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Growth zones Breach of contract |
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In deep waters Tsunami triggers new explorations SOME six weeks after the tsunami struck Asia, images of the undersea upheaval are available. What they reveal is breathtaking, if only because the images underscore how little was known about the phenomenon.
Forging the shield
Warning for relegation
Bollywood caters to urban middle class Defence notes
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Growth zones LAST September, on his first visit to Amritsar, Prime Minister Manmohan Singh offered a special economic zone (SEZ) for the neglected border city. It is still being talked about. On Thursday, at a seminar in Chandigarh, his Principal Secretary, Mr T.K.A. Nair, gave tips to the state authorities on how to set up the SEZ. A feasibility study indicates the SEZ, spread over 1,000 acres, will cost Rs 509 crore. It can attract an investment of Rs 1,100 crore in food processing, textile, light engineering, auto parts, hand tool and bicycle units. But the proposal is still on paper. Being the gateway to Pakistan, Amritsar can target exports to this side of the globe. Reports say wheat sells at Rs 1,800 a quintal in Pakistan while the Punjab farmer gets only Rs 680. The Punjab Chief Minister is taking a delegation of industry to Pakistan on March 12 to explore further trade possibilities. The potential is immense, no doubt, but the holy city is ill-prepared for an industrial upsurge. Infrastructure is woefully inadequate. The Amritsar airport is a little better than a village railway station. Law and order does not prevail to the desired level. Roads are terrible, specially those connecting villages. The city’s unplanned growth and chaotic traffic can put off hopes for big investments. But these problems are not insurmountable. Not just Punjab, the whole region needs many such economic zones. China has shown how special zones, or clusters of industrial units, can lead to fast growth. Haryana, Himachal Pradesh, Punjab, Chandigarh and Jammu and Kashmir can all pool resources to build world-class infrastructure and develop large industrial clusters. Each state has its specific strengths, geographical advantages, raw material sources and untapped potential for growth. Joint facilities to train manpower can be established. The services sector, IT, biotechnology, tourism and agro-industries are key areas which require common efforts. The region offers excellent medical and educational facilities. The quality of life is better than that in the polluted metros. Such factors decide the destination of investment. The region is waiting to be tapped. The regional leaders need to rise to the occasion. |
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Breach of contract THE Punjab and Haryana High Court’s directive to the Haryana Government to pay all outstanding dues to the state’s former Lokayukta, Justice I.P. Vasishth, is welcome and needs to be appreciated. The manner in which the Om Parkash Chautala government dealt with him was improper and against all established norms. Mr Chautala may have had differences of opinion over Justice Vasishth’s appointment as the Lokayukta by his predecessor, Mr Bansi Lal. But the government should not have harassed him to the extent of denying the judge even his legitimate right to compensation in accordance with the terms of the contract. The government was within its powers to abolish the Lokayukta post. This was the reason why the High Court did not find fault with the government. The latter would do well to implement the directive and pay the outstanding dues expeditiously to the former Lokayukta. It would be a travesty of justice if the government indulges in litigation and goes on appeal against the ruling in the Supreme Court. It is time persons occupying such high positions were treated with due respect and honour. At a time when corruption has spread its tentacles to every branch of the government, the Lokayukta’s role in tackling this deep-rooted menace needs no overemphasis. The Karnataka Lokayukta, Justice Venkatachala, has demonstrated to what extent the ombudsman can arouse the consciousness of the general public and play an effective role in checking corruption. For instance, he makes surprise checks in government offices and books on the spot those found indulging in corruption. Officers are on their toes every day as the Lokayukta is known for his determination to weed out corrupt elements from the system. The office of the Lokayukta needs to be taken seriously, though the institution exists only in 17 states. In certain states, there is a crisis of identity. While the office is vacant in Punjab and Himachal Pradesh, it has no more than ornamental value in Rajasthan. |
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In deep waters SOME six weeks after the tsunami struck Asia, images of the undersea upheaval are available. What they reveal is breathtaking, if only because the images underscore how little was known about the phenomenon. The three-dimensional pictures of the seabed off Indonesia (where the earthquake struck) taken by a sonar on the Royal Navy ship HMS Scott shows an ocean floor where the geological cataclysm has caused canyons and mountains. This is the result of a shift in the layers of tectonic plates at the rate of 2.4 inches a year, suggesting that the cumulative pressure built up over the decades triggered the earthquake. The findings, based on this data, have compelled a re-evaluation and it is now reckoned that the earthquake was three times larger and more powerful that was previously calculated. This is, indeed, startling. But it should also have the sobering effect of making governments – and not only of the affected countries — realise that there remain vast geological phenomena and forces that have escaped comprehension. The data gathered by HMS Scott is still being analysed. It is bound to intensify the explorations with a view to understanding undersea geological faults and their likely effects. The depth and dimensions of these emerging challenges in oceanography may provide clues to the threats therein, as also to beneficial prospects that cannot yet be speculated upon. This places a new and more onerous responsibility on the international community, including the United Nations. In the aftermath of the tsunami, the preoccupation has been with recovery, relief and rehabilitation; mobilising and managing the resources for the effort; and working on advance warning technology and systems. The underwater images now captured call for global engagement at an altogether different level to discover and learn the secrets of the deep for the greater benefit of people on earth. |
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Failure will not overcome me so long as my will to succeed is stronger. — Micheal S. Kirby
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Forging the shield THE Budget season is on. The Finance Minister is meeting important stakeholders before he decides on the Budget. Going by the past practice, however, he will not meet the Service Chiefs who are directly responsible for external and internal security, and emergencies like disaster relief. And, who have a major stake in spending over 16 per cent of total government expenditure and 2.5 per cent of the GDP. Civil officials of the MoD and the Finance Ministry would provide inputs for the preparation and modernisation of the Armed Forces and the procedural difficulties encountered in this regard. Our recent practices also point towards total lack of parliamentary discussions on defence planning, preparedness and accountability. With no further elections in sight, one hopes that the Budget session this year would be different. It is in this context, that I wish to highlight some points made by the Standing Committee on Defence in its first report on Demands For Grant (2004-2005). The report has not only commented on the budgetary demands of the armed forces and other elements of the MoD, but has also re-raised several important points on defence modernisation, procedures, and organisations. Let me start with the modernisation. Last year, the three Services and other defence departments projected a requirement of Rs 1,03,150.70 crore but were allocated only Rs 77,000 crore. The Defence Minister protested immediately on its inadequacy, particularly on the Capital Expenditure allocation. The ministry stated that the entire Capital Expenditure would be spent on committed liabilities (signed contracts) and only Rs 1000 crore would be available for new schemes/acquisitions. The Standing Committee expressed serious concern and stated that many new projects/schemes at various stages of finalisation would have to be deferred. In the Interim Budget last year, the NDA Government, after years of deliberations, had announced setting up of a non-lapsable Defence Modernisation Fund with a corpus of Rs 25,000 crore. In Defence Budget 2004-05, the UPA Government surprised everyone by making no such allocation and stated that it had yet to take a decision on setting up of this fund. The Defence Committee has expressed its “extreme dismay” and “deep anguish” at the abrupt policy reversal, particularly when “lapsing of funds year after year has greatly hampered procurement of defence equipment and modernisation plans”. The committee has asked for setting up of this fund with committed allocations “at once”. Till the time of writing this article, there has been no revised estimate (RE) of the Defence Budget 2004-05. Even if additional projection has been for capital projects, and is sanctioned, it would be too late to utilise this amount optimally due to the “end of March syndrome”. For the armed forces, long-term defence planning is paramount due to dynamic strategic environment, rapid advances in technology, time required to acquire new weapons and equipment, and to reorganise. It takes a long time to convert rupees into capabilities, and therefore the necessity of five-year Defence Plan. The Standing Committee has commented that despite half of the Tenth Defence Plan (2002-2007) period having elapsed, the plan is yet to be finalised. It has expressed unhappiness over lack of urgency and with the “planning mechanism in the ministry which has moved only at a snails’ place.” It has also recommended that “the ministry should prepare a 15-year road map with long term strategic vision to be updated periodically for modernisation and acquisition plans...” After Kargil war, the Group of Ministers (GoM) constituted to review the whole gamut of national security had observed that the procurement structure in the MoD was responsible for sub-optimal utilisation of funds and long delays in acquisitions, which had affected modernisation of the armed forces adversely. Consequently, a dedicated Defence Procurement Board (DPB) was set up under a Special Secretary to deal speedily with major acquisition cases that required Cabinet approval. The Standing Committee has observed that out of 75 cases approved by the board in the last three years, contracts had been signed in only 51 cases, including 48 cases under the fast track procedure (much maligned after Kargil war procurements). One-third of such cases are still pending. The committee has opined that the DPB has “miserably failed” to speed up the process and seems to have added one more tier in clearance of proposals causing further delays. It has recommended another study group “to examine the entire gamut of defence procurement procedures and structures and suggest appropriate modifications.” On the creation of the post of Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), still pending before the government, the committee has noted that the “coordination and synergy amongst the armed forces, service headquarters and the MoD is extremely vital for expeditious decision making and also for enhancing the capabilities of our defence forces. The existing structure for higher defence management, viz, the Chiefs of Staff Committee, has not been able to perform their role and function in bringing together and promoting coordination amongst the services.” The committee has asked the MoD to urgently take a view on the recommendation of the GoM to ensure the immediate establishment of the CDS. The Standing Committee has also expressed serious concern on the 28 per cent shortage of officers in the army. The reason as every one knows is that Short Service Commission (SSC) is not attractive enough to the talented youth due to lack of promotional avenues and difficult service conditions. Some years ago, the army and a Working Group under the present Defence Secretary had proposed that for revamping state armed police, central police forces and paramilitary forces, and to maintain lower age profile and improve promotional avenues of the officers in the army, selected army officers (and men) be laterally inducted into the paramilitary forces. These personnel will not only bring army ethos and culture but also save state money on training. The laterally inducted personnel will benefit by serving longer. It will be a win- win situation for all. The Standing Committee, without going into the revamping of paramilitary forces aspect, has recommended that the MoD should take all measures for more promotional avenues of the Short Service Commission Officers, reservation and lateral transfer to PSUs, Central Para Military Forces, Railways etc, and for pro rata pension to officers who have rendered even five years mandatory service. Noting the poor rate of induction of NCC Cadets into the Armed Forces, the committee has asked the MoD to consider imparting specialised training to the cadets in development of communication skills and inculcating leadership qualities so that they can face the Selection Board more confidently. The Standing Committee has welcomed the newly established ex-servicemen welfare department in the MoD but has pointed out to the delay in the report from the Inter Ministerial Committee constituted to examine one rank one pension. Even after Kargil war and (partial) implementation of the GoM report, there appears to be no change in our attitude and procedures for defence modernisation. The government may have changed but these problems have not. No wonder that despite substantial budgetary support, efforts towards modernisation of the armed forces are not bearing fruit. The focus is missing. There is no point talking about revolution in military affairs, information systems and net centric warfare, if we cannot induct relevant weapons and equipment in time. No one is affected more than the soldiers who have always to be prepared for all kinds of contingencies. We must remember that military is an organismic being; not a switch on-switch off
robot.
***** The writer, a former Chief of Army Staff, is currently President, ORF Institute of Security Studies. |
Warning for relegation CHINESE had launched their massive attacks across the McMohan line in NEFA on October 20, 1962. Prime Minister Nehru, his government and the nation at large were shocked beyond belief at the great betrayal by a friendly country. A large number of young army officers had made the supreme sacrifice fighting a bloody war with great determination and courage against very heavy odds. A very strong wave of patriotism was sweeping the country and a large number of young men and not so young from all walks of life had volunteered for service in the armed forces and were undergoing abridged training courses at the IMA, Dehra Dun. An ex-NDA colleague of IMA days was posted as platoon commander in the rank of Captain. He noticed that a particular Gentleman Cadet (GC) in his 30s, was always found speaking in chaste Hindi instead of English which was against the rules as the medium of instruction at the IMA was English. He warned the GC a number of times on his chance meetings during the training, advising him to try and converse in English without hesitation of making mistakes as that was the only way to practise speaking English, which after all was not a very difficult language to pick up. The GC would always give him a smile and a set answer: “Hum Prayatn Karenge, Sir”. (I will try sir). The term (semester) was coming to a close, and there was still no improvement shown by the GC on English front. Report was to be written on his performance for the term, and the Platoon Commander decided to serve him a written warning for relegation to the junior course should he fail to show an improvement in the next term. The GC was called to the office and ordered to be marched up in the orderly room to receive the warning. The officer put on his peak-cap, sat upright in his chair and ordered the Sergeant Major to march in the Gentlemen Cadet. The GC was duly marched in. Platoon Commander was furious as his advice had no affect, whatsoever, on the GC as he still has that fleeting smile on his face and spoke in Hindi. He shouted at the GC: “Why the bloody hell can’t you bloody well speak in bloody English despite my bloody warnings to you throughout the bloody term? You are bloody well warned for the bloody relegation to the junior bloody course for failing to pick up the bloody language. Here! you bloody well sign on this bloody warning before I ask the bloody Sergeant Major to march you bloody out”. By now the GC could control himself no more and was in splits. The officer shouted again: “Why the bloody hell are you laughing? Do you want to be relegated straight away? I can bloody well do that now!” The GC then started explaining: “Sir Ham St Stephen College Delhi ke English literature ke adhyapak the, aur ham ne English Leterature mein MA kiya hai. Yadi ham English bolenge to aap ki smajh men nahin aayega” (Sir I was a lecturer at St Stephens College Delhi for English Literature. If I start speaking English, it would be beyond your comprehension). The officer did not know what had hit him. He got up from his chair, wiped the sweat from his eyebrows and simply said: “Seargent Major Fall Out. Gentleman Cadet Aap jane ko sakta hai (Gentleman Cadet, you may please
go). |
Bollywood caters to urban middle class
This is particularly acute for rural versus urban filmgoers. I observed this fact during a recent presentation I gave to an audience at the India Habitat Centre in Delhi. The audience, including the discussion moderator, comprised mostly academics from colleges and universities in the area. As I presented my findings culled from several interviews of youth, mostly college students, from rural areas in Punjab, I was met with great resistance to, even denial of, the viewpoint of the rural audience. For example, many of my interview subjects saw the film Kal Ho Na Ho, while entertaining, as an unsettling celebration of Western culture and a rejection of Indian culture. The Delhi audience saw it quite differently, holding up the movie as an example of the “celebration of post-colonial multiculturalism” and “transgression of gender and sexuality roles.” The elitism of such readings resides in an unspoken assumption that the rural youth simply don’t understand the nuances of intellectualism. As my presentation continued, I grew more and more dismayed at the urban audience’s reaction to my findings. While I personally believed their reading of Bollywood films stretched the boundaries of reasonable interpretation, far more problematic was their outright rejection and denial of the voices of the rural youth. At one point, one audience member went so far as to say that my interview subjects could not recognise the American flag, so how could they be bothered by its ubiquitous presence in Kal Ho Na Ho! This viewpoint was readily endorsed by the rest of the audience. Perhaps not surprisingly, my experience reveals the ever-widening cultural gap between urban and rural India. More so, it exposed a disturbing underbelly of this gap which is the disconnectedness of the urban upper middle class from the rest of India and the complicity of Bollywood films in furthering this alienation. It is no secret that Bollywood now plays to an ever more wealthy, urban upper-middle class in India, and an ever-growing population of NRIs globally, both communities being healthy consumers of Western culture and commercial products. Bollywood is increasingly using foreign locales, dancers, and music to create a canvas for the middle-class audience in which they can see their own desires and experiences being reflected. The India Habitat Centre audience, as it strained credibility to find higher meaning in these films, was clearly satisfied with the state of Bollywood films. My rural audience is clearly uncomfortable with these films and the confusing, mixed message they give about cultural identity. They recognise and are appalled by the hyper-commercialisation of the films, the upper-class lifestyle which these films promote, and the sheer absence of the Indian village from the Bollywood landscape. That they are able to identify and express this discomfort is, in my opinion, admirable, given the current cultural atmosphere in India which, on surface, wholeheartedly embraces global consumerism and Westernisation. It was striking to me that my urban audience, supposedly more educated, sophisticated and wordly than my rural audience, had a much less critical eye towards Bollywood films. In understanding this phenomenon I am mindful of the oft-repeated notion that the British were wildly successful in creating a class of Indians “in their own eye” which could further their colonial ambitions. There continues to be in India an elite, powerful community which shares more in common with the West than most other Indians. They continue to be complicit in thrusting their own vision of progress and culture onto India at the expense of poor and rural communities. And it is the Bollywood films of today that have become the best agent of this divide between the urban middle class, Hinglish-speaking India (and their relatives who live abroad) and the other, amorphous, rural, non-English speaking, non-dollar earning, non-outsourced, marginalised India.
**** The writer is a Professor of Communication at the State University of New York and is currently a Senior Fulbright Lecturer at Punjabi University, Patiala. |
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Defence notes by Girja Shankar Kaura THE new Chief of Army Staff, Gen Joginder Jaswant Singh, remains a favourite of the Marathas. It was no surprise that the first call that the Chief of Army Staff received after taking over the hot seat at the South Block was from Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj of Kohlapur. It was a proud moment for the Marathas, who have a history of fighting legendary wars, as one of them had finally made to the top post in the Army. General Singh spoke to the Maharaj in fluent Marathi and assured him of following the rich tradition of Chhatrapati Shivaji. By his own admission, General Singh is more of a Maratha than a Sikh as he has spent 41 years with the Marathas and the Maratha Light Infantry. The respect that the Marathas have for him can be gauged from the fact that he is also the Colonel of the Regiment. Incidentally, the Maharaj’s father was also a Major in the Army and Chhatrapati Sahu Maharaj is also recognised as the unofficial Colonel of the Regiment, a respect given to him for the stature that he enjoys among the Marathas.
Improving ties with Israel The Israeli participation at the recent Aero India show at Bangalore has proved that the UPA government is keen, like the NDA regime, to improve ties with Israel despite reservations of the Left. Even though India’s Arab friends do not like it, the strong presence of the Israelis — all their top defence production companies are participating in Aero India — has shown that India remains on the top of the chart for this West Asian country. There is talk of Indo-Israeli joint exercises. Israel has bagged a contract for the supply of missiles to the Indian Navy. The products which are being put on offer for India at the show include the newest small UAV, Skylite, which can be fired from a canister. India and Israel are already in discussion for the sale of UAV Heron II and joint development of the Barak missiles.
Dhruv getting popular After an enthralling performance in Chile and other countries, HAL’s Advanced Light Helicopter, Dhruv, is now catching the eyes of operators within the country also. Although the Indian Air Force has quite a number of Dhruvas in its inventory, the Government of Jharkhand has now placed an order with HAL for the supply of two Dhruvas — one for the police and the other for the VIPs. Dhruv covers the entire spectrum of heli-services which are required for the civil administration today. It is a state-of-the-art twin-engine all-weather helicopter. It incorporates advanced avionics, digital engine control, digital autopilot and redundancy in all major systems to ensure reliable and safe operations. Hopefully, Dhruv will soon catch the eyes of other operators in the country and replace the imported helicopters. It was the cynosure of all eyes at the air display during the opening of the Aero India 2005 earlier in the week at Bangalore. |
When a young sets out what other old and renowned warriors could not, there are some who encourage him. They praise his strength. Above all they praise his lofty will to dare. — The Mahabharata I look upon an increase in the power of the State with the greatest fear because, although while apparently doing good by minimising exploitation, it does the greatest harm to mankind by destroying individuality which lies at the heart of all progress. — Mahatma Gandhi  |
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IN a country as diverse as India, Bollywood films seem to have a universal appeal and following. However, in researching how audiences view recent Bollywood hits, I have discovered that the Indian audience is as splintered and disconnected as many other aspects of Indian society.