteracy is a critical immediate issue. Ensuring literacy is imparted in
schools is a high priority issue. Furthermore, faced with the gargantuan
challenge of the U2I group, a pragmatic approach would be to offer teaching
interested U2I just reading skills, and where relevant, train them in skills
that don’t require reading or writing skills.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">War against illiteracy?:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Addressing this challenge
requires a war like footing. Needless to say, it requires people with the
requisite skills assisted by teaching aids both traditional and technological.
The solution has to be available in multiple languages.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The traditional approach
is well understood but badly implemented due to lack of due process and
accountability. Going forward the issue is whether to fix the process or
disrupt it with technology. The pragmatic approach is to attempt both.
Introducing change is resisted for a number of reasons. It has to be co-opted
by the existing organization. Teachers should be convinced that the
introduction of teaching aids – Print, TV, and Technology etc. will facilitate
their role, will enhance their effectiveness and make things enjoyable for the
students and themselves as well. The key is to convince the staff that the
changes being introduced are not viewed as job threatening or playing into
their insecurities. Selecting and supporting the technology platform along with
the requisite training has its challenges as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Goals and Reach:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Regardless of the approach
taken achieving the following literacy goals are recommended:</span><br />
<ul>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-indent: -24px;">95+% in all cities having airports</span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">90+% in all towns with major train stations/junctions</span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">85+% in all towns with railway stations</span></span></span></span></span></li>
<li><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px; text-indent: -24px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;"><span style="line-height: 18.3999996185303px;">80+% in all towns with Bus Stations reachable by bus within an hour from a railway station</span></span></span></span></span></span></li>
</ul>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">The reason for establishing
the above goals is two fold. First a feeder approach will make the reach more
effective and enable regular evaluation of the progress or lack of progress
being made. Secondly it will provide opportunities for urban/town students to
participate in this </span><span style="line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">endeavour</span><span style="line-height: 115%;">.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Call for a National
student program:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Student participation is
critical, to assist and monitor a nationwide illiteracy eradication program.
Other countries like Israel, Singapore, and Norway etc. have a compulsory army
internship program that all students have to participate in. India could use a
rural assignment program that is compulsory for all college students of
government assisted colleges of all disciplines. Currently it is mandatory only
for medical students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Enhancing the Traditional
approach to literacy:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">MOOCs (Massive Open
On-Line Courses) are trending as an effective learning system. However, it
requires the student to be literate. Teaching reading and writing requires
significant teacher-student interaction and even if it can be proven to work,
by eliminating the teacher, it will take time and will have to be implemented
in multiple scripts. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The basic assertion is
that teacher, black board, slate, chalk, paper and pencil/pen are
indispensable. In addition to available teaching aids such as charts and books,
all options of augmenting teaching reading and writing skills must be used such
as DVDs, TV programs and Internet/Mobile based technologies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Besides being affordable
and scalable a goal would be to enable an interested and somewhat competent
instructor to teach reading and writing skills. In essence the learning system
would train the trainer as well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Rapid execution:<o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="line-height: 115%;">As mentioned earlier, time
is of the essence. The answer is to establish a Center for Literacy that
produces these learning aids in multiple languages and then provide </span><span style="line-height: 15.3333320617676px;">incentives</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> the
States to implement it. Maybe there are organizations already existing that can
be </span><span style="line-height: 14.9499998092651px;">re-purposed</span><span style="line-height: 115%;"> and given the charter to proceed with a sense of urgency.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><b>This is a problem that can
be solved with the right political and administrative will.</b><span style="font-size: x-small;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></span></div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-2636215164549031562014-08-07T08:40:00.004+05:302014-08-07T08:40:54.283+05:30The Indian Civil Service Exam Controversy<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
The language the CSAT (Civil Service Aptitude Test) is offered and its content has now become a National issue. Rural folks are speaking up, making their voices heard and they have a point. Below is an article that appeared in the New York Times (I have taken the liberty of copy-pasting it) and the following is a link to an article that attempts to explain the controversy in greater detail:<br />
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http://ibnlive.in.com/news/what-the-upsc-civil-service-aptitude-test-controversy-is-all-about/488491-72-220.html<br />
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The issue at hand is the content and the language in which it is offered. <br />
<br />
Let us dispense with the content first. It should reflect the requirement for the job and the debate should end there. The jobs are management oriented and the tests should reflect that. Maybe another set of tests can be offered to allow candidates to qualify for entry level jobs that would lead to management opportunities based on their on their job performance.<br />
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However language should not pose a barrier for entry. I am
with the protesters and empathize with their frustration. These city
bred yahoos have no idea of the situation in rural India. That Babu -
Srivatsa Krishna (see article reproduced below) who wants to ban
protestors should be sacked.<br />
<br />
I would take the language the test is given in one step further. The
short term solution in India is to offer the test in the regional
language as well as Hindi and English. This should be followed by
intense immersion in English and Hindi for people who are deficient in
either, to bring everyone up to par.<br />
<br />
The IBN article referenced above mentions that Google translate was used to translate the English Test to Hindi. This is bizarre and sheer laziness on the part of the administration. <br />
<br />In Singapore they found that the English speaking persons did better by way of jobs than their Chinese speaking counterparts. So if I remember correctly, all college education is now in English.<br />
<br />
The importance of regional languages increases as more and more youth
enter college. On the one hand to drop English as a medium of
instruction in colleges would be retrograde. However, India is a diverse country unlike Singapore. Language does pose an issue since the medium of instruction in rural and small town colleges is still in their regional language. Furthermore Hindi is completely neglected and picked up by some non-Hindi speaking individuals, only because of the popularity of Bollywood movies.<br /><br />Unlike any other country or continent India is unique in that there are three languages in use in non-Hindi regions. (Hindi, English and the Regional Language). Sometimes there are two or more regional languages, like in Uttara Kannada (Kannada and Konkani), in Dakshina Kannada (Kannada, Konkani and Tulu). In addition, the Muslims in both UK and DK have their own dialect called Bhatkal and Beyari. All of these issues have to be taken into consideration to level the playing field for the aspirants.<br /><br />NY Times Report:<br /><br />NEW DELHI — Please mark the answer that best represents the truth (as this is not to ascertain your ideology, but your aptitude for a job with great perks).<br />
<br />English is a foreign language.<br />
<br />A) True. It came from outside India.<br />B) False. The former prime minister Manmohan Singh and the former deputy prime minister L.K. Advani also came from elsewhere, but they are Indian now. A language belongs where it lives.<br />C) True. English is foreign because it is not the mother tongue of the vast majority of Indians.<br />D) False. English is in fact India’s only national language, far more influential than even Hindi.<br />E) All of the above.<br />
<br />This question has yet to appear in any objective-type exam, but it has long bothered Indian society and is at the heart of a protest by hundreds of young Indians who are objecting to, among other things, the intrusion of English in one of India’s most prestigious tests — the civil services examination. To be precise, they are protesting one of the two screening tests that hundreds of thousands take every year to qualify for the “main” exams. Only a few hundred survive, to be inducted into a system that may eventually take them to the top levels of bureaucracy.<br />Candidates have the option of taking the screening tests in English or Hindi, but even the Hindi version has passages in English to test their comprehension of that language. Hundreds of candidates who have taken the tests and failed, or aspire to take the tests, have hit the streets of the capital protesting the English passages, which they say put those who are not proficient in English at a disadvantage. They have thrown stones and burned buses. They have also, oddly, held up protest signs in English.<br />
<br />Any battle against English in India is at once a battle of the poor against the rich, the village against the city, tradition against modernity and the regional elite against a more cosmopolitan elite. On Monday, the government tried to placate the mobs by announcing that the English passages would be scrapped, but as the protesters have other demands, they have not ended their agitation.<br />The general opinion among bureaucrats is that the protesters are a disgrace. Srivatsa Krishna, a civil servant, wrote in The Times of India that the government should study the video footage of the protesters, “identify the specific culprits and ban them for life” from taking the exams. He found it ridiculous that the exam’s candidates would protest a requirement to possess “English skills of 10th-class levels.”<br />
<br />In almost every state in India, the guardians of culture have tried to restrain the growth of English, but its power has only grown because of its promise of material and social benefits. Most of the cultural guardians themselves send their children to English-language schools. The medium of instruction for higher education in India is almost entirely English.<br />
<br />A politician, Yogendra Yadav, lamented in The Indian Express that “the entire system of higher education that controls white-collar jobs” is loaded against students who did not attend English-language schools. But then, that is the reality of the nation. The dominance of English dims the prospects of students who are too poor to attend an English-language school. But the government, for various reasons, including cultural prejudice, has not done enough to take English to its poorest. Most of its free or cheap schools do not have English as the medium of instruction.<br />
<br />In South India, there have been no protests against the English passages. Historically, that region has protested against the supremacy of Hindi. When Prime Minister Narendra Modi gave his first public speech in the south after assuming office, he spoke in English.<br />English is indisputably Indian now, and the most useful language in India. But it is not the most beloved, nor the medium of abuse during road rage. That special place Indians will always grant only to their mother tongues.<br />
<br />So the correct answer is “E.”<br />
<br />Follow Manu Joseph, the author of the novel “The Illicit Happiness of Other People,” on Facebook.<br /><br /><br /></div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-38833919960305280582013-09-19T11:27:00.001+05:302014-10-04T11:04:15.565+05:30What is India's Energy Strategy?<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Summary:</span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Demand for Energy,
Food, Water, consumer goods and services will continue to increase in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> due to the following factors:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">This paper’s focus
is on energy defined as electricity, fuel for vehicles, cooking, heating etc.
Besides Air and Water; Energy is the most essential commodity for the survival
and progress of the human race. The conclusion reached at the end of this
analysis is that for </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">(and for that matter the world), <b>the “holy grail” is in an inexhaustible
source of affordable renewable energy.</b> It is hoped that Innovation
will provide that, and in all likelihood it will be in some form of Nuclear Energy.</span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Furthermore </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> has to move ahead with a sense of urgency and
develop all means of affordable, reliable, sustainable energy that manages and
minimizes environmental impact.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Vision:</span></u></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">But before we dive
in to solutions, let's define the Vision:</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Abundance of
electricity, fuel for vehicles, cooking, heating etc.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Affordable</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Zero pollution</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Minimized
environmental impact</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Reduced CO2
emission. </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Documented studies
show that even with more efficient energy solutions that reduce consumption;
net demand will continue to increase. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=12251">http://www.eia.gov/todayinenergy/detail.cfm?id=12251</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Sources of Energy –
Electricity, Fuel etc.:</span></u></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Solar</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">
meets the above criteria but requires terrestrial space and available only
during the day. There are systems being developed that convert solar energy
into heat and/or potential by day, to be available at night.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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has to be in regions where there is year round adequate wind.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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power does meet the criteria but is shrouded in controversies over
environmental impact. Although mini/micro generator that just use the flow of
water is a solution.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Tide</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">
energy - being developed in<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Maine</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">, </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">USA</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">. There are environmental impacts</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Coal, Gas, Diesel</span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> generation are non-renewable and don't meet
the spirit of the Vision. Carbon sequestration is a solution to nullify CO2
emission. With cheap Gas, Coal fired power plants are becoming commercially
unviable.</span><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Agro </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">–
Ethanol, etc. which requires energy to produce</span><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Cow Dung, Bio Mass</span></b><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">, </span></b><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Garbage - </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">the impact of “Bio Energy” to zero pollution
and CO2 emission can be minimized.</span><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Hydrogen </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> - this requires energy to produce</span><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Nuclear </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">has
its share of controversy.</span><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Wood </span></b><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">is
used extensively in Rural India and small towns for cooking and heating water.
This has a major environmental impact and has to be addressed.</span><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> </span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">has gas reserves, but it has
to be tapped and there is an increase in cost factor to be considered:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/higher-rates-will-help-increase-domestic-gas-output-moily/article5482544.ece">http://www.thehindu.com/business/Industry/higher-rates-will-help-increase-domestic-gas-output-moily/article5482544.ece</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Urban, Rural and
Industrial requirements:</span></u></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The energy
consumption profile is different for Urban, Rural areas and Industry. </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Rural needs could be
addressed by Solar, Wind, Gas, Kerosene, bio energy etc. </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Urban needs will
require power plants. Solar utilization will help, but unlikely to suffice. </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The
Industrial sector continues to account for the largest share of delivered
energy consumption and is projected to consume more than half of global
delivered energy in 2040.<span class="apple-converted-space"> (Refer to web
site cited above).</span></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Transportation
Requirements</span></u></b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">:</span></u><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The energy needs for
transportation can be categorized as: </span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">SUVs, Cars – Small,
Medium and multi-passenger vehicles</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Goods - Shipping and
Trucking</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Mass Transportation
– Air, Buses, Trains & Ships.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The battle for
resources.</span></u></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">With the increased
pace of development, with more and more automation, the battle of the future is
going to be control of or access via trade for:</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Food,</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="color: #222222; font-family: Arial; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Natural Resources –
inclusive of Energy requirements</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Water</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What should<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span></u></b><st1:country-region><st1:place><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></u></b></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="apple-converted-space"><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></u></b></span><b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">do?</span></u></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">With regards to
energy,<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">has to:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Reduce its dependence on importing oil by
developing and implementing alternative means or finding fossil fuel
sources within or </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Supplant the energy needs derived from
non-fossil means or </span><span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Earn enough foreign exchange and continue
to import to fill the energy gap</span><span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Unless there is an
alternative that does not include Nuclear power, <i>Nuclear Energy is an option that<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></i></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></i></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="apple-converted-space"><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></i></span><i><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">has to pursue</span></i><span style="background-color: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">.</span></div>
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<st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">is blessed with an abundance of Thorium.
Utilizing Thorium can achieve an inexhaustible source of power. It needs
more research and development to become viable. Along with existing nuclear
power, the addition of Thorium based power would alleviate<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">’s electricity needs.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Energy for
Transportation:</span></u></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Affordable Electric
Cars that can travel </span><st1:metricconverter productid="400 Km"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">400 Km</span></st1:metricconverter><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> before requiring a charge (that would take
less than hour), like the Tesla does today, would take care of most of the
passenger car needs.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The energy
requirements for heavy vehicles are different and this is where Hydrogen based
power might provide the solution. Generating Hydrogen requires electricity
unless there is a non-electric Hydrogen production breakthrough. If we had an
abundance of electricity, the electric based Hydrogen production option is a
viable solution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Pricing of Electricity:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Price controls and
subsidies are a major deterrent for private parties to enter into the Power
Sector. </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">’s policies should be aimed at serving the
Poor, the Rich and everyone in between. This can be done by establishing a
Linear Pricing scheme as opposed to a Tiered Pricing scheme that tops off at a
point, allowing the consumer to consume as much power they need without an
increase in price for additional units consumed. With a Linear Pricing Model,
the basic units of Electricity could be given free to everyone, with the price
for every additional set of units increasing as consumption increases. This
model implements a “cross subsidy” scheme where high consumers pay more as they
use more and this subsidizes the low consumers. </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">’s model for essentials like water, electricity
can be priced such that the bare minimum is made available at a low price and
consumers pay more for more and a lot more for a lot more. People can decide
how much they want to consume based on what they pay at their consumption
level.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">The Nuclear Controversy:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">The opposition to Nuclear Energy is primarily due
to emotion, irrationality and misinformation about the facts. Disasters,
environmental impact and storage of nuclear waste are cited objection. These
are valid objections and can be mitigated with proper implementation and
processes. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">For instance, the disaster at </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Fukushima</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">
could have been averted if they had a reliable source of power coming from a
stable area. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.spf.org/jpus/img/investigation/book_fukushima.pdf">http://www.spf.org/jpus/img/investigation/book_fukushima.pdf</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:place><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Three Mile Island</span></st1:place><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> was
due to multiple failures that included human error. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Mile_Island_accident">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Three_Mile_Island_accident</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">In the case of </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Chernobyl</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> it
was an experiment to prevent a disaster that went horribly wrong and resulted
in the very disaster it was intended to prevent. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Physical_Chemistry/Nuclear_Chemistry/Case_Studies/Chernobyl">http://chemwiki.ucdavis.edu/Physical_Chemistry/Nuclear_Chemistry/Case_Studies/Chernobyl</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<i><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">More
people are dying due to starvation, illness and traffic related deaths and
people are worried about nuclear power!<o:p></o:p></span></i></div>
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<st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> operates <b>Nineteen</b>
nuclear power reactors at six sites by the<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nuclear_Power_Corporation_of_India" title="Nuclear Power Corporation of India"><span style="color: #0b0080; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial; text-decoration: none; text-underline: none;">Nuclear Power
Corporation of India</span></a></span><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> that </span></span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">produce 4,560.00 MW, <b>2.9</b>% of
total installed base. <b>There has not been
a single reported incident of the type of catastrophe people are alarmed about.</b></span><b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="background: white; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_power_stations_in_India">http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_power_stations_in_India</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">More than Forty years ago Dr. Homi Bhabha
articulated a Three Stage Nuclear program that </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> has yet
to realize. People opposed to Nuclear energy are advised to talk to
knowledgeable scientists of the Bhabha Atomic Research Center (BARC) before
voicing their opinion.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Conclusion:</span></u></b><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> must move with a sense of urgency and pursue
all forms of reliable, reasonable, affordable and sustainable energy that
manages and minimizes environmental impact<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Utilizing Hydrogen
for heavy vehicles is an option worth exploring.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Nuclear powered
Ships and submarines exist today and it could well become a reality for commercial
vessels.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">Save for the Thorium
based reactor, the technology is available to augment<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">’s energy needs. In the absence of a Thorium
based solution, existing nuclear technology can be pursued to provide energy.<span class="apple-converted-space"> </span></span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span class="apple-converted-space"><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;"> </span></span><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">has a vast coast line and a plant per 200Km of
the West Coast can be built. The East Coast north of Tamil Nadu is vulnerable
to inclement weather.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">What remains is
political will, overcoming naysayers and capital. Capital is the least of </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="background: white; color: #222222; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Arial;">'s hurdles. What can work is a PPP model
wherein the capital comes from private sources and BOTH government and private
parties are involved in the construction AND operation.</span><span style="background-color: white; background-position: initial initial; background-repeat: initial initial; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
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Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-22130647352247198882013-07-24T18:30:00.001+05:302014-10-04T11:03:11.916+05:30The Coming Tsunami in Education<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></u></b>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">With the
adoption of technology in education there is a revolution in the making. The
changes it will bring about will be so extensive, that we would be hard pressed
to imagine the changes that will unfold. Learning occurs in the students head
and the traditional approach of imparting knowledge through "Brick and
Mortar" methods by discourses that occur in a classroom, in higher
education, will be literally turned on its head! Instead of students going to
college, we will see colleges going to students. The space and time continuum
of teacher and student being at the same place at the same time will be
obliterated. Recorded lectures, and automated courses, that includes testing,
enables deliver once, reuse many times, any time, anywhere, by anyone. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Accompanying
this revolution are immense and unprecedented opportunities for </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">'s IITs to improve and reduce the
cost of imparting education as well as reach out to students who wanted to but
did not score an admission to this haloed institute of learning.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">IIT-Bombay’s
Eklavya Project spearheaded by Prof. D.B. Phatak is aimed at taking IIT-Bombay
outside the confines of the Powai campus and improve the Quality of Education
all across the country. The IIT-B Spoken Tutorial Project is another such
initiative that provides an overview of Free Open Source Software.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The IITs
are unique in that they can evolve into a consortium of inter-connected
universities that leverage each others strengths. There is no other institution of this sort in
the world today that is dedicated solely to technology education and research.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Upcoming Paradigm Shift:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Traditional
classroom based education will still be the case for school going children. And
vocational courses will continue with the requisite hands on site training.
Also the importance of labs will not be diminished. But once the student
graduates high school the vista open to them will only be limited to the
capacity of the student to absorb knowledge obtained from a well spring of
sources that emanate from anywhere in the world. The paradigm of a student
going to college will change to the college reaching out to the student.
Extended education (that includes distance learning, automated learning, access
to lectures etc.) is a very fast growing segment in education. Google “Online
Degree” and you will get an idea of what is in store.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">This
won't diminish the importance of students congregating in a common place called
a college. Social interaction would still be important and necessary for the
evolution of the student. The importance of labs and research facilities for
majors that require such facilities will continue to be important. The impact
of this revolution will mostly be felt in the theoretical imparting of
knowledge.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The </span></u></b><st1:place><b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Vista</span></u></b></st1:place><b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> of eLearning:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">As
mentioned earlier, learning occurs in the students head. The established
delivery mechanism today is transferring knowledge in the class room. The
objective remains the same, with technology changing the delivery mechanism.
How technology will revolutionize education like we have never envisaged
doesn't stop with interactive learning. There could very well be knowledge
transference that could occur through a man-machine interface! Who knows, there
may come a time when a student puts on a helmet, goes to sleep and wakes up a
genius. But let’s stick with the near future for now.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">IIT-Bombay’s Eklavya Portal:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
phenomenal rise in the number of engineering colleges has not been matched by
the requisite infrastructure and resources, leave alone dedicated and competent
teaching faculty. The Eklavaya Project spearheaded by Prof. D. B. Phatak,
Subrao Nilekani Chair Professor, of Department Of Computer Science &
Engineering, IIT Bombay, aims to fill this gap with the Eklavya Portal.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">IIT-Bombay’s Spoken Tutorial
Project:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">IIT-Bombay
is offering a “Spoken Tutorial” program that provides an overview of Open
Source products such as Linux, OpenSQL, PHP etc. complete with tests and
certification. <o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Udacity Project:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Udacity
was founded by three roboticists associated with </span><st1:place><st1:placename><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Stanford</span></st1:placename><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> </span><st1:placetype><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">University</span></st1:placetype></st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">, who believed much of the
educational value of their university classes could be offered online. A few
weeks later, over 160,000 students in more than 190 countries enrolled in their
first class, "Introduction to Artificial Intelligence." The online students will not get Stanford
grades or credit, but they will be ranked in comparison to the work of other
online students and will receive a “statement of accomplishment.” This underscores
the reach of, and interest in courses offered on-line. </span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">MIT Automated Curriculum:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">MIT (</span><st1:state><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Massachusetts</span></st1:place></st1:state><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">, not Manipur, Manipal or </span><st1:city><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Madras</span></st1:place></st1:city><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">) has initiated a fully automated
accredited course that can be taken for free by any student anywhere. While
this is being offered on an experimental basis for one subject, it is quite
likely that it will be expanded to an entire major. Currently, the student is
awarded a certificate after completing the course and after having taken tests
provided on-line. By offering an “automated curriculum” MIT has taken eLearning
one step further. Let us extrapolate what MIT could offer and why? In doing so
the momentum shifts from students going to Universities to the University going
to students. Let us assume that it would be possible for a student to enroll
remotely and obtain a “certificate” from MIT, that may or may not involve a
semester or two at the institute, Yes it will result in a "caste"
system that differentiates those who got a Degree by attending the institute
from those who got a Certificate from attending remotely. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Why would
MIT do so? For starters, it will not "cannibalize" enrollment for
MIT. This initiative goes after students worldwide, who couldn't attend in
person for some reason or the other. It would instead take away students from
other Universities. If industry values a certificate from MIT, preferable to a
degree from a lesser known college, then students who are faced with a choice,
may opt for MIT. Furthermore, one does not expect MIT doing this for altruistic
reasons. There is an opportunity to “monetize” as well. MIT can franchise
centers that will be responsible for exam setting just like SAT, GMAT etc. You
go to the center to take the test. If you are talking about millions of
students paying to take a test, that adds up to a significant amount of revenue.
These centers can offer enhanced services like real labs at a fraction of the
cost. The net result is that the cost of delivery is reduced with some of the
savings passed on to the students. Cheaper, better and recognized by a premier
University, would be hard to pass up for students.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Impact of eLearning:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
student will have a choice of “accessing” the best lectures and the onus to
learn will be on the student. The excuse that it was a bad lecturer/professor
will no longer hold. The “Academy of You” - Udemy is offering both paid and
free courses. An existing college might decide to sign up with another college
or form a consortium with other colleges or affiliate itself with another
University like MIT. This would reduce its need for “teaching” faculty or
eliminate the teaching faculty all together and have teaching facilitators
instead. In doing so, it will enable the college to deliver education at a
reduced cost. The impact of eLearning will threaten the very existence of
smaller colleges. Some colleges might close their doors all together or become
the extension of the University they are affiliated with by providing space for
students to gather, mingle and do their group projects and lab work.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">While
these initiatives are in their nascent stages, it is being fought tooth and
nail in some Universities, by the entrenched and tenured faculty, who see this
as a threat to their very existence. The extent by which eLearning impacts a
college or university would be determined by the policies adopted by the colleges.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The opportunity for IITs:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Undergraduate program is the Jewel in IITs crown. It is the UG alumni that has
brought name and fame to IIT, for the most part. By getting on the eLearning
band wagon expeditiously will enable the IITs to improve the UG experience and
also enable the faculty to focus on research and interaction with industry. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Technology
presents an opportunity for the IITs to look at themselves as a distributed and
hyper-connected learning institution that leverages the strengths of each other
and also reach out to students who didn't score an admission. The IITs can
establish extension facilities situated in existing colleges, that students
attend and obtain a degree or diploma issued by the affiliated IIT.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">For
instance at IIT, take a core course such as Fluid Mechanics 101:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<ol start="1" style="margin-top: 0in;" type="1">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Why can't it be taught by the
very best say five professors, regardless of where they are and have
students from all IITs, and other affiliated colleges as well, attend these
lectures real time or on their own time?<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Doing so will reduce the
burden of recruiting teaching faculty which is a big challenge currently
and that will not change. Doing so will also avail the students of the
Best of the Best Professors. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tutorials and group
discussions could take place with a local or remote tutor. In the </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">US</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">, post-graduate students,
working towards their Master's Degree are awarded scholarships to serve as
Teaching Assistants to conduct Tutorials and Labs.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Why not set one exam paper and
have all the students take it at the same time. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ol>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .25in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; text-indent: -.25in;">
<ul style="text-align: left;">
</ul>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
</ol>
<ol style="text-align: left;">
</ol>
<!--[if !supportLists]--></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Each IIT
could focus on a specific area that is unique to it and leverage the other IITs
for the overlapping curriculum. For instance IIT-Kharagpur offers degrees in
Architecture and Agricultural Engineering. This would result in optimal use of
funding and resources.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Additionally,
each IIT can forge relationships with selected Universities overseas and in
doing so feed into the inter-connected consortium of IITs on the one hand and
feed out to other colleges on the other, to form an extensive hyper-connected
technology educational web.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Universities
are going to expand their reach by either affiliating or merging with other
Universities and this is where the IITs, due to the nature and structure have a
unique competitive advantage that gives them a significant lead over other Universities.
The biggest being an established feeder system that ensures an abundant supply
of bright minds that constitute the best of the best. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Conclusions:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The only
thing standing in the way of the above is resistance due to skepticism, human
frailty and insecurity. As an activist in the field of education said, liberalization
unleashed Lakshmi, now we need to unleash Saraswati, in reference to the stranglehold
</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">’s government has on Colleges and Universities.
With the aid of technology, Saraswati will unleash herself, and there is no
stopping her.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><br /></span>
<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">On-Line Lectures and CourseWare Sites:</span></u></b><br />
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">IIT-B Eklavya: <a href="http://ekalavya.it.iitb.ac.in/ekalavyaHome.do">http://ekalavya.it.iitb.ac.in/ekalavyaHome.do</a><span class="Teletype"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">IIT-B Spoken Tutorials: <a href="http://spoken-tutorial.org/">http://spoken-tutorial.org</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">MIT: </span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://mitx.mit.edu/">http://mitx.mit.edu/</a></span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">, </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm">http://ocw.mit.edu/index.htm</a></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Yale: </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://oyc.yale.edu/</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">UC Berkeley: </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://webcast.berkeley.edu/">http://webcast.berkeley.edu/</a></span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="Teletype">Udacity: </span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">http://www.udacity.com/</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Online Courseware Portal: https://www.coursera.org/landing/hub.php</span></span><span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span class="MsoHyperlink"><span style="color: navy; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Udemy: www.udemy.com</span></span></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><u><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Articles:<o:p></o:p></span></u></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article3650305.ece?homepage=true">http://www.thehindu.com/opinion/op-ed/article3650305.ece?homepage=true</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/ted-offers-free-video-lessons-for-high-school-and-college-students/2012/03/09/gIQAuw5O6R_story.html?hpid=z4">http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/ted-offers-free-video-lessons-for-high-school-and-college-students/2012/03/09/gIQAuw5O6R_story.html?hpid=z4</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/colleges-looking-beyond-the-lecture/2012/02/03/gIQA7iUaGR_story.html" target="_blank">http://www.washingtonpost.com/local/education/colleges-looking-beyond-the-lecture/2012/02/03/gIQA7iUaGR_story.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-buzz/post/the-college-lecture-send-us-your-favorite-videos/2012/02/15/gIQAfBOnGR_blog.html">http://www.washingtonpost.com/blogs/the-buzz/post/the-college-lecture-send-us-your-favorite-videos/2012/02/15/gIQAfBOnGR_blog.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">MIT launches automated course. Massachusetts Institute of Technology, has revealed its first fully automated, accredited course which can be studied with out charge:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="-webkit-text-stroke-width: 0px; color: black; font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: medium; font-style: normal; font-variant: normal; font-weight: normal; letter-spacing: normal; line-height: normal; orphans: auto; text-align: left; text-indent: 0px; text-transform: none; white-space: normal; widows: auto; word-spacing: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/education-17012968">http://www.bbc.co.uk/go/em/fr/-/news/education-17012968</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Stanford offers more free online classes for the world. In an ongoing experiment to leverage new educational technologies, the university is launching five free online classes this month.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><a href="http://news.stanford.edu/news/2012/march/online-courses-mitchell-030612.html">http://news.stanford.edu/news/2012/march/online-courses-mitchell-030612.html</a></span><br />
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-38537846565324201062013-04-20T17:52:00.001+05:302014-10-04T11:01:08.021+05:30The effects of Land acquisition laws in Rural India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div class="MsoToc3">
<!--[if supportFields]><span style='mso-element:field-begin'></span><span
style='mso-spacerun:yes'> </span>TOC \o "1-3" \h \z \u <span
style='mso-element:field-separator'></span><![endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">1.<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span>Overview</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div>
<div class="MsoToc3">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">2.<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span>Focus
on Opportunity</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc3">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">3.<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span>Pitfalls
in Land Acquisition and Classification of Land</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc3">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">4.<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span>Buying
& Selling Land in Rural India</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc3">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">5.<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span>Rehabilitation
and Resettlement</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc3">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">6.<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span>CRZ
Rules and its consequences</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc3">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">7.<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span>Mining
and Dams, Rights and Wrongs</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc3">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">8.<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span>Transitioning
to a Market Based Economy</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc3">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">9.<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span>The
Tenant Advantage</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc3">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="MsoHyperlink">10.<span style="color: windowtext; text-decoration: none;"> </span>Conclusion</span><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoToc3">
<br /></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Overview:</span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For
</span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to <i>progress</i>
she has to: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Enact policies
that jettison the bad practices of the past, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Strengthen
prevailing good practices and, <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo3; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Arial; mso-fareast-font-family: Arial;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Introduce new
policies that accelerate the rate of growth in an environmentally responsible
manner. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For
the purpose of this article, <i>progress</i>
is defined as; providing <i>opportunities</i>
for all <i>and</i> adherence to pragmatic
environmental guidelines. The most important issue is a balanced approach that
improves the Quality of Life for all, while addressing the needs of the stake
holders involved, namely; the citizens, the affected people, the government, the
investors and businesses.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Focus on <st1:place>Opportunity</st1:place>:</span></h4>
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At
the individual level <i>opportunities</i>
translate to <i>education</i> for the youth,
<i>training</i> for the unskilled, <i>jobs</i> for the willing and <i>entrepreneurship</i> for the able. It is projected that a <i>Million youth will be entering the workforce every month for the next Ten years</i>. Providing abundant <i>opportunities</i> for
the <i>One Hundred Twenty plus Millions</i> over the next ten years, requires Urbanization and Industrialization. There is a debate on
whether this is the appropriate approach for </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;">. The prevailing conventional wisdom supports this
assertion. The detractors are primarily idealists, who partake in the fruits of
modernization while proposing alternatives that they themselves are unable to
demonstrate. India is at an inflection point and India’s only hope is proceed
in Urbanization and Industrialization as fast as possible, to realize
the “demographic dividend”. Not doing so will result in a “demographic
disaster”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">3.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Pitfalls in Land Acquisition and Classification
of Land:</span></h4>
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;">’s current land acquisition laws are a major
impediment for </span><span style="font-family: Arial;">Urbanization and Industrialization</span><span style="font-family: Arial;">. The Land Acquisition Bill is a long time coming, the jury is out whether it will provide some relief.
However there needs to be an over arching strategy that enables progress to
accelerate in an environmentally responsible and inclusive manner.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Not
all land deemed agricultural is suitable for agriculture and not all areas
deemed </span><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">Forest</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;"> has an abundance of trees or wild vegetation. <i>The
emphasis of the laws has been on restricting who can own agricultural and
forest land as opposed to stipulating what can be done on the land.</i>
Shortcomings in governance have resulted in rampant violations of land
utilization, while curtailing ownership. The pragmatic solution is to shift the
emphasis to strict environmental guidelines which can be monitored and
controlled. Furthermore, stiff penalties can be instituted for violating land
use guidelines and since that can be enforced, it would serve as a deterrent
and remedial actions can be taken.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For
instance, every small town in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;"> has a main thoroughfare with a hodgepodge of gullies
and lanes leading to dwellings and surrounding farms. As the town expands,
surrounding agricultural land is converted to non-agricultural (NA) land and
growth occurs in a haphazard manner. Town expansion is not unique to </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;">. What is lacking is a good town planning process, wherein
the town expansion grid is laid out with easements, and set backs for roads,
pavements and bicycle lanes. As part of the conversion process, the land owner
is made to surrender the portion specified in the town’s master plan. This is a
WIN/WIN/WIN solution, wherein the owner realizes the appreciation of the land
(which is often significant) when converted to NA, the town acquires land for
infrastructure at no cost and the town folks benefit.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">4.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Buying and Selling Land in Rural <st1:country-region>India</st1:country-region>:</span></h4>
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Buying
and selling agricultural land in Rural India is riddled with additional
stipulations that require the buyer to have an agricultural certificate or own
agricultural land. Furthermore in some States there is an income cap that has
to be met to qualify as a buyer. Indian citizens without these qualifications
are unable to acquire agricultural land. Because of these restrictions, land
values are artificially depressed and farmers are not able to realize the true
Free Market Value (FMV) of their holdings.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The
work around these restrictive laws and stipulations for U&I is accomplished
by the government acquiring the land and then selling it to a developer or
industrialist. Valuation of the land in these acquisitions is the major source
of contention. The people themselves are to blame for this. The government
appraisal of the land termed “Market Value” (MV) is in many instances set to lower
than 20% of what the land is actually sold for i.e. The Open Market Value (OMV).
The buyer is quite happy to register the land at or slightly above the MV
ascribed by the government and in doing so saves a significant amount on Stamp
Duty which is shy of 7%. This results in a WIN for the buyer and a LOSS for the
government. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">When
government acquires the land, the compensation to the owner is based on the
prevailing government evaluation i.e. the MV. The government sets the acquisition
price at twice or thrice the MV. But in instances where the MV is lower than 20%
of the OMV, even 5 times the MV does not fetch the current OMV to the owner.
The Government then sells the land to the purchaser i.e.
Developer/Industrialist “officially” at a price that is higher than the
acquired price, which is still lower than the OMV. However, the purchaser is
made to part with an amount that is the OMV or thereabouts with the difference
between what the actual cost to the purchaser and “official” sales price
pocketed by corrupt bureaucrats and politicians. When the owners find out that
the land was sold to the purchaser at the price recorded “officially”, all hell
breaks loose. This is a Lose/Lose situation wherein owners are unable to
realize the true value of their holding, the government is shortchanged, the purchaser
at times pays less than the OMV and a windfall is realized, by the corrupt
bureaucrats and politicians. What is needed is policy that results in, and
ensures a reversal of the current situation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">For
example say:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Open Market Value
(OMV) is 100.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The Market Value (MV)
set by the government is 20. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">Government pays the
owner 40 and proudly claims we paid 2 times the MV. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The government then
turns around and sells to the purchaser - Developer or Industrialist for an
“Official Price” of 50 and shows a 20% profit.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">However the Actual Cost
paid out by the purchaser is the OMV i.e. 100 or at times less, maybe 90
or 80. <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l3 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">The difference
between the Official Price and what the purchaser’s Actual Cost is pocketed by the
intermediate corrupt maggots.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%;">There
are many ways to circumvent this situation. One is for the government to reduce
the amount of Stamp Duty which is currently about 7%. To use the above example,
The Stamp Duty paid on the MV purchase price of 20, falsely declared by a buyer,
will be 1.4. If the government reduces the Stamp Duty to say 2%, and the land
is registered at OMV of 10, the government will realize 2. Buyers will be
motivated to declare the actual price paid and pay the 2%. In addition all land
transactions should be posted in a public registry and available to the public.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">One
hurdle still remains and that is the classification of land allotted for
development. It has to be classified as NA. This could be factored into the Master
Plan of the Town, Taluk or District. Town guidelines will have to be constantly
updated as Towns expand. A policy could be established that each Taluk should
set aside a certain percentage of their land for Development (Housing and
Industry) and this could be rolled up to the District Level. Non-arable and
non-forested land could automatically be allowed for conversion to NA and be
made available as areas for development. The price negotiations can then be
left to the buyers and sellers. This policy has been instituted effectively in </span><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">Gujarat</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">, where owners of non-arable land have benefited significantly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">An
additional step each district should take is to develop Industrial Parks that
entrepreneurs could lease, to set up small scale businesses. The Maharashtra
Industrial Development Corporation has many such successes set up around
cities. This program could be expanded in a smaller scale to smaller towns.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">5.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Rehabilitation and Resettlement (R and R):</span></h4>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">RandR
is the most controversial and often botched up aspect of Land Acquisition. The
requirement of a Social Impact Study is only as good the follow through in its
implementation and the ability to modify the approach as and when what is
actually experienced warrants it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Transactions
concerning private land should be treated differently from acquisition of
public land. In many cases privately owned land has been encroached upon by
squatters and the rights of the owners are subordinated to that of the
squatters. R&R in this situation should be the responsibility of the
government with incentives provided to the acquiring parties involved to assist
in the R&R of the squatters.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">More
importantly is land acquired for Dams and Mining. This is covered in a
following section. The big question confronting </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is whether it is fair to continue on the path of
progress on the backs of the marginalized poor who are affected.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Compensation
to displaced persons should be based on their prevailing income level along
with appropriate incentives that encourage rehabilitation. Lump sum payments
and land grants are often frittered away, with the displaced person being worse
off than prior to being displaced. This is often the case of good intention going
bad.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Rehabilitating
a person who has lost their livelihood/current way of life is an uphill task.
The adults are usually entrenched in their ways. Change in this context is a
generational issue. The young have to be educated. There has to be strict laws
prohibiting the sale of liquor that is accompanied by jail terms for people
engaged in the selling of liquor. R&R provides a good opportunity to
provide internships to urban youth to work closely with the affected people.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">6.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->CRZ Rules and its consequences:</span></h4>
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">CRZ
(Coastal Regulation Zone) rules that oversee coastal development are yet
another instance of imposing extreme controls that strangle development of the
coast. Instead of promoting good practices, discouraging bad practices and
providing a path to achieve the former for existing violations, the situation
is such that violations are frequent and the very intentions of the laws are
not realized. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Under
the updated 2011 rules, coastal land has been classified into four zones:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CRZ I will comprise ecologically sensitive areas
like mangroves and mudflats;<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CRZ II will comprise developed areas; <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CRZ III will consist
of underdeveloped areas, not
classified ecologically sensitive; and <o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; mso-list: l2 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in;"><span style="font-family: Arial;">CRZ IV will comprise
territorial waters from the low tide line to 12 nautical miles into the
sea.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%;">Restricting
development in zones designated CRZ I makes eminent sense. CRZ IV pertains to
jetties and ports and would require licensing and clearance. However, CRZ II
and CRZ III could be governed through establishing and enforcing environmental
guidelines. The government could even add a “develop at your own risk” clause
to insulate it from storm damage and ocean erosion i.e. “Acts of God”.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: Arial; line-height: 150%;">Requiring an open space from the high tide line to the building of High Rises makes sense, but making the distance 500 meters is rather extreme.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">CRZ
II and III rules severely restrict the development of tourism on the coasts
of </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;"> and with that opportunities tied to tourism is
eliminated completely.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">7.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Mining and Dams, Rights and Wrongs:</span></h4>
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The
rights to mine natural resources and constructing Dams add another layer of
complexity to the land acquisition situation. Dams are government undertakings,
while Mining involves private party participation. To the average citizen these
are engines that drive progress. What is ignored or brushed aside are the
hardships borne by the affected people and the environmental impact. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Past
practices continue to be pervasive in present projects. The modus operandi in
many cases is literally to bulldoze the way to get the job done with no regard
for the welfare of the affected people coupled with abject disregard for the
environment. Furthermore, promises made are broken and as a result there are
protests due to skepticism. Those
protests are responded to by lathi charges, resulting in death at times. It is
alarming that the people who promote and execute these projects are presumably
members of civil society. However, how they proceed, amounts to legitimized
thuggery driven by extreme “laalach” in the name of progress. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Mining
and Dams by their very nature are controversial activities with conflicting
agendas between stakeholders. The big question confronting </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is whether it is fair to continue on the path of
progress on the backs of the marginalized poor who are affected. In all
fairness there are many in civil society who work continuously to bring such
issues to the attention of the press and public. However, more often than not,
this leads to a confrontational approach where each party digs its heels,
refusing to budge. As a result instead of working towards a negotiated
resolution, the issues get buried into accusations and counter productive
debate.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">There is a saying that the needs of the many far
outweigh the needs of the few. Mining and Dams are examples of those activities
that meet the needs of the many who rely on the output of these projects.
Besides, they also provide a wide spectrum of opportunities from unskilled to
highly skilled individuals. While it is impossible to address every issue of
every stakeholder, each stake holder has to agree to sacrifice or give in a
little so that an optimal agreement is arrived at. It is therefore imperative that
a balanced workable solution be arrived at. What can be and should be achieved
is a “Compromise Solution” since a “Consensus Solution” is well nigh
impossible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">At risk is the environmental impact that has to be
factored into the discussion. Environmentalists are the stake holders who serve
as custodians of the environment, with the other stakeholders being the
Miners/Developers, the Government, the Inhabitants of the area and the owners
(if any) of the land itself.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">To arrive at a Compromise Solution all parties have
to accept that development is inevitable and everyone has to commit to a
workable solution. Also on a case by case basis a comprehensive solution will
require “give and take” from all parties concerned. With that in mind the
following is a partial list of what has to be factored:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">The
environmental impact should be minimized as much as possible.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Concerns of the
inhabitants should be addressed. Besides relocation assistance, they need to be
rehabilitated, which is no simple task. Rather than giving them a big payout,
which is frittered away, a monthly payout is the preferred option.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Owners (if any)
must be compensated fairly<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l1 level1 lfo4; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Additionally, in
the case of Mining: <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo4; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Restoring the
environment has to be factored into the operational costs. It may take many
years for the environment to be restored, but with proper actions such as
grading, the planting of trees or ground cover, it is possible<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo4; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Miners should
achieve a viable rate of return on their investment<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%; margin-left: 1.0in; mso-list: l1 level2 lfo4; tab-stops: list 1.0in; text-align: justify; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: "Courier New"; mso-fareast-font-family: "Courier New";">o<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt; line-height: normal;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Arial;">Government
should receive a fair share by way of revenue<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">8.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Transitioning to a Market Based Economy:</span></h4>
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Another
factor to be taken into consideration for </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;"> to progress is to transition from a Socialist driven
populist economy which strangulates the pricing of goods and services to a more
pragmatic “market based” economy that serves all classes of people. With
respect to land, one such solution is to structure the laws that govern an SEZ
differently in that the pricing of essential resources such as electricity,
water, LPG, diesel, petrol & property taxes etc. are priced based on
economic and commercial rationality as opposed to Political or Societal
pressures. Only members of the lower
economic classes in an SEZ should be eligible for specific subsidies that cover
essentials.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">9.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->The Tenant Advantage:</span></h4>
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">An
artifact of the laws and the legal process that owners are painfully aware of
is that the balance of power is tilted in favour of those who occupy the land,
be it through a lease or through encroachment. In </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;">, possession is 9.99 tenths of the law and evicting
the occupants is a lengthy arduous time consuming process. The problem with
this situation is that it encourages miscreant behaviour, wherein the
encroacher uses the law and the at times, the patronization of politicians to
deny the rightful owner the privilege that they legally possess. Furthermore,
lawyers take advantage of this and proceed to lengthen the process resulting in
an extended and guaranteed source of income for themselves. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<h4 style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">10.<span style="font-size: 7pt; font-weight: normal;">
</span><!--[endif]-->Conclusion:</span></h4>
<h3>
<o:p></o:p></h3>
<div class="MsoToc3">
</div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="line-height: 150%;">
<span style="font-family: Arial;">The
major flaw regarding land in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Arial;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Arial;"> is a focus on who can own land based on its
classification, as opposed to land use. Emphasis is given to protect land encroached
by the landless, rather than promoting an abundance of affordable of rental options
and opportunities. The desired objective ought to be to remove burdensome restrictions
on land ownership and acquisition and ensure good environmental practices. This
will go a long way in realizing opportunities for the “<b>demographic dividend</b>”
and prevent a “<b>demographic disaster</b>”.</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;">Related Articles:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Ghosts who sign:</b> http://week.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/theWeekContent.do?programId=10350679&contentId=17439295</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><b>Land of green, now suicide spot: </b>http://week.manoramaonline.com/cgi-bin/MMOnline.dll/portal/ep/theWeekContent.do?contentId=17389835&programId=1073755753</span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Arial;"><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<!--[if supportFields]><span style='font-size:12.0pt;font-family:Arial;
mso-fareast-font-family:"Times New Roman";mso-ansi-language:EN-US;mso-fareast-language:
EN-US;mso-bidi-language:AR-SA;mso-no-proof:yes'><span style='mso-element:field-end'></span></span><![endif]--></div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-65721490821933094592013-02-16T09:27:00.001+05:302013-03-06T14:52:20.299+05:30State of Pakistan - Hilarious<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7j7Tw1lAqwSF_EBNF_ORJZ1QFYbsJemrKGg8snLuNoTaaZ7KG2zT1jknYo_jSWn-PoBTEKubi3EwmXyZh2eacR0a4MC-aiVrkXgGgvp2XcKxE67GrLMEnen-f3ehj549w0qkYw/s1600/Pakistan+Cartoon.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgf7j7Tw1lAqwSF_EBNF_ORJZ1QFYbsJemrKGg8snLuNoTaaZ7KG2zT1jknYo_jSWn-PoBTEKubi3EwmXyZh2eacR0a4MC-aiVrkXgGgvp2XcKxE67GrLMEnen-f3ehj549w0qkYw/s320/Pakistan+Cartoon.jpg" width="234" /></a></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">This is a hilarious cartoon that depicts the situation quite aptly. Looking up the Internet, Pakistan apparently has a lot of Gas reserves, but it seems to come out of where the US Drones are hitting it.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">India's foreign policy towards Pakistan is absurd. Politically India should not give Pakistan the time of day. Just ignore Pakistan and ask their Politicians to fix their problems first and stop causing trouble for us. After all, their Politicians are puppets of their military, a bunch of numb nuts and India stoops to their level!</span><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><br style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;" /><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; line-height: 17px;">As far as defense is concerned, India should act responsibly and take measured responses to Pakistan's infractions. Simply put, "take no shit from the Pakis". They have been acting like a five year old bully and getting away with it. Their military misbehaves and their Politicians raise hue and cry, "Look, look they are talking about hurting us! They are war mongering!" Bun</span><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 17px;">ch of cry babies! India's response thus far has been that of a big sister.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 17px;"><br />That said, India should engage in cultural, social, commercial and sporting engagements. India should also allow cross border visitation. This is often referred to as "back channel" communications. After all, India and Pakistan share a "cultural" heritage. Religious differences aside, North Indians and Pakistanis are "cut from the same cloth".<br /><br />India's response should be kind to the people of Pakistan and screw the Politicians and the Military.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span class="text_exposed_show" style="background-color: white; color: #333333; display: inline; line-height: 17px;">One more thing. </span></span><span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Their infractions are like pimples on India's face that burst once in awhile. India can wipe the puss off the face and wait for another pimple to burst or take preventive action.</span><br />
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;"><br /></span>
<span style="background-color: white; color: #333333; font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; line-height: 17px;">Look at what Pakistan is supposedly doing - Printing counterfeit Indian Currency and training terrorists. Instead of whining and complaining, India should surreptitiously fund their internal conflicts (with or without counterfeit currency) and be generous with all the outfits that are fighting each other. After all it is only a matter of money and India does not even have to recruit volunteers! The smart way to do it is via a foreign aid program. A little bit in legitimate aid as a cover.</span></div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-19471292010832727742012-12-28T20:39:00.002+05:302013-05-24T02:17:31.456+05:30Shameful India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11.0pt;">The world leader in Open
Defecation</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 11.0pt;">Tops in exposed Bottoms<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> has amassed and produces a
powerhouse of Intellectual Capital, which has and is making a difference both
in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> and across the world. However,
despite the impressive progress </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> has made as a country, it reeks
of the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Corruption<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Crumbling and inadequate
Infrastructure<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Deplorable living conditions
of the poor, particularly Urban Slums<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Garbage everywhere and people
thrashing the environment without a care<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Men urinating in public<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Open defecation in public<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">As a result of this situation, the <i>Quality of Life</i> of ALL segments of society suffer by way of
disgusting visuals for the middle and upper class and unhygienic and appalling
living conditions for those at the Bottom of the Socio-economic Pyramid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Visualize this – <b>626
Million citizens of Indian poop in the open every day<sup>1</sup></b>. That is
over half the population of India drop their drawers or raise their sarees to
expose their buttocks to relieve themselves, to leave their excreta for others
to see and for others to avoid stepping on. Some consider it their birth right.
Yeh hai Mera Bharat Mahan! (This is my great Bharat aka India)<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> is <b>#1</b> in the World in the field of <b>“Open Defecation”<sup>2</sup>.</b> A <i>“Badge of Honor” - </i>Not!, more appropriately a <i>"Badge of Horror"</i>, for being “Tops in Exposed
Bottoms”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtk_AKZNZ7Jpz-Mq7qsJ-MpsBjwZmNJKRozZLHKXZA-v2uy8lSQYzJ7t_jfNcdblO0eca6EnQ8XUnOLf5c5D-n-yrED5vbW6GiWshh5TIsxwnh0jBM-E1w7wKS6oz8tiYz-fb0w/s1600/OD+Chart.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="217" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixtk_AKZNZ7Jpz-Mq7qsJ-MpsBjwZmNJKRozZLHKXZA-v2uy8lSQYzJ7t_jfNcdblO0eca6EnQ8XUnOLf5c5D-n-yrED5vbW6GiWshh5TIsxwnh0jBM-E1w7wKS6oz8tiYz-fb0w/s320/OD+Chart.jpg" width="320" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCKLVGYs3YaKd7D-ICDBOuRdUtUI_idEs_WjHcfCm_g3lqmKDXzOv8oBLNSvhwN4L9tnLLKBs4TPhp8NE7hDllNNZIvVlndUaxVd-fMK0YvLQoPVfzRO0bGZnVmSEygzmPHFOrA/s1600/OD+Chart+2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="131" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBCKLVGYs3YaKd7D-ICDBOuRdUtUI_idEs_WjHcfCm_g3lqmKDXzOv8oBLNSvhwN4L9tnLLKBs4TPhp8NE7hDllNNZIvVlndUaxVd-fMK0YvLQoPVfzRO0bGZnVmSEygzmPHFOrA/s200/OD+Chart+2.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">This article focuses on the issue of <i>Open Defecation</i> and dwells into the situation on the ground by way
of some pertinent observations, which is by no way exhaustive. Policy
recommendations and tactics are proposed to get rid of this shameful practice
of Pooping in Public (PIP).<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Besides economical reasons there is cultural inertia that
needs to be overcome. A combination of initiatives that include nudging,
shaming and disciplinary actions is needed to eliminate </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> from the list of “Tops in Exposed
Bottoms”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">It’s more than
Government:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Government alone cannot be held responsible for solving
the problem in its entirety. Citizens have to take some responsibility for
improving their lives. Not all open defecation is unacceptable, particularly if
it is done in the privacy of one’s field or property if they so choose. The
real issue is Open Defecation in Public places. Government can facilitate the
solution with subsidies as it does today. However, with just a “carrot and no
stick” policy, is not working.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">It is Cultural:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">“Everyone here does
it, what’s your problem, who are you to tell us not to do this?” is the answer
given in Rural India, by men particularly by the coast, even where there are
government provided community toilets. Women do use the community toilets and
clean them. The men will have nothing to do with it. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ5J2gT-NSozC1773dG9nXcoj0Uos6XTa3Qk389waXwISRIb_k7yE8FwBBsgdt6t2Xt7Rxa_CrW1Ztn0EnUu_0ky8-8KNf8ZWQuWxG6vuJxxUEDvriAHg4WKCi_LIqLukcBjj_A/s1600/No+mobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ5J2gT-NSozC1773dG9nXcoj0Uos6XTa3Qk389waXwISRIb_k7yE8FwBBsgdt6t2Xt7Rxa_CrW1Ztn0EnUu_0ky8-8KNf8ZWQuWxG6vuJxxUEDvriAHg4WKCi_LIqLukcBjj_A/s1600/No+mobile.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="153" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgQJ5J2gT-NSozC1773dG9nXcoj0Uos6XTa3Qk389waXwISRIb_k7yE8FwBBsgdt6t2Xt7Rxa_CrW1Ztn0EnUu_0ky8-8KNf8ZWQuWxG6vuJxxUEDvriAHg4WKCi_LIqLukcBjj_A/s200/No+mobile.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNt3Sg6Wlpb-nb2ZH_ROzPqkaB4-4beh3FE3P1DBr2TLGREOjRVctcIuFmEiY2l6p-Y8nNdgI3cXPYqBZDTgS_S8EkwAXgrhjhdJ_NNGEf2RpSJ1U9V5GFMebggMzdp-HPXtyNg/s1600/OD+Mumbai.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="149" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRNt3Sg6Wlpb-nb2ZH_ROzPqkaB4-4beh3FE3P1DBr2TLGREOjRVctcIuFmEiY2l6p-Y8nNdgI3cXPYqBZDTgS_S8EkwAXgrhjhdJ_NNGEf2RpSJ1U9V5GFMebggMzdp-HPXtyNg/s200/OD+Mumbai.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcyYrCEh814Le6iyM8qL1M-JvVm4e484eIAPBZzGrJulh7lcgmpBrLKQC1irCSe5ULXQuO6QuqIRjHmBxbiMUvANgCjSc5zO1iSEg7znyyHkKs445FMOGw4sF_okKJWLfI_qoXg/s1600/Mobile+OD.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVcyYrCEh814Le6iyM8qL1M-JvVm4e484eIAPBZzGrJulh7lcgmpBrLKQC1irCSe5ULXQuO6QuqIRjHmBxbiMUvANgCjSc5zO1iSEg7znyyHkKs445FMOGw4sF_okKJWLfI_qoXg/s200/Mobile+OD.jpg" width="200" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">On the flip side, there are families that have houses, with
Satellite TV, every member has a mobile phone and off late, the young men are
acquiring motor cycles, </span><i style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">but no toilets</i><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">!
Constructing a toilet is not one of their priorities. In some cases they will
spend money in constructing a place of worship; a Devastan, in their plot, but
no toilet. “We don’t have place for a toilet,” is another excuse. Citing poverty
as the sole reason is a handy excuse. Society’s and Government’s responsibility
is to provide opportunities for people so that they can bootstrap themselves
from their predicament. Not doing so is tantamount to oppression and that too
has to be addressed.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Despite economic progress, this shameful mentality and
practice is ingrained in the Indian culture and addressing the problem requires
changing this mindset. <b>Pooping in Public
(PIPing) is an integral part of Indian culture!<o:p></o:p></b></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Transference of
Culture:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The slums in urban areas consist of emigrants from Rural
India. They live they way they do “back home” only the conditions are more
squalid and disgusting. To these people a trip back to their village with urban
earned money is like a breath of fresh air.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Rural and Urban </span></b><st1:country-region><st1:place><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></b></st1:place></st1:country-region><b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> – Two different environments:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The difference between the rural and urban context is that
while the initiative needs to be taken by the individual families in rural </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">, a community based initiative is
required in urban </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">. The problem can be addressed
with Slum Redevelopment and Low-Cost Housing. The former takes time and the
latter is stymied by the fact that the policy is severely skewed towards
“ownership” as opposed to providing “rentals”. The fact that this is an
“anti-socialist” policy is lost on those who uphold “Socialism” and
“Communism”. The inability of the government to provide low cost housing, accompanied
by rampant corruption and lack of policies prevent private parties from serving
the Bottom of the Pyramid.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lack of Cost
Effective Solutions:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The standard practice is to “custom” build. But for the
basin, doors and piping, everything is custom made and cost becomes a major
hurdle. There is a dire need for innovation here to reduce costs and accelerate
the “Time to Build and Operate”. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Solutions need to be provided at multiple price points
with a “no frills” offering along with modular additions for more creature
comforts. A lot of research has gone into “What” can be done. Less attention
has been given to the “How” it can be done at a price that is in the reach of
the poor.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">All Carrot and no
Stick:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The government provides subsidies to citizens living Below
the Poverty Line (BPL) to build their own toilet. But as stated above, this
neither motivates nor changes the prevalent cultural mindset. Some BPL citizens
are also given a plot of land and a cash grant to build a house. The policy
states that some portion of the grant is retained until a toilet is made.
However, low level corruption not only eats away at the subsidy for toilets,
and at times, for a kick back the money held back for the toilet is released.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">BPL card holders who own land and house should be put on
notice to either build a toilet or lose their BPL card.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Policy &
Programs:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Access to toilets should be made mandatory in rental
housing. In urban areas, this should be strictly enforced. The chawls of Mumbai
are a good example of shared toilets.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Space is often a problem in Urban Areas. Where space is
available, a Government/Corporate/Community partnership or
Public/Private/Partnership(PPP) could be a viable solution. There is no blanket
policy or program that can solve this. Slum redevelopment and building high
rises that frees up space for parks and other purposes is the most feasible
urban solution.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Both urban and rural </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> would benefit from a “cookie
cutter” approach where economical, practical and reliable solutions are
replicated without having to resort to custom solutions. The market is huge,
and rather than giving the subsidy to the individual family, it could be used
to subsidize the cost of a privately developed solution along with a loan program
for the citizen.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The impact of
corruption:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Builders lament that administrative hurdles and the demands
of corrupt maggots whose only interest is in lining their pockets, make it
unfeasible to build Low Cost Housing. In the case of infrastructure projects, money
that could be used to provide facilities to the workers who are involved in
construction is siphoned off by these maggots resulting in these workers living
in make shift tents with no facilities. Builders need to make a reasonable
return on their investment and with the corruption involved the quality of the
work suffers as well. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tactics:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The major hurdle is to change the citizens’ mind set.
There are many “soft” approaches that can be taken such as:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
<ul style="margin-top: 0in;" type="disc">
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Educating
young children<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Empowering
young girls to not marry into house holds that have no toilet.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Putting
young men on notice - No Toilet, No Bride.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Communicating
the Policies and Programs (Subsidies & Solutions)<o:p></o:p></span></li>
<li class="MsoNormal" style="mso-list: l1 level1 lfo2; tab-stops: list .5in; text-align: justify;"><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Policing
open defecators who flaunt not using community toilets.<o:p></o:p></span></li>
</ul>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Unless people are pushed they will not change. Granted, if
people are provided better opportunities and earn more, they will respond. In
the absence of “discretionary” spending into which toilets are bucketed, a more
aggressive campaign that “shames” this practice is required, through signage
and advertisements. After all, </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> has successfully launched a Moon
Probe and yet the majority of Indian citizens are defecating openly.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">While legal equality is guaranteed, people are accustomed
to social inequality, be it due to caste, profession, or economic status. Not
having a toilet should be positioned as a distinct attribute of social stigma. A
series of pictures that shows a Rocket, a Car, a Motor Cycle, a man defecating
along side a dog, with a bride showing alarm will get the message across.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Urbanites need to take some action as well. People
employing domestic workers can ask if they have toilets and if not why not and
how they can leverage a program (provided one exists) to assist in helping them
acquire the same. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<b><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Conclusion:<o:p></o:p></span></b></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The resistance to building one’s own toilet is due to
multiple reasons that range from ingrained cultural attitudes, socio-economic reasons,
lack of cost effective solutions and toilets not being a priority as compared
to Satellite TV and Motor Bikes. Society’s and Government’s responsibility is
to provide opportunities for people so that they can bootstrap themselves from
their predicament. And for those who do have houses, a combination of policy, programs,
laws and tactics is required to eliminate this shameful practice. If a person
has a house they have to be nudged to acquire a toilet. Only dogs, cattle and
pigs etc. defecate in the open in this day and age. The issue is with which
animal species these people wish to identify with. From a social perspective
society does not consider them equals. Are they sub-humans?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Note 1: There is some good news as well as bad news.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/monitoring/jmp2012/fast_facts/en/index.html">http://www.who.int/water_sanitation_health/monitoring/jmp2012/fast_facts/en/index.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Note 2:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"><a href="http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-is-worlds-capital-for-open-defecation-ramesh/275057-3.html">http://ibnlive.in.com/news/india-is-worlds-capital-for-open-defecation-ramesh/275057-3.html</a><o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<br /></div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-79877377805035928902012-10-08T20:19:00.000+05:302014-01-16T19:38:03.957+05:30To FDI or not to FDI in Retail is the Question<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In any
issue such as FDI (Foreign Direct Investment) in Retail or in matters that concern the country and citizens, a policy
should be framed with two objectives in mind: <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">1. Does
it serve the National interest? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">2. Does
it serve the citizens in this case consumers? <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">There are
bound to be impacts in between that have to be managed. This article addresses the following issues regarding FDI in multi-brand retail, namely; approval for
the likes of WALMART and other multinational retail stores:<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.75pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Consumer
Benefits<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.75pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Impact
on Kirana Shops and small retailers - the “chota” capitalists<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.75pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Employee
Benefits<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.75pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Supply
Chain Issues<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.75pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The
competitive advantage<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.75pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The
darker side of FDI<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.75pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The
perils of FDI<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: 21.75pt; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list 21.75pt; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">-<span style="font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Sovereignty
and FDI<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Consumer
Benefits:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The track
record has shown that the emergence of Big Bazaar, Reliance Fresh etc. resulted
in FMCG (Fast Moving Consumer Goods) being sold at below MRP (Maximum Retail Price) and has forced the
small retailers to adopt by providing better customer service and home
delivery. It is an inarguable fact that the customer has benefited. They are voting everyday with their pockets. In </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> the policies tend to be
supportive of the provider at the expense of the customer. The overall policy
should promote customer winning and fairness to businesses, provided the National Interest is protected.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Impact
on Kirana Shops and small retailers - the “chota” capitalists:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The major argument against “Big Box Outlets” and FDI in retail is the impact
on the small Kirana shops. These Kirana shops are “capitalistic” ventures and
it is interesting that the objections being voiced are arising from the
Communists and Socialists, whose very dogma and agenda is “anti-capitalist”.
Capitalist businesses thrive, survive or die based on market forces and how
they adapt to it. In this matter it appears that the Left wishes to “protect”
the “chota” capitalist from the “bada” capitalist even if it means at the expense of benefits to the customer. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Employee
Benefits:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Kirana
Shops in Urban Areas, exploit their workers, many of whom can be seen sleeping
outside the shops. Big Box Retailers pay better and can be made to provide
better assistance to their employees over a period of time. Policies could be
enacted to have these enterprises provide housing. Big Box Retailers employ
people on the floor to assist customers, janitors to keep the place clean and
security staff. They provide uniforms, promote cleanliness and can be monitored to ensure better
working conditions. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Supply
Chain Issues:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In the
case of FMCG, the direct connection between producer and seller has been
effectively established by the large retailer. However when it comes to farm
produce, the supply chain is mired with lack of storage facilities and the iron
grip the mafia like middle men have over the farmer. The fact is that there is
no money to be made in building out the required infrastructure unless the
middle man is eliminated. This can only be done by enterprises that own the
entire supply/distribution chain from procurement to retail/wholesale, either
directly or through partnerships. Reliance Fresh has succeeded in doing this to
a certain extent, and in the process faced the wrath of the goondas. eChoupal
from ITC has resulted in some benefits to the farmer, but the forces against
the farmer are vast and deeply entrenched. There are many parties in the supply
chain starting with the buyer, the transporter, the manual labor etc. Each party
protects its turf and vigourously fights anyone encroaching upon it; often with brute force. When it comes to perishable crops the farmers
are always at the mercy of this mafia. What is needed is a Big Bang to shake up
the vested interest. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">Wheat is
another story. The Food Corporation of </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, buys the wheat at a premium, is
unable to transport/sell all of it and as a result the loss due to rot is significant every
year. Why would private parties or the farmers invest in storage facilities? It
is already a losing proposition for the government and this situation has been
the case for many years. With large retailers entering the wheat distribution
chain, it is possible that the uptake could alleviate the surplus being wasted.
If </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> cannot use it, rather than lose
it, the wheat could be exported.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The Competitive
Advantage:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The knee
jerk Indian reaction is to strangle a competitor with regulatory obstacles and
as mentioned earlier by resorting to goondagiri. The concept of beating the competition
through “fair and square means” is an emerging attitude that has taken root in quite
a few situations. </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">China</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, that is revered, worshiped and
looked up to by the Communist Party of India, has permitted WALMART to open
stores. In response to this, a Chinese entrepreneur has opened outlets with the
sole intent of beating WALMART at their own game by out-smarting, out-maneuvering,
out-performing WALMART. That is what we Indians should step up to, rather than
being obstructionists to progress. For instance Parle now sells packaged Potato
Chips. The Indian consumer should act patriotically and choose Piknik and Parle
over Kukure and Lays. Now that has a ring to it.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Indian
Entrepreneurs should learn the logistic and business practices of these foreign
companies and beat them at their own game. Rather than pursuing an obstructionist policy against these foreign companies, </span></span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 13px;">Desi companies should provide better quality products and superior customer experience at a cheaper price so that these foreign companies are</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; font-size: 10pt;"> compelled to down scale or shut shop and leave us.</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
darker side of FDI:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">The
inflow of FDI is another source of enrichment for the <i>maggots</i> in </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> who wish to benefit from the flow. This
is another “ATM” that the <i>maggots</i>
will grab - ten to twenty percent or more off of the inflow. Who is to blame
for this? A lot of the political opposition is for “show matey”. It will be
interesting to see whether the ones who oppose Big Boxes in their State will
quietly withdraw their opposition when the dust settles. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
perils of FDI:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If FDI
were to come into retail and it serves as a conduit to repatriate profits
khullam khulla a la the Coca Cola and IBM scenarios of the 60s and 70s, then
that has to be prevented. Coca Cola imported their syrup, bottled it, sold it
and repatriated all their profits. IBM imported older computers returned by
their </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">US</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> customers and palmed them off in </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;">. Both refused to dilute their
ownership and George Fernandez did the right thing booting them out in the mid
1970s. In the case of Coca Cola, they left behind a bottling and distribution
network which was quickly leveraged by Indian drinks manufacturers. With IBM
leaving, other computer manufacturers ventured into the Indian market. Many
years later, Ramesh Vangal, an IIT Bombay graduate, negotiated a deal with
PepsiCo with a stipulation that they will export products from </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> to ensure a balance in Forex.
Coca Cola followed suit and so did a host of other Multinationals. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Pragmatic
guidelines can be laid, wherein the foreign party is allowed to
repatriate 100% of their investment plus say 20% to 30%. Beyond that they could be permitted to repatriate
20% to 30% of their profits thereafter, provided their net exports is equal or
preferably greater than what they repatriate. By negotiating acceptable
guidelines, a net outflow of Forex can be curtailed. <o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sovereignty
and FDI:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">There are
allegations that FDI in </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> will yield significant control to
vested foreign interests. This reflects poorly on </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;">, for </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> is the master of its own destiny
and </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> is fully capable of protecting
her own interests even in the face of some unpatriotic <i>maggots </i>who wish to
profit from putting their personal interests over that of the country. If it is
found that foreign parties are working against </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;">’s interest they can be booted out
and their “Brick and Mortar” investments will be left behind</span><span style="font-size: 10pt;">. If the infraction is severe,
their finances could be “quarantined” in </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;"> and subject to legal procedures. It is inconceivable that FDI would be a
threat to Sovereignty or National Security and that drastic measures would have to
be resorted to in this day and age. The goal is to accrue benefits for the
investor, the country, the producer and the consumer.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The issue
of percentage ownership is a red herring. Control can always be achieved
through proxy ownership. As indicated earlier the important issue is of
repatriation of profits and balance of Forex. The goal is to manage the money
flow, ownership is a secondary issue. If ownership is a major heart burn, then
ownership should be pegged at 30%. But that brings up the issue of raising the
necessary capital to get this cart moving. Are Indians ready and able to pony
up the required capital?<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">As it is Big Bazaar is over extended and hurting and other over extended enterprises (KingFisher was one, but now it is history) are probably chomping at the bits to see FDI to rescue them from their financial predicament</span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<u><span style="font-size: 10pt;"><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">In
Summary:<o:p></o:p></span></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: 10pt;">If the
entry of FDI in retail does not result in a significant imbalance of </span><st1:country -region="-region"><st1:place><span style="font-size: 10pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country><span style="font-size: 10pt;">’s Forex reserves and the net
effect is that both the producer and the consumer benefit by eliminating the
middle man, then that it is a good thing. Change often results in winners and losers. A bridge across a river puts the boatmen that ferry people and goods out of business. In this case, the Kirana shops and
small retailers will have to adapt by providing better service and delivery, in
order to survive and thrive or they will die.<o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
</div>
Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-27516100794889440782012-09-20T11:03:00.000+05:302012-09-29T19:38:33.408+05:30Reflections on India by Sean Paul Kelley <div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<div style="border-color: rgb(181,196,223) currentColor currentColor; border-style: solid none none; border-width: 1pt medium medium;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">I challenge any Indian to take offense to this article that portrays the Sad Truth. The only exceptions I can cite is that Railway Tickets can be obtained via the Internet, subject to availability and hotel registration is not as cumbersome as he indicates. I have posted his article without his permission and I hope that is OK - RSS.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Reflections on India</span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">by </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Sean Paul Kelley </span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />If you are Indian, or of Indian
descent, I must preface this post with a clear warning: you are not going to
like what I have to say. My criticisms may be very hard to stomach. But
consider them as the hard words and loving advice of a good friend. Someone
who is being honest with you and wants nothing from you. <br /><br />Lastly,
before anyone accuses me of Western Cultural Imperialism, let me say this: if
this is what India and Indians want, then, who am I to tell them differently.
Take what you like and leave the rest. In the end it doesn't really matter, as
I get the sense that Indians, at least many upper class Indians, don't seem to
care and the lower classes just don't know any better, what with Indian
culture being so intense and pervasive on the sub-continent. But, here goes,
nonetheless. <br /><br />India is a mess. It's that simple, but it's also quite
complicated. I'll start with what I think are Indias' four major problems –
the four most preventing India from becoming a developing nation – and then
move to some of the ancillary ones. <br /><br />First: Pollution. In my opinion
the filth, squalor and all around pollution, indicates a marked lack of
respect for India by Indians. I don't know how cultural the filth is, but it's
really beyond anything I have ever encountered. At times the smells, trash,
refuse and excrement are like a garbage dump. Right next door to the Taj Mahal
was a pile of trash that smelled so bad, was so foul as to almost ruin the
entire Taj experience. Delhi, Bangalore and Chennai to a lesser degree, were
so very polluted as to make me physically ill. Sinus infections, ear
infection, bowels churning was an all too common experience in India. Dung, be
it goat, cow or human fecal matter, was common on the streets. In major
tourist areas filth was everywhere, littering the sidewalks, the roadways, you
name it. Toilets in the middle of the road, men urinating and defecating
anywhere, in broad daylight. <br /><br />Whole villages are plastic bag
wastelands. Roadsides are choked by it. Air quality that can hardly be called
quality. Far too much coal and far too few unleaded vehicles on the road. The
measure should be how dangerous the air is for ones' health, not how good it
is. People casually throw trash in the streets, on the roads. <br /><br />The only
two cities that could be considered sanitary, in my journey, were Trivandrum –
the capital of Kerala – and Calicut. I don't know why this is, but I can
assure you that, at some point, this pollution will cut into Indias'
productivity, if it already hasn't. The pollution will hobble Indias' growth
path, if that indeed is what the country wants. (Which I personally doubt, as
India is far too conservative a country, in the small `c' sense.) <br /><br />The
second issue, infrastructure, can be divided into four subcategories: Roads,
Rails, Ports and the Electric Grid. The Electric Grid is a joke. Load shedding
is all too common, everywhere in India. Wide swathes of the country spend much
of the day without the electricity they actually pay for. Without regular
electricity, productivity, again, falls. <br /><br />The Ports are a joke.
Antiquated, out of date, hardly even appropriate for the mechanized world of
container ports, more in line with the days of longshoremen and the like. </span></div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(181, 196, 223) currentcolor currentcolor; border-style: solid none none; border-width: 1pt medium medium;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> <br />Roads are an equal disaster. I only saw one elevated highway that
would be considered decent in Thailand, much less Western Europe or America
and I covered fully two-thirds of the country during my visit. There are so
few dual carriage-way roads as to be laughable. There are no traffic laws to
speak of and, if there are, they are rarely obeyed, much less enforced
(another sideline is police corruption). A drive that should take an hour
takes three. A drive that should take three takes nine. The buses are at least
thirty years old, if not older and, generally, in poor mechanical repair,
belching clouds of poisonous smoke and fumes. <br /><br />Everyone in India, or
who travels in India, raves about the railway system. Rubbish! It's awful!
When I was there in 2003 and then late 2004 it was decent. But, in the last
five years, the traffic on the rails has grown so quickly that once again, it
is threatening productivity. Waiting in line just to ask a question now takes
thirty minutes. Routes are routinely sold out three and four days in advance
now, leaving travelers stranded with little option except to take the decrepit
and dangerous buses. <br /><br />At least fifty million people use the trains a
day in India. 50 million people! Not surprising that wait lists of 500 or more
people are common now. The rails are affordable and comprehensive, but, they
are overcrowded and what with budget airlines popping up in India like sadhus
in an ashram in the middle and lowers classes are left to deal with the
overutilized rails and quality suffers. No one seems to give a damn.
<br /><br />Seriously, I just never have the impression that the Indian government
really cares. Too interested in buying weapons from Russia, Israel and the US,
I guess. <br /><br />The last major problem in India is an old problem and can be
divided into two parts: that've been two sides of the same coin since
government was invented: bureaucracy and<span style="font-weight: bold;"> </span>corruption. <br /><br />It take
triplicates to register into a hotel. To get a SIM card for ones' phone is
like wading into a jungle of red-tape and photocopies one is not likely to
emerge from in a good mood, much less satisfied with customer service.
<br /><br />Getting train tickets is a terrible ordeal, first you have to find the
train number, which takes 30 minutes, then you have to fill in the form, which
is far from easy, then you have to wait in line to try and make a reservation,
which takes 30 minutes at least and if you made a single mistake on the form,
back you go to the end of the queue, or what passes for a queue in India.
<br /><br />The government is notoriously uninterested in the problems of the
commoners. Too busy fleecing the rich, or trying to get rich themselves in
some way, shape or form. Take the trash, for example, civil rubbish collection
authorities are too busy taking kickbacks from the wealthy to keep their areas
clean that they don't have the time, manpower, money or interest in doing
their job. <br /><br />Rural hospitals are perennially understaffed as doctors
pocket the fees the government pays them, never show up at the rural hospitals
and practice in the cities instead. <br /><br />I could go on for quite some time
about my perception of India and its problems, but in all seriousness, I don't
think anyone in India really cares. And that, to me, is the biggest problem.
India is too conservative a society to want to change in any way.
<br /><br />Mumbai, Indias' financial capital, is about as filthy, polluted and
poor as the worst city imaginable in Vietnam, or Indonesia – and being more
polluted than Medan, in Sumatra, is no easy task. The biggest rats I have ever
seen were in Medan ! <br /><br />One would expect a certain amount of, yes, I am
going to use this word, "backwardness," in a country that hasn't produced so
many Nobel Laureates, nuclear physicists, imminent economists and
entrepreneurs. But, India has all these things and what have they brought back
to India with them? Nothing. <br /><br />The rich still have their servants, the
lower castes are still there to do the dirty work and so the country remains
in stasis. It's a shame. Indians and India have many wonderful things to offer
the world, but I'm far from sanguine that India will amount to much in my
lifetime. <br /><br />Now, you have it, call me a cultural imperialist, a spoiled
child of the West and all that. But remember, I've been there. I've done it
and I've seen 50 other countries on this planet and none, not even Ethiopia,
have as long and gargantuan a laundry list of problems as India does.
<br /><br />And, the bottom line is, I don't think India really cares. Too
complacent and too conservative. </span></div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(181, 196, 223) currentcolor currentcolor; border-style: solid none none; border-width: 1pt medium medium;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(181, 196, 223) currentcolor currentcolor; border-style: solid none none; border-width: 1pt medium medium;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">About the Author:</span></div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(181, 196, 223) currentcolor currentcolor; border-style: solid none none; border-width: 1pt medium medium;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="border-color: rgb(181, 196, 223) currentcolor currentcolor; border-style: solid none none; border-width: 1pt medium medium;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><span style="font-size: small;">Sean Paul Kelley is a travel writer, former radio host, and before that, an asset manager for a Wall Street investment bank that is still (barely) alive. He left a fantastic job in Singapore working for Solar Winds, a software company based out of Austin, to travel around the world for a year or two. He founded The Agonist, in 2002, which is an international affairs, culture and news destination for progressives. He is also the Global Correspondent for The Young Turks, on satellite radio and Air Amer</span><span style="font-size: small;">ica. </span></span>
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Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-36991527866040207092012-04-17T16:55:00.000+05:302012-05-30T19:57:33.193+05:30Government - Don't mess with the JEE<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="right: auto;"></span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
move to tinker with the JEE* is an example of <b>BAD </b>intentions to spoil
something that has worked well for the country. Needless to say there is
always scope for improvement of a selection criteria that focuses on
merit and is devoid of political meddling and corruption.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">It
seem to be a politically motivated "vote-bank" or "money-grabbing"
idea to curry favour with some constituents or other. Don't these people
have better things to do, to improve the plight of the millions of poor
in India? Instead of improving people's lives, the prevailing tactic is
to lower existing standards to enable "inclusive growth".</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
proposal at hand is to change the format of the JEE exam with a
preliminary aptitude test, with a 40% weight to the entrance test
with Board exam results. The following Scenarios depict some of the
possible outcomes:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Scenario 1: It is a non-issue.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
advocates of this moronic idea don't realize the varied levels of the
different Boards. Normalizing them is a major challenge. Many students
score a greater than 100% result. One possibility is
that there will be grade inflation in the harder Boards so that their
graduates can compete effectively. And if most of the applicants have
greater than 100%, this effectively makes the 40% weight assigned to the
Board results a non-issue. Everybody gets the 40%, khullum khula.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Scenario 2: The process crumbles on its own weight.</span></div>
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
JEE is a highly automated test environment capable of handling the
massive number of entrants taking the test. Unless the factoring in of
this 40% weight into the JEE results is automated, i.e matching the
entrants with their Board marks, and the number entered accurately, the
process will be fraught with errors. This idiotic idea of ascribing 40%
weight to the Board exam adds so much weight to the process that it
becomes impossible to implement efficiently and accurately.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Scenario 3: Institute a common Board exam:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">That is what the two step JEE was and that was kabashed.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Scenario 4: Bye Bye
UPA</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The UPA fails to be the next governing body and this issue gets shunted to oblivion.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Scenario 5: Hurting Minority sentiments</span><br />
<div style="text-align: justify;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
IIT graduates are a minority community and tinkering with this "Sacred
Cow" hurts the sentiment of this community. Once this community starts
expressing their "hurt", the UPA government which excels in appeasing
minorities will be forced to withdraw this effort.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif; text-align: left;">Scenario 5: Non-cooperation</span></div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The
patriotic faculty could just put its foot down and say this is just not
feasible citing Scenario 2. This would force the MHRD to institute a
software project to automate factoring in the weighting of the Board
results and hopefully it will be assigned to the duds Murthy referred to
in his whine and the project will never be completed to fruition.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">* JEE - The Joint Entrance Exam that students appear for admission to the IITs</span></div>Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-30969267201154853742012-04-14T11:45:00.000+05:302012-04-14T11:45:52.217+05:30Nano Mistakes and Missteps<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<br />
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;">Summary:</span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="text-align: left;">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: x-small;"><br /></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Nano
was much heralded and expected to take the Indian car industry by storm.
However it didn’t quite pan out that way. To begin with the decision to
manufacture it in </span><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">West Bengal</span></st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> was a major catastrophe. Why anyone would locate an
industry in a communist infested region begs reason. With a timely invitation
from Modi’s government coupled with sheer grit and determination, the
unfortunate site selection error though overcome, was just the beginning of
many missteps the Nano had to contend with. The technical glitch that caused a
few cars to catch fire was overcome as well. However, the biggest error in
marketing the Nano was the choice of the Distribution Channel which has
resulted in lack luster sales.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Related
Info:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Tata
bought the bleeding Jaguar-Land Rover company for $2.3 Billion. The expectation
was the $2,500 Nano would revolutionize the car industry by launching the “poor
man’s car”, and the $65,000 luxury brand would be a millstone around Tata’s
neck.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The outcome
was quite the opposite. For 2010-11 out of the consolidated net profit of Rs.
9,274 crores, just Rs. 1,812 crores came from the Indian operations of the
company. The rest came from JLR and other associated companies.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Sales of </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">UK</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> based JLR rose 26%, while Tata
Motors car volume in </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">India</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;"> grew at 23%. The Jag that costs
25-30 times more than the Nano even at base price sold nearly 53,000 cars
against the Nano 70,000.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Importance of Positioning:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Launching
the Nano as a “cheap” car pretty much ruined its Brand Value. The assumption
was that if it is cheap enough, then it would attract buyers who were priced
out of the existing auto market. This flies in the face of the fundamental
marketing principle of targeting early adopters first, then going after a
broader market segment. Despite this error, there was an initial ground swell
of interest where many people signed up and a lottery was held to select the
initial set of buyers. In that sense the hype that accompanied the launch prior
to availability did work for a short period of time. And then it fizzled out.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">It is not
clear what a successful positioning could have been. Clearly it is meant for
the married motorcycle owner who now has a child or two. But this buyer is
conservative not only with regards to price, but is also risk averse and would
rather wait till “others” buy and provide feedback. The fire glitch certainly
did not help. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Other
positioning questions are:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Is
it an Urban car or a Rural car?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Intended
for teenagers?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">A
second car?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal" style="margin-left: .5in; mso-list: l0 level1 lfo1; tab-stops: list .5in; text-indent: -.25in;">
<!--[if !supportLists]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt; mso-bidi-font-family: Verdana; mso-fareast-font-family: Verdana;">-<span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman'; font-size: 7pt;">
</span></span><!--[endif]--><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Self
driven or driver driven?<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">None of
the above supports the premise that providing a cheap car will result in
buyers. In fact the most appropriate positioning would have been to promote it
as an Auto Rickshaw replacement or a cheaper taxi, but in order to do so it
would have to run on LPG and also deal with bureaucratic and administrative
hurdles.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Pricing
error:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">It was
never a Rs. 1 lakh car, with taxes and transportation added. This immediately
set the perception that the 1 Lakh price is just a teaser price and that what
one lands up buying will cost more.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
expectations mismatch:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Nano
was trumpeted as an engineering marvel, which it is. However, bringing it to
market presents one set of challenges and marketing it successfully is another.
As in any new product, the expectations are typically set high and in reality the
performance falls short. Too much importance was given to the technical aspects
instead of highlighting the fact that it is a “no frills’ car that transports
four people safely and economically. The goal should have been to highlight its
utilitarian value. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">In
essence, it should have been promoted as a utilitarian vehicle at and
affordable price<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
Channel Mistake:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The Nano
was sold through the existing Tata Motors car dealerships. What happens when a
person interested in a Nano shows up is that the sales person will up-sell the
person and convince them that they are better off buying the car next model up.
With financing the monthly outlay will not be that much more. The incentive to the
dealer and the sales person is better margins and commission respectively. The
net result is that the buyer either buys the next model up from Tata or goes
some place else with the “upgrade” intent in mind.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">A few
years down the road, Bajaj will launch their competitive offering. If they do
it right they will sell it through their existing motor cycle dealerships. In
this case a person interested in buying a motorcycle, like a family man is a
potential customer who could be motivated to buy the car instead.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">This
underscores the importance of the Distribution Channel, which is a major hurdle
for Tata. What they have been doing recently is taking the Nano on the road and
getting people to test drive it. It appears the objective is to make the sale
on the road and rope the customer into the dealership to seal the deal. <o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Lessons
Learned:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">This kind
of car is targeted to a new market and does not cannibalize the existing
market. This is more of a commuter car and appeals to a person who will drive
the car themselves.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">Growing a
market involves patience and the first set of buyers targeted should be early
adopters. This was a new product targeted to a new market. The expectation of
high volumes at low margins works if one is introducing a better, cheaper
replacement to an existing established market.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<br /></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">The
target customer is one who has out grown the motorcycle or a buyer who values
the utility, safety and economics of such a car. The bulk of the sales eventually
will come from the first time car buyers.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">It is better
to underestimate demand and start with under capacity initially so that demand
out strips supply. Having a back log, gives the impression that this is a much
desired commodity and worth the wait since the savings are significant.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<br /></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10.0pt;">One can
hark back to the VW Bug, which was a bare bones car with the transmission and
engine being the two major assemblies that formed the motion system. It was
positioned as “the people’s” car and named appropriately. It found popularity
amongst the youth. Ultimately, if one wants to repeat this phenomenon in
today’s context, the VW Bug serves as an example to build upon.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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</div>Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-39086116322784442032012-03-26T18:11:00.003+05:302017-11-26T18:16:21.775+05:30State of the Indian Railways<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
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<span style="line-height: 115%;"><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
Indian Railways by its sheer size and number of passengers and goods transported is probably
one of the best managed and run railways in the world and probably the
cheapest. </span></span><span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The
Indian Railways looses money on passenger traffic and makes money on Goods
Transportation. The ensuing result is that travel is cheapest on Indian
Railways.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">For instance an auto ride of a few kilometres to the station
is way more than a long haul Sleeper Class train ticket. Long distance bus
ticket prices too are significantly higher than a train ticket for the same
distance. This is due to the heavily subsidized passenger fares and running
trains carrying passengers at a loss.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The Indian Railways is the Blood Line of the country and
rather than continuing to provide services at throw away prices the emphasis
ought to be how to improve this Blood Line to fast forward the progress of the
nation.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The railways can serve a major role in leveraging the “Demographic
Dividend” by providing jobs for the youth that are entering the workforce. By
increasing the surplus it generates, it can plough it back as well as borrow more to improve the
infrastructure, upgrading services, enabling trains to travel at 160 Km/h
(100m/h), double tracking high traffic segments like the Konkan Railway and
Mangaluru-Bengaluru etc.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The disparity in prices results in lower pay for
railway employees, crumbling infrastructure and by oppressing the contract labourers
who work on track maintenance. At the very
bottom of the pyramid, you see the pathetic conditions to which the labourers are
subjected to. In essence the subsidized rail fares are being supported on the
backs of these hard working people. This is an aspect of our socialistic
thinking!</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">Socialism should ensure everyone is served from the very poor to the very rich. And that each segment pays a different price.
One gets the basic minimum at a minimal cost and one gets more by paying more.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">Daily
travel for work is a necessity, whereas all other travel is discretionary. To
increase capacity in suburban trains used by commuters, it is suggested that
compartments be reconfigured to accommodate more standing and less seating.
Currently, one sees a mad rush at each station to secure seating. Providing
fewer seats will increase capacity and do away this scrambling.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif;">The goal
of serving the less fortunate members of society for long distance travel can
be met by applying the following principle. The basic “General” minimalist
service is offered for very little. For a little more, one pays a little more.
For a lot more, one pays a lot more. Premium Services are offered at a Premium
Price. In this way the General Category and Sleeper Class (to some extent) can
be subsidized by the ensuing service categories that offer more and cost more.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The
situation on the Ground:<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The
Railway Staff are doing an excellent job of keeping trains running and paying
attention to safety. The dedication and performance of the Railway Staff is a
great asset to the Indian Railways and the Nation. However, due to lack of
resources, namely finances; they are unable to perform many duties pertaining
to maintenance and repair of the infrastructure. Furthermore many trains appear
unwashed and require a new coat of paint. The following is a pictorial report
on the state of the railways.</span><br />
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>The Working and Living Conditions of Hard Working Railroad Crews:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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<iframe allowfullscreen='allowfullscreen' webkitallowfullscreen='webkitallowfullscreen' mozallowfullscreen='mozallowfullscreen' width='320' height='266' src='https://www.blogger.com/video.g?token=AD6v5dz_ERNxYxb8ffeMV8cPpzn6innT6EGNxJBcWveGq0IoQkHYWfwnUHtWNyj0hr38PDnMF6OHPOPrkuk' class='b-hbp-video b-uploaded' frameborder='0'></iframe></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The above is a video of a hard working rail maintenance crew. The work generates a lot of dust and they don’t use masks to prevent breathing dust. They start work at </span><st1:time hour="7" minute="30"><span style="font-family: "verdana";">7:30 AM</span></st1:time><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> and work without a break until they finish the agreed upon number of slats. Since there is no child care facility for their little children, they are brought to work and the children too are exposed to the dusty environment. The workers live in tents, which in itself is not bad. But they live under deplorable conditions with no sanitation and decent facilities for water and cooking.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The subsidy of rail travel, takes away funds that could be used to provide better facilities for these hard working crews, who work under extreme conditions. In essence the brunt of the subsidy is borne on the backs of these people. Is this justice? Providing benefits to one class of people results in the exploitation of another class!<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The work is hard and essential to the operation of the railways. It is critical and mandatory. What is missing is improving the Quality of Lives of these dedicated hard working men and women.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Articles 42, 43 and 46 (see below) of the Indian Constitution stipulate specific responsibilities on the State. By farming out work to contractors the Railways circumvent these responsibilities on a technicality. Either the Railways should provide the necessary facilities to ensure a “humane” Quality of Life for these workers, or the contractor should be paid to provide the same. That is the spirit of Socialism on which the Indian Constitution is founded on.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>The General Class or Unreserved Seating:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDj_WEegDZJWbTivZfV4EntdizhBh9T0xt_lB9FbDweX3btZyqsAly7B4uFgt7UqjzXb0s25KbOvkBzzilLGmwWutMeDo1tuuO5JoqYtB3_tj2PSKlLWqZ2b-ho3DDLLkypaEFSg/s1600/P3211081.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiDj_WEegDZJWbTivZfV4EntdizhBh9T0xt_lB9FbDweX3btZyqsAly7B4uFgt7UqjzXb0s25KbOvkBzzilLGmwWutMeDo1tuuO5JoqYtB3_tj2PSKlLWqZ2b-ho3DDLLkypaEFSg/s320/P3211081.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIOTZx6Wqt6mJCYFUWnA3m8yU2T8jvmVtUff005fzENHnDcbQ7WOEr4U3qJYJUcDwrKGwOKUFLbdvwJdRvyoS5y6zb0zmD51JjXQ6-YniKApSqQuZHLEsQx8KgQ6Tbr5XPChvuw/s1600/P3211082.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgFIOTZx6Wqt6mJCYFUWnA3m8yU2T8jvmVtUff005fzENHnDcbQ7WOEr4U3qJYJUcDwrKGwOKUFLbdvwJdRvyoS5y6zb0zmD51JjXQ6-YniKApSqQuZHLEsQx8KgQ6Tbr5XPChvuw/s320/P3211082.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The above
pictures were taken in a General Class Compartment. As you can see, people are
using it as a Sleeper Class compartment. This is the Class of Service that serves the
poor and it is understandable if it is subsidized. As mentioned earlier, long
distance travel is discretionary and that means it need not be provided at
throw away prices.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>The Crumbling Infrastructure:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjve-L_J6udbZrSuBMKv2Ry2lcR47hnAfvK3lpU6cAY4Fm_gBQDZ2ujt4qhi9UoqNuk0D_grbaJGrLw-ljSwsPu5LpksSTSGRL3_A2lm-DtdYE30XYoBVY8ud4EU0-DSjvtgYqn-w/s1600/P3211084.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjve-L_J6udbZrSuBMKv2Ry2lcR47hnAfvK3lpU6cAY4Fm_gBQDZ2ujt4qhi9UoqNuk0D_grbaJGrLw-ljSwsPu5LpksSTSGRL3_A2lm-DtdYE30XYoBVY8ud4EU0-DSjvtgYqn-w/s320/P3211084.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPB0jlG2KhqmlPIgGiT3o77yT0RrpCbL9Hz8UktBKXIA0EVirE_6qz_dnEYeFGuzQx5x0XepKPecLOEKeEpwMEJR4NhZbfwXZe9IgLUdjxkbggUEKapl7kO0HLLs0uGRD04b3-w/s1600/P3211085.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjLPB0jlG2KhqmlPIgGiT3o77yT0RrpCbL9Hz8UktBKXIA0EVirE_6qz_dnEYeFGuzQx5x0XepKPecLOEKeEpwMEJR4NhZbfwXZe9IgLUdjxkbggUEKapl7kO0HLLs0uGRD04b3-w/s320/P3211085.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The above
pictures are just one instance of crumbling infrastructure. There will be
continued deterioration if the railways do not generate the funds to maintain
and repair.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Safety Barriers:</u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNEDuunYFv3u6ZkrUTwQcKhx2wiNYDdzo8fwfzbUgVLw98cER6FaJ3xqJSDLzzpGUDsE-dZAd0oYFn2EAWAtFMe3Op1PZvHdn94pPVpk9jmBbj7HoDEiXPfY_DgcsWHgmbwx1YQ/s1600/P3211090.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhfNEDuunYFv3u6ZkrUTwQcKhx2wiNYDdzo8fwfzbUgVLw98cER6FaJ3xqJSDLzzpGUDsE-dZAd0oYFn2EAWAtFMe3Op1PZvHdn94pPVpk9jmBbj7HoDEiXPfY_DgcsWHgmbwx1YQ/s320/P3211090.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-7SW1ahTQA2fAOJ4TS_XJO7-1npyxiSx0ke02N5wiK7xif5mx3NfpYlqdI6Makj6TUYJ01w83FQ3GvvuOOUv3wu6ExAD_O5kJLtpFp5emIZMUyt3D4agh9UsFLgBnR5C5AQvkw/s1600/P3211091.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhY-7SW1ahTQA2fAOJ4TS_XJO7-1npyxiSx0ke02N5wiK7xif5mx3NfpYlqdI6Makj6TUYJ01w83FQ3GvvuOOUv3wu6ExAD_O5kJLtpFp5emIZMUyt3D4agh9UsFLgBnR5C5AQvkw/s320/P3211091.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltO3Yp6gxp2duwVmJhgepiophMYo3n4XfW7SYKCnCuTBc5nQ8SBpU9faBBrchBkgRjZiDAIlChYe5m1b4umLETNDfwFq-43Wre0n7c63O5SR25mbih55I7OeMWex8uNU0qUVncw/s1600/P3211092.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiltO3Yp6gxp2duwVmJhgepiophMYo3n4XfW7SYKCnCuTBc5nQ8SBpU9faBBrchBkgRjZiDAIlChYe5m1b4umLETNDfwFq-43Wre0n7c63O5SR25mbih55I7OeMWex8uNU0qUVncw/s320/P3211092.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisb2JU1KMnZGWdaxguk6GOPLiJoiV8XZGxu7VyDvlvzpty8MJp7v8xl80Zx6nenGApRJr23X-qALNewJXVAn7g9Ap1t60ZRgLa0RgYPihFNOfwmh6GCCzOPBvvp8_4nE0pnICEhA/s1600/P3211093.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisb2JU1KMnZGWdaxguk6GOPLiJoiV8XZGxu7VyDvlvzpty8MJp7v8xl80Zx6nenGApRJr23X-qALNewJXVAn7g9Ap1t60ZRgLa0RgYPihFNOfwmh6GCCzOPBvvp8_4nE0pnICEhA/s320/P3211093.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The above
is an instance of a road running beside the tracks with a partial barrier. Even
where there is a barrier, it is crumbling in places and sections are missing. Furthermore,
in this particular location, the Railway Quarters are across the road where
there is no barrier. This poses real danger to little children who may
wander across the road to the railway track.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Great Offering with no facilities:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u><br /></u></span></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2iFj3I9fsU2JiwgVmJlQy_M-HDVcFXwGF1HXTUPbDJjZq2uVhK29_-UXx_HH-w6dXMC7lTgUezjvAfOaazKlPyRASxW7HTooR3EMncRR63Y66EU-jCfnNcASeeDk6V65mr_QwA/s1600/P3221095.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="238" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEib2iFj3I9fsU2JiwgVmJlQy_M-HDVcFXwGF1HXTUPbDJjZq2uVhK29_-UXx_HH-w6dXMC7lTgUezjvAfOaazKlPyRASxW7HTooR3EMncRR63Y66EU-jCfnNcASeeDk6V65mr_QwA/s320/P3221095.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The above is an excellent service provided by the railways
that many truckers utilize. However, the entire train has no cafeteria or
sanitation facility. All it would take is to place a portable structure on one
of the carriages that could be contracted out to a caterer to provide meals,
snacks. And it could include toilet facility for the drivers and the helpers as
well.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Intermediate
Stations Quota:<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">A number
of intermediate station quotas go unfilled resulting in empty berths. It is
suggested that the intermediate station quotas be held till 24 hrs before the
train departs the originating station so that those reservations can be
released to the General Quota.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">The Didi Legacy:<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">She exclaimed how can the prices be increased for the Sleeper Class! Instead of acting like a communist she ought to have functioned more like a Chairperson of a Corporation that is a vital arterial transportation network of the country. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Her demand was legitimate provided it is specific to the pricing for General category only (not Sleeper) and that the price of General category be kept as low as possible. Furthermore, holding it constant can only be sustained for a specific period and cannot be made permanent. A stipulation can be made that it will be revised once in two or three years, so that people know what is in store and it would avoid the need for confrontation.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Message to Railway Ministers:<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></u>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">At the very least passenger services should be at break
even which generates Capital to invest in areas mentioned above. The focus ought
to be how to make it possible. The following are a few suggestions.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">The purchasing power of the people is different in different
parts of the country. People travelling in West Bengal and in the BIMARU States
don’t have the same purchasing power of people living in the Konkan coast, Southern
and Northern India. By pegging the price of tickets to accommodate the poorest
of the poor, services to the people who can afford to pay is given at a throw
away price. The solution is to charge different per Km prices for different
segments of the tracks.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana" , sans-serif; line-height: 115%;">We have a growing Middle Class that can afford AC2
and AC3 service resulting in Demand exceeding Supply. The emphasis going
forward is to introduce new trains with a better rate of return. Reconfiguring
rakes to seat more people. One possibility is to have chair cars for overnight
journeys instead of so many Sleeper rakes. Provide seating only on the sides
of commuter trains to allow for more standing room.<span style="font-size: 10pt;"><o:p></o:p></span></span></div>
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></u></div>
<div class="MsoNormal">
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The poor are not suffering due to unavailability of railway services on existing lines. It is the Middle Class that is being short changed due to inadequate availability. It is time that Railways provide services to this segment that is willing and able to pay higher fares.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">In doing so, Passenger Services could be transformed to generate profit. This can be ploughed back to improving the passenger services and/or better pay for the railway employees.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">All PSUs need to be weaned off the Indian Government’s Breast Milk. This is the financial viability criteria that must be met by all PSUs. Furthermore, PSUs must generate enough profit to plough back into their respective operations along with the ability to take out loans and service them. Most PSUs with the exception of the railways and a few others must augment the government’s tax revenue base, just as the private sector is expected to do. The Railways and a few others have an additional responsibility of catering to the weaker segments of society that has to be addressed with the financial viability criteria in mind. In that respect it is understandable that the railways function as a non-profit enterprise. i.e the profits are used to subsidize services for poor to some extent.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Recommendations
on re-branding classes of service:<o:p></o:p></span></u><br />
<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></u></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">The
Railways does an outstanding job in addressing demand-supply elasticity to a
certain degree, by having different categories of trains with travel on
Passenger Trains being the cheapest and with higher pricing for other services
such as Mail, Super Fast, Express, Rajdhani etc. Along with different
categories of service within these trains such as General or Unreserved, Reserved
Seating, Sleeper, AC Chair, AC-3 Tier, AC-2 Tier, First Class etc. multiple
price points are offered. But the offerings are skewed towards the lower price
categories with the demand for AC services far exceeding supply.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Indira
Gandhi did away with III Class saying it portrayed a bad image. The ensuing
Make Over resulted in the existing categories. It is suggested that we revisit
the current categories and consider the following:<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">General</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">: This is the subsidized category
that is unreserved seating. See Picture 1 for how some people utilize this
service.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Economy
Chair</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">: This would
be comparable to an ordinary bus with reserved seating. Each train that has a
General Category should have this category as well.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Economy
Sleeper</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">: This
would be the existing Sleeper Class and with the intent to increase the number
of passengers a train can carry, it is suggested that a few of these Sleeper
Class bogies be replaced with Economy seating.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">AC
Chair</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">: This would
be comparable to the AC Volvo and priced competitively to AC Bus
transportation. New trains with this class of service should be introduced for
the Middle Class.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">AC 2
Tier and 3 Tier</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">: This would remain the same.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Premium
Class</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">: Suggest First Class be renamed to Premium Class.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Luxury
Class</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">: This would
be the Palace on Wheels.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><u>Super Saver:</u> The Garib Rath is a misnomer and an insult to the people travelling on it. Most of the AC Tier 3 are Middle Class people. Convert the whole train to AC Chair and use the AC 3 Tier bogies to new trains at a better price.</span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";"><b>Essence
of Articles 42, 43, 46 of the Indian Constitution:</b><o:p></o:p></span></u></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Article
42</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> provides for
just and <b>humane conditions</b> of work
and for maternity relief.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Article
43</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> calls upon the
state to secure to all its workers – work, wages and conditions of work
ensuring a <b>decent standard of life</b>
and full employment of leisure, social and cultural opportunities.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<u><span style="font-family: "verdana";">Article
46</span></u><span style="font-family: "verdana";"> stipulates
that the state shall take <b>special care
of the economic and educational interests of the weaker sections of the society</b>
in particular of the Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes and protect them
from all forms of exploitation.<o:p></o:p></span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Update:</span><br />
<span style="font-family: "verdana";"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "verdana";">Got this from a post by a friend. </span><span style="font-family: "verdana";">This is Jugaad at its best. Hats off to whoever came up with this idea. Only in India!</span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiHY21NYJnyiTLS0ye5c6LrRoJ6FzQJXcI3RAUAtJLZt7hY1A9ALdMA7Q9JmIflW32pB5RtAitYyveA_JP-ybswU7AmrO_MnmTPcELKF2YeK8gnlZmxnR5NqRmZC50wJiEDxxvA/s1600/Hammocks+in+Trains.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZiHY21NYJnyiTLS0ye5c6LrRoJ6FzQJXcI3RAUAtJLZt7hY1A9ALdMA7Q9JmIflW32pB5RtAitYyveA_JP-ybswU7AmrO_MnmTPcELKF2YeK8gnlZmxnR5NqRmZC50wJiEDxxvA/s1600/Hammocks+in+Trains.jpg" /></a></div>
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Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-70256971738552287942012-01-13T20:47:00.002+05:302012-05-23T11:46:08.101+05:30Mission India<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">"Inclusive Growth" is the new Mantra which calls for the Economic Uplift of the masses Below the Poverty Line (BPL). At the "nano-economic" level it translates to a sustainable income for families and individuals of employable age. This means that these folks are either self employed or have jobs that provide them with the requisite sustainable income. (See Note 1). </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">India can be broadly partitioned into Urban and Rural Areas, each significantly different, requiring different solutions. Taken in its entirety the situation appears complex. However, the solution to complex problems is to break it down successively to arrive at a set of priorities that can be individually tackled to bring about a comprehensive solution.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">At the heart of the problem is the inability of the agricultural sector to absorb the excess labour force resulting in abject rural poverty. This also leads to migration to Urban areas which are already bursting at the seams, resulting in the rural poor moving laterally to become urban poor living in </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">squalid </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">conditions.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">The most pragmatic solution is a primary focus on Jobs, Food Security, </span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Education,</span><span style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> and Quality of Life. Every development and decision should be targeted towards one or more of these priorities.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><u>Focus on Jobs, Jobs and More Jobs:</u></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Besides providing all the necessary attributes that allow the Private Sector to proceed at an accelerated pace (Energy, Infrastructure, Investment Friendliness, Land Reform - with attention to fairness towards owners of land whose land is acquired and to environmental norms etc.)<span style="font-size: 10pt;"> </span>Two things ought to be kept in mind:</span><br />
<ol style="text-align: left;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Easier to facilitate the relocation of people to Job Opportunities, than to move Job Opportunities to the people. </span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">This would help in siphoning off the excess labour that is lacking opportunities in Rural India.</span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"></span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Better to locate these Job Opportunities in proximity to an existing railway line or extend the railway line to where the new Job Opportunities will be. (<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Indian_Railways">Indian Railways</a> is the fourth largest railway network in the world.)</span></li>
</ol>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">To facilitate the migration of people to these Job Opportunities, the criteria applied should be simply:</span><br />
<ul style="text-align: left;">
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">A person/family, regardless of their income potential should be able to rent a flat,a room or a bed when relocating. </span></li>
<li><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">All the amenities (shopping, recreation, schools, places of worship) desired by the highly skilled personnel that comprise the Middle Income Group (MIG) and the low/medium skilled personnel that comprise of the Lower Income Group (LIG) should be provided.</span></li>
</ul>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The above ought to be the recipe for all SEZs (Special Economic Zones - See Note 2), that includes an "Economic Engine" that provides the primary opportunities around which a number of secondary opportunities are generated. It does not matter if the "Economic Engine" is a nearby Metro, provided efficient public transportation links are incorporated into the plan.</span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span></div>
<div>
<u style="font-family: Verdana;">Focus on Food Security:</u></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Farming today is an entrepreneurial endeavor. Marginal farmers are at great risk and does not provide a sustainable income. The focus should be on making the productive farmers more productive and provide the farmers at risk an exit opportunity by way of a job. This means removing the barriers that exist in the acquisition of agricultural land and allowing farm consolidation. The focus should be on ensuring agricultural land land remains agricultural land rather than who owns the land and how much they own. What India needs is a Food Security Strategy that includes improving farm output, food processing and agro-industry. See Note 3.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><u>Education:</u></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana;">The Quality of Education can be improved significantly by the use of modern technology. Students can obtain access to Good Teachers and Quality education through "Distant Learning" programs. </span></div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;"><u>Focus on Quality of Life</u>:</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">This encompasses many areas from housing, health, education to security, defense and environment. However,the "in our face" issue is</span><span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"> the plight of the people at the "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bottom_of_the_pyramid">Bottom of the Pyramid</a>", who represent a largest segment of <st1:country-region><st1:place>India</st1:place></st1:country-region>’s population. This segment continues to be treated as “<i>Invisibles</i>”, in that their existence is ignored, and they are neglected. They exist, but have been intellectualized into non-existence. The solution is not a hand out to this segment. What this segment needs is affordable solutions that they can pay for. It is no longer conscionable or moral to marginalize and neglect the needs of this segment. </span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="MsoBodyText">
</div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana;">Instead on the emphasis on ownership, the focus ought to be on affordable rentals, with ownership being the desired end goal. The emphasis ought to be in making it economically viable to provide housing solutions to the "Bottom of the Pyramid". This includes "owner friendly" rental laws and providing the requisite "Living Wages" that enable these wage earners to rent reasonable accommodation. See Note 4.</span><br />
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<span style="color: black; font-family: Verdana; font-size: 13.5pt;"><br />
</span></div>
<div>
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Note 1: The term "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Living_wage">Living Wage</a>" and "<a href="http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Minimum_wage">Minimum Wage</a>" can be used to debate what translates to a sustainable income. Minimum wage is usually an amount defined legally for a country, whereas Living Wage defines what is required for an individual or family for a specific geographic area.</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br /></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Note 2: <a href="http://deshbandhu.blogspot.in/2011/05/special-economic-zones-sezs.html">Special Economic Zones (SEZs)</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Note 3: <a href="http://deshbandhu.blogspot.com/2007/09/what-is-indias-agricultural-policy.html">What is India's Agricultural Policy?</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;">Note 4: <a href="http://deshbandhu.blogspot.com/2008/03/alleviating-visual-poverty.html">Alleviating Visual Poverty</a></span><br />
<span class="Apple-style-span" style="font-family: Verdana, sans-serif;"><br />
</span></div>
</div>Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-23352360.post-44188924252385230652011-12-05T20:32:00.001+05:302012-01-13T20:48:56.629+05:30The Times are a Changin...<div dir="ltr" style="text-align: left;" trbidi="on">
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">"Parliament is Supreme", scream the Politicians, Pseudo-Intellectuals and the cocktail crowd. That is granted. But "Parliamentarians are Not". It is clear that these "Parliamentarians" have done a poor job regarding corruption and have misused the "power" vested in them. Our "Parliamentarians" are drunken with power and are hell bent on resisting the "political flogging" meted out to them by Team Anna.</span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">One of
the major criticisms of Team Anna’s Satyagraha is that it was undemocratic and
extra-parliamentary in approach and that Civil Society does not represent the
majority opinion of the citizens of Bharat. Times have changed and people who
prescribe to this opinion are ostriches with their head buried in the sands of
time. </span><br />
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">With the advent of modern communications technology a broader base of
citizens distributed Nationally are able to participate and voice their
opinions on issues of National importance. An elected politician represents
just his or her constituency, whereas the issue raised by Team Anna energized
people across the country, who showed their support by their presence and
participation in support of Team Anna’s Satyagraha. Their sheer numbers
probably exceeded the votes garnered by many Members of Parliament, to get
themselves elected. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"><br /></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Anna said it best indicating that the people of the country
are the owners and that the elected Members of Parliament and Bureaucrat’s job
is to serve the owners. There is no argument that the politicians and
bureaucrats have failed the owners when it comes to curbing corruption. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">In the
absence of a process for a National Referendum, Team Anna has effectively
utilized the process of Satyagraha on which the very foundation of our country
was established as demonstrated by the Father of our Nation, Mahatma Gandhi. This
is the beginning of a trend and heralds a change in the role of the politician
in the Democracy of the Future. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">On a local level, politicians will continue to
champion the causes of their constituents. On a National level or for that
matter at the State and City level, more and more issues will be thrown open to
citizens to vote upon and decide. The politician’s role in this aspect will be to
ensure that the referendum does not discriminate between a particular community
based on their religion, affiliation or gender. </span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">In the absence of such a
process, Team Anna has taken the first step and demonstrated effectively how a
National Referendum can be “demanded” in a non-procedural manner.</span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">Currently,
the demands have only been accepted for consideration. They still have to be
formulated into a Bill and it has to be voted upon by Parliament. In the
Democracy of the future, the parliamentary vote would be eliminated, by the
issue voted upon by the citizens. While we may claim that “Parliament is
Supreme”, let it be noted that Parliament is accountable to the citizens of the
country and that the citizens of the country collectively, supersede the
“Supremacy of Parliament”.<o:p></o:p></span></div>
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<span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">This
process has been implemented in smaller democracies and the time has come for
the world’s largest democracy; Bharat and the world’s richest democracy; the US,
to pay heed to the issue of National Referendum and institutionalize a process
by which it can be done. In the </span><st1:country-region><st1:place><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;">US</span></st1:place></st1:country-region><span style="font-family: Verdana; font-size: 10pt;"> many State and City level issues
are voted upon as Ballot Measures, by the citizens. So for the ostriches whose
heads are buried in the sands of time, this is an indication, that a time may
come when certain issues may be decided directly by the citizens of the
Country, State or City, with the Parliament being a shared body of power as
opposed to the sole body of power.</span></div>
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</div>Rajanikanth Shastrihttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12243875474604242832noreply@blogger.com0