Same-old Story

While awarding degrees to the students of National Institute of Technology, Kurushetra (Haryana State) at its 10th Convocation Day on April 09, 2013, the President of India Shri Pranab Mukherjee opined that there was a definite need to strengthen the University Education system and bring in reforms in the teaching methods in India. He drew the attention of the audience to the fact that  not a single university from India could find a place in the 200-list of leading universities in the world on a survey recently conducted by an international agency . This is the usual rhetoric we keep hearing from the dignitaries in India from time to time without knowing or revealing who would initiate and implement those changes badly needed without any further delay.

Change in office-timing.

While there is a pick and throw policy being practiced in the private sector for allowing the employees to work from their homes by different officers from time to time, one finds a welcome report that the R.B.I. has recently introduced what it termed as “ crucial four hours" during which every employee should be present in office. The employees can choose the remaining 4 hours according to their choice. To accommodate the new flexi policy the office now remains open between 8 A.M. & 8 P.M. While counting the four hours between 11 A.M. & 3 P.M. which includes lunch time, the officers get to choose any 8 hours that they wish to work from office.

One is glad to know the change in timing being effected by Reserve Bank of India and hopefully other government offices are also expected to follow suit. It would gradually reduce the overcrowding in public transport and avoid traffic jam during the usual peak hours of travel.

How many defeats?

It is reported that Thomas Alwa Edison failed about one thousand times before he succeeded in discovering the electric bulb which lighted up the humainity for eternity! It seems this scientist failed to enthuse his own wife when he wanted to share the happiness of discovery on the day of his victory!

What a paradox! Is this called the awful display of nature's (God's) dance drama?

[Tamil Daily "Dina Thanthi's" children Section (Storage of information) - March 29, 2013]

Dogged Determination

Man or woman, old or young, abled or disabled - no matter provided you are determined to achieve certain goals in life. The best example of such a determined soul was none other than Helen Keller, a person who lost vision and hearing at the age of one and a half years. She became a graduate at the age of 24 and wrote some five famous books during her life time.

Hats off to this great soul!

High Court, the last resort for driving animals from roads

A wonderful and damning report from news paper reads as follows:

"The Madras High Court on Tuesday (March 12, 2013) ordered notice to the Chennai Corporation commissioner on a public interest litigation seeking a direction to the civic body to take action against owners of animals which loiter the streets without valid licenses"

This is the best illustration as to how the local administration in this country functions and the manner in which we overload the judiciary with litigation day by day.

It is indeed a pathetic situation in which nobody bothers or tries to do a routine job himself or themselves.God help this country! 

Chinese Government trying to ensure Good Governance

I admire the moves and steps being taken from time to time by the Government of China in several matters. The latest in the series is the move to get rid of railway ministry by splitting it in two parts. Its administrative and regulatory functions have been given to the Ministry of Transport. The operations side of railways has been turned into a commercial company suggesting a move to reduce the role of bureaucracy.

As a matter of fact the railway ministry had been criticized for fraud and wasting funds. Former railway minister Liu Zhijun was sacked in 2011 and is facing corruption charges.

Similarly a few more changes have been introduced in other ministries and departments too keeping in view the need of streamlining the government working for better and quicker results without the scope for corruption and nepotism as far as possible.

It is gratifying to note this development as a sequel to the earlier reforms when more than 40 ministries and commissions in China were cut down to just 29. Let us contrast this with our position in India. We just started with a dozen portfolios soon after independence. It went up to 42 by 2004. It is now a whopping figure of 53. What about reforms on our side? It is in a reverse direction unfortunately.

Himalayan Failures!

Fishing through trash is a common phenomenon on the sea-beaches of Chennai City as promptly published recently in the newspapers. In 2009 the civic body banned plastic from Marina Beach. In 2010 the civic body decided to impose a fine of Rs 100 for using disposable plastic items that are less than 20 microns. In January this year the Madras High Court ordered the civic body to clean up Marina Beach after removing unauthorized shops. But nothing has been done so far.

Well, what to do now and where to go for execution of decisions?

Now we understand the difference between Singapore and Chennai administrations in this regard.