Citizens must follow traffic rules

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September 5, 2019

There was outrage of social media and also the opposition was very aggressive in attacking the new traffic rules. Because, after the new traffic rules that applied from September 1 under the Motor Vehicles (Amendment) Act, several cases of people paying hefty fines are being reported from different parts of India. In Gurugram, an auto driver was handed over a challan of Rs 32,500 after he was found to have jumped red light signal and in Bhubaneswar a drunken auto rickshaw driver was fined Rs 47,500. Rajya Sabha passed the Motor Vehicles Amendment Bill 2019, which was introduced in Lok Sabha by the Minister for Road Transport and Highways. This bill was the amendment of the Motor Vehicles Act, 1988 that provided for road safety. After years of being in development, this is the second revision made in recent times. And, given a chance, it could help correct road behaviour, simply because current revised fines though not steep, will at least make one pause, because the rules aren’t enforced seriously in India. We don’t need harsh laws but tough people who could enforce the law. From previous fines of Rs 100, to an interim period revision, current fines would appear to be substantial. However, some parameters still remain largely undefined but will hopefully be easier to understand in the months to come.

Dangerous driving penalty under section 154 of the MV Act has been increased from Rs 1,000 to Rs 5,000. While the fine decided looks good enough to stop someone from offending, it’s still unclear what defines dangerous driving, and under what parameters it’ll be determined. A Delhi man has been fined a whopping Rs 23,000 for riding a motorcycle without wearing a helmet and also for not carrying important documents. This can happen to anyone if they do not obey traffic rules. Many a times people drive without valid papers and safety measures.

We the people live with double standards, if people drive slower than us are called cowards. And those who are faster have a death wish. We drive with our instinct. We don’t need rear view mirrors. We keep them bent and will drive with our sixth sense. We turn wherever we want to. Law forbids using indicators. You don’t keep safe distance between the next cars, because you fear that others may put their car in that gap. It is a common phenomenon that is experienced by every other person at least once in his or her life. It is the job of a police officer to ensure that law and order in a society is maintained. And they are equipped with means and sometimes-coercive indispensable powers to ensure the same.

The same principle applies to traffic police. The primary duty of a traffic police is to ensure the smooth movement of traffic and deter any rule breaking. However, there are times when you are being pulled over by a police for no apparent reason. In that scenario it is pertinent to know what are your rights and what should you do when faced with similar situation. You must stop your car when signaled by a traffic police and produce the documents required by the officer; otherwise you are breaking the law if you don’t. Meanwhile, you too have every right to ask him the reason for stopping you; however you should not get into an argument. If you feel there is genuine reason behind breaking the rule, explain it to the officer, as everyone is not corrupt if all are not honest.

If you have committed any mistake explain it to the officer candidly and seek his pardon. He may let you off with a warning if approached with courtesy. Do not drop names of policemen or influential people. If the police officer confiscates your driving license, you may compound the offence by paying a fine to the police officer under whose jurisdiction your license was confiscated otherwise you will be provided a notice from the court. In case you fail to appear before the court, an arrest warrant may be issued. Allow him to impound your license; do not attempt to bribe the traffic officer. Note down his buckle number/name, which shall be mentioned on the plate of his shirt. If he does not have one, you may demand his identity card. If he fails to provide his identity card, don’t give him your documents. You can approach the traffic police with a specific complaint indicating all the particulars about the incident; this must include details about the concerned police officer.

It is desirable to send this complaint by registered post. If the rules are for you then the rules are for the cops too, but the fact is that most of us are disobedient drivers in the world. We don’t care about pedestrians, take pride in jumping red light, don’t know the meaning of lane, drive around with helmet in their hands instead of head, no sense of right of way, talking on phone while driving. Overall fines have increased, so have the type of offences committed by people.

Government should bring more offences under fines. If the higher penalties were imposed on various traffic violations people will learn to obey laws. We as citizen of this country need to follow some law and orders to make it safe for everyone but at the same time, government too have responsibility beyond imposing laws. Deterrent to law breaking is good but legislation for guaranteeing good road infrastructure is also need of the hour, government and authorities should own/fix responsibility for road quality. Mumbai is literally in potholes. Why no law for it? Isn’t it a requirement of SIMILAR nature to eliminate road fatalities due the WORST road infrastructure?

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Modi’s oratory skills are par excellence-Part I

By

Vinod Dixit

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September 5, 2019

Prime Minister Narendra Modi delivered his first Independence Day speech since his resounding victory after the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. Ever since his maiden Independence Day speech, after his first big win in 2014, Modi has done away with most of the norms and rules that his predecessors had followed. His longest Independence Day speech was the one in 2016, when he spoke for nearly 96 minutes, according to data available in the public domain.

Apart from PM Modi’s leadership skills, another attribute that sets him apart from his contemporaries is his oratorical skills. It is fact that Independence Day speeches by our Prime Minister have become a perfect platform to showcase the achievements of their government, and to reiterate their commitment of developing the nation. In fact, over the course of his tenure as PM, his speeches have always earned him standing ovations and there have been number of incidents when his speeches were interrupted by rounds of applause.

One would have observed that Modi’s speeches particularly Independence Day speeches are the longest carrying around 8,000 words. There is no doubt that Modi’s speeches have retained the thrust on nationalism and focus on rural topics and the most arresting feature of his speeches is the theme he chooses is on removing poverty in India. Political analyst Pushpesh Pant has pointed out that, “A good political speech should have an emotional charge, it should have credibility and a subtle sense of humour woven into it. Modi’s speech managed all three.”

Modi’s speeches are a “collective achievement that still come across as uniquely individual. A good leader like Modi puts his own stamp on the speech. He is one of the most insightful and versatile speakers in India today. Every speech is different, is rich in vision and is loaded with a several anecdotes of the past. If there is one person that has caught the attention of the whole world with his public speaking – it is NaMo.

PM Modi begins his speech by softly chanting ‘Bharat Mata Ki Jai’. His voice gradually gets louder. He starts speaking faster. The audience is captivated. Modi’s critics may laugh and also make fun of it. But this only goes to show that they are completely missing his clever tactics. He not only talks about the problems of India and about the missions of his government to solve them but also dares to talk about topics which his predecessors dared to even think about.

Though many might think it to be the changing social media effect, but the tweets stating his speech to bring tears in the eyes of politicians to being a speech that can create a thunder at Red Fort clearly speaks why this particular speech was a result of the sheer brilliance of this one man. Modi’s oratory skills are par excellence. I have followed all his speeches and have observed that all are shining examples to rate him one of the best orators. Why? Because his speeches thrive on the argumentative and debating font typical of this medium. He is at his oratory best promising everything from toilets to satellites, from agriculture to high speed manufacturing, from a gender just to a communal and caste violent free India in a mesmerising flow of words.

In his speech, Modi addresses a wide range of issues, including those faced by common people in India. These ranges from socio-economic issues like violence against women, a moratorium on caste and communal violence, launch of a ‘clean India’ programme, a financial inclusion scheme which will give banking access to every Indian, along with insurance cover; to economic issues like extending an invitation to the world for making India a manufacturing hub with a catchy slogan ‘come make in India’.

His tone is always full of encouragement and enthusiasm, measured gaps between the lines to let the effect sink into the audience and end on a high and positive note, establishing himself as one of India’s greatest orators. With his rich experience in politics and humble demeanour, he remains favourite among many and even during his last days in politics he could deliver the best speeches with maximum impact.

(This is the first part of the article and the remaining portion will continue on Sunday)

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: 05 September, 2019

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Web Team

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September 5, 2019

Mumbai stranded once again

A few inches of rainfall is all it needs to bring life in Mumbai to a standstill as severe water logging forces the authorities to shut schools and colleges yet again for the umpteen time this year. The civic infrastructure in the city has collapsed and citizens become helpless during heavy showers which is a pity. Trees, mangroves and other natural plantation act as buffers to prevent floods and water logging but those sadly are cut recklessly for commercial gains which sadly is responsible for the mess we are witnessing time and again in the city.

Even the last stretch of little greenery left at Aarey colony is now being targeted which may drown the city in the decades to come. The Supreme Court should intervene and save Mumbai and that can happen if environment is protected. Citizens are the voice in a democracy and let us all unite to take on politicians as well as bureaucrats who are hell bent on destroying this beautiful city which is the commercial capital of our country.

S.N. Kabra

Monumental crash

The volatility index is causing concern and the BSE Sensex particularly volatile. What a monumental crash as if there is no other day in this world. GDP growth loses stream last year and the trend continues under global meltdown. The markets pull back from the morass and the hopes are dying down. It is a thousand dollar question whether RBI will step in to check the currency slide. The Indian currency too fared badly, closing at Rs.72.28 per dollar, the lowest since November 18. Have we seen the bottom or still a long way to hit the pit? The days to come will test the patience of a prudent investor. It had to happen a fortnight back but our market could recover. Now, we have to wait and see whether the recent fluctuations will take further toll on our economy or stop there. Thus, choppy days are here again.

Abhishek Rama

Rerailing the economy

The economy is sluggish and unless corrective actions are taken, there could be recession. Falling private consumption has drastically reduced demand in all major sectors. The deliberate attempt by the government to push through radical reforms in taxation and regulation has had a debilitating affect on the economy. Scant job prospects in government and public sector units are also a factor. Government job creation has a multiplier affect on the economy. Major employment sectors need focus and assistance.

Niraj Bharambe

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

ED can arrest P Chidambaram in INX Media case

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Web Team

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September 5, 2019

In a setback to former Union minister P Chidambaram, the Supreme Court on Thursday refused to grant him pre-arrest bail in the INX Media money laundering case lodged by the Enforcement Directorate. Now, ED can arrest Chidambaram in this case.

The top court dismissed Chidambaram’s plea challenging the Delhi High Court verdict denying him anticipatory bail in the case, saying economic offence has to be dealt with differently as it affects economy of the country.

A bench of Justices R Banumathi and A S Bopanna said it is not a fit case to grant anticipatory bail. Grant of anticipatory bail to Chidambaram at this stage will hamper investigation, it said. The investigating agency has to be given sufficient freedom to conduct probe into the case, the apex court said.

It also rejected Chidambaram’s application for direction to the ED to produce transcripts of his questioning conducted by the agency on three dates.

The top court said that it has power to peruse case diary even before commencement of trial and added that it has refrained from perusing documents placed before it by ED in sealed cover as it may prejudice other accused. Anticipatory bail is not a matter of right and refusing the relief is not violation of Article 21, it said. The apex court, however, said Chidambaram can approach the court concerned for grant of regular bail in the case.

Prior to this, the Supreme Court on Thursday allowed Chidambaram to withdraw his plea against non-bailable warrant and remand orders of the trial court in the INX Media corruption case lodged by the CBI. The apex court banch passed the order after senior advocate Abhishek Manu Singhvi, appearing for Chidambaram, said they have decided to unconditionally withdraw the petition.

BJP-Shiv Sena to contest Assembly elections separately?

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Vijay Panchal

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September 4, 2019

As per confident sources, the ruling BJP and Shiv Sena may contest the Maharashtra Assembly polls separately. The BJP does not intend to give Shiv Sena more than 100 seats for 288-member Assembly. That is why the BJP is continuously avoiding Shiv Sena’s proposal for the meeting on seat sharing for the upcoming elections. In 2014, both parties had fought the Assembly elections separately and later on, formed post-poll alliance to run the government in the state.

BJP spokesperson Madhav Bhandari said, “Media is issuing statements pertaining to seat distribution between BJP and Shiv Sena. The chief minister and senior leaders will take a final decision in this regard. We have already announced that Shiv Sena will form an alliance with BJP for contesting the Assembly polls.”

Both parties have inducted Many senior Congress and NCP leaders in past one month. So, this leads to speculations that both parties may part their ways like in 2014. Shiv Sena supremo Uddhav Thackeray has made it clear on August 28 that there is no change in the seat-sharing formula worked out with the BJP for the state Assembly elections. He said that the announcement of alliance between the BJP and Shiv Sena was made ahead of the Lok Sabha elections.

Shiv Sena spokesperson Manisha Kayande said, “All these issues are related with questions pertaining to if and but. Uddhav Thackeray will take a decision about seat sharing issues.”

On the other hand, Maharashtra BJP President and Minister of Revenue and Public works Chandrakant Patil said last week that a seat-sharing agreement between BJP and Shiv Sena will have to be worked out for the Assembly elections. He said that the current situation leaves very few seats for new entrants.

According to Shiv Sena sources, before the Lok Sabha elections, the BJP was ready to contest the state Assembly elections on 50-50 per cent seat sharing formula. But now, they are not responding to their proposal regarding meeting on seat sharing. The Shiv Sena has sent such proposal thrice in past one month.

BJP sources said that the party is planning to offer maximum 100 seats to the Shiv Sena. They said that they will offer less than 100 seats in the beginning. It is remarkable that the BJP’s new approach came to the fore following several surveys conducted after the 2019 Lok Sabha polls, which claim that the BJP is getting majority of its own in Maharashtra Assembly elections. They said, “There is no question of giving 50 per cent seats to the Sena as the party has to accommodate many heavy-weight leaders of the NCP-Congress who have joined the BJP. Top leadership of the party has instructed the state unit to prepare to contest elections on all seats.”

Suspense prevails on BJP-Sena’s seat sharing issue

By

Vaidehi Taman

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September 4, 2019

In the recent past, many Congress and NCP leaders joined BJP and many MNS and Congress leaders joined Shiv Sena. Both the parties in alliance are trying to be solo and fight individually in Assembly elections. But if we look in flash back, during Parliamentary elections the Shiv Sena got success because of the Modi wave. BJP got more than 272 seats and hence, it did not require support from Shiv Sena to form government at the Centre. Shiv Sena was given only one ministerial berth. During last assembly elections, no doubt, both the parties fought separately, but the anti-incumbency wave against Indira Congress + NCP was very strong and so BJP and Shiv Sena both got good success. Unfortunately, neither BJP nor Shiv Sena got absolute majority in the assembly and here began the drama in the state. Shiv Sena was so far the big brother in Maharashtra, however, 2014 elections changed the equations to make BJP big brother and Sena the younger brother. Somehow, Shiv Sena could not digest this humiliation. Hence, they want to be in power and yet want to distance it from BJP. Shiv Sena wants all the credits but does not want to share the criticism from opposition parties. BJP is a national party whereas Shiv Sena is restricted to a few pockets of Maharashtra, however, in Mumbai i.e. financial capital of India, Shiv Sena is stronger and has ruled for last 20 years and hence is now reluctant to share its fortune with BJP.

Maharashtra politics is cluttered. Earlier, there were two alliances weighing for power. One UPA, and another NDA. Later in 2014 assembly elections, it increased to four. Four parties Congress, BJP, Shiv Sena and NCP, were weighing for power. Of late, it looks as if many factions of RPI, Dalit faction headed by Mevani, etc., jumping into the fray. Now there are too many contestants.

Hitherto the political disturbance used to emanate from the strong leadership of late Bal Thackeray of Shiv Sena or his nephew. Of late, outside elements from Gujarat, Mevani, has been instigating the same. Hence, Shiv Sena has given the leadership for generating conflicts to an outsider. The 2014 assembly elections revealed that Maharashtra will favour only right wing politics by electing 185 MLAs, from BJP + Shiv Sena. Even in local body elections, these two won all the corporations leaving nothing for secular forces. Seeing this one way tilt, Rahul used Mevani to carve his own niche in the state by generating conflicts between castes. Congress wants to replace Hindutva, with Dalit and forward class conflicts because it suits them. New crop of leaders are taking over from the older generation politicians. Sharad Pawar, Ashok Chavan, Bal Thackeray, Prakash Ambedkar, etc. are replaced by Devendra Fadnavis, Nitin Gadkari, Narayan Rane, Raj Thackeray, Uddhav Thackeray and Ajit Pawar, etc.

Shiv Sena is a party created by Bal Thackeray the last word in Mumbai if any issue arises. Even opposition Congress, NCP and all other parties though disagreeing respected him. Thus was his charisma and influence on Maharashtra politics. In spite of such a strong persona the party in its history of 50 years was able to have a Chief Minister only once that too with the support of BJP. The reason Shiv Sena is going against BJP in spite in alliance is to split anti-BJP votes and prevent them from going to Congress, NCP or MNS. The game plan is basically to prevent rise of Congress and NCP as a formidable opposition in Maharashtra, as with NDA at Centre, there is no chance that they can curb the influence of BJP in Mumbai or Maharashtra.

Remind you that even after having 18 MPs in Parliament, BJP allotted them a cabinet berth of less significance and started sidelining them after the 2014 Lok Sabha elections. For BJP, Shiv Sena is a sinking ship after the demise of Bal Thackeray and they don’t want to carry extra baggage and give portfolios and ministries to Shiv Sena.

Looking at present scenario, we can see how Raj Thackeray lost his charm because of continuous flip-flops and not sticking to the core issue. He did a grave mistake by supporting Modi in the 2014 Lok Sabha elections and propping candidates against Shiv Sena. He suffered a huge defeat with all his candidates losing deposit. Then he again stood against BJP and addressed many rallies with audios and visuals, but that did not make any effect and BJP won with super duper margin. Now Raj Thackeray is roaming around ED office and tamed down to a greater extent. Politics is uncertain; you never know who will gain glory and who will fall after 5 years from now. Shiv Sena is doing what every political party should do in order to save from the Modi juggernaut. Neither Uddhav nor Raj has got the charm of Balasaheb Thackeray. Uddhav though the head of Shiv Sena now seems not that in control of the party and seems stuck between his and Sanjay Raut’s views. Shiv Sena is turning out to be a confused party and there by confusing the followers as to what the party stands for. It’s a party now without vision, direction and a strong leadership. To add further more, Uddhav’s son Aaditya would be contesting elections and would be awarded with deputy CM post. Aaditya Thackeray is not someone who looks like a chief ministerial material. Aaditya has little say in the distribution of tickets or the execution of policy decisions — factors that are essential for leaving one’s stamp on the party. BJP has now emerged even stronger and would want to leverage the momentum.

BJP has other advantage that Maharashtra Congress is crumbling and most Congress leaders joined BJP as first choice or NCP as the second choice. On the other hand, NCP is also not in a good situation especially due to the frictions among family members as well as party members, they too running towards BJP.

BJP will win more than 150 seats if it fights alone and Shiv Sena knows that fact. If you believe the Shiv Sena leader Sanjay Raut, he said even BJP gives kiss we will not respond, but during the Lok Sabha elections Raut had to chew his own words and joined hands with BJP. Now in assembly elections, Shiv Sena is asking 50–50 per cent seat sharing. Why BJP will share their seats to Sena? So, before every election, they purposely keep themselves in news and engage in talks so they brand themselves. Both parties development keep media watch and ticket seekers pay more to get the ticket. Once election is over they are ready to form government on saving democracy and stopping corrupt Congress from government and blah blah blah.

(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)

Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL) begins restoring supplies

By

Afternoon Voice

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September 4, 2019

Gas supplies of both PNG and CNG in Mumbai were hit after a major fire broke out in a processing plant of the Oil and Natural Gas Corporation (ONGC) in Maharashtra’s Navi Mumbai on Tuesday. Mahanagar Gas Ltd (MGL) began restoring supplies to various compressed natural gas stations in Mumbai. MGL said it is ensuring that supply to its domestic PNG consumers would be maintained on priority. Supply to industrial and commercial customers across MGL’s network is getting progressively normalised. MGL said in a press statement.

“The gas supply to MGL’s City Gate Station at Wadala has been partially restored and the gas supply at various CNG stations in Mumbai and to industrial and commercial customers across MGL’s network is getting progressively normalised,” MGL stated further. Several CNG stations were shut in Mumbai after a massive blaze at an ONGC plant in Navi Mumbai’s Uran hit gas supply. Five people were killed in the blaze.

“We are extremely sad to have lost five precious lives, including three CISF jawans and a senior ONGC officer in the unfortunate fire incident in Uran plant on Tuesday in spite of valiant efforts made to contain the blaze in less than two hours time. ONGC expresses its heartfelt condolence to bereaved families,” the company tweeted.

In another tweet, ONGC tweeted that the fire broke out around 7 am and claimed that there had been no impact on oil processing, adding, however, that gas was being diverted to the company’s Hazira plant. The exact cause of the blaze is yet to be ascertained. The Uran plant processes oil and gas from the Mumbai High fields, ONGC’s biggest-producing western offshore fields.

Maruti to stop production at Haryana plants for two days

By

Web Team

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September 4, 2019

The country’s largest carmaker Maruti Suzuki India (MSI) on Wednesday said it has decided to suspend production at its Gurugram and Manesar plants in Haryana for two days.

The company said it will halt manufacturing operations at the two manufacturing facilities on September 7 and 9.

“Both days will be observed as no production days,” MSI said in a statement

Reeling under severe slowdown, the auto major had reduced its production by 33.99 per cent in August, making it the seventh straight month of reduction.

The company produced a total of 1,11,370 units in August as against 1,68,725 units in the year-ago month.

Passenger vehicles’ production last month stood at 1,10,214 units as against 1,66,161 units in August 2018, a decline of 33.67 per cent.

In July, the automaker had cut its production by 25.15 percent to 1,33,625 units.

On September 1, the company had reported a 33 per cent dip in total sales last month at 1,06,413 units as compared with 1,58,189 units in August 2018..

Bank merger make over a must-Part II

By

C K Subramaniam

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September 4, 2019

Now that employees unions have become almost toothless and the present government with big mandate is bold enough, they have done it. It will take years to make the merged entities work smoothly. The government and RBI have to take great responsibility to ensure smooth resolution of software issues and that it doesn’t result into job loss. In the current international banking scenario where huge provisions are required to be made even for standard assets and capital adequacy norms as per Basel getting stricter and stricter there is no way but to merge weaker banks with stronger ones without the government having to pump in taxpayer’s money frequently.

Talk of mergers was going on since Congress regime but they couldn’t take action as they are the main culprit to make PSBs weak. Knowing fully well bank union leaders colluded with them didn’t do anything to stop such things to save the bank. Now also they will shed crocodile tears only. Let bank union answer what they did to ensure reduction of NPA and make bank profit when they know these things will force government to merge the banks.

The concept of merging of Indian Banks to make them comparable with global standard was originally a pet project of former Finance Minister P Chidambaram. In year 2004, two day’s Banker’s conference was held at Oberoi Grand in Kolkata. CMDs & EDs of all Banks with other officials of RBI & Host Bank UCO Bank and several FIs attended the conference. Yours truly was privileged also in attendance with them. Chidambaram in his inaugural address forcefully pleaded for making big banks in India through the route of Merger/Amalgamation. None of the Indian Banks figure among too 20 Banks of the world as per Banker’s Almanac whereas several Banks from PRC, Japan, UK, Switzerland, USA and Netherlands are in the list.

The Foreign Letter of Credits/BGs issued by Indian Banks are necessarily to be confirmed by a Bank of repute in the seller’s country or by any of the big foreign banks. This apart, the Basel III (or IV?) requirements of capital adequacy can be better complied with if smaller Banks are merged to create eventually a behemoth. However, there may always be a question mark as to whether the present merger exercise is well planned and well timed? Or whether it is a hasty decision?

Also Read : Bank merger make over a must-Part I

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)

Letters to the Editor: 04 September, 2019

By

Web Team

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September 4, 2019

Significance of Teachers Day

In India, Teachers’ Day is celebrated on September 5. The tradition started since 1962 and it was started to honour Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan whose birthday also happens to be on the same day.
Teachers’ Day is dedicated to all our teachers, mentors and gurus who guide us to be learned students and better human beings. It is a day that honours all the teachers and mentors — not just the academic ones, but also tutors or trainers in fields other than academics — and shows our gratitude towards their contributions in shaping our life.

Dr. Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan was a philosopher, scholar, an exemplary teacher, and a politician who dedicated his life towards education and shaping up the youth of the country. He was also the first Vice-President of India and the second President of India. His contributions in the field of education are exemplary.
He was born on September 5, 1888, in a middle class family in Thiruttani, Tamil Nadu. He was an outstanding student and studied philosophy at Christian College, Madras (now Chennai). He taught at various colleges in his lifetime from the University of Mysore (now Mysuru) to the University of Calcutta (now Kolkata). He was also appointed as the Vice-Chancellor of Andhra University, Delhi University as well as Banaras Hindu University.
He was awarded the Bharat Ratna, the highest civilian honour in the country in 1954 and was nominated 27 times for the Nobel Prize; 16 times for the Nobel Prize in literature, and 11 times for the Nobel Peace Prize.

Jubel D’Cruz

India should try to become self-sufficient

Better late than never and government must be complimented for admitting that the economy has slowed down with GDP in the last quarter dropping to 5 per cent.

Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharamam has taken over the reign recently and under difficult circumstances for which we need to give her sufficient time to understand the global turmoil which has even affected India. Unemployment and inflation are at an all time high but demand for our products overseas too affect these numbers and we need to change our stance to withstand global volatility.

We as a nation should try to become self-sufficient by meeting our own demand by concentrating on local manufacturing than on imports. People will not only get employment but cheaper products and profits as well as tax collections will benefit the government to reduce fiscal deficit. Opposition instead of criticizing GDP numbers should come out with solutions as well as cooperate to up that data. The government in power has won with a landslide margin and has the numbers to take tough decisions. The citizens may feel short term pain but if economy improves in the longer run, FM should take tough decisions for the betterment of the nation!

S.N. Kabra

NRC should be applied across the country

It refers to justified demand by Delhi BJP President to have National Register of Citizens (NRC) for Delhi also, following final draft of NRC for Assam having been published. Similar demand has been made by Shiv Sena for Maharashtra also. But it is unlikely that TMC-led West Bengal government may raise any such demand in fear of vote-bank anti-national politics.

NRC should be there for other parts of the country especially where there are apprehensions of infiltrators having been settled even though it will be ideal to have NRC for complete country. India should adopt strict measures like in Myanmar where President of that country even did not care for demands raised in name of human rights for snatching her Nobel Prize for tackling serious threats from Rohingyas from a particular community. Unfortunately, Rohingyas from a particular community have settled even in some sensitive areas of India posing a serious threat to national interest including national security.

Subhash Chandra Agrawal

Well-planned merger of public-sector banks leaves some smaller banks untouched

At last after Union Cabinet had given nod in principle for merger of public-sector banks, step is taken in right director to reduce number of public-sector banks to 12 instead of 5 as anticipated. Well-planned merger on the whole keeping in view software used and regional balances will save lot of money by largely reducing unnecessary overheads and merger of nearing branches of merged banks apart from solving staff-shortage where surplus staff of merged branches will be available to overcome shortage of staff at big branches. Rather surplus staff so available can be utilized for seven-days-a-week banking for 12 hours daily giving two weekly holidays by rotation to staff. Also, bigger banks are able to absorb bigger shocks.

However while merger of some banks was done in a manner that branches of anchor bank may be spread nationwide rather than squeezed in specific reasons, same principle was not adopted in case of some left-out smaller banks like Punjab-Sind Bank and Bank of Maharashtra probably because of regional feelings of people attached with these left-out banks.

Now need is to have uniform banking-charges, interest-rates, requirements like minimum-balance and schemes in all public-sector banks in a manner that there may be common format of different types of forms for all public-sector banks which may be available on websites with a provision to fill these on websites before being downloaded without requiring hand-filled forms. All banks should have 15-digit account-numbers unlike Central Bank of India which has 10-digit account-numbers.

All branches of various banks should compulsorily have all government savings-schemes available in post-offices and contribution to 7.75-percent RBI bonds, apart from having a special counter for taking policies of LIC of India. All branches should have coin-packs of 100 in each denomination for ease of public though coin-bags of 2000 coins may be available for traders and big users in selected big branches. Commemorative coin-sets should also be available at selected bank-branches right from date of issue.

Madhu Agrawal

(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)