I was watching the post budget analysis and surfing channels to see how industry stalwarts and the common people are reacting to the budget and there were multiple reactions to Pranabda’s budget. Some good and some not so good to some ugly. I do not completely like the budget although there are few small steps taken in the right direction, where, possibly I expected long leaps.
Interestingly, a spokesperson from the left felt that the common man was missed out in this budget. There could be three reasons why he said so:
01. He was sleeping through the budget,
02. He does not understand the needs of the common man and
03. He does not understand what a budget is.
My take on the gains for the common man are many:
a) Reduction in personal taxes
b) Reduction in cost of a host of products
c) Emphasis on the agro sector (with incentive to pay up on time)
d) Investment in infrastructure, power, rural and urban development
I am sure there are many more that I have not mentioning here.
Good budget, or bad budget, it’s a sigh of relief not to have the left at the helm of things.
Cheers India, we left them out!
Tuesday, July 7, 2009
Plan for reducing our budget deficit
With the new budget being announced, we see a well identified challenge of sustaining GDP growth of 9% (my gut feel is 7-8%). There are multiple areas announced in the budget that lay the foundation of to sustaining the GDP growth rate – infrastructure, power, agriculture and urban development. This benefit to the common man comes at a cost – higher fiscal deficit – approx INR 400,000 crores.
Here are three ways of bringing down the deficit if not completely neutralizing it:
1. Tax ‘productivity-hurdles’ for the nation (target INR 500 crores +)
a. For every political party / organization that organizes a bundh which affects productivity of a state, city or country with or without violence does it at a cost – INR 15 crores + cost of property destroyed
b. Labour groups calling for bandh at a production facility or service outlet – INR 5 crore + cost of loss of revenue
c. For over shooting of project deadlines, the contractors / vendors should be charged a part of their fee – it always happens in the private business world
2. Tax corruption (target INR 100,000 Crores +)
a. People taking bribes pay 10 times the bribed amount presuming that they have done this at least 10 times earlier and need to cough it up
b. Misuse of national property or funds – example Mayavati’s statues campaign – charge 5 times the amount spent from public money or a la Deve Gauda taking multiple trips in a month to Bangalore when he was the PM.
c. Non-payment of government dues – charge unsecured personal loan rates of interest (18-22% PA) for offenders beyond a crore of rupees, e.g., Reliance Industries not paying electricity bills to the board
d. Vote bank corruption should be charged at cost + INR 10 crores from the party resorting to such politics, e.g., 90:10 education policy of Maharashtra govt.
e. Infrastructure project revaluation midway, after lowest bid wins – the contractor pays for the increased value (surprisingly this has become a norm today)
3. Private participation in spends (INR 200,000 crores +)
a. This is at a conceptual level. Private companies earn revenues from the society pay taxes to the government. They expect rules to be changed to suit their company or industry. What about doing their bit for infrastructure, healthcare, well being of the society? I am not talking of lipstick-on-a-pig CSR initiatives. I think we have a role model in the form of Tatas as a group. Can each large corporate of over INR 100 crores of PAT contribute 10% of their profits (post tax) for a better India? Remember this 100 crores of Profit is gained from your country – India, a key stakeholder in your company
This sounds achievable and real. I am sure it will take a lot of beating from the corporate world, the babus, and politicians. But what the heck? If this is what the country needs, we got to do it.
Is India listening? Here’s over INR 300,000 crores recovered from the deficit!
Here are three ways of bringing down the deficit if not completely neutralizing it:
1. Tax ‘productivity-hurdles’ for the nation (target INR 500 crores +)
a. For every political party / organization that organizes a bundh which affects productivity of a state, city or country with or without violence does it at a cost – INR 15 crores + cost of property destroyed
b. Labour groups calling for bandh at a production facility or service outlet – INR 5 crore + cost of loss of revenue
c. For over shooting of project deadlines, the contractors / vendors should be charged a part of their fee – it always happens in the private business world
2. Tax corruption (target INR 100,000 Crores +)
a. People taking bribes pay 10 times the bribed amount presuming that they have done this at least 10 times earlier and need to cough it up
b. Misuse of national property or funds – example Mayavati’s statues campaign – charge 5 times the amount spent from public money or a la Deve Gauda taking multiple trips in a month to Bangalore when he was the PM.
c. Non-payment of government dues – charge unsecured personal loan rates of interest (18-22% PA) for offenders beyond a crore of rupees, e.g., Reliance Industries not paying electricity bills to the board
d. Vote bank corruption should be charged at cost + INR 10 crores from the party resorting to such politics, e.g., 90:10 education policy of Maharashtra govt.
e. Infrastructure project revaluation midway, after lowest bid wins – the contractor pays for the increased value (surprisingly this has become a norm today)
3. Private participation in spends (INR 200,000 crores +)
a. This is at a conceptual level. Private companies earn revenues from the society pay taxes to the government. They expect rules to be changed to suit their company or industry. What about doing their bit for infrastructure, healthcare, well being of the society? I am not talking of lipstick-on-a-pig CSR initiatives. I think we have a role model in the form of Tatas as a group. Can each large corporate of over INR 100 crores of PAT contribute 10% of their profits (post tax) for a better India? Remember this 100 crores of Profit is gained from your country – India, a key stakeholder in your company
This sounds achievable and real. I am sure it will take a lot of beating from the corporate world, the babus, and politicians. But what the heck? If this is what the country needs, we got to do it.
Is India listening? Here’s over INR 300,000 crores recovered from the deficit!
Saturday, June 27, 2009
‘Education’ in India – a new buzz word
With Kapil Sibal’s new found interest in education, I am sure we will see changes. Changes that he will be hailed for and changes that he will be booed for. Either way, I believe this is a start of a new chapter in Indian Education.
Although I am not privy to the changes being made at a grass root level, I still believe these are too small steps coming too late. The issue we face in education is a little more than ‘to have exams or not to have exams’.
Are the students trained to do something in a practical ‘big bad world’? Let’s look at what science graduates Zoology do. Or for than matter what do engineers do? A mechanical engineer goes ahead and becomes a software professional. A Zoology graduate becomes an advertising professional handling FMCG accounts. So is it about just being a graduate or actually learning to do something that is required in the industry.
Unfortunately, the pace at which the industry grows, is not the same as the pace at which our education changes. In fact, we need to look at education from two critical aspects:
01. Getting students ready for what they can do in parlance to the industry
02. Making education boards agile to change patters, content and education modes to drive employability to students.
Hope Mr. Sibal is seeing it from this perspective
Although I am not privy to the changes being made at a grass root level, I still believe these are too small steps coming too late. The issue we face in education is a little more than ‘to have exams or not to have exams’.
Are the students trained to do something in a practical ‘big bad world’? Let’s look at what science graduates Zoology do. Or for than matter what do engineers do? A mechanical engineer goes ahead and becomes a software professional. A Zoology graduate becomes an advertising professional handling FMCG accounts. So is it about just being a graduate or actually learning to do something that is required in the industry.
Unfortunately, the pace at which the industry grows, is not the same as the pace at which our education changes. In fact, we need to look at education from two critical aspects:
01. Getting students ready for what they can do in parlance to the industry
02. Making education boards agile to change patters, content and education modes to drive employability to students.
Hope Mr. Sibal is seeing it from this perspective
A traffic cop that the nation should be proud of
The other day I was moving around Andheri West in Bombay, trying to navigate my way in the overtly crowded roads. Cars kept zipping by, BEST buses hogged the roads, Rickshaws kept swinging lanes to avoid hitting and being hit, but mostly to avoid picking up local passengers as it would result in low fare earnings.
At a traffic junction, I saw a traffic cop literally pulling a rickshaw off the road to allow an old couple get on and move. Not a single rickshaw was stopping to pick them up. Just as we got our green signal to move on, I saw him stopping another rickshaw to accommodate a mother and child standing on the road.
I kept moving trying to navigate the traffic and my chores. But the face of the cop and the acts kept smiling at me. On my way back I asked a shop owner there about the cop and him stopping the rickshaws for passengers who wait and do not get a ride. He said that this cop (still do not know his name) does help out people keeping the ‘spirit of the law higher than the law itself’.
Amid all the corruption we see in the police cadre, acts like this change the mindset of people. This is truly where protectors act as protectors and are seen the same way.
A bright light of hope. I sincerely want to see that cop being given recognition for what he is doing.
At a traffic junction, I saw a traffic cop literally pulling a rickshaw off the road to allow an old couple get on and move. Not a single rickshaw was stopping to pick them up. Just as we got our green signal to move on, I saw him stopping another rickshaw to accommodate a mother and child standing on the road.
I kept moving trying to navigate the traffic and my chores. But the face of the cop and the acts kept smiling at me. On my way back I asked a shop owner there about the cop and him stopping the rickshaws for passengers who wait and do not get a ride. He said that this cop (still do not know his name) does help out people keeping the ‘spirit of the law higher than the law itself’.
Amid all the corruption we see in the police cadre, acts like this change the mindset of people. This is truly where protectors act as protectors and are seen the same way.
A bright light of hope. I sincerely want to see that cop being given recognition for what he is doing.
Saturday, May 16, 2009
What brought about the fall of the BJP Empire?
BJP is a large national party. What did they stand for in this election? Hindutva or secularism or the economy? Did they stand for health care or technology enablement in the country? Did they stand for strong international policies or did they stand for domestic security? Did they stand for Roti, Kapda aur Makaan? Did they stand for education and commerce?
Actually they stood for all of these. All of these are needed for India today! So, where is it that they went wrong? Should they blame Congress, the Left or themselves? Here are four possible reasons why they have lost:
01. Positioning of the party moved from plank to plank. This was the biggest blunder. Any marketer would want to have a focused campaign with a single minded proposition. Unfortunately, BJP did not follow this basic marketing principle. Maybe, they did not have any strong plank to promote.
02. BJP tried to score political points in time of a disaster – 26/11, Mumbai attacks. This actually backfired on them. Insensitivity to the voters’ feeling was a key contribution for their failure.
03. Personal attacks on the Prime Minister – weak vs. strong. This actually showed, that they were again insensitive to people who have contributed to the growth of the country – cutting across party lines. Plus the reason for this attack as seen by voters is the fact that BJP does not have any plank to make a pitch or debate.
04. Last reason but no the least, was the support for non-secular Varun. This was another tactical move by the BJP to showcase their pro-Hindutva stand. This was another piece that backfired for them – although it built a political career of a non-existing Varun.
In short, BJP was insensitive, lacked positioning (read as lack of real agenda), indulged in personal attacks rather than attacks on issues and finally they supported Talibanization within India.
And yes, they paid the price. Two pieces of advise to the BJP:
a) They should have some strong differentiated issues and agenda
b) They should hire a good marketing organization the next time around!
Actually they stood for all of these. All of these are needed for India today! So, where is it that they went wrong? Should they blame Congress, the Left or themselves? Here are four possible reasons why they have lost:
01. Positioning of the party moved from plank to plank. This was the biggest blunder. Any marketer would want to have a focused campaign with a single minded proposition. Unfortunately, BJP did not follow this basic marketing principle. Maybe, they did not have any strong plank to promote.
02. BJP tried to score political points in time of a disaster – 26/11, Mumbai attacks. This actually backfired on them. Insensitivity to the voters’ feeling was a key contribution for their failure.
03. Personal attacks on the Prime Minister – weak vs. strong. This actually showed, that they were again insensitive to people who have contributed to the growth of the country – cutting across party lines. Plus the reason for this attack as seen by voters is the fact that BJP does not have any plank to make a pitch or debate.
04. Last reason but no the least, was the support for non-secular Varun. This was another tactical move by the BJP to showcase their pro-Hindutva stand. This was another piece that backfired for them – although it built a political career of a non-existing Varun.
In short, BJP was insensitive, lacked positioning (read as lack of real agenda), indulged in personal attacks rather than attacks on issues and finally they supported Talibanization within India.
And yes, they paid the price. Two pieces of advise to the BJP:
a) They should have some strong differentiated issues and agenda
b) They should hire a good marketing organization the next time around!
Friday, May 8, 2009
The vanishing lines – politicians will be politicians
Ideologies vanish, passions vanish, agendas vanish and so does conscience. This is what happens with political parties and politicians in India. The day election fever started, every one wanted to stand on their own two feet. Smaller parties moved out of from larger national parties to announce their own sq ft of land. The lines were clearly drawn for negotiation tables (????).
As the days go by, you see each one of them keeping their options open and trying to be friendly to one another on ground (read everyone as the types of Sharad Pawar, Lalu Yadhav, Orissa CM, CPM, the Southern parties etc.) and still show their dislike for one another. A unique love and hate relationship between parties and players.
Slowly as we come to the climax we see alliances which were once broken, come closer. And the lines vanish. Some party workers clearly say that alliances will be announced only after elections are over and the results are out. Obviously, we are talking about money transactions (obviously coz’ they had moved out due to difference in agendas and opinions). How can these clear demarcations be moved after elections? (The official story will be 'for the good of my country'.)
I know this country cannot do without politicians and politics. But how long do we have to take this crap. I remember vaguely there was a law (once upon a time) that barred politicians from jumping political parties, immediately pre and post elections… Not sure if that rule stands good today. But how different is this?
Its almost like banning hawala and allowing free money transfer by Western Unions and Times of Moneys of the world.
Today the same nitwits change parties (well, not technically) but yes, for a price, the political bazzar is abuzz with bids, quotes and currency passing hands!!! Or am I dreaming of a bad world when the life with politics and politicians are very noble!!!
How can the lines vanish so fast? What happens to their own sq ft of land?
As the days go by, you see each one of them keeping their options open and trying to be friendly to one another on ground (read everyone as the types of Sharad Pawar, Lalu Yadhav, Orissa CM, CPM, the Southern parties etc.) and still show their dislike for one another. A unique love and hate relationship between parties and players.
Slowly as we come to the climax we see alliances which were once broken, come closer. And the lines vanish. Some party workers clearly say that alliances will be announced only after elections are over and the results are out. Obviously, we are talking about money transactions (obviously coz’ they had moved out due to difference in agendas and opinions). How can these clear demarcations be moved after elections? (The official story will be 'for the good of my country'.)
I know this country cannot do without politicians and politics. But how long do we have to take this crap. I remember vaguely there was a law (once upon a time) that barred politicians from jumping political parties, immediately pre and post elections… Not sure if that rule stands good today. But how different is this?
Its almost like banning hawala and allowing free money transfer by Western Unions and Times of Moneys of the world.
Today the same nitwits change parties (well, not technically) but yes, for a price, the political bazzar is abuzz with bids, quotes and currency passing hands!!! Or am I dreaming of a bad world when the life with politics and politicians are very noble!!!
How can the lines vanish so fast? What happens to their own sq ft of land?
Low Electoral Turnaround – looking the different direction
Interestingly, this year, we are seeing lower turnaround of voters. Is it surprising?
TV news channels say that voters do not like any candidates and are hence, keeping their distance from voting. My Bombay saw low turnout after the phenomenal heights of voices, post the Bombay terror attacks. Was this different from other elections or are Bombaites really not concerned?
Vir Sanghvi, wrote on The Hindustan Times (dated: May 2, 2009), that Bombay voters are somewhat not interested in voting or taking part in any kind of democratic voicing. Is that really correct? Today, when we see other cities and states, we find the same trend. We did not see the the expected young voters or first time voters this election. Why?
Jaagore.com started a massive campaign and ensured that many citizens had their cup of tea and woke up. They did – a good number of them. It will be interesting for the sponsors of Jaagore.com to do a small research. From all the people who followed their path and registered with the government for voting, how many were actually allowed to vote?
I will take my example. The form that Jaagore.com wanted us to present was not accepted by the election office in Kandivali (E), Bombay. They gave us anther form and refused our proof of residence (one that was confirmed by Jaagore.com). We followed the new form with the Jaagore.com form and interestingly we were told that we will be allowed to vote and that our names will take a month or so to come on list. Every time we checked after our month of waiting we were told that the new name lists have not come yet. Four trips to the election office and many phone calls - no effect.
Finally on the day of voting, when I checked with the lists in our locality, I found two new names against my house number!!! Some Mr. Singh and Mrs. Singh. Who are these people? How do they appear on my house number when I am the very first occupant of this house and I have registered with the election office at least 3 months in advance?
Mr. Sanghvi, and dear TV news analysts, are you reading something here? You are not only barking up the wrong tree, you are also misguiding people. Have you ever thought how goons in politics are taking advantage of pushing down new voters and ensuring their vote banks are more stable?
When will we be truly democratic and give the basic rights of voting to citizens who want to vote? When will politicians and their so called followers (read jokers) keep the real cards in play?
My question to the election commission is, “When will I be able to vote”?
TV news channels say that voters do not like any candidates and are hence, keeping their distance from voting. My Bombay saw low turnout after the phenomenal heights of voices, post the Bombay terror attacks. Was this different from other elections or are Bombaites really not concerned?
Vir Sanghvi, wrote on The Hindustan Times (dated: May 2, 2009), that Bombay voters are somewhat not interested in voting or taking part in any kind of democratic voicing. Is that really correct? Today, when we see other cities and states, we find the same trend. We did not see the the expected young voters or first time voters this election. Why?
Jaagore.com started a massive campaign and ensured that many citizens had their cup of tea and woke up. They did – a good number of them. It will be interesting for the sponsors of Jaagore.com to do a small research. From all the people who followed their path and registered with the government for voting, how many were actually allowed to vote?
I will take my example. The form that Jaagore.com wanted us to present was not accepted by the election office in Kandivali (E), Bombay. They gave us anther form and refused our proof of residence (one that was confirmed by Jaagore.com). We followed the new form with the Jaagore.com form and interestingly we were told that we will be allowed to vote and that our names will take a month or so to come on list. Every time we checked after our month of waiting we were told that the new name lists have not come yet. Four trips to the election office and many phone calls - no effect.
Finally on the day of voting, when I checked with the lists in our locality, I found two new names against my house number!!! Some Mr. Singh and Mrs. Singh. Who are these people? How do they appear on my house number when I am the very first occupant of this house and I have registered with the election office at least 3 months in advance?
Mr. Sanghvi, and dear TV news analysts, are you reading something here? You are not only barking up the wrong tree, you are also misguiding people. Have you ever thought how goons in politics are taking advantage of pushing down new voters and ensuring their vote banks are more stable?
When will we be truly democratic and give the basic rights of voting to citizens who want to vote? When will politicians and their so called followers (read jokers) keep the real cards in play?
My question to the election commission is, “When will I be able to vote”?
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