Resolve Dispute in Land Acqusition for Industry

Bikash Choudhury

FRAME WORK FOR NEUTRAL OPEN PUBLIC PATFORM TO RESOLVE STALEMATE IN BIG INDUSRIAL INVESTMENT IN ORISSA

Background: In past decade a few big ticket Industrial Projects have been held up due to conflict and dispute in land acquisition. TATA Kalinga Nagar, POSCO Paradeep and Vedanta University Konark Project are prominent ones. Needless to mention, if these projects gets implemented in due course; Orissa economy will thrive due to Industrial activity, employment opportunity could be created for educated and technically qualified Oriya young people in the State and quality of air connectivity to metro cities would improve further. That will strengthen the virtuous cycle of prosperity in Orissa. Can we afford to miss the opportunity?

Assumption: There may be a gap in understanding between various stake holders. Therefore, an open dialogue, among stake holders in a suitable atmosphere, from a neutral platform could be the preliminary step forward towards the resolution of core dispute in larger interest of the State.

Framework: Utkal Chambers can offer to facilitate to setup a neutral platform by drawing on eminent people with competence on the broad subject area from various walks of life in the State. Further, the chambers can create a frame work for dialogue among stake holders with the objective to arrive at consensus to implement the Projects.

Modalities of Dialogue: (Draft)

1. Stake Holders can be broadly defined as:
• Groups representing displaced people of the project
• Promoter Company of the Project
• State Govt. of Orissa
• Political Parties in Opposition in State Assembly

2. All stake holders should be invited for an Open Public Debate on the specific project to arrive at consensus.
3. Format:
• Track One- Presentation by each stake holders articulating their view point in this public plat form with arrangement of live telecast to record the response of general public of State.
• Track Two- Maximum concession that each stake holders can offer on the table for a consensus.
• Track Three- Bilateral/Multilateral negotiation to build consensus around the project
• Track Four- Joint Press conference by all stake holders to announce the outcome of the dialogue process(either way)


4. Moderators: Moderators can be identified carefully from eminent people with suitable background to facilitate the live public debate driving towards a consensus. (Suggestion)
• Retired Chief Justice of High Court
• Director of IIT Bhubaneswar
• Vice-Chancellor of Utkal University
• Director of XIMB
• Retired Chief Secretary of State Govt. Ect


5. Financing: Ideally, the bulk cost of organizing the event should be reimbursed by the revenue from media rights of live telecast and sponsors other than the stake holders.



Concept proposed by: Streben Marketing Services,Bhubaneswar

India & Pakistan:Case for common defence

Bikash Choudhury
In response to article published in The Hindu on 28th Nov'09 by Pervez Hoodbhoy of Quid-e-Azam University,Islambad


The author in the guise of Intellectual opinion, actually trying to push typical Pakistani insecure mindset from inception into Indian throat and trying to blame India for all the evils, self created by Pakistani establishment.Kashmir is not and can not be the actual reason of discord between India & Pakistan; but, the continuous negative mindset of Pakistanis about India definitely is the reason.And, same is being used and misused by various Global powers in their own interest.Creation of Bangladesh is of their own making.India does not harbor any ill will against Pakistan and certainly, not at the mercy of Pakistanis for its survival.Democratic liberal secular system and growing Economic strength can weather any storm emanating out from present prevalent conditions inside their country.Though, existence of Pakistan in current form in the World political map would largely depend upon the competing interests of Global forces in years ahead.Instead of threatening India with their Nuclear power and problems arising out of inevitable collapse of Pakistani state;author should make an effort to strengthen the civil society of Pakistan to see reason and writing on the wall. In my opinion, The Hindu should stop publishing such columns in National interest.

How NDTV can make money?

BIKASH CHOUDHURY




NDTV is a very strong contemporary brand but it has not been able to create success at the bean counters. In spite of having best of talents i.e. news Anchors and technology at its disposal. Is it because NDTV still living on its past laurels? Or, NDTV does not wish to renew itself in terms of look, feel and content? Recent slide in its TRP ratings against upstarts like Times Television shows sudden saturation in the mindset of NDTV organization; in spite of being one of the best reference points as top class broad casting organization in south East Asia. It is time, NDTV need to reinvent itself to survive the onslaughts on the street. What NDTV need to do now?

NDTV must adhere to following three broad strategies:

 Concentrate on News Business
 Leverage its strong Brand Image
 Add contents from bottom of pyramid

New Business: NDTV can launch news paper, magazine by leveraging its news and editorial contents, in association with partners and thus create new revenue centers without adding to the numbers of cost centers.
Brand Image: Again ndtv can rollout education centers on broad casting across the country in association with leading coaching centers.
Bottom of Pyramid: NDTV has up till now gave coverage to news of metros. In the ever changing demographic scenario the news content air time should be distributed in the ratio of 60:40 in between metro and non metro contents to remain relevant to the viewers.

26/11-Could not trust my Instinct

Bikash Choudhury


One year after 26/11 Mumbai blast, I still curse myself, for not being able to trust my instinct; that told me, Mumbai could be the next big terror target after Hyderabad-Jaipur-Bangalore-Ahmedabad and New Delhi. Therefore, today even after a year, I feel personally responsible for the condition of the two year child Moshe, other 170 victims of that unfortunate incident and all our valiant Mumbai Police and NSG commandos who perished in that sixty hours long fight. After Jaipur terror strike, I felt eastern region could be the next target and therefore cautioned the Orissa Govt. through media representative to be on guard for Puri Ratha Yatra and due to my input or otherwise also, State Govt. took commendable steps to sanities Puri town before the Ratha Yatra and the festival passed off peacefully. It was very difficult to figure out wheather, there was a terror plot for Puri; which was averted because of timely action by the Govt.or else, there was no terror threat for Puri? After Delhi bomb blast I had developed a nagging fear that now Mumbai suburban train or its busy central business districts could be an eminent target of Terrorist. Some how my intuition was telling me that it could be a very dangerous one and a big one. But, I could not summon the courage to discuss my feelings, even with my wife. My fear at that point of time was of being ridiculed by one and all; if dared to articulate my instinct in public. While 26/11 Mumbai blast was being unfolded on that fateful night, I switched off my TV at 10.30 pm in the Hotel room at Bangalore Majestic area near Railway station to concentrate on presentation for a business meeting next day; in the early morning and went out to have tea in the Cotton street, totally oblivious of the world at Mumbai that had changed for ever. After finishing the tea when I picked up the news paper and saw in big and bold letter “Mumbai under Terror strike” with Taj Hotel on the back ground; my heart nearly freeze. I could only mumble to myself “What I have done to my self and Mumbai city of mine”. Rushed to my Hotel room and remained in comatose just watching the live coverage of Terror Seize at Taj Hotel, Oberoi Hotel and Nariman House. That tragic event has locked in my memory and many times stir me out of my sleep with a visual of “terrorist driving in Police patrol vehicle entering the Taj Hotel spraying bullets from their AK-47 riffles on their way” playing in the backdrop of my mind.

Aviation Think Tank

A Friend Philosopher & Guide

Bikash Choudhury

What is missing in these trying times for Indian Aviation Industry? A credible- impartial-transparent-competent Think Tank of Aviation Industry. Air India, the National Carrier is going through one of its worst times since inception but, there is a dearth of Mature Voice from Aviation Industry for a larger interest of the National Institution (started by one passionate entrepreneur Late Shri JRD Tata) and the millions of air travelers. Little earlier, Private Air Lines on the pressure of high cost of aviation fuels demanded a bailout package from Govt. which was just a red rag for Indian Govt.’s proletariat image; without going to the merit of the case. Private Air Lines subsequently ganged–up and announced lay off for media consumption and to bring pressure on Indian Govt.; later, the lay-offs were withdrawn with much media fanfare.

It is imperative to understand for all concerned, Indian Aviation apart from offering quick passenger transport to people across the country is also an employer of Highly Skilled human resources and also an important link of the Economy. A healthy Aviation Industry would have a multiplier effect on country’s GDP. Country should have a vision for aviation industry. “Currently, only 40 cities are connected by air by scheduled air line; which must be raised to100 cities in few years. And, for that wish to happen; India needs to look at low cost transport aircraft manufacturing technology and low cost infrastructure & supply chain to service the passengers.”

The Current state of Air India is the net result of years of mismanagement by The Govt., Incompetent Management and highly paid employees with poor work ethics. Now, the current management of Air India seems to have the understanding of the problem and attempting a turn around with great difficulty without moral and material support of Owner (the Govt.) & Employees. In this time, having chosen the management, the Govt. should offer complete backing to the management for the task ahead (without looking at political fallout) and the employees trade unions like ICPA, IPG, ACEU and AIPG must rally around the management in their own interest. If need be, the trade unions must voluntarily accept a temporary deferred payment of a portion of their salary to tide over this difficult times in larger interest of the organization. If, Air India managed to spring back to life from this deep air pocket, then the maximum material benefit would go the way of the employees, apart from saving 30,000 jobs. Aviation Think Tank should be able to articulate a considered view point in the interest of Aviation Industry for long term growth and maturity of the sector. Is India short of Aviation Professionals?

Naxal Solution Lies in a Disarming Mindset

Bikash Choudhury

Hijacking of Rajadhani Express, Bhubaneswar-New Delhi by Naxal sympathizers in broad day light followed by continuous telecast on the event by news maker hungry 24/7 media has sent shock waves in the middle class consciousness living mostly in growing cities and towns much out side the red corridor. This is one of the tricks of Maoist to put pressure on astute, central home minister P.Chidambaram to halt and hold his fool proof plan of military style offensive to push the armed militia of Maoist into irrelevance in course of time, with a time frame. Recent spurts of Maoist violence across the country could also be attributed to the same objective of Naxals. Keen political watchers would have observed a section of intelligentsia having mass following siding or sympathsing with the core of Naxal movement at the same time dissociating with violence of any kind, be that of State sponsored ones. One view gaining currency through numerous live television debate and discussion with experts is that without some kind of mass public support, Naxal could not have grown to this level and may not have been able to conduct gruesome crimes against Police and Civilians with impunity. Psychologist and Philosopher would vouch, Violence is the only and last response of human being in a very trying circumstances; ordinarily, human race is skilled enough to resolve differences amicably. Knowing fully well violence would multiply loses in both sides in terms of human lives and military resources. When fight is between State and a group of its own subjects, the loses assume catastrophic proportion. Violence is not the solution either way. But, constructive debate and discussion on the subject of discord, towards a solution in an environment of Peace and mutual Trust with a time frame, would be able to thaw reciprocal violence further and save innocent lives. Complete and Permanent solution to vexed Naxal problem lies in Disarming the Mindset of all concerned.

In spite of over 60 years of independence, substantive Governance of a free State has not been able to reach the people of deep interior areas devoid of communication facility, Poor Law and Order machinery, Inadequate rendering of Justice and forgettable facility of civil administration in terms of succor at the time of disaster or education and health facilities in peace time. People, largely left to their own means and private arrangements are easy pawns at the hands of Maoist who professes to care for their rights and general wellbeing. But, many times their violent methods of justice rub the innocents the wrong way due to lack of any checks and balances in Maoist set-up. Those people living in and around deep forest area have a Hobson’s choice between devil and the deep sea. By rule of thumb, they favor who ever provides them maximum security and justice; at the moment Naxals looks like catering to their needs and quickly the State has to take over the Governance to stop the menace of Maoist in the red corridor.

Only a few brave hearts would corroborate with the fact that our current political system of governance is largely responsible for the feverish growth of Maoist militia. A truly representative Government in a democratic system would have a rare moral authority to drive the bureaucracy and others for an equitable social justice for long term peace and prosperity of the nation. Can we call our Govt. truly a representative one? Knowing fully well of the fact that only 58% of registered electorates of over 70 crores exercising their franchise and one candidate could get elected to Parliament with a margin of one vote and with, only 18-22% of votes polled in a multi corner contest. Need to examine if the first-past-post system of election still valid in Indian context. Further, modalities of funding of election by Political parties and Candidates are one major source of concern in Governance. If Barak Obama can raise 600 million dollars from people, transparently to fund his Presidential election; in India, our political parties and their Candidate can do the ditto from a billion plus population and save Police and Justice System from large scale malpractices on the weight of obligation of election funds for Political Parties and their Candidates. Central & State Govt. should collaborate proactively to push the long pending Police and Judicial reforms for not giving in to the Maoist, to beat the Govt. with the same stick, State sponsored violence on innocent people. That apart, honest and hard working Politician also, could minimize their stress level and lead a normal life of professionals without having to worry about election funds and politicians working on specific social issues could draw media attention and private sector funding.

These are the issues which will require a distinct disarmed mindset from both sides. Govt. should revisit the current assumption on Governance and restructure the same in line with the demand of the time and its own people. At least, the area of Red Corridor deserves a special attention in terms of Governance. As for the Maoist, they need to rethink if Violence is bringing them any closer to the people they profess to protect from the State machinery.

[Author is chief executives of a Strategy Consulting Firm based at Bhubaneswar, opinion expressed are his own]

Broad Strategic Input-UPA II

Bikash Choudhury

1. Foreign Policy can be shaped in such a manner that would spur Indian Economic Growth.

2. Our South East Asian Policy must be integrated to give India a central role in the regions economy.

3. Our Global policy should have muscles so that "India should be Seen and Heard with respect in Global forum, just like in the time of Nehru.

All this objectives are achievable if Congress President takes a Proactive Role.

1. In current times Indian Central Govt. can make little changes or find difficulties in recasting its foreign policy due to lot of protocol and lack of reciprocation from other Nations. However, Congress President should not be bound by conventions and Govt. protocol too much, and therefore can take fresh and bold initiative to refashion our Global as well as South East Asian policy. A new spin in National Interest; And, if Successful the Indian Govt. could lap up the Initiative as defacto Govt. Policy and pursue further to strengthen the arrangement in National Interest.

2. South East Asia: Our relations with Pakistan is crucial to our foreign policy in the region. I feel if we open up trade and commerce lock-stock and barrel with Pakistan and allow our private sector to Invest in Pakistan in large scale projects then apparently Pakistani Troika Could Relent in future to change their Black Box.

• Modalities: Congress President can take initiative in this regard and talk to the ruling party of Pakistan of this proposal and simultaneously, Congress President can encourage the Leader of Opposition to talk to Nawaj Sarif and other Opposition leaders in Pakistan on this issue for a long term prosperity of the region. This effort can also be reinforced by the Media & other civil society organisations, without of course any Media Hype.
• Congress President and the Leader of Opposition can jointly visit Pakistan with a Business & Cultural delegation and talk to Pakistan people/young people, about peace and Indian wish of equal friendship.
• Objective is let there be an free exchange of trade,commerce and culture which over time would lead to greater trust of the Decision makers and lead to substantive discussion at laterpoint by the two govt.to resolve all out standing disputes for good.
• Only, such Initiative alone; in current circumstances of Pakistan would make the Whole world situp and take Notice of India.And, Indian foreign policy would gain a substantial advantage across the Global High Table.

3.Global Peace Messanger: India has alwys stands for peace and non-violence. Let India Agrresively Promote Peace across the World by Appealing to all Young people with the proposition of Disarmament & Development of the Planet.[MORAL HIGH GROUND]

• Modalities: Congress President can take Initiative for a Global Tour along with other senior leaders of Opposition, Business and Cutural delegation to speak to University Students of Each countries and Women and talk about Indian wish for Peace, Disarmament and Development for a Sustainable Civilisation on this planet and also can promote Indian Business, Culture and Tourism simultaneously.
• In short period of time this effort would place India among G-5 in terms of Importance in foreign policy and would be consulted in Important global issues with respect and undivided attention.