Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman’s maiden Union Budget presented on July,5 2019, was just an extension of what Piyush Goel presented in February, 2019. By and large, the budget was a lacklustre and an effortless one. Of course, as always, like any Union Budget, “The Modi Budget” focuses and thrusts more on the progress and development of farmers, rural, youth and women and, then targeting provision of water, electricity and housing for all and a huge provision too for infrastructure.
I wish not to go into complete details or at the macro level, but wish to just highlight key points which affect the common man or the middle class.
No change in IT slabs. Exemption upto Rs.5 L with a rider of applicable tax above Rs.2.50L (& above Rs.3.00 L for senior citizens ) still stays but not good.
The super rich have been heavily taxed by imposition of 3-7% levy on income above Rs.2 – Rs.5 crores. I feel they would only be tempted to evade taxes and create black money.
High value cash withdrawal (over Rs.1 crore) to be taxed @1%
Positive sign that “Startups” are to be encouraged with tax incentives and no IT scrutiny. Angel Tax norms are relaxed.
New National Education Policy for higher education to be framed. Higher education norms to be reformed. A welcome measure.
What is important is how the lives of farmers, rural population and the youth will improve for better. What are the provisions for generating jobs and employment which the government is lacking in, as of today?
E.D on fuel items has been hiked and the prices of petrol, diesel to go up by Rs.2 per litre, which will have a cascading effect on all.
By and large the ‘Modi Government‘ has set a vision for the Indian economy to become a 3 trillion dollar economy in the current year. This is good for global recognition and India to be seen as a ‘ super power’ in the making.
The PM and the FM have set a clear road map for the growth of the nation, if seen at a macro level provisions and measures to be taken.
But….what I am so annoyed at and anguish about is that the “AGRICULTURAL INCOME” has still not been brought into the income tax net. Many politicians and others under the guise of being “agriculturists /farmers” have been evading Income Tax for decades- even if they earn crores! No FM has ever dared to bring the agri-income for Income tax. In fact today one can see many rich farmers leading a lavish lifestyle (most of them political leaders and so on…) and yet not paying the income tax as they say it’s “agricultural income”! So, what is the use taxing the “super rich” when “the so called agriculturists who are super rich” evade taxes?
The government must grab and attach all the properties of corrupt people and defaulters of loans and recover all the monies due.
Let the Hon’ble Finance Minister recover all those unaccounted wealth, assets and cash from the most corrupt people; she can certainly get huge revenue to wipe off the deficit in the budget. She need not even think of imposing and taxing the common man anymore. May be she can even do away with the Income tax on the salaried. It’s now or never.
All said and done, the life and standard of the common man or the Aam Aadmi, will remain the same and certainly not improve. At least take a consolation that life is still easy and certainly not worse. So, as of now forget “Achche Dhin” but wait for “Bahut Achche Dhin!”
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
I expected much more from the Union Budget 2019 but it did not happen. Modi’s promise of depositing Rs 15 lakh in the bank account of every Indian citizen should have been fulfilled. But neither he nor the Finance Minister did it. The common man is being fooled everytime and taken for a ride every year when the budget is presented in the Lok Sabha. Pension for pensioners also did not increase. The budget was poorly-planned and was not to my satisfaction. I expected much more from the budget than this.
JubelD’Cruz
Mumbai musings on a monsoon day
Intermittent rains and high tide mark the week end mayhem of Mumbai metro. High tide caused deaths in the coastal place and it is becoming highly risky to go near the sea. People risk their lives and there is no value for human life. Mumbai is not prepared for the monsoon season till now and BMC is lagging behind. We should first form disaster management cell and it should work 24×7 to face any impending danger. We are familiar with July 26, 2005 deluge and we should make all arrangements to face any calamity in the wake of heavy monsoon rains. Despite all rain readiness, we face pain of rain as some low lying areas give away and the passerby is pull down into the flush of water and it is very difficult to recover the body also in such a ticklish situation. It is a herculean task to bring back the city normal and it is high time we keep ourselves fully equipped with rain readiness measures in operation.
Nickhil Mani
Scientific importance of ‘Shraaddha-rites’
Tomoka Mushiga, a Japanese lady did PhD at Allahabad University on ‘Shraaddha’ rites performed as per Hindu Dharma. She stayed at Gaya (Bihar) for 20 months for the same before submitting her thesis on ‘Shraaddha-karma’. It is noteworthy that through studying the subject, she has proved that ‘Shraaddha’-rites performed as per Hindu Dharma are scientific. There is lot of importance to ‘Shraaddha’ rites under Hindu Dharma; which are however, not given importance by Hindus. Many people from other countries visit places like Gaya (Bihar) and Trimbakeshwar (Nashik) etc. where such rites are usually performed and they perform ‘Shraaddha’ for post-death spiritual progress of their ancestor’s souls. Some of them do not believe in it and claim that there is no scientific base for such rites. In the present case, however, one lady has studied these rites at scientific level, submitted thesis at international level and spread, worldwide, importance of performing these rituals by proving their scientific base. People from other countries thoroughly study issues taken up by them, before taking further step. Therefore, they come to India from other countries and perform such rites. Many of them are Christians but they perform rites as per Hindu Dharma. These people must have told their friends, relatives etc. about their experiences after performing such rites at these places in India, which is worth noticing. People from other countries are performing such rites while few citizens are stuck with their doubts. They should try to study scientific importance of these rituals to know underlying science.
Shakuntala Baddi
New Andhra govt to raze government building
It refers to new Andhra government led by YS Jagan Mohan Reddy deciding to raze government-building Praja Vedika built by earlier TDP regime at public-cost of rupees ten crores, because the building was constructed illegally. Better would be not to waste public-money already spent on constructing Praja Vedika. Rather it would be more appropriate that directions would have been given to strictly enforce bylaws and rules in future on all constructions made at public-cost.
It is quite usual that politicians including ministers make costly infrastructural changes in allotted government-accommodations at public-cost because of their personal ideologies based on astrology and numerology. Former Prime Minister Atal Bihari Vajpayee in his capacity as caretaker Prime Minister supersonically got changed bungalow-number from 8 to 6A at Krishna Menon Marg (New Delhi) allotted to him as post-retirement government-bungalow. Such changes based on personal ideologies must not be allowed.
Madhu Agrawal
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
Karnataka is once again witnessing a political drama. After resignation of eight Congress and three JDS MLAs, the HD Kumaraswamy government is in deep crisis. Now, the state government is reduced to minority as it has support of only 105 MLAs. The opposition party BJP has also strength of 105 MLAs in state assembly. The rebel MLAs arrived in Mumbai and they are staying in hotel Sofitel in Bandra-Kurla Complex following their resignation. The senior leaders of both the Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) are making their last efforts to save the coalition government in the state. After meeting rebel MLA Ramesh Jarkiholi in Mumbai, Congress leader Mahendra Singhi said that all is .well. Congress leader DK Shivakumar also met former PM and JD(S) chief HD Deve Gowda at the latter’s residence. The Karnataka Congress has called a legislative party meeting on July
BJP Bengaluru spokesperson Dr. Vaman Acharya told Afternoon Voice, “Six months ago, we have done some efforts to form the government. Media and Siddaramaiah are repeating the same story. We have nothing to do with the current crisis of the Congress-JD(S) government. This government is not going to last long, and it will fall. Only then, we will see what to do. So, in that context, we are doing nothing on their part. However, if the government collapses and they continue to fight among themselves, we will not keep quiet.”
“We will definitely claim to form government. We are already the single largest party with 105 MLAs. After fall, defection and resignation, we will be naturally majority. So, as a majority party we will claim power, not before that. All those who have resigned were never in our contact. However, after resigning, they sought some help. Our party workers arranged hotel and other facilities in Mumbai. Five more Congress MLAs will resign on Monday. Hence, this government has to collapse,” he added.
Congress leader and former Chief Minister Siddaramaiah also claimed that the coalition government would survive. On political situation in Karnataka, he tweeted, “This clearly shows that BJP is behind all these defections. It is Operation Kamala…Everything is fine. Don’t worry. Govt will survive, there is no threat to the govt.” Siddaramaiah said, “I am in touch with 5-6 MLAs. I can’t reveal all details. Everybody is loyal to the party. It is not the question of a person being loyal to me. Everybody is expected to be loyal to the party.” Meanwhile, Chief Minister Kumaraswamy returned to Bengaluru on Sunday from his private visit to the USA.
Congress leader B Shivanna said, “Nothing will happen. All rebels are strong supporters of Siddaramaiah. He will bring them back. They are demanding to make Siddaramaiah the CM once again. It is very difficult for the BJP to form government in the state.”
It is remarkable that 11 Congress-JD(S) MLAs Mahesh Kumathalli, B C Patil, Ramesh Jarkiholi, Shivaram Hebbar, H. Vishwanath, Gopalaiah, Byrathi Basavaraj, Narayana Gowda, Munirathna, S.T. Somashekar and Pratap Gowda Patil resigned on Saturday. Political drama began in the morning with H Vishwanath, former JD(S) President, leading legislatures reached Karnataka assembly Speaker’s office in the Vidhana Soudha to submit their resignation to the secretary of the Speaker’s Office since the Speaker was not present at the moment.
Janata Dal (Secular) MLA from Mandya, M Srinivasa said, “HD Kumaraswamy government will certainly survive. All those who have resigned will come back soon. There is no threat to the coalition government in Karnataka.”
The Congress accused the BJP of horse trading and destablising the state government. On the other hand, the BJP blamed the Congress party for the current political crisis. Karnataka unit BJP chief and leader of the Opposition BS Yeddyurappa denied all allegations. Union Minister and BJP leader Pralhad Joshi tweeted, “Congress party as a whole is trying to throw out HD Kumaraswamy. It’s Congress party’s game plan to oust HD Deve Gowda and family. Siddaramaiah is responsible, also some senior Congress leaders are involved in it.”
Pratap Gowda Patil, Congress MLA, is in Mumbai right now. He said, “I’ve resigned. I’ll now join BJP and will fight elections on a BJP ticket. No one can convince me.” Ramalinga Reddy said, “I’ve given it (resignation). I didn’t want to give it as I’m with Congress for the past 46 years. For my growth party is also responsible. It’s an inevitable situation now. I’m in the Congress party even today, I’ve only resigned as an MLA.”
Senior Congress leader Mallikarjun Kharge said that it will be clear that how many will violate the whip in assembly on July 12. Today many MLAs are saying their work wasn’t done. He said, “Many have worked hard for the party. We will try to convince them. We don’t know how successful we will be. Wherever a non BJP govt is there BJP starts targeting them. Regional parties are being targeted. MLAs are poached.”
BJP leader G V L Narasimha Rao, said on the developments in Karnataka, “People of Karnataka are sick of this coalition. We have been noticing the developments. They finally realised that chaos had been created in the state. Not just BJP but even the people of Karnataka will heave a sigh of relief.
Both the JD(S) and the Congress have been plagued by dissension over allocation of ministerial berths and distribution of Lok Sabha seats. The cracks became deeper after the BJP swept the Lok Sabha polls in the state.
The JD(S)-Congress government in Karnataka plunged into a crisis on Saturday, with 11 MLAs of the alliance submitting their resignation to the Speaker. Eight MLAs of the Congress and three of the JD(S) reached Speaker Ramesh Kumar’s office to put in their papers on Saturday, and later met Governor Vajubhai Vala at the Raj Bhavan. The JD(S)-Congress coalition’s total strength, including those who have put in their papers, is 118 (Congress-78, JD(S)-37, BSP-1 and Independents-2), besides the Speaker. Prior to this, on July 1, two Congress MLAs in Karnataka tendered their resignations. Therefore, the strength of the assembly is reduced to 211 right now. In current situation, magic number to prove majority on the floor of the assembly is 106. Both the BJP and the Congress-JD(S) combine have 105 MLAs each.
With great fight and speculations, Congress and Janata Dal (Secular) or JD(S) made it to power in Karnataka, but since they formed the government, the news about them is not good. Recently, eight legislators from the Congress and three from the JD (S) handed their resignations to the assembly speaker. It would bring the one-year-old coalition government led by Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy on the brink of collapse.
After almost a year of false alarms, a total of 11 legislators from both Congress and JD(S) handed in their resignations, threatening to send the state into a political crisis. The coalition government has failed in fulfilling the aspirations of the people of the state. The list included Congress legislators like Munirathna, Byrathi Basavaraj, and S.T.Somashekar, all three considered close associates of former chief minister Siddaramaiah, who has in the past been accused of engineering dissent and destabilising the government to settle personal scores with the JD(S) top leadership.
It was good for the Congress to have projected Siddaramiah as their Chief Ministerial candidate and allowed him to have a larger say in running the election campaign in the state. Congress became weak because of the high-command culture, which BJP has also adopted. Centralisation of all power makes decision-making quicker but in the long run, it keeps the state units weak and the party becomes weak.
In Karnataka, it is not certain who the boss is. Initially, Congress was firm that only one seat will be allowed for Siddaramaiah for contesting. However, Siddaramaiah had his way. He blackmailed the party that he will not canvass for the party if another seat is not allowed. High command caved in or Siddaramaiah took the role of high command.
Siddaramaiah had his say in seat allotment. He took the lion share of 140 seats approximately for his supporters. All others had to accept and had no other go. Congress’ plan of minority tag to Lingayats is not helping the party. In fact, more Lingayats have distanced from the party. Congress has built its base in Karnataka with some good contribution during the Siddaramaiah government, but the alliance has messed it all.
Good food subsidy scheme under Anna Bhagya is providing 30 kg rice per month at Re 1 per kg to 10.2 million families. Ksheera Bhagya scheme is providing 150 ml milk thrice a week to 6.5 million children studying in state-run and aided schools across the state to check malnutrition and prevent dropout. Bhagyalakshmi and Kutir Jyoti schemes are waiving off Rs 268 crore arrears due from two million energy consumers in rural areas.
Basava Housing Scheme built houses for people whose income is below Rs 32,000 a year. With Krishi Bhagya, we achieved sustainable growth in agriculture by implementing several new farming projects and provided financial support to farmers for the purchase of their farming equipment. Congress really did well in their five independent years of governance. However, gradually as the party faced a decline in the Lok Sabha elections, some of the party workers are making it more embarrassing for Congress. BJP thrives on such opportunities because break and make is their favourite policy.
Looking at the fact, one should realise that Congress and BJP both are equally corrupt. However, in rural areas, Congress is better. To be honest, religion does not fill our stomach; so, BJP is not an option for the poor. Though the people may say freebies are not good, I have seen a countless number of families living happily with the free rice from the current government. Also, Congress has done a good job in allotting the land for small farmers that BJP is always against.
In urban areas, BJP works better (roads, infrastructure, etc.) but it does communal politics. Although BJP tried its best to retain power but their CM candidate had to step down as they could not show the majority.
The year-old coalition in Karnataka, wobbly from the start, has struggled with revolt and infighting since it came to power in May last year. Chief Minister H.D. Kumaraswamy , who is in the US on a private trip, as well as the Congress, have accused the BJP of relentlessly pursuing their lawmakers and attempting to bring the government down.
The Congress and the JD (S) together have 118 members in the 224-seat state assembly, along with one BSP and one Independent member. The defections will bring its numbers down to 105 and the majority mark in the assembly from 113 to 106. BJP has 105 legislators, expecting to be invited to form a new government if the ruling coalition lacks the number count.
If the resignations are accepted, the ruling coalition will no longer have a majority in the assembly.
(Any suggestions, comments or dispute with regards to this article send us on feedback@www.afternoonvoice.com)
Afternoon Voice is delighted to launch #GenNext and welcomes the readers to a new column dedicated to the lives, values, and achievements of the Generation Next who are successfully carrying the legacy of their golden elders. #GenNext starts its journey with Chaitanya Bhosle a.k.a Chin2 Bhosle, a successful singer, actor, RJ, and the grandson of legendary grandmother Asha Bhosle. Chin2 Bhosle of 90s pop sensation and India’s first and only boy band “A Band Of Boys (ABOB)” in a chat with Editor-in-Chief Dr. Vaidehi opens up about his ride into the entertainment industry and the feeling of belonging to the country’s ‘first family of music’.
What is the biggest strength and weakness of Chin2?
My biggest strength: I’m very work-proud and will push till I get the result that satisfies me. It’s not about what will make the world happy but what will satisfy me. This holds true for everything that I do.
My biggest weakness: I see myself as the Jack of all trades, Master of none. This figure of speech works for me but many times I feel the vacuum of not knowing more on a particular subject. My life choice was to do all the things that I like and get a fair level of proficiency or focus on it but because I ended up doing a lot of things (singing, composing, radio jockeying, corporate, education and curriculum, playing the guitar, directing, etc), I was and am very time restricted and hence, have found it really tough to delve deeper.
Tell us your journey from Chaitanya to Chin2!
My journey started off with me completing my MBA from one of India’s then premiere B schools Narsee Monjee and then working at the advertising agency Lintas. After a year, I realised that there was more to life than a 9 a.m. -1 a.m. job and I switched from being a part-time musician to a full-time one. I then left my job and started dabbling in sound engineering and music composition.
My grandmother offered to help me and put me in touch with people but I refused on two grounds:
I would like to do it on my own, with minimum people knowing of our connection (I had her name and that was help enough).
If I ever needed help, I would ask her for it.
She agreed with her blessings.
Post that, I started composing scratch jingles, became an RJ on AIR 107.1 (before the advent of private stations), and performed in a lot of theatres, especially musicals (performed as Che Guevara in Alex Padamsee’s Evita with Sharon), and so on. This was when ‘A Band of Boys’ happened and post the first album launching, there was no looking back.
I would like to add here that even after I became known, thanks to my band – A Band of Boys – very few people knew that Asha Ji was my grandmother. This was because I actively didn’t promote the fact or encourage questions about it.
Chaitanya became Chin2 (the artist) when I left my job. I’ve always been called Chin2 since my childhood. It’s just that the ‘2’ came about in college and has got stuck since then.
What are the similarities in You and your legendary grandmother Asha Bhosle?
Music is at the core of who we are. Hers, of course, is at an entirely different level all together but everything that I’ve done since leaving my job has had music at its core. In 2006, I’d even joined Reliance and got associated with the Big FM as its Programming Head – be it theatre, radio or films, the hook to me for doing anything always had music involved.
The other similar trait we have is that we both call a spade a spade! Again she, of course, is a legend and has the absolute right to do that while I’ve suffered a lot with this genetic trait – I’ve fortunately have had a few regrets thus far!
What is the most complex thing about working with Asha Ji and what has influenced you the most about her?
I wouldn’t know where to begin. Her never-say-can’t attitude, her always wanting to learn and see new things, her inability to give up, her perseverance and professionalism, her ability to finish a hard day’s music and work and come and cook an entire meal for the family, her standing tall and unbroken through all the personal anguish that she’s been through (which would have broken most people I know). The list is never-ending.
The most important thing she’s taught me is that your work is your identity; stay true to who you are in what you do, even if it means pissing off people as, in the long run, this will define who you are and what you become.
How do you rate yourself as the next generation of legendary Bhosles?
I rate myself very highly!
The thing is I don’t rate myself by how the world or you would see me or my accomplishments. I am a singer, performer, music composer, a director, and currently, a music educator with a (dare I say) India’s only modern and fun Hindustani vocal curriculum launched (with the Furtados School of Music). I’ve happily dabbled in – acting (on stage and cinema), given music for a couple of unreleased films, directed theatre and videos, started India’s first band for pre-schoolers (the Chikaraks) and have written and performed hugely successful live shows for them….and lots more! So, to be honest, I really don’t care what the world has to say but I’m very satisfied with what I’ve done thus far and I’m loving it!
What did you learn from Hridaynath, Lata Ji, and other Mangeshkar siblings?
This is one hugely talented family and the most beautiful thing to learn is how each one interprets the same thing – note wise, musically, attitude wise – their perspectives are so different yet filled with wisdom and maturity.
What are challenges while performing live and recording in the studio?
I’d choose live any day. It’s the spur of the moment and you are on high alert at every second – how to react, what to do next, how to cover up a mistake or make the most of the given situation. I’ve always loved that, even when I was an RJ, I love spontaneity. I like imperfection. It keeps me wired, pushes me, and gives me a feeling of being alive.
Recordings, on the other hand, are about perfection and retakes which call upon a different skill set. A slight movement of cloth, clearing of the throat, slightly blocked nose will result in a retake. So, it’s a very controlled environment, it has its fun and also hugely satisfying to get something right but I am more of a ‘spur of the moment’ personality, I live for live!
Have you ever faked or tried to be pretentious when it comes to acting, singing, and performing?
Oh yes…Many times! I’ve always been very blunt and oft would end up hurting a lot of people whilst believing that honesty is the best thing. However, time and maturity have taught me that black and white is not the best way to be. There is perfect harmony in shades of grey too. So many songs I’ve had to sing which I really didn’t believe in but I couldn’t be blatant about it. Instead, I now see the good in things I don’t like and then attack the job professionally and to my satisfaction.
What would have been your struggle in the music industry without Bhosle surname and that lineage?
As mentioned earlier, it really wouldn’t have made much of a difference. I was known as a singer and member of ‘A Band of Boys’ way before people knew I was Asha Ji’s grandson. So, that worked out great for me as it was how I would’ve intended it to be. Post that, I’ve given the information more freely as I’m now confident that people don’t have to humour me because of my lineage but because of my body of work.
Do you have any plans for Bollywood?
I have done some music for Bollywood and am always open to future collaborations. However, I’ve not actively pursued it and don’t plan to. Currently, I’ve been very busy with getting the music to kids and schools in a modern and fun manner and the road I currently walk on doesn’t give me time to indulge in Bollywood’s whims and fancies. But hey, I am always open if something falls in my lap.
What is more fascinating — singing or acting?
Singing, without batting an eyelid! I’ve always been a huge fan of Radio (as an RJ and channel head). I feel that the medium of audio presents very interesting challenges as it evokes the theatre of the mind. A sound can mean different things to different people and the possibilities of usage have always fascinated me.
I have dabbled in acting (on stage, TV, and film) and the one full-length Bollywood feature film I did with my band; for me personally, the process was unbelievably boring and tedious. I’m sure a lot of folks enjoy it and loads of talent and skill is needed but it just didn’t do it for me.
In the wake of the debacle in the Lok Sabha elections, Congress Mumbai president Milind Deora on Sunday announced his resignation from his post. Deora recommended a provisional set-up of a collective leadership of three senior leaders to oversee the city unit until the coming Assembly poll. He indicated that he may take up an important responsibility in Delhi. This move comes as an expression of solidarity and collective responsibility with Rahul Gandhi’s resignation.
Milind Deora said in a statement issued by his office, “I had accepted MRCC presidentship in the interest of uniting the party. I felt I should also resign after meeting Rahul Gandhi. I suggested a panel and am being consulted by leaders to identity names. I look forward to playing a national role to help stabilise the party. Needless to say, I will continue to guide and unite Mumbai Congress.”
It is remarkable that the Congress had suffered losses in all six Lok Sabha constituencies in Mumbai. Barely a month before polls, Deora was appointed as a replacement of former city Congress chief Sanjay Nirupam.
Deora said that taking on the BJP-Shiv Sena and negating the impact of the Vanchit Bahujan Aghadi was a challenge for the Congress in Maharashtra.. Deora expressed his desire to quit shortly after meeting Rahul Gandhi in New Delhi on June 26. The same has been conveyed to Mallikarjun Kharge and K.C. Venugopal, general secretaries, All-India Congress Committee.
During his short tenure, he united the rank and file of the party and put an end to identity politics in Mumbai Congress, in the hope that the party would once again return to its multilingual, multicultural and socio-economically inclusive ideals. Under his leadership, the party gave a decisive fight to the BJP-Shiv Sena combine in Mumbai. Deora is always available to serve the party as a trusted and resourceful lieutenant and looks forward to playing a more important role nationally.
Railway Minister Piyush Goyal has stated that railway is touted to become the world’s best organisation by 2030. For achieving this objective Rs 50,000 crore investment is necessary which can’t be fulfilled only by the government. Therefore privatization is necessary in some departments of railways. Goyal stated that railways have reached Goa and time has come to take further steps to make the state ready for tourism activities.
Goyal stated, “I am not talking about privatization of railways but it will be required in some section of the organisation. Railways are a premier institution for transportation and budget has taken care of this aspect. It is necessary to attract an investment of Rs 50,000 for the next 10 to 12 years. Steps have been taken to augment security of passengers and it has been decided to double the investments for railways. It has been decided to allocate 1.60 lakh crore for development of railways. In the year 2014-15 the railways had been allocated an investment of 40 to 45 thousand crore.”
“The government can’t itself attract Rs 50,000 crore investment for railways and private investment will be sought. We are concerned about the development of railways,” he added.
Private firms will be allowed to lay new railway lines and license will be provided by the government for the same.
(7)- Pakistan being a Sunni majority country (and Pak former Army Chief Gen. Raheel Sharif being the Commander of SaAr sponsored Sunni-NATO) will obviously prefer to join the Sunni group but geography is half the politics. Pakistan surrounded by China, Russia, Iran will constrain nuclear Pakistan (de-facto protectorate of China) to remain neutral in this Shia-Sunni war. This will be a huge setback to Sunni group but Pakistan will be able to pacify Sunnis of Pakistan and rest of the Sunni world by saying that China will help/reward it in snatching at-least Muslim Kashmir (if not rest of J&K) from India (otherwise also, as an Indian Veteran General said that a Muslim military officer told him that Shia-Sunni may fight each other but when it comes to Hindus then both will join hands against Hindus).
(8)- This help/reward, China of Shia group can easily provide to neutral Pakistan against India (i)- By igniting entire Indo-China border (ii)- By giving military support to Pakistan in J&K which will help Pakistan in cutting off J&K from rest of India (iii)- By showing the militarily snatching of Arunachal Pradesh from India which China claims its territory. China has not forgotten Doklam from where China can easily cut-off entire North-East from India which will make it easy for China to militarily snatch Arunachal Pradesh from India.
[Here it can be mentioned that rest of India otherwise also does not have emotional connect (due to religious and ethnic prejudices) with Kashmir and North-East which leaves very little for local people to desire to be with India]
(9)- Pakistan is pining to dismember India as revenge for 1971 war when India dismembered Pakistan by creating Bangladesh. Hence, snatching Kashmir from India is Pakistan’s ardent desire. Furthermore, in case India is seen very openly playing the game of USA in US-Iran/Shia-Sunni World War and especially in Indo-Pacific theater then China may further reward Pakistan (as part of Doklam thrust) in assimilating Bangladesh back in Pakistan as East Pakistan again.
(10)- Therefore, India, without wasting further time, should try to solve US-Iran conflict by going to NAME region as given below:-
(i)- The solution to US – Iran problem in Syria, Yemen, etc. in NAME region (where millions of people are bleeding and weeping profusely and where the USA and its allies are complaining that Shia Iran is supporting terrorists and militant trouble makers in Sunni majority areas) is not a rocket science and it can easily be solved by carrying out elections first in Syria under supervision of ‘UN Election Commission’ (UNEC) under secular constitution. India should offer personnel (military and civil in millions whatever needed) for ‘UN Peace Keeping Force’ (UNPKF) and for UNEC in order to ensure free and fair elections first in Syria.
(ii)- The US-Iran conflict can be resolved by India by offering its nukes for complete denuclearisation. India should demand that the nuclear ‘Weapons of Mass Destruction‘ (WMDs) of all the nuclear powers (five permanent members of UN and India, Pakistan, Israel, North Korea, etc) should be handed over to UN authorities for ultimate destruction and UN should ensure that no country is able to develop new nuclear WMDs.
(iii)- India should demand that the chronic and gory Israel-Palestine problem should be solved by the one-State solution for both Jews and Palestinians and not through an unjust and mischievous two-State solution.
(11)- This India will be able to do only when first India disarms Pakistan by carrying-out plebiscite in unified J&K after retrieving PoJK (militarily or otherwise) as per ‘Instrument of Accession’ and simultaneously restoring secularism and establishing welfare State (then only Muslim Kashmir and PoJK will opt for India) by recovering Rs 1,000 lakh crore Income Tax from about one million tax evaders where this huge revenue will not only solve all the economic problems of India (which already is in rural distress where tens of thousands of farmers are committing suicide every year) but will also make India a top-class world power economically and militarily.
Therefore, Instead of adopting ostrich approach, India should take active interest rather lead in solving US-Iran conflict as mentioned above; otherwise, it will be too late and difficult for India to hold together if USA succeeds in making India the theatre of Shia-Sunni World War which USA is obviously planning to do through NDAA. However, for these solutions first of all, Indians will have to develop confidence that they can also and are prepared to solve global problems which are not exclusively white man’s burden.
(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed within this article are the personal opinions of the author. The facts and opinions appearing in the article do not reflect the views of AFTERNOON VOICE and AFTERNOON VOICE does not assume any responsibility or liability for the same.)
#Budget2019 is a very good financial blueprint. It is beneficial to every section of our society and it can boost the growth of the Indian economy. Kudos to our Prime Minister and Finance Minister! Great India Budget hopes to spur the economy. It’s really evolutionary the government found the backlogs and hope they really put effort and accomplish. We all hope that Nirmala Sitharaman is successful in building up India financially with people of all classes enjoying the fruits of their labour. We will have to wait and see.
One of the biggest announcements she made was of Rs 70,000 crore capital infusion in the public sector banks to be used as growth capital, now that the legacy issues plaguing the sector have been addressed. She also announced a slew of measures to ease the liquidity and regulatory problems affecting the Non-Banking Financial Company (NBFC) sector, a key pain point in India’s economy at the moment.
The budget incorporated a number of positive tax reforms such as lowering the corporate tax rate for companies with an annual turnover of less than Rs 400 crore and increasing the surcharge to be paid by high net-worth individuals earning more than Rs 2 crore a year. It also finally provided relief for start-ups from the undue pain of the ‘angel tax’.
In a move that spooked bond markets, Sitharaman announced that the government would be increasing its external borrowing programme since India’s external debt to the GDP was below 5 per cent and among the lowest globally. “Non-Banking Financial Companies (NBFCs) are playing an extremely important role in sustaining consumption demand as well as capital formation in the small and medium industrial segment,” Sitharaman said. NBFCs that are fundamentally sound should continue to get funding from banks and mutual funds without being unduly risk-averse.
Keeping this in mind, Sitharaman announced that the government would provide a one-time partial credit guarantee to public sector banks for their first loss of up to 10 per cent when they purchased the pooled assets of financially sound NBFCs.
She noted that the Reserve Bank of India has only limited regulatory authority over NBFCs, adding that steps will now be taken to strengthen the RBI in this regard. Housing finance companies will henceforth be regulated by the RBI. Apart from this, the Budget featured smaller steps that would help the NBFC sector such as doing away with the Debenture Redemption Reserve for public issues. Another provision in the Finance Bill says that if the RBI is satisfied that in the public interest or to prevent the affairs of an NBFC being conducted in a manner detrimental to the interest of depositors or creditors, it can supersede the board for up to five years. The FM is having a vision for the future.
In the earlier UPA set, the rich became richer and the poor remained poor. The Union Budget was just to steal Paul to pay Peter and that inequality is slowly diminishing.
(The views expressed by the author in the article are his/her own.)
Despite the delayed arrival of monsoon by a fortnight, two days of downpour has helped Mumbai and its suburbs get above average rainfall for June. This is a good new after a sluggish start by monsoon. The onset of monsoon in the month delayed but the city received good rainfall. Normal rainfall in the country is critical for the maximum city full of high rise buildings. So there is no alarm for the shortfall of rain. Now it is time to manage water resources available to our advantage by implementing rain water harvesting schemes in all the buildings in the city.
Nickhil Mani
Railways exposed after first showers
The railways too have got themselves exposed like BMC in the first real showers to hit the city over the weekend. Corruption rules roost across public utility services as most of the pre-monsoon work carried on was on paper though actual money got paid to those who billed the government. Monsoons have become horrifying season for commuting as delays and train cancellations leads to commotion have become common.
Privatization is the answer to all this nonsense and inefficiency. It would bring in not just efficiency but accountability as well apart from value for money spent. Water logging even on days of low tide comes as a shock and all the storm water work carried out a few months before monsoons seems to be a wasteful exercise. State government should use tax payers funds rightfully and those responsible for corruption should be penalized!
S.N. Kabra
Common man disappointed with budget
Every time the budget is presented, there are speculations that the salaried class would get some relief in the reduction of taxes. But it did not take place this time too. This is a great disappointment for the common man who already has to go through a lot of financial crisis. What we expected from the Union Budget did not happen. With the increase in the price of petrol and diesel, the prices of all essential commodities are likely to shoot up too. Pension for pensioners did not increase too. What kind of a budget is this? It is taking the common man for a ride? It is always the common man who suffers the most when the budget is presented every year.
JubelD’Cruz
Take strict action against miscreants attacking Hindu temple
Majority Hindu community of Delhi cutting across party-lines is in full anger on regretful silence of non-BJP politicians on attack by a mob on a Hindu temple in old Delhi area on midnight of June 30, 2019. Such minority-appeasing vote-bank based political silence will instead polarise Hindu votes with BJP for a repeat massive win in forthcoming elections to Delhi state-assembly. Till now only three miscreants including a minor are taken into custody who first assaulted a Hindu family before mobilising a mob to attack the Hindu temple. Nabbed miscreants should be put under stiff-most interrogation to name others in the attacking mob. Pseudo-secular award-return gang and self-acclaimed intellectuals knocking Supreme Court in midnight for stopping hanging of terrorists are also as usually silent.
Much is being talked-about alleged exodus of Hindus from Meerut in UP. But nobody has noted drastic change in demography of mixed-population areas of Delhi. The example is Churiwalan where elite rich Hindu families lived as a part of mixed Hindu-Muslim population till some decades back. But Hindu families have left many such mixed-population localities of old Delhi now converting these into purely Muslim localities.
Enquiry from all possible angles including funding-source is necessary in major renovation in almost all the mosques in Delhi which also includes unauthorised encroachment of public-land including footpaths and roads with gross violation of building norms. All such encroachments and building in violation of norms without seeking permission of concerned agencies should be pulled down with cost involved recovered from those violation norms.
Subhash Chandra Agrawal
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Finance Minister, Nirmala Sitharaman’s maiden Union Budget presented on July,5 2019, was just an extension of what Piyush Goel presented in February, 2019. By and large, the budget was a lacklustre and an effortless one. Of course, as always, like any Union Budget, “The Modi Budget” focuses and thrusts more on the progress and development of farmers, rural, youth and women and, then targeting provision of water, electricity and housing for all and a huge provision too for infrastructure.
Budget was poorly-planned
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