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Friday,
February 21, 2003, Chandigarh, India  
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Cruel ways of nature What ails civil services
The security debate in Munich-1 |
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Rooting for India
New Chairperson of Human Rights Commission
Aishwarya’s film mesmerises SA
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Cruel ways of nature Only recently the Punjab Government had begun distributing the promised drought relief to the agitated farmers to compensate them for the loss suffered during the kharif season. The ailing economy of this otherwise front-ranking state has got another major blow from the inclement weather which led to a squall on Wednesday. The nature’s fury has brought about large-scale devastation in Punjab with over a dozen people killed and hundreds of acres of wheat, oilseeds and other crops damaged. Oviously, the process of calculating the exact loss will take its own time. But this should not come in the way of the state government offering the help it can. There were pathetic scenes in many villages and towns with houses and crops flattened. Nobody could foresee this kind of a situation, though agriculture scientists in both Punjab and Haryana had expressed the view that the bad weather conditions that prevailed for a few days could lead to frost and hailstorm causing a lot of damage to the standing crops. Such situations make one believe that even in this advanced age agriculture is at the mercy of nature, at least in India. Yet the fighting spirit in man forces him never to surrender even in the worst of circumstances. We have to evolve an effective mechanism for meeting the threat to agriculture from natural disasters. What can be man’s answer to such exigencies? The state governments in the region as also in the rest of the country will have to concentrate on having a well-oiled disaster management machinery. Almost every year the country faces challenges from nature in the form of drought, floods, squalls, hailstorms, snowstorms, landslides and earthquakes. A country-wide effective disaster-management system is the need of the hour. This will help launch rehabilitation and relief operations on a war-footing. The people must be made to feel that there is a system that will take care of their difficulties in crisis situations caused by nature. This is what adds to the confidence of a nation. The Punjab Government should work overtime to quickly provide an adequate compensation for the loss of human lives and property besides the injuries suffered by hundreds of people. The Centre should also come to the rescue of the state as its economy is not in good shape because of various reasons, one of them being the government’s own non-performance. But the most viable solution that has often been discussed is crop insurance. This is the best protection for the farmers against the uncontrollable behaviour of nature. A crop insurance scheme should be introduced as soon as possible with easily afffordable premiums. One fails to understand why it has been delayed so far. |
| What ails civil services Union Public Service Commission Chairman Purna Chandra Hota’s observations on the crisis of identity in the civil services are timely. In a lecture at a function in New Delhi the other day, he deplored the politicians’ attitude towards the civil servants and said that the former expected the latter to be “meek” and carry out their orders as “submissive agents”. Going a step further, Mr Hota said that if a civil servant “dares to revolt”, he is transferred, denied promotion or recognition. While these observations are broadly true, the UPSC chief must surely be aware of how and why this has of late been more pronounced. Clearly, the steel frame (or what replaced it) did not bend and twist on its own volition: it was bent and twisted by those who saw the vulnerability of the bureaucracy as an instrument of achieving political aims. The distortion occasioned little comment until 1977 because many people subconsciously accepted the ruling party at the Centre at its own valuation as being synonymous with the government and the nation. Few among the bureaucrats then thought of protesting against this distortion. The situation did not change after the Janata Party came to power. The civil servants compounded their previous subservience with uncalled-for truculence. Not once did the bureaucracy assert that it was expected to discharge its duties objectively and that professional integrity demanded that it subjected even political orders to dispassionate scrutiny. Sadly, the malaise has struck deep roots at both the Centre and in the states. The civil servants seem to have created an impression that they are often only too ready to safeguard their careers by living up to the expectations of their political bosses. Surely, things can change only if upright officers, even at the cost of their career growth, inspire their colleagues with courage and confidence so that the bureaucracy can stand up to the political establishment at the Centre and in the states. Mr Hota’s other observation on the growing regional imbalance in the merit list of successful candidates in the civil services examination is also noteworthy. He says that out of 304 universities, only seven — Delhi University, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Panjab University, the University of Rajasthan, the University of Lucknow, Osmania University and Tamil Nadu Agricultural University — and the IITs are cornering 90-95 per cent of the top positions in the civil services. Admittedly, this is bound to create a sense of alienation among the regions unrepresented in the civil services. However, if this imbalance shows a disturbing trend, it is also a sad reflection on the image of over 290 universities which have so far produced few IAS or IPS officers. The malaise needs to be tackled with the attention it deserves. The main reason for the poor performance of students from most of the universities in the civil services examination stems from the falling standards in education. More than the poor calibre of these students, teachers themselves do not seem to be motivated and up-to-date in their knowledge, teaching skills and trends. Some universities have restructured their syllabi for graduation and postgraduation courses in tune with the syllabus of the civil services examination with a view to helping aspiring students. This too has failed. The less said the better about the IAS coaching institutes. Part of the problem lies with the faculty members. Merit has become the first casualty in the recruitment of lecturers. Mr Hota’s suggestion to expand the social base of the civil services seems to be well-thought out. It is surely not an impractical idea. But the moot point is: Who will take the responsibility for improving the work ethic in the universities which alone can contribute to students’ success? |
The security debate in Munich-1 The Munich Conference on Security Policy is an annual affair, like the one at Davos on economic issues. The level of participation is extremely high and includes Defence and Foreign Ministers and representatives of think-tanks, the academia, the media and the defence industry. India has been participating in this conference ever since this formerly an exclusive European affair was “globalised” to include other regions of the world in 1999. I attended the 39th conference on February 7-9 this year. With the prospects of a war in Iraq in the background, the conference was of great interest and generated a lot of heat in the otherwise snow-covered Munich. It brought into the open sharp differences of opinion over Iraq between the USA and important countries like France, Germany and Russia, and also within the NATO. The Iraq issue and the concern over the NATO alliance and its future role in the emerging security environment thus became the primary concern of the participants and the media. The other main issue — international terrorism — did not get the focus and an international policy review that it deserved. The conference started with a forceful speech by the US Secretary of Defence, Mr Donald Rumsfeld, asking all countries not to delay the use of force against Iraq (“Take action before it is too late”) if that becomes necessary. He stated that “out of the tragedy of September 11 came great responsibilities, and also unprecedented opportunities — to tear down calcified barriers left over from earlier eras, and build new (security) relationships with countries that would have been unimaginable just a few years ago. And that is what the USA has been doing in the global war on terror.” He said, “Let me be clear: no one wants war. War is never a first or an easy choice. But the risks of war need to be balanced against the risks of doing nothing while Iraq pursues the tools of mass destruction.” Talking about a nexus between terror and weapons of mass destruction and the evidence of Iraqi-Al-Qaeda links as given by his colleague, Mr Colin Powell, to the Security Council a few days earlier, he justified this conflict as an extension of war on terrorism. Mr Rumsfeld chose very strong words (“a shameless action!”) for the Franco- German attempt to block planning for the defence of Turkey; a NATO commitment under Article 5 to defend a member should it come under an attack. (This was accepted in NATO on February 17) The large contingent of US Senators and retired Generals supported him on the Iraq issue and also pleaded for the need to maintain unity within NATO. During the question-answer session Mr Rumsfeld admitted that currently North Korea was “leading in proliferation”. As per his reports, by May-June, 2003, it will have five-six nuclear weapons. He could not adequately justify the US priority for Iraq over North Korea on account of proliferation of weapons of mass destruction (WMD) or the post-war politico-military situation in West Asia. The German Federal Minister of Foreign Affairs and Vice-Chancellor Joschka Fischer gave a spirited reply in defence of Franco- German (and now Russian) stand for giving more time to the UN inspectors, increasing their number and providing them UN protection, if necessary. He said that he could not understand the need to give Iraq a higher priority over Afghanistan, which was a long-term commitment, not yet out of the woods, and where a lot more work was essential. “Will post-war Iraq have more democracy or more Islamisation?”, he questioned. And what will be the consequences if the next operation in the Gulf is also left half way? He was not convinced personally, he said, and, therefore, the German government could not carry its people on the war effort. A political split within Germany over the issue was, however, evident when Ms Angela Markel, Chairperson of the opposition Christian Democrats, towed the American line in full. She said that the US-Europe alliance and a fair division of labour between the two over security issues was essential. She did not want Germany to take a “maverick path”. The French Minister of Defence, Mr Michele Alliot Marie, wanted NATO to adapt to new circumstances and explained the concept of European security and defence policy under which a European Rapid Reaction Force of about 60,000 troops, complimentary to NATO (?), to combat any low level threat anywhere will be ready this year. Given the bickering over the share of expenditure on NATO by the USA and the European member-states, this new organisation with extra-expenditure, however, conveyed a somewhat different impression. The Japanese Senior Vice-Minister for Foreign Affairs said that both Iraq and North Korea, with a similar character in posing the threat of WMD proliferation, were imminent problems facing the world community. He emphasised that North Korea was not a regional Far East Asia but international problem. He called upon Iraq to pro-actively address the unresolved issues and cooperate fully with UN Security Council resolutions. He recommended building of “an effective mechanism of international security” to tackle such challenges, as Iraq and North Korea were unlikely to be the first and last cases in WMD proliferation. The Chinese Deputy Chief of Staff of the People’s Liberation Army also stated that Iraq must comply with all the UN Security Council resolutions. He recommended that a political and diplomatic solution of the problem should be found under the United Nations and a military action avoided upto the last point. The Chinese General did not agree with the American assessment that North Korea would be in a position to manufacture five-six nuclear weapons in the next two-three months. He said China disapproved of North Korea’s withdrawal from the NPT and it would like the peninsula to remain politically stable and a WMD-free area. When questioned about China being in a unique situation surrounded by nuclear nations, he said that he was not pessimistic about it and his country relied on good relations with all its neighbours. The Iranian Deputy Minister for International and Legal Affairs also rejected unilateral use of force in Iraq. Despite poor Iraq-Iran relations in the past, an attack on Iraq will increase the chances of deployment of WMD in the area, human casualties, influx of refugees into Iran, adverse consequences of dismembering of Iraq on the neighbouring countries, the impact on the global oil market, and the presence of foreign military forces thus creating greater tension and instability in the region. He said almost all Iraqi neighbours shared this position, and the region could not afford another war. He called for enabling the UN Security Council to carry out its mandate to maintain international peace and security and emphasised the need to preserve Iraqi territorial integrity. While the debate on Iraq goes on both inside and outside the United Nations, the world, particularly Europe, is divided on the use of force by the US-led coalition till all diplomatic options are exhausted. The unipolar circumstances and the new diffused pattern of security threats have also affected the existing security alliances, particularly NATO. It seems that a strong and united Europe in future is less likely to follow America blindly on sensitive and crucial issues like a war. Huge anti-war rallies on February 15 are an indicator of the public opposition to a war without adequate justification. It is a period when most governments and people in the world are concerned and engaged in economic activities. In many countries of Eastern Europe and West and Central Asia there is a difference of opinion between the public and the rulers. There is also a strong apprehension among economists that a war may hasten a world-wide economic recession. I covered a few other aspects in an earlier article on January 15. As yet the Indian stance on the Iraq situation does not count very much to the world. There is no doubt that most of the political and economic consequences of this war will be adverse for India. A military action at this stage will cause immense sufferings to innocent people, including Indians in and outside Iraq, antagonise the Muslim community, affect political stability of the region and marginalise the United Nations. We hope that there will be no war, but India can ill-afford to be on the losing side either. Under these circumstances, it may be better to stay out of this open debate for as long as possible and indulge only in “quiet diplomacy”. Perhaps, this is what Mr Brajesh Mishra, India’s National Security Adviser, did in Munich besides speaking on international terrorism and in several one-to-one behind-the-scene meetings with other world leaders. (To be concluded) |
Rooting for India Like most hypocrites I keep up the facade of being a hardboiled rationalist. Deep down I suspect I am as much of a mumbo jumbo man as any self-professed rationalist. Since the Cricket World Cup is the flavour of the season let me share with you the mumbo jumbo of reasons why I have not given up on India winning the cup. I am willing to bet Azim Premji’s last penny on Ganguly’s Gang. Start placing your bets if you want to become as rich as the guy whose money I am offering you. I believe that the power of 3 is going to work in favour of the beleaguered Indian cricket team. Remember 1983? If you don’t, keep your ignorance of the most momentous event in the history of free India to yourself. If you do not want your house to be ransacked. Now let us get down to business. The year 1983 adds up to 21 and 21 adds up to 3. I can already see the missing glint in the eyes of the countless fans who went on the rampage after India lost to Australia without a decent fight. Yes, wake up you super patriots, we are going to win the cup because of the power of 3. Do you remember the margin of victory in that famous 1983 contest that made us the lords of all that one can survey on a cricket field at the Lord’s - the mecca of cricket? Yes, it was 43. You getting the drift? Now look at all the 3s that are going to help Ganguly’s Gang. March means move forward and it is also the third month of the calendar. The final will be played between India [take it for granted] and the next best team on the 23rd day of the third month of 2003. Now if you are not comfortable with the 3 getting tagged to 2 just remove the two zeros separating 2 and 3 in 2003 and cancel 23 with 23. What you are left with is the 3 of the month of March. Remember 43 was the margin of victory in 1983. The present World Cup is going to last 43 days. In the do-or-die contest with Zimbabwe on the third working day of the week we beat them by 83 runs. In 1983 the fortunes turned in our favour after we beat Zimbabwe in a match we should have lost.The holy trinity that guides our destiny is indeed working for us. There’s a minor problem. Saurav Ganguly’s name adds up to 7 according to my principles of do-it-yourself numerology. Kapil Dev’s adds up to 8. And 8, I am told, is an unbeatable number (I know it because my house number adds up to 8!). Should we allow the team to go down because Ganguly’s numbers do not add up? No. Let’s send an SOS to the the team to persuade Maharaj to add an additional “a” to his name to become
Saaurav or Sauraav or Ssaurav or Gaanguly if he loves India enough to see it lift the most sought after cup in the annals of international cricket. |
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New Chairperson of Human Rights Commission He said gender inequality, rights of the mother and the child pose the greatest challenge to human rights. His views on protecting the rights of the mother and the child were reflected in the Geetha Hariharan vs Reserve Bank of India case where he ruled that a mother could be regarded as a guardian even if the child’s father was living. Prior to the judgement, the mother could be regarded as a guardian only after the death of the father of the child. Justice Anand was enrolled as an advocate in November, 1964, after completing his studies in Jammu, Lucknow University and London. He practised criminal, constitutional and election law at the Punjab and Haryana High Court. He was appointed Additional Judge, Jammu & Kashmir High Court, in May, 1975. He became the Chief Justice, Jammu and Kashmir High Court, in May, 1985, and was transferred to the Madras High Court in November, 1989. He was appointed a Judge of the Supreme Court of India in November, 1991. Woman power for railways She also holds the unique distinction of being the first woman to be appointed Divisional Railway Manager (DRM), Additional General Manager, OSD and Additional Member of the Railway Board in the history of Indian Railways. She served the Mysore Division as DRM from 1995 to 1997. The division received the overall efficiency runner shield under her stewardship. Prior to this, she served as Additional DRM, Chennai division, for more than five years. She has also held the post of Officer on Special Duty, South-Western Railway, Bangalore. Mrs Viswanathan belongs to Allakurichi, South Arcot district, about 240 km from Chennai. A postgraduate in English literature from Madras University, she is fond of reading books on religion and management. She likes to attempt crosswords and watch Bharatnatyam. Her husband teaches chemistry at the IIT, Chennai. Mrs Viswanathan has testing times ahead with the presentation of the Railway Budget and the Class XII board examination of her only son. |
Aishwarya’s film mesmerises SA South African MPs cutting across party lines and race, who watched their first Bollywood film in Cape Town on Wednesday as a group, have been won over by the cultural values it depicted. Veteran South African Indian politician Farook Cassim invited about 30 MPs and their partners to a special screening of the film “Dil Ka Rishta”, starring Aishwarya Rai and Arjun Rampal. “It was a unique event which won over many of the black and white MPs who attended, many of whom said they would in future go and watch Bollywood movies, something they had never done before,” Cassim told IANS. “They were particularly impressed with the way “Dil Ka Rishta” portrayed the scenic beauty of Cape Town and the culture of South Africa. Indian dancers were dancing with young black children on the beach, so it became very good promotion of inter-racial harmony, given that South Africa is a combination of East, West and Africa.” The chairman of the committee, Geoff Doidge, said the absence of violence and the reinforcement of family values and cultural values made the film “nice to watch”, especially through the use of English subtitles which allowed him to follow the dialogues. Mbadi of the United Democratic Movement, who is of African origin and was also watching an Indian film for the first time, described the film as “an eye-opener”. Ebrahim Rasool, African National Congress minister, who is promoting the film industry in the Cape Province, said “Dil Ka Rishta” had done a great job in helping the province's efforts to promote the ever-increasing number of Hollywood and Bollywood film producers who were coming to shoot there. Introducing the film, Cassim said, “South Africa can learn from India, because its films reach out to people across race, colour and creed, encompassing a social message. This is something that South Africa can do.” Niche Market Manager for Ster-Kinekor, Shaamila Fataar, who is also responsible for the company's Bollywood circuit, said the support for Indian films from the MPs was very encouraging.
IANS |
Realise that thou art that- Brahman which is the one only reality, the cause of multiplicity, the cause that eliminates all other causes, different from the law of cause and effect.
*** Realise that thou art That - Brahman which alone shines, which is beyond the logos, all-pervading, uniform, truth consciousness, bliss, having no end, indestructible. —Vivekachudamani 254-259, 261, 263. |
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Former Chief Justice of India Justice Adarsh Sein Anand, who took over as Chairperson of the National Human Rights Commission on Monday, has pledged to preserve and strengthen the credibility of the commission. On his first day in office, the 66-year-old jurist said the focus of human rights should be on upholding human dignity, right to life and the civil, political, economic and social rights of the citizens. 
“Women should get their due,’’ says Vijaylaxmi Viswanathan, the new Financial Commissioner, Railways, and the first lady ever to be appointed a member in the Railway Board. Mrs Viswanathan, who belongs to the 1968 batch of the Indian Railways Accounts Service (IRAS), feels that women have been entrusted a reasonable role in the Indian Railways.