Pak Imbroglio
Pakistan is in turmoil with spasmodic convulsions if recent events are an indication. Unfortunately the people of Pakistan did not get a good government that could deliver to popular aspirations. The world had a sigh of relief when a civilian government was voted to power through a democractic verdict, but the recent turns and twists belie that assumption. The powerful army and the democratically elected parties present a divided house and the surrender of Swat region to the hands of Taliban is a clear indication of a weak government. What is intriguing is the safe handing over of Swat to Taliban on a platter while the Zardari government is unduly harsh on civilian uprisings with mass arrests. India's interests would lie in a strong democratic government in Pakistan and this should be the verdict of the world community as well. No one can predict the turn of events in a volatile Pakistan and public opinion must assert itself at this crucial hour.
A.R.K.Pillai
March 13-09
Monday, March 16, 2009
Turmoil in Pak
Turmoil in Pak
Turmoil in Pakistan is increasing. The events shift so quick that no one knows what happens next. The Zardari government is in tatters as Shariff is organising a major protestators rally to Islamabad.The Taliban is well set in Swat Region, while the amy is waiting on its wings. Instability in Pakistan is a source of worry for countries in Asian region and the rest of the world. The nuclear armed state presents a nation in utter turmoil. The common belief that a theocratic state is a safe haven for its believers doesn't hold good. The spill over effects of conflict portend a constant worry to neighbours.
A.R.K.Pillai
March 16:09
Turmoil in Pakistan is increasing. The events shift so quick that no one knows what happens next. The Zardari government is in tatters as Shariff is organising a major protestators rally to Islamabad.The Taliban is well set in Swat Region, while the amy is waiting on its wings. Instability in Pakistan is a source of worry for countries in Asian region and the rest of the world. The nuclear armed state presents a nation in utter turmoil. The common belief that a theocratic state is a safe haven for its believers doesn't hold good. The spill over effects of conflict portend a constant worry to neighbours.
A.R.K.Pillai
March 16:09
Look Everywhere
Look Everywhere
Look everywhere (TOI March 16) is an excellent prescription for India. With an assortment of compelling demands and in the context of uneasy neighborhoods, India has little option to be complacent in selecting military hardware consistent with its needs. Russia grounding MiG 29 fleet due to outdated technology was a forgone conclusion by keen observers. India can't afford its overwhelming dependence on Russia on defence supplies any more, when most modern equipments are available elsewhere.Without giving the impression of relegating a trusted ally, it is prudent for India to look elsewhere for defence supplies with competitive edge. That calls for effective diplomacy and there lies wisdom.
A.R.K.Pillai
March 16:09
Look everywhere (TOI March 16) is an excellent prescription for India. With an assortment of compelling demands and in the context of uneasy neighborhoods, India has little option to be complacent in selecting military hardware consistent with its needs. Russia grounding MiG 29 fleet due to outdated technology was a forgone conclusion by keen observers. India can't afford its overwhelming dependence on Russia on defence supplies any more, when most modern equipments are available elsewhere.Without giving the impression of relegating a trusted ally, it is prudent for India to look elsewhere for defence supplies with competitive edge. That calls for effective diplomacy and there lies wisdom.
A.R.K.Pillai
March 16:09
Tuesday, February 24, 2009
Sukh Ram convicted
Sukh Ram convicted
The former Union Telecommunication Minster Sukh Ram was convicted by a CBI Judge in New Delhi for amassing Rs 4.25 crores as ill gotten wealth. The judgment comes after 13 long years when many had forgotten about Sukh Ram and his case. The case pertains to the period when he was a union minister and for giving contracts worth crores of rupees for getting personal gains. It may be recalled that the police found Rs.2.45 crores neatly concealed in bedroom mattresses in his official ministerial residence at New Delhi and Rs.1.16 crores in his Mandi home in Himachal Pradesh. Sukh Ram's is not an isolated case, there have been quite a few in the past. He flouted every rule book to manage personal gains, disregarding his ministerial responsibility to safe gurard public interest. While the law has got him at last, enormous court delays make the case inconspicuous in public eye. Public servants are duty bound to safeguard public interest and violation of rules must get priority in the courts. There must be specified time limit for getting government sanction and a reasonable time limit for court verdict. Such cases should be tried in fast track courts. Dragging the cases too long vitiates the essence and does not serve in highlighting nor preventing recurrence of similar cases. Exemplary punishments handed out within reasonable time can certainly act as a deterrent. Incidentally what happens to the minsterial oath and its flagrant breach? An additional punishment for breach of trust will be in the fitness of things. Let Sukh Ram case be a pointer for all those who have nefarious designs against public conduct.
A.R.K.Pillai
Feb 24:09
The former Union Telecommunication Minster Sukh Ram was convicted by a CBI Judge in New Delhi for amassing Rs 4.25 crores as ill gotten wealth. The judgment comes after 13 long years when many had forgotten about Sukh Ram and his case. The case pertains to the period when he was a union minister and for giving contracts worth crores of rupees for getting personal gains. It may be recalled that the police found Rs.2.45 crores neatly concealed in bedroom mattresses in his official ministerial residence at New Delhi and Rs.1.16 crores in his Mandi home in Himachal Pradesh. Sukh Ram's is not an isolated case, there have been quite a few in the past. He flouted every rule book to manage personal gains, disregarding his ministerial responsibility to safe gurard public interest. While the law has got him at last, enormous court delays make the case inconspicuous in public eye. Public servants are duty bound to safeguard public interest and violation of rules must get priority in the courts. There must be specified time limit for getting government sanction and a reasonable time limit for court verdict. Such cases should be tried in fast track courts. Dragging the cases too long vitiates the essence and does not serve in highlighting nor preventing recurrence of similar cases. Exemplary punishments handed out within reasonable time can certainly act as a deterrent. Incidentally what happens to the minsterial oath and its flagrant breach? An additional punishment for breach of trust will be in the fitness of things. Let Sukh Ram case be a pointer for all those who have nefarious designs against public conduct.
A.R.K.Pillai
Feb 24:09
Saturday, February 21, 2009
You don't deserve a paisa
You don't deserve a paisa
"You don't deserve a paisa. you are wasting public money. You don't deserve any allowances. I think this House should be adjourned sine die. This is only way to save public money", shouted an exasperated Speaker of the Lok Sabha in the Parliament on February 20. The Speaker's frustration is understandable when the members stood in the well of the house obstructing regular business of the house. The Lok Sabha's 2008 performance added upto a sorry figure of 258 hours and 24 minutes, an all time low. It is pertinent to ask the the Members if they realise that they represent a country where about 280 million people are under the poverty line and live under sub-human conditions. Whatever the provocations, parliamentary business must be respected and allowed to go on without hindrance. What inference does a common man get out of all such happenings?
A.R.K.Pillai
Feb 21-09
"You don't deserve a paisa. you are wasting public money. You don't deserve any allowances. I think this House should be adjourned sine die. This is only way to save public money", shouted an exasperated Speaker of the Lok Sabha in the Parliament on February 20. The Speaker's frustration is understandable when the members stood in the well of the house obstructing regular business of the house. The Lok Sabha's 2008 performance added upto a sorry figure of 258 hours and 24 minutes, an all time low. It is pertinent to ask the the Members if they realise that they represent a country where about 280 million people are under the poverty line and live under sub-human conditions. Whatever the provocations, parliamentary business must be respected and allowed to go on without hindrance. What inference does a common man get out of all such happenings?
A.R.K.Pillai
Feb 21-09
Friday, February 20, 2009
Nithari verdict
Nithari verdict
Your editorial on Nithari verdict (The Hindu Feb 18) stresses on law and not on other ingredients that make up the final verdict. The plea that Pandher was not in India at the commission of crime on Rimpa is a point. At the same time, is it possible that the owner of the house didn't know the heinous crimes that took place over a period of time? Vicarious liability and overall findings need to be summed up and we hope all these and much more will be examined by the Allahabad High Court when the case comes up. The country looks to see an impartial verdict based on facts available.
A.R.K.Pillai
Feb 18-09
Your editorial on Nithari verdict (The Hindu Feb 18) stresses on law and not on other ingredients that make up the final verdict. The plea that Pandher was not in India at the commission of crime on Rimpa is a point. At the same time, is it possible that the owner of the house didn't know the heinous crimes that took place over a period of time? Vicarious liability and overall findings need to be summed up and we hope all these and much more will be examined by the Allahabad High Court when the case comes up. The country looks to see an impartial verdict based on facts available.
A.R.K.Pillai
Feb 18-09
Saudi's first woman minister
Saudi's first woman minister
The news of Saudi Arabia appointing Norah al-Faiz as the first woman minister is a welcome one (TOI Edit Feb 18) King Abdullah deserves praise for taking this forward step to appoint a lady as deputy cabinet minister for education, making history in the process. Saudi's brutally repressed women may find an air of freedom. Women have to take permision from their closest male relative to travel .Women do not have the right to vote. There are ever so many restrictions on women and in the light of this scenario, this appointment may herald wider visions and broader acceptance of women's right to equal freedom.
A.R.K.Pillai
Feb 18-09
The news of Saudi Arabia appointing Norah al-Faiz as the first woman minister is a welcome one (TOI Edit Feb 18) King Abdullah deserves praise for taking this forward step to appoint a lady as deputy cabinet minister for education, making history in the process. Saudi's brutally repressed women may find an air of freedom. Women have to take permision from their closest male relative to travel .Women do not have the right to vote. There are ever so many restrictions on women and in the light of this scenario, this appointment may herald wider visions and broader acceptance of women's right to equal freedom.
A.R.K.Pillai
Feb 18-09
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