Editor,
Apropos the editorial, “Modi’s first I-Day speech” (ST Aug 18, 2014) the Planning Commission an institutional vestige of the Country’s attempt to mimic the Soviet Command economy during the infancy of its independence more than 64 years ago in March 1950 was set up by a resolution of the Government of India and not by an Act of Parliament. Therefore a fresh resolution of the Government of India is the need of the hour to abolish a body which has defied attempts to reform it to bring it in line with the needs of a modern economy and empower the States. The Prime Minister has rightly said so from the ramparts of the Red Fort on 15th August 2014 that “it is a very old system and it will have to be rejuvenated and will have to be changed adequately to meet the modern demands.” The Planning Commission is a body whose tome-like five year-plans is always laboriously crafted but rarely adhered to. The Commission – set in a hulking New Delhi building with 500-600 employees has been a parking lot for political cronies and unwanted bureaucrats. It is good news that the Prime Minister has said that “the Government would replace the Planning Commission with a new institution having new design and structure, a new body, a new soul, a new thinking, a new direction, a new faith towards forging new direction to lead the country, based on creative thinking, public-private partnership, optimum utilization of resources, utilization of youth power of the nation, to promote the aspiration of the State governments and to empower the State governments to enhance the federal structure”.
Yours etc.,
VK Lyngdoh,
Via email
Is human rights only for the elite?
Editor,
I was just pondering on the apathy of the so called activists and the NGOs in Garo Hills during the death of workers who don’t have any well connected relatives . It is nauseating when social activists and NGOs are awake and shout only when a well known person or relative of the elite society representatives are kidnapped, murdered or hurt. The lesser known people like daily labourers , someone who dies in the rat hole mine, a non tribal who gets kidnapped and not released for long are not a matter of concern for them. How biased can they be? When a militant is arrested they come out strongly shouting on their behalf. When a militant gets killed in an encounter they term it as a fake one. When police rescues anyone abducted by the militants, they term it as a trick of the police to show heroism in public eye. When a militant is beaten to death, they fight for his rights Everything about how they function in the society looks like a big joke now. I wonder whose side they are on? What issues do they take up and which ones so they intentionally ignore? Some months ago when the newspapers were reporting about 12 or 13 girls who were kept and tortured by the so called social activists. Do they have a right to just torture anyone like that? Were they given special licence to take the law in their own hands? May I know what and who exactly they are fighting for? Are they themselves so pure and righteous that they pick up people and torture others in the name of flesh trade? After the rampant killings, abductions and merciless treatments from the militants, I was waiting for NGOs and civil society activists to come down heavily on the militants but there was only silence. They only raise their voices on behalf of militants and wrong doers. May I ask whether Human Rights is only for the rich and famous and for militants? Because no voice was raised after a petrol filler died, a bank employee was kidnapped and many other such incidents that are so brutal. Who will speak on behalf of the downtrodden with no connections?
Yours etc.,
Anandi Gabil Momin,
Chennai.
Independence Day Run
Editor,
The I-Day run was both good and bad. The bad news first: There were only two categories . Below 18 and above 18 years. How could a person over 60 years run with an 18 year old? The Organisers should try and do it themselves next time. There was shortage of water. Most participants could not get a drop to drink. One could not make out the Officials from the runners since they didn’t wear any badge to identify themselves. There was no clear finishing tape or line. Mid time and late finishers were treated with total indifference as if they didn’t count. And invariably most of the older participants took time to finish . No wonder the oldest participant 67 years old who finished wearing number 348 was not even known to the Organizers. And the prize was given to a 64 year old. I would ask the Organisers to contact me next time they hire a consultant. Among other things, I have organized tournaments in the name of India abroad for foreigners. I would also like to know the budget for the event and how much was spent.
The good news: It was pouring rain yet there was enormous enthusiasm all around. The interest among the younger participants was admirable. I hope the authorities concerned take notice of the potential talent and come up with ideas to sustain their capabilities. I caught up with a 12 year old boy wearing a Ronaldo shirt. He was struggling and complaining of chest pain. I advised him to go slow but not to give up and to complete the walk. I was glad to see him reach the finishing line. It was also a pleasure to see a small young boy walking till the end with his father.
By the way, I was wearing number 327.
Yours etc.,
Rudi Warjri,
Via email