I was listening to debate on television where I learnt that Hema Malini has been granted land at nominal rates by Maharashtra government for starting a dance school. An RTI query recently revealed that Malini allegedly violated the Coastal Regulation Zone (CRZ) Act by destroying mangroves on a plot previously given to her at Versova, for which a notice was served to her in 1998. The Congress had demanded the state government to cancel the land allotted to Hema Malini. The government is likely to cancel the rule that allows land allotment at concessional rates. How distorted are our priorities? In the same programme, participants were discussing that there is only one toilet seat for 600 people residing in certain areas of Mumbai. All of us can see that there is dearth of parking space for private vehicles and taxis in the city. Several families are living on the foot path. I shall request the government not to be star struck but allot land for more deserving causes pertaining to health and sanitation.
Nowadays people are debating a lot about intolerance as even actors and politicians have expressed their opinion about it. One can’t hear such type of words in developed countries like Japan and Germany and Scandinavian countries. Another bad aspect which is happening in our society is that we are enjoying an excess of democracy with almost zero responsibility. I have been pleading that citizens must be enrolled for compulsory national service atleast for limited period but the Home Ministry is just not bothered. It is very necessary to instill a sense of responsibility and discipline in our citizens. We are engaged in too much worthless debate on television. The quality of our TV programs is very poor. Some channels are owned by vested interests and hence the quality of the content is compromised for garnering TRPs. Recently, I heard one Mahantji saying that if ladies visit temples for praying without seeking permission of husband, they will become widows soon.
There is some good news too. Some well qualified ladies have become sarpanch of gram sabha. Gram sabhas and gram panchayats must be empowered. District Collector must regularly visit villages for promoting education and agricultural activities. The work of District magistrates needs to be highlighted.
Water and electricity are two aspects that need constant attention. Providing adequate and clean drinking water to citizens is necessary. There are reports about a new virus which is spreading through unprotected/ unhygienic sex. Our health authorities must remain alert. The government must take steps to control the rising population which has become a huge cause of concern. Health, sanitation, education, nutrition etc. are fundamental requirements and we must allocate valuable land for such purposes first.
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)