Bikash Choudhury
Thirty year ago, an old lady was reprimanded by gang of her own grand children; the criminal offense of the old lady was, she couldn't pronounce the English word 'Change' correctly and instead she said '' Chende".Kids from English medium school generally make a spectacle of their English pronunciation & diction before their less fortunate classmates from Odiya medium schools; and, their English speaking ability caricatured in the college canteens & near bus stops. But, for 75 long years, Odisha was wrongly written in English language and not a single voice went up or a little murmur heard any where until recently. No other language would have put up with such affront as Odiya language and its people did. Correcting the English spelling of Odisha may or may not bring any substantial change in society or in the economy; even then also, the change must happen as it is the question of pride and reputation of a five thousand year old language and over four crore Odiya speaking people. The amount of time and money in this mission is immaterial.
Not many will agree, emphasis on Odiya language and culture over a period of time, may bring about a change in the "social thinking" in Odisha and in course of time in the "Social system”. The current social practice of Odisha put a lot of importance over academic excellence and on getting into Govt. jobs like I.A.S, O.A.S,Engineer,Doctor,Bank officer and Software Engineer.Odiya people put less premium on extracurricular activity; as such misdemeanor very strictly discouraged inside Odiya family. Therefore, many times, very bright sports persons does not see the light of the day, a singer constrained to the boundary of his or home or at best exposed to the extended family and friends, actor castigated as evil omen for the family. May be, it sounds little exaggerated but if a survey conducted on Odiya family value system the truth will emerge. Individual excellence and passion subjugated to societal model of acceptance which stifles growth of individual and his domain of interest. This could be due to five hundred years of colonial rule which has created a mindset that prefer structured work environment, assured income; therefore they favor routine white collar jobs over Entrepreneurship.
Emphasis on Odiya language, literature and culture would trigger a new and fresh social thinking. As native language/mother tongue connects the hearts and mind of an individual with most efficient conductor available to mankind; therefore, the love for one's own language would create an individuality and pride in one's being that would drive a person in search of his own strength and identity and sooner than later it will propel him in the direction of Innovation-Excellence-Enterprise. Eventually, burying the old antiquated typical Odiya social practices with a more open liberal social system where individual right to pursue his passion would be respected and that will drive Odiya people to excel in their chosen field. However, it is easier said than done to attract Odiya people to their own language; because, English as commercial and Hindi as cultural language has taken deep root in the psychic of an average person living in Odisha.There is actually no harm in developing competence in English and Hindi; but, should not be at the expense of their own Odiya language. If Odiya people don't show passion to learn read, write and speak Odiya language then who will? 'Charity begins at home' and therefore, Govt. needs to take initiative to use Odiya language in administration from bottom-up by creating Odiya language cells in each Dept. and each office in the State to prepare the Babus to learn to use Odiya language in a time frame of 5-10 years. From ancient times, literature and culture flourished under the patronage of rulers and therefore, the current rulers like Ministers and M.L.A must take interest in promoting Odiya literature(Poetry) that will encourage young people to follow Odiya poetry, script writing for movie and create an eco-system for high quality music, feature films in Odiya language; eventually help drawing Odiya people to their own language.Paradox.This piece was written with help of English language owing to poor computer skills in Odiya language; which needs to be fixed in schools and colleges as part of learning Odiya language.
Sunday, June 19, 2011
Thursday, June 9, 2011
National Energy Policy
Bikash Choudhury
Our lives run and depend on ENERGY to large extent!The room Air-Conditioner in our bed room,geyser & washing machine in washroom,T.V & music system in living room,laptop in the Study,Microwave in the kitchen and of course, the item of our mobility the Car in our drive way--All need energy to run and therefore a large part of our lives.Actually, What will be left off our lives without these gadgets??More importantly what will happen to us without sufficient energy??? and, what would be the environmental impact of meeting energy requirements from conventional sources like Thermal power & hydro power???? There has to be a ideal trade off between the two to have a sustainable;e energy matrix for continuous growth,prosperity,stability and happiness.
The current energy scenario is like this:The peak power deficit in the summer of 2010 was around 10.8 percent. Distribution losses average about 30% across the country.Central Electric Authority(CEA) has set a target of one lakh MW of additional power generation in the period of 12 th five year plan2012-17;if we were to grow at around (% of GDP.The current energy matrix is as follows:Thermal(65%),Hydro(21.5%),Renewable energy(10.5%) and Nuclear a meager (3%).The thermal power is highly polluting with highest carbon foot print.After Japn's Fukoshima disaster the nuclear power does not sound any promising future in the country;knowing, a developed country like Germany having asserted to cap all its nuclear power plants by 2022 on safety grounds.(Indian lives have been treated cheaper courtesy Bhopal gas tragedy.) The hydro power has long gestation period & its scope for growth nearly saturated unless some fresh new technology emerge.The future is in Renewable energy and new source of energy( like Husk & Urban waste Power).While containing the demand side of energy through deployment of better technology both micro & macro with high degree of public awareness for conservation of energy.
The solution to National energy challenges lies in adopting a new Energy Matrix of 40% of Renewable & New Energy and balance 60% from conventional sources with stiff conditions on Carbon foot print guidelines and compliance conditionality. To start with the Govt. can frame a law by virtue of which energy producers from conventional sources would have to produce 20 % of total installed capacity from Renewable & new Energy sources.Identically, the petroleum PSU would have to produce 20% of their production from Bio-fuels.This step alone would galvanize the renewable energy Industry and Bio-fuel sector.Further, GoI & State Govt. need to collaborate to find time bound solutions to Transmission &commercial losses to the tune of 30% of generated power to Internationally acceptable figure by deploying technology available and investing in R&D.GoI can also take further steps for prudent energy usages by commercial organizations & inside homes by mandatory use of equipments available off the selves by launching a very focused campaign across media domains and through the events in schools and colleges to emphasis "conservation of Energy" as a National mission and criminal waste of energy as Anti National. GoI need to earmark much more funds for renewable energy sources like solar power,wind power & new source like Husk power in rural areas and power from urban waste in cities & towns and also wind power from sea in the coast line of 8000 Km and roof top wind power. Govt. both at Center and States need to frame suitable laws to make one Hectare of "Jatropa farming" per Village mandatory with some incentives. That should add six lakh hectare of Jatropa cultivation and make the country less dependent on expensive imported fuel.
The other aspect that need urgent attention by the Govt. is the environmental impact of power generation in thermal plants which generate large amount of waste in terms of Polluted water & fly ash which need to be dealt with by the respective power producers by deploying suitable technology or developing new one by suitable funding of academic institutions and research bodies. In ten years, these measures would make a significant difference to our energy management.
Our lives run and depend on ENERGY to large extent!The room Air-Conditioner in our bed room,geyser & washing machine in washroom,T.V & music system in living room,laptop in the Study,Microwave in the kitchen and of course, the item of our mobility the Car in our drive way--All need energy to run and therefore a large part of our lives.Actually, What will be left off our lives without these gadgets??More importantly what will happen to us without sufficient energy??? and, what would be the environmental impact of meeting energy requirements from conventional sources like Thermal power & hydro power???? There has to be a ideal trade off between the two to have a sustainable;e energy matrix for continuous growth,prosperity,stability and happiness.
The current energy scenario is like this:The peak power deficit in the summer of 2010 was around 10.8 percent. Distribution losses average about 30% across the country.Central Electric Authority(CEA) has set a target of one lakh MW of additional power generation in the period of 12 th five year plan2012-17;if we were to grow at around (% of GDP.The current energy matrix is as follows:Thermal(65%),Hydro(21.5%),Renewable energy(10.5%) and Nuclear a meager (3%).The thermal power is highly polluting with highest carbon foot print.After Japn's Fukoshima disaster the nuclear power does not sound any promising future in the country;knowing, a developed country like Germany having asserted to cap all its nuclear power plants by 2022 on safety grounds.(Indian lives have been treated cheaper courtesy Bhopal gas tragedy.) The hydro power has long gestation period & its scope for growth nearly saturated unless some fresh new technology emerge.The future is in Renewable energy and new source of energy( like Husk & Urban waste Power).While containing the demand side of energy through deployment of better technology both micro & macro with high degree of public awareness for conservation of energy.
The solution to National energy challenges lies in adopting a new Energy Matrix of 40% of Renewable & New Energy and balance 60% from conventional sources with stiff conditions on Carbon foot print guidelines and compliance conditionality. To start with the Govt. can frame a law by virtue of which energy producers from conventional sources would have to produce 20 % of total installed capacity from Renewable & new Energy sources.Identically, the petroleum PSU would have to produce 20% of their production from Bio-fuels.This step alone would galvanize the renewable energy Industry and Bio-fuel sector.Further, GoI & State Govt. need to collaborate to find time bound solutions to Transmission &commercial losses to the tune of 30% of generated power to Internationally acceptable figure by deploying technology available and investing in R&D.GoI can also take further steps for prudent energy usages by commercial organizations & inside homes by mandatory use of equipments available off the selves by launching a very focused campaign across media domains and through the events in schools and colleges to emphasis "conservation of Energy" as a National mission and criminal waste of energy as Anti National. GoI need to earmark much more funds for renewable energy sources like solar power,wind power & new source like Husk power in rural areas and power from urban waste in cities & towns and also wind power from sea in the coast line of 8000 Km and roof top wind power. Govt. both at Center and States need to frame suitable laws to make one Hectare of "Jatropa farming" per Village mandatory with some incentives. That should add six lakh hectare of Jatropa cultivation and make the country less dependent on expensive imported fuel.
The other aspect that need urgent attention by the Govt. is the environmental impact of power generation in thermal plants which generate large amount of waste in terms of Polluted water & fly ash which need to be dealt with by the respective power producers by deploying suitable technology or developing new one by suitable funding of academic institutions and research bodies. In ten years, these measures would make a significant difference to our energy management.
National Energy Policy
Bikash Choudhury
Our lives run and depend on ENERGY to large extent!The room Air-Conditioner in our bed room,geyser & washing machine in washroom,T.V & music system in living room,laptop in the Study,Microwave in the kitchen and of course, the item of our mobility the Car in our drive way--All need energy to run and therefore a large part of our lives.Actually, What will be left off our lives without these gadgets??More importantly what will happen to us without sufficient energy??? and, what would be the environmental impact of meeting energy requirements from conventional sources like Thermal power & hydro power???? There has to be a ideal trade off between the two to have a sustainable;e energy matrix for continuous growth,prosperity,stability and happiness.
The current energy scenario is like this:The peak power deficit in the summer of 2010 was around 10.8 percent. Distribution losses average about 30% across the country.Central Electric Authority(CEA) has set a target of one lakh MW of additional power generation in the period of 12 th five year plan2012-17;if we were to grow at around (% of GDP.The current energy matrix is as follows:Thermal(65%),Hydro(21.5%),Renewable energy(10.5%) and Nuclear a meager (3%).The thermal power is highly polluting with highest carbon foot print.After Japn's Fukoshima disaster the nuclear power does not sound any promising future in the country;knowing, a developed country like Germany having asserted to cap all its nuclear power plants by 2022 on safety grounds.(Indian lives have been treated cheaper courtesy Bhopal gas tragedy.) The hydro power has long gestation period & its scope for growth nearly saturated unless some fresh new technology emerge.The future is in Renewable energy and new source of energy( like Husk & Urban waste Power).While containing the demand side of energy through deployment of better technology both micro & macro with high degree of public awareness for conservation of energy.
The solution to National energy challenges lies in adopting a new Energy Matrix of 40% of Renewable & New Energy and balance 60% from conventional sources with stiff conditions on Carbon foot print guidelines and compliance conditionality. To start with the Govt. can frame a law by virtue of which energy producers from conventional sources would have to produce 20 % of total installed capacity from Renewable & new Energy sources.Identically, the petroleum PSU would have to produce 20% of their production from Bio-fuels.This step alone would galvanize the renewable energy Industry and Bio-fuel sector.Further, GoI & State Govt. need to collaborate to find time bound solutions to Transmission &commercial losses to the tune of 30% of generated power to Internationally acceptable figure by deploying technology available and investing in R&D.GoI can also take further steps for prudent energy usages by commercial organizations & inside homes by mandatory use of equipments available off the selves by launching a very focused campaign across media domains and through the events in schools and colleges to emphasis "conservation of Energy" as a National mission and criminal waste of energy as Anti National. GoI need to earmark much more funds for renewable energy sources like solar power,wind power & new source like Husk power in rural areas and power from urban waste in cities & towns and also wind power from sea in the coast line of 8000 Km and roof top wind power. Govt. both at Center and States need to frame suitable laws to make one Hectare of "Jatropa farming" per Village mandatory with some incentives. That should add six lakh hectare of Jatropa cultivation and make the country less dependent on expensive imported fuel.
The other aspect that need urgent attention by the Govt. is the environmental impact of power generation in thermal plants which generate large amount of waste in terms of Polluted water & fly ash which need to be dealt with by the respective power producers by deploying suitable technology or developing new one by suitable funding of academic institutions and research bodies. In ten years, these measures would make a significant difference to our energy management.
Our lives run and depend on ENERGY to large extent!The room Air-Conditioner in our bed room,geyser & washing machine in washroom,T.V & music system in living room,laptop in the Study,Microwave in the kitchen and of course, the item of our mobility the Car in our drive way--All need energy to run and therefore a large part of our lives.Actually, What will be left off our lives without these gadgets??More importantly what will happen to us without sufficient energy??? and, what would be the environmental impact of meeting energy requirements from conventional sources like Thermal power & hydro power???? There has to be a ideal trade off between the two to have a sustainable;e energy matrix for continuous growth,prosperity,stability and happiness.
The current energy scenario is like this:The peak power deficit in the summer of 2010 was around 10.8 percent. Distribution losses average about 30% across the country.Central Electric Authority(CEA) has set a target of one lakh MW of additional power generation in the period of 12 th five year plan2012-17;if we were to grow at around (% of GDP.The current energy matrix is as follows:Thermal(65%),Hydro(21.5%),Renewable energy(10.5%) and Nuclear a meager (3%).The thermal power is highly polluting with highest carbon foot print.After Japn's Fukoshima disaster the nuclear power does not sound any promising future in the country;knowing, a developed country like Germany having asserted to cap all its nuclear power plants by 2022 on safety grounds.(Indian lives have been treated cheaper courtesy Bhopal gas tragedy.) The hydro power has long gestation period & its scope for growth nearly saturated unless some fresh new technology emerge.The future is in Renewable energy and new source of energy( like Husk & Urban waste Power).While containing the demand side of energy through deployment of better technology both micro & macro with high degree of public awareness for conservation of energy.
The solution to National energy challenges lies in adopting a new Energy Matrix of 40% of Renewable & New Energy and balance 60% from conventional sources with stiff conditions on Carbon foot print guidelines and compliance conditionality. To start with the Govt. can frame a law by virtue of which energy producers from conventional sources would have to produce 20 % of total installed capacity from Renewable & new Energy sources.Identically, the petroleum PSU would have to produce 20% of their production from Bio-fuels.This step alone would galvanize the renewable energy Industry and Bio-fuel sector.Further, GoI & State Govt. need to collaborate to find time bound solutions to Transmission &commercial losses to the tune of 30% of generated power to Internationally acceptable figure by deploying technology available and investing in R&D.GoI can also take further steps for prudent energy usages by commercial organizations & inside homes by mandatory use of equipments available off the selves by launching a very focused campaign across media domains and through the events in schools and colleges to emphasis "conservation of Energy" as a National mission and criminal waste of energy as Anti National. GoI need to earmark much more funds for renewable energy sources like solar power,wind power & new source like Husk power in rural areas and power from urban waste in cities & towns and also wind power from sea in the coast line of 8000 Km and roof top wind power. Govt. both at Center and States need to frame suitable laws to make one Hectare of "Jatropa farming" per Village mandatory with some incentives. That should add six lakh hectare of Jatropa cultivation and make the country less dependent on expensive imported fuel.
The other aspect that need urgent attention by the Govt. is the environmental impact of power generation in thermal plants which generate large amount of waste in terms of Polluted water & fly ash which need to be dealt with by the respective power producers by deploying suitable technology or developing new one by suitable funding of academic institutions and research bodies. In ten years, these measures would make a significant difference to our energy management.
National Energy Policy
Bikash Choudhury
Our lives run and depend on ENERGY to large extent!The room Air-Conditioner in our bed room,geyser & washing machine in washroom,T.V & music system in living room,laptop in the Study,Microwave in the kitchen and of course, the item of our mobility the Car in our drive way--All need energy to run and therefore a large part of our lives.Actually, What will be left off our lives without these gadgets??More importantly what will happen to us without sufficient energy??? and, what would be the environmental impact of meeting energy requirements from conventional sources like Thermal power & hydro power???? There has to be a ideal trade off between the two to have a sustainable;e energy matrix for continuous growth,prosperity,stability and happiness.
The current energy scenario is like this:The peak power deficit in the summer of 2010 was around 10.8 percent. Distribution losses average about 30% across the country.Central Electric Authority(CEA) has set a target of one lakh MW of additional power generation in the period of 12 th five year plan2012-17;if we were to grow at around (% of GDP.The current energy matrix is as follows:Thermal(65%),Hydro(21.5%),Renewable energy(10.5%) and Nuclear a meager (3%).The thermal power is highly polluting with highest carbon foot print.After Japn's Fukoshima disaster the nuclear power does not sound any promising future in the country;knowing, a developed country like Germany having asserted to cap all its nuclear power plants by 2022 on safety grounds.(Indian lives have been treated cheaper courtesy Bhopal gas tragedy.) The hydro power has long gestation period & its scope for growth nearly saturated unless some fresh new technology emerge.The future is in Renewable energy and new source of energy( like Husk & Urban waste Power).While containing the demand side of energy through deployment of better technology both micro & macro with high degree of public awareness for conservation of energy.
The solution to National energy challenges lies in adopting a new Energy Matrix of 40% of Renewable & New Energy and balance 60% from conventional sources with stiff conditions on Carbon foot print guidelines and compliance conditionality. To start with the Govt. can frame a law by virtue of which energy producers from conventional sources would have to produce 20 % of total installed capacity from Renewable & new Energy sources.Identically, the petroleum PSU would have to produce 20% of their production from Bio-fuels.This step alone would galvanize the renewable energy Industry and Bio-fuel sector.Further, GoI & State Govt. need to collaborate to find time bound solutions to Transmission &commercial losses to the tune of 30% of generated power to Internationally acceptable figure by deploying technology available and investing in R&D.GoI can also take further steps for prudent energy usages by commercial organizations & inside homes by mandatory use of equipments available off the selves by launching a very focused campaign across media domains and through the events in schools and colleges to emphasis "conservation of Energy" as a National mission and criminal waste of energy as Anti National. GoI need to earmark much more funds for renewable energy sources like solar power,wind power & new source like Husk power in rural areas and power from urban waste in cities & towns and also wind power from sea in the coast line of 8000 Km and roof top wind power. Govt. both at Center and States need to frame suitable laws to make one Hectare of "Jatropa farming" per Village mandatory with some incentives. That should add six lakh hectare of Jatropa cultivation and make the country less dependent on expensive imported fuel.
The other aspect that need urgent attention by the Govt. is the environmental impact of power generation in thermal plants which generate large amount of waste in terms of Polluted water & fly ash which need to be dealt with by the respective power producers by deploying suitable technology or developing new one by suitable funding of academic institutions and research bodies. In ten years, these measures would make a significant difference to our energy management.
Our lives run and depend on ENERGY to large extent!The room Air-Conditioner in our bed room,geyser & washing machine in washroom,T.V & music system in living room,laptop in the Study,Microwave in the kitchen and of course, the item of our mobility the Car in our drive way--All need energy to run and therefore a large part of our lives.Actually, What will be left off our lives without these gadgets??More importantly what will happen to us without sufficient energy??? and, what would be the environmental impact of meeting energy requirements from conventional sources like Thermal power & hydro power???? There has to be a ideal trade off between the two to have a sustainable;e energy matrix for continuous growth,prosperity,stability and happiness.
The current energy scenario is like this:The peak power deficit in the summer of 2010 was around 10.8 percent. Distribution losses average about 30% across the country.Central Electric Authority(CEA) has set a target of one lakh MW of additional power generation in the period of 12 th five year plan2012-17;if we were to grow at around (% of GDP.The current energy matrix is as follows:Thermal(65%),Hydro(21.5%),Renewable energy(10.5%) and Nuclear a meager (3%).The thermal power is highly polluting with highest carbon foot print.After Japn's Fukoshima disaster the nuclear power does not sound any promising future in the country;knowing, a developed country like Germany having asserted to cap all its nuclear power plants by 2022 on safety grounds.(Indian lives have been treated cheaper courtesy Bhopal gas tragedy.) The hydro power has long gestation period & its scope for growth nearly saturated unless some fresh new technology emerge.The future is in Renewable energy and new source of energy( like Husk & Urban waste Power).While containing the demand side of energy through deployment of better technology both micro & macro with high degree of public awareness for conservation of energy.
The solution to National energy challenges lies in adopting a new Energy Matrix of 40% of Renewable & New Energy and balance 60% from conventional sources with stiff conditions on Carbon foot print guidelines and compliance conditionality. To start with the Govt. can frame a law by virtue of which energy producers from conventional sources would have to produce 20 % of total installed capacity from Renewable & new Energy sources.Identically, the petroleum PSU would have to produce 20% of their production from Bio-fuels.This step alone would galvanize the renewable energy Industry and Bio-fuel sector.Further, GoI & State Govt. need to collaborate to find time bound solutions to Transmission &commercial losses to the tune of 30% of generated power to Internationally acceptable figure by deploying technology available and investing in R&D.GoI can also take further steps for prudent energy usages by commercial organizations & inside homes by mandatory use of equipments available off the selves by launching a very focused campaign across media domains and through the events in schools and colleges to emphasis "conservation of Energy" as a National mission and criminal waste of energy as Anti National. GoI need to earmark much more funds for renewable energy sources like solar power,wind power & new source like Husk power in rural areas and power from urban waste in cities & towns and also wind power from sea in the coast line of 8000 Km and roof top wind power. Govt. both at Center and States need to frame suitable laws to make one Hectare of "Jatropa farming" per Village mandatory with some incentives. That should add six lakh hectare of Jatropa cultivation and make the country less dependent on expensive imported fuel.
The other aspect that need urgent attention by the Govt. is the environmental impact of power generation in thermal plants which generate large amount of waste in terms of Polluted water & fly ash which need to be dealt with by the respective power producers by deploying suitable technology or developing new one by suitable funding of academic institutions and research bodies. In ten years, these measures would make a significant difference to our energy management.
Monday, June 6, 2011
Change in Leadership
Bikash Choudhury
UPA govt. smartly (laid out red carpet initially & once that did not work unabashedly used force) and very tactfully evicted Baba Ramdev from Ram Lila Grounds; eventually stopped a countrywide mass movement against corruption & black money on its track. As for now there is no threat to UPA-II Govt.in spite of strident opposition campaign on the issue of eviction of Baba Ramdev from New Delhi.But,Baba has never the less raised very pertinent issue of National importance and has done very well in his own inimitable style with a lot of substance very unusual for a person claimed to be a Sadhu with millions of ardent follower; however, this has caught the imagination of a large section of our people including those young at heart who have been greatly enthused by Baba and his antiques and other dare devil spectacle.
Some time back, no less a person than Home Minister Mr. Chidambaram conceded with rare candor about the "Governance Deficit" in UPA-II Govt. and also separately talked about his limited mandate being Home Minister; tacitly putting his name into the leadership sweepstakes. Somebody has said before" India is a rich country with poor people" this is precisely because, the National wealth which otherwise would have brought succor to poor people in the country, siphoned out of the country without any checks & balance. And, further counterfeit currencies pumped into the country by same evil forces that run havoc in our money market and entire financial architecture. If Govt. fail to take concrete action now then when? And, to what consequence? While poor of country suffer with cascading effect of price rise on food items and petroleum products. Apart from corruption & black money the UPA-II Govt.is actually very slow on many important issues where alibi of coalition compulsion may not hold good. Both Air India in Aviation & Railways are floundering. Industrial production is taking a nose dive, while economic growth numbers are being revised downwards. What is going wrong with this Govt.and where and what needs to be done to arrest the very visible slide in Governance that calls for immediate decision not another JPC(Joint Parliamentary committee or IMG (Inter Ministerial Group).
Million dollar question that defy answer at the moment is what kind of public perception will go down in the minds of prospective electorate of E-14 and how much of it remain residual for the discomfort to UPA-II, three years later difficult to predict. But, in view of election outcome of TamilNadu; where, demonstrable action against corruption in the form of A. Raja behind the bars and so do Mr. Kalmadi of CWG fame did not help at the hustings.It is now crystal clear, the image of UPA-II Govt. has taken a serious beating in the game of public perception. Only a change in Leadership of Govt. may usher in a fresh opportunity. Congress President may think of giving incumbent PM a graceful exit as time runs out for that and install Pranab Mukharjee as PM & Mr. Chidambaram as Deputy PM to crack the whip on Governance. At the moment Pranabda remains the best bet being from the eastern region and he being the most experienced, shrewd political manager in the Congress who has the stature & necessary skill to drive the Govt. into action with defacto Prime Ministerial authority which is not same as being the top adviser. With Chidambaram as 'number 2' in cabinet will help the team Pranab to deal with complex issues of governance facing the govt. and taking decisions on real time. Both the gentle men have long term aspiration for top leadership in Govt. and that would alone drive them into serious contemplation and action with demonstrable result.Failing which BJP most likely to return to power in the next round;though,the party seems to be in great disarray at the moment.
UPA govt. smartly (laid out red carpet initially & once that did not work unabashedly used force) and very tactfully evicted Baba Ramdev from Ram Lila Grounds; eventually stopped a countrywide mass movement against corruption & black money on its track. As for now there is no threat to UPA-II Govt.in spite of strident opposition campaign on the issue of eviction of Baba Ramdev from New Delhi.But,Baba has never the less raised very pertinent issue of National importance and has done very well in his own inimitable style with a lot of substance very unusual for a person claimed to be a Sadhu with millions of ardent follower; however, this has caught the imagination of a large section of our people including those young at heart who have been greatly enthused by Baba and his antiques and other dare devil spectacle.
Some time back, no less a person than Home Minister Mr. Chidambaram conceded with rare candor about the "Governance Deficit" in UPA-II Govt. and also separately talked about his limited mandate being Home Minister; tacitly putting his name into the leadership sweepstakes. Somebody has said before" India is a rich country with poor people" this is precisely because, the National wealth which otherwise would have brought succor to poor people in the country, siphoned out of the country without any checks & balance. And, further counterfeit currencies pumped into the country by same evil forces that run havoc in our money market and entire financial architecture. If Govt. fail to take concrete action now then when? And, to what consequence? While poor of country suffer with cascading effect of price rise on food items and petroleum products. Apart from corruption & black money the UPA-II Govt.is actually very slow on many important issues where alibi of coalition compulsion may not hold good. Both Air India in Aviation & Railways are floundering. Industrial production is taking a nose dive, while economic growth numbers are being revised downwards. What is going wrong with this Govt.and where and what needs to be done to arrest the very visible slide in Governance that calls for immediate decision not another JPC(Joint Parliamentary committee or IMG (Inter Ministerial Group).
Million dollar question that defy answer at the moment is what kind of public perception will go down in the minds of prospective electorate of E-14 and how much of it remain residual for the discomfort to UPA-II, three years later difficult to predict. But, in view of election outcome of TamilNadu; where, demonstrable action against corruption in the form of A. Raja behind the bars and so do Mr. Kalmadi of CWG fame did not help at the hustings.It is now crystal clear, the image of UPA-II Govt. has taken a serious beating in the game of public perception. Only a change in Leadership of Govt. may usher in a fresh opportunity. Congress President may think of giving incumbent PM a graceful exit as time runs out for that and install Pranab Mukharjee as PM & Mr. Chidambaram as Deputy PM to crack the whip on Governance. At the moment Pranabda remains the best bet being from the eastern region and he being the most experienced, shrewd political manager in the Congress who has the stature & necessary skill to drive the Govt. into action with defacto Prime Ministerial authority which is not same as being the top adviser. With Chidambaram as 'number 2' in cabinet will help the team Pranab to deal with complex issues of governance facing the govt. and taking decisions on real time. Both the gentle men have long term aspiration for top leadership in Govt. and that would alone drive them into serious contemplation and action with demonstrable result.Failing which BJP most likely to return to power in the next round;though,the party seems to be in great disarray at the moment.
Friday, June 3, 2011
A PEACEFUL WORLD
Bikash Choudhury
What is common between 'fire &ghee', 'handsome boy & a beautiful girl' and 'stockpiles of arms & War’? Simple answer; one can't stay near the other without creating explosion or exploding with one another. In current times, UN-winnable war & un achievable territorial ambition has actually made stockpiles of arms & production of weapons of mass destruction and growing defense expenditure very futile & redundant. Nevertheless, World spends about 1500 billion USD annually as per figures available for 2009-10;out of which USA hold the lion’s share of about 800 billion USD. US President and his defense secretary currently mulling over to cut defense expenditure to the tune of 500 billion USD by 2023; which is too little and too late. Very soon, tax payer all over the World would demand that its Govt. spend what is needed to defend the country--not a penny more. When the entire World is fighting against natural calamities and climate change--spending huge sum of poor tax payer’s money to acquire and maintain an efficient "Killing Machine" of innocent human beings is atrocious and less than human. The misfortune that devastated Japan on March 11 and more recently in USA, most likely to be repeated in other parts of the World in future; therefore,, it is urgent & necessary for the World to "rise above Nationality to Preserve the Humanity”. The fragile planet belong to all of us and anything inimical done at one part of earth would hold consequence to the other part as well. The destiny of humanity of this civilization would be decided by Nature at its sweet time. However, present young generation must not give up, as it is their lives and their future which is being tampered & trampled prematurely by unimaginative Leadership of the World at current times. Young people of today must organize themselves to fight peacefully against the violence & War perpetrated by sovereign Nation States and also sophisticated & organized global terrorist groups. There is high degree of correlation between amount of weapons stored and chances of having war or violent backlash. Therefore, first of all it is important to cut down on stockpiles of Weapons & its production across the World. Secondly, it is also imperative to creatively deal with assuage the hurt feelings of young people in Muslim dominated countries who have been alienated fro the mainstream and Western Countries by love, compassion and actual understanding of their religion 'Islam' and dissemination of its fine prints inside the Muslim community and more specifically in the poor regions. The real understanding of real Islam by poor and under privileged of the community holds the key to stop global terrorism by controlling human resources to terrorist organizations.
Students community living in the University campuses across the World must take stock of this explosive like situation in the World and organize themselves in coherent groups to launch a sustained campaign against stockpiles of arms and for cut in production of WMD and above all excessive and unproductive defense related expenditure; which is over & above the just requirement of defending the territorial integrity of Nation States. This is not a fight which will give an immediate return or acceptance; therefore, University students in the Global Capital Cities must be prepared to fight long and hard peacefully in a very systemic manner using all the technology available at their command. To start with, they can persuade or convince as many Senators/Parliamentarians/Govt. functionaries as possible to get buy ins for "cut in Defense expenditure" of respective countries. Simultaneously, students can periodically organize peaceful demonstration in front of Parliament/Legislature of each country to press their demand. Governments worth their salt dare not antagonize future Leaders-young people in University campuses in Global Capital cities; sooner than later, the current leadership of each Nation would have to seriously consider about the penny drained in defense related expenses. Eventually, the next generation of Leadership would vote for a truncated defense expenditure regimen; which should improve the chances of "A Peaceful World".
What is common between 'fire &ghee', 'handsome boy & a beautiful girl' and 'stockpiles of arms & War’? Simple answer; one can't stay near the other without creating explosion or exploding with one another. In current times, UN-winnable war & un achievable territorial ambition has actually made stockpiles of arms & production of weapons of mass destruction and growing defense expenditure very futile & redundant. Nevertheless, World spends about 1500 billion USD annually as per figures available for 2009-10;out of which USA hold the lion’s share of about 800 billion USD. US President and his defense secretary currently mulling over to cut defense expenditure to the tune of 500 billion USD by 2023; which is too little and too late. Very soon, tax payer all over the World would demand that its Govt. spend what is needed to defend the country--not a penny more. When the entire World is fighting against natural calamities and climate change--spending huge sum of poor tax payer’s money to acquire and maintain an efficient "Killing Machine" of innocent human beings is atrocious and less than human. The misfortune that devastated Japan on March 11 and more recently in USA, most likely to be repeated in other parts of the World in future; therefore,, it is urgent & necessary for the World to "rise above Nationality to Preserve the Humanity”. The fragile planet belong to all of us and anything inimical done at one part of earth would hold consequence to the other part as well. The destiny of humanity of this civilization would be decided by Nature at its sweet time. However, present young generation must not give up, as it is their lives and their future which is being tampered & trampled prematurely by unimaginative Leadership of the World at current times. Young people of today must organize themselves to fight peacefully against the violence & War perpetrated by sovereign Nation States and also sophisticated & organized global terrorist groups. There is high degree of correlation between amount of weapons stored and chances of having war or violent backlash. Therefore, first of all it is important to cut down on stockpiles of Weapons & its production across the World. Secondly, it is also imperative to creatively deal with assuage the hurt feelings of young people in Muslim dominated countries who have been alienated fro the mainstream and Western Countries by love, compassion and actual understanding of their religion 'Islam' and dissemination of its fine prints inside the Muslim community and more specifically in the poor regions. The real understanding of real Islam by poor and under privileged of the community holds the key to stop global terrorism by controlling human resources to terrorist organizations.
Students community living in the University campuses across the World must take stock of this explosive like situation in the World and organize themselves in coherent groups to launch a sustained campaign against stockpiles of arms and for cut in production of WMD and above all excessive and unproductive defense related expenditure; which is over & above the just requirement of defending the territorial integrity of Nation States. This is not a fight which will give an immediate return or acceptance; therefore, University students in the Global Capital Cities must be prepared to fight long and hard peacefully in a very systemic manner using all the technology available at their command. To start with, they can persuade or convince as many Senators/Parliamentarians/Govt. functionaries as possible to get buy ins for "cut in Defense expenditure" of respective countries. Simultaneously, students can periodically organize peaceful demonstration in front of Parliament/Legislature of each country to press their demand. Governments worth their salt dare not antagonize future Leaders-young people in University campuses in Global Capital cities; sooner than later, the current leadership of each Nation would have to seriously consider about the penny drained in defense related expenses. Eventually, the next generation of Leadership would vote for a truncated defense expenditure regimen; which should improve the chances of "A Peaceful World".
Wednesday, June 1, 2011
Vision & Strategy of Orissa-2021
Bikash Choudhury
Young boy of around twelve years gave the final touches to the glistening replica of Konark temple and jumped to the sea" the ice cool sea water splashed on my face that woke me up from deep slumber, slipped while trying to find feet on the ground, bruising the body; in the process, the nausea vanished completely. The realization dawned about self and about the dream in which I was viewing a brand new Konark Temple being completed and very unusually, me giving a speech to a distinguished audience with a few familiar faces in Govt., Bureaucracy, Opposition and Media fraternity. Strangely, I was speaking on "Vision & Strategy of Orissa-2021"The so called speech goes like this: " Good evening ladies & gentlemen, before I start, let me caution you that some of my Ideas you may find, prima facie unreal & impractical; please don't jump to the conclusion right away. Hang on to my words, please. Later part of my speech you will find sound logic, arguments that will vindicate all my contention in this speech. Please bear with me for some time.
Ladies and Gentle men, our State lost a war about two thousand years ago, but, still, it remains an important land mark in the annals of history. Our ancestors must have something on them that they could coerce Emperor Ashok to adopt & adept 'Budhism'.Those mind and hands built majestic Konark temple must have high degree of competence in Architecture, Engineering, Project Management capability 800 years ago. The cells in our body, our blood veins, our genes and our DNA must have a trace of our ancestors. But, is it not strange- How come we don't know to keep our city clean? How largest malaria related deaths happen in our State? How we still evacuate our sewerage and Industrial waste into our rivers? How our people live on the streets under the open sky and children go to work? There are a few more questions that defy answers but dare not ask. Apparently or perhaps our current civilization has pressed "Control + Delete" in our collective memory and that put us behind twenty States in India in terms of Per Capita Income & general competitiveness.
Ladies&Gentlemen, shouldn't we say enough is enough. Shall we not try to comprehend, where do we wish find ourselves a decade later, by the end of 2021.Ten years from now we must achieve 100% literacy, complete removal of poverty, each family in urban & rural areas must have a decent home, every adult a job, world class road connecting clean & green cities and towns, a complete railway network and reasonable air connectivity, water bodies free from pollution and State having lowest carbon foot print in the World. Can we pack it in a frame of 10 years? Yes, we can; if not, we will never ever do it in any stretch of time. Friends, to accomplish all the cherished parameters may not be easy but, not difficult either. Just we have to work on five broad areas.
1. A powerful brand identity of Orissa.
2. Convert State Govt. organization into a powerful delivery mechanism.
3. Need to develop a powerful culture
4. Rapid Economic growth.
5. A strong value.
'Green Orissa' as brand identity of State would get National attention and International recognition which would later help the State to attract FDI, Best Technology and Top class human resources. We need to achieve cent percent climate change compliance, Comprehensive green legislation that stop and prevent further pollution/ deterioration of precious natural resources, A citizens’ charter for green practises,Emphasis & encouragement on research & development in Green Energy Technology that eventually leading to lowest carbon foot print in the World.
Best Govt. of the World as an internal branding exercise to obtain commitment and enthuse them to work towards the goal of highest standard of public service by unleashing the potential of human resources.
Develop a collective mindset for Innovation-Excellence-Enterprise in all walks of life by creating a very conducive and competitive atmosphere that encourage individual to give only their best. Focusing on clean and green cities and towns could be one of the tools to test the paradigm.
Nee to target a growth rate that doubles the gross state domestic product in every five years. That can be achieved by leveraging co-operative in retail, Agriculture & Agro, Westland development, Micro finance. Empowering the MSME and youth energy, Leveraging cities and towns as economic units, Moving to high value agriculture and also developing Bhubaneswar city as hub of multiple Industries.
Last but not least, instill 'discipline' as most important value in the society that is respected in all walks of life in the State through a sustained public campaign. Friends, I am sure with a concerted effort for a period of ten years, we can achieve our goal and the dream of our leader and Statesman Late Sri Biju Patnaik who wished to see Orissa in the same level of Socio-Economic-Political strength that was achieved during the reign of Emperor Kharvela in Kalinga Empire. Very recently, Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore developed his country from a developing to a globally recognized economic power in a span of just twenty five years. If you all wish, Orissa can achieve a prosperous State status in a decade. Can we???”
Young boy of around twelve years gave the final touches to the glistening replica of Konark temple and jumped to the sea" the ice cool sea water splashed on my face that woke me up from deep slumber, slipped while trying to find feet on the ground, bruising the body; in the process, the nausea vanished completely. The realization dawned about self and about the dream in which I was viewing a brand new Konark Temple being completed and very unusually, me giving a speech to a distinguished audience with a few familiar faces in Govt., Bureaucracy, Opposition and Media fraternity. Strangely, I was speaking on "Vision & Strategy of Orissa-2021"The so called speech goes like this: " Good evening ladies & gentlemen, before I start, let me caution you that some of my Ideas you may find, prima facie unreal & impractical; please don't jump to the conclusion right away. Hang on to my words, please. Later part of my speech you will find sound logic, arguments that will vindicate all my contention in this speech. Please bear with me for some time.
Ladies and Gentle men, our State lost a war about two thousand years ago, but, still, it remains an important land mark in the annals of history. Our ancestors must have something on them that they could coerce Emperor Ashok to adopt & adept 'Budhism'.Those mind and hands built majestic Konark temple must have high degree of competence in Architecture, Engineering, Project Management capability 800 years ago. The cells in our body, our blood veins, our genes and our DNA must have a trace of our ancestors. But, is it not strange- How come we don't know to keep our city clean? How largest malaria related deaths happen in our State? How we still evacuate our sewerage and Industrial waste into our rivers? How our people live on the streets under the open sky and children go to work? There are a few more questions that defy answers but dare not ask. Apparently or perhaps our current civilization has pressed "Control + Delete" in our collective memory and that put us behind twenty States in India in terms of Per Capita Income & general competitiveness.
Ladies&Gentlemen, shouldn't we say enough is enough. Shall we not try to comprehend, where do we wish find ourselves a decade later, by the end of 2021.Ten years from now we must achieve 100% literacy, complete removal of poverty, each family in urban & rural areas must have a decent home, every adult a job, world class road connecting clean & green cities and towns, a complete railway network and reasonable air connectivity, water bodies free from pollution and State having lowest carbon foot print in the World. Can we pack it in a frame of 10 years? Yes, we can; if not, we will never ever do it in any stretch of time. Friends, to accomplish all the cherished parameters may not be easy but, not difficult either. Just we have to work on five broad areas.
1. A powerful brand identity of Orissa.
2. Convert State Govt. organization into a powerful delivery mechanism.
3. Need to develop a powerful culture
4. Rapid Economic growth.
5. A strong value.
'Green Orissa' as brand identity of State would get National attention and International recognition which would later help the State to attract FDI, Best Technology and Top class human resources. We need to achieve cent percent climate change compliance, Comprehensive green legislation that stop and prevent further pollution/ deterioration of precious natural resources, A citizens’ charter for green practises,Emphasis & encouragement on research & development in Green Energy Technology that eventually leading to lowest carbon foot print in the World.
Best Govt. of the World as an internal branding exercise to obtain commitment and enthuse them to work towards the goal of highest standard of public service by unleashing the potential of human resources.
Develop a collective mindset for Innovation-Excellence-Enterprise in all walks of life by creating a very conducive and competitive atmosphere that encourage individual to give only their best. Focusing on clean and green cities and towns could be one of the tools to test the paradigm.
Nee to target a growth rate that doubles the gross state domestic product in every five years. That can be achieved by leveraging co-operative in retail, Agriculture & Agro, Westland development, Micro finance. Empowering the MSME and youth energy, Leveraging cities and towns as economic units, Moving to high value agriculture and also developing Bhubaneswar city as hub of multiple Industries.
Last but not least, instill 'discipline' as most important value in the society that is respected in all walks of life in the State through a sustained public campaign. Friends, I am sure with a concerted effort for a period of ten years, we can achieve our goal and the dream of our leader and Statesman Late Sri Biju Patnaik who wished to see Orissa in the same level of Socio-Economic-Political strength that was achieved during the reign of Emperor Kharvela in Kalinga Empire. Very recently, Lee Kuan Yew of Singapore developed his country from a developing to a globally recognized economic power in a span of just twenty five years. If you all wish, Orissa can achieve a prosperous State status in a decade. Can we???”
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