MY VIEWS IN TIMES OF INDIA ON B-SCHOOLS & SCHOOL HOMEWORK

Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA) in  
The Times Of India dt.30.01.13 11:39 PM

Your comment on the article ''B-schools increasingly loosing shine in India, Assocham says'' is now displayed on timesofindia.com.

''The Associated Chambers of Commerce and Industry of India (Assocham) paper on closure of many B-schools and Engineering colleges in the country is quite revealing. The assertion of D S Rawat, secretary general of Assocham that there is no quality control, the placements are not commensurate with fees being charged, the faculty is not good enough and there is no infrastructure are startling facts. It is very unfortunate that majority of students who pursued their management and engineering education in colleges of tier-2 & tier -3 cities of our country after spending sizeable money and time are not getting suitable employment.This in turn clearly vindicates the allegations that the authorities in HRD ministry, AICTE etc failed to monitor the quality of education being imparted by such institutions through out the country. Isn't this a well thought off racket by education mafias to play with the future of lacs of students so blatantly? Are HRD ministers/authorities at the centre & states listening?''

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Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA) in  

The Times Of India dt.14.01.13 10:46 PM

Your comment on the article ''Schools assigns too many projects as homework, CBSE finds'' is now displayed on timesofindia.com.

''The finding of CBSE is not a news to students and the guardians. In the name of modern and progressive education system in the country, the stress of children at their impressionable age is becoming heavy which, if not checked and corrected , would be disastrous in coming years. Four to six hours quality teaching at school is more than enough for the mental development of any child in this age of information and technological boom. In fact, in most of our schools, the teachers are not adequately qualified, what to talk of properly trained. Many private schools have become the commercial establishments making money by exploiting the guardians to the extent possible. If an independent survey is conducted to look into the sports facilities available to students in the schools and if at all available, how much time the students are engaged in such sports activities on a regular basis, it can very well be observed that our children at large are compelled to be away from sports activities which is so essential for the healthy growth of a child. And on top of this, the inhumane act of loading projects to be completed at home thereby keeping the children stressed further, sometimes beyond redemption for a number of them. CBSE authorities should take into account these facts while preparing the course curriculum as well as  guidelines for school administration to ensure grooming our own children as strong, sensible and responsible citizens of the country.''

                 Will meet again with Open Mind. All the Best.

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MY VIEWS IN ECONOMIC TIMES ON FACTS ABOUT REPUBLIC & ELECTION,2014

Economic Times Story on 26.01.13 : 26 facts about the republic  

Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA)

26 Jan, 2013, 06:46 PM

Its no denying the fact that country has progressed in many areas during the last six decades but the pace of progress and its reach to the millions of poor and disadvantaged has been a point of serious debate. If one takes only two facts out of twenty six mentioned in the report : 1) 46.5% households have mud floors, 29% have concrete roofs and 2) 53.1% of households do not have latrine within premises , the priority of progress and its speed can very well be understood. Food, clothing and shelter are the most basic necessity of every human being. And lack of toilet facilities for millions of household is a real shame for the nation. The gap between the lowest earner and the highest earner in the country has been widening disproportionately and the ratio is beyond the imagination of many expert accountants.The average Indian is still struggling very hard (today the nation is celebrating 64th Anniversary of Republic Day) to live like a normal human being whereas certain percentage of population spend thousands of rupees daily on entertainment. If we look around, don't we find a large Poor Bharat and a small Affluent India in our own Sovereign Republic Country? Naturally, the big question now is, who will correct this huge socio - economic imbalance?

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Economic Times Story on 26.01.13 : Elections 2014: Rethinking democracy 

Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA)

26 Jan, 2013, 11:58 PM

Today is 64th Anniversary of Indian Republic. The political class and its followers have been very preoccupied with several functions reiterating promises of doing better than what they have been doing till yesterday. The parliament of the country witnesses more of discussion than serious and meaningful deliberations, many a times very noisy and acrimonious too, at an expense of Rs.25 lacs per hour but without desired results. Many of our MPs don't even attend the sessions let alone the question of participating in the discussion and/or deliberations or raising questions related to national or local issues of importance. However, the salary and perks are enjoyed by every MP which , if calculated discreetly as Lohiaji used to do, will be more than three million per year per MP. To say, the cost of sustaining the present set up of Indian politics is huge by any yardstick, but the country men , most of whom are destined to live with a daily income of Rs.20/- have not yet lost the faith and trust on the existing system and hence come out in large number to exercise their franchise. With increasing number of educated and demanding youths joining the voting population, it is hoped that the character and complexion of Indian politics would change for the better.

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                                                             Will meet again with Open Mind. All the Best.

MY VIEWS IN TIMES OF INDIA ON WATER RATIONING

Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA) in  
The Times Of India dt.07.01.13 10:13 PM

Your comment on the article ''Water rationing in Bangalore, Mysore not ruled out'' is now displayed on timesofindia.com.

''Why Bangalore or Mysore, the water rationing would the order of the day in many cities including the capital of India, New Delhi, if corrective measures are not initiated without further loss of time. It is interesting to know that two of the four BRIC( Brazil, Russia, India & China) nations, Brazil & China have already in place the mechanism of roof top rain water harvesting in some cities for meeting drinking as well as other needs of the population besides finding ways for replenishing ground water levels. In our neighbouring nation Sri Lanka, harvesting rain water is very popular & effective means of ensuring water availability in rural areas. Cuba’s “More With Less” economic philosophy based on proper management of its available resources including rain water is an example in itself. Awareness among the affected & likely to be affected masses for stopping overuse & abuse of water is a must. Govt. spending running in lacs of crores in the name of either river cleaning programme, construction of large dams and other such money siphoning projects should be reviewed by a group of experts having high moral integrity for best use of public money for alternative means for water harvesting and conservation to take care of the fundamental need of ordinary citizens of India. In fact, we can’t afford to have such big projects of longer gestation period with comparatively little benefits for the society. Instead, we should go for mass scale real afforestation of fruit plants, construction of ponds, small dams & canals in large scale, making it mandatory for every household in the cities to practice rooftop rain harvesting & complete stoppage of dumping of industrial waste etc. into our rivers, to name a few. Notwithstanding the deplorable situation as regards water management in all its dimensions in several parts of the country, we have reasons to be optimistic towards finding culturally appropriate traditional as well as technological solutions to this alarming problem, as several silent movements to harvest, conserve & preserve water by various groups & communities in remotest drought prone & water starved places in a manner worth emulating by other interested groups, are under way in the country. In Rajasthan alone, due to sustained community participation, almost 10000 small & big ponds were either repaired or resurrected during the last few years by collective efforts of persons like Rajendra Singh, Magsaysay award winner & other like minded persons. Chipko Andolan, Paani Yatras, Aapiko Andolan and other water conservation & forest protection movements are going on to serve this cause. So why not do our best individually & collectively in our respective places to address this most basic problem.''

                            Will meet again with Open Mind. All the Best

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MY VIEWS IN ECONOMIC TIMES ON INDIAN POLITICIANS & ON AGRICULTURAL GROWTH

Economic Times Story on 14.01.13 : India needs politicians who can be good managers  

Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA)
14 Jan, 2013, 08:52 PM

Arun Maira is very right in his analysis of our country's problems and is also correct in prescribing solutions with examples of countries of our region. Every body knows, we have no dearth of either natural resources or human resources necessary to drive the change process required to develop well as a nation having reasonably good standard of life for all its citizens. Yes, the problem is basically with our political leadership and as a corollary with our administration and policing.Can any body disagree that we have serious dearth of political leaders with strong sense of commitment, sincerity, simplicity, integrity and vision who can dedicate themselves towards finding solutions of many basic problems being faced by majority of Indian population not for months or years but for decades even after achieving political independence 65 years ago.The growing inequality in Indian society is a major cause of concern which must be addressed forthwith. If political class can resolve to have identified common goals, sincerity of purpose, transparency and objectivity in approach, openness in participation of stake holders and deadlines for implementation of decisions taken, nothing is impossible to achieve in a defined time span. If countries like Malaysia and Indonesia can develop well, let alone the question of China and Japan, India can and must make things happen in a faster pace in coming years. Hope, the Indian politics would change for a better tomorrow.

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Economic Times Story on 15.01.13 : India can achieve 4 per cent agricultural growth in 2012-17: Pranab  

Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA)
15 Jan, 2013, 11:57 PM

Against the rate of growth of 3.3% in agriculture and allied sectors during the 11th Plan period (2007-12), our country can and must record a growth of 4% plus during 12th five year plan period between 2012 to 2017 provided the farmers are offered all kinds of support starting from good quality seed, fertiliser, adequate water and electricity besides farm loans at lower rate of interest expeditiously. The farmers of the country must also receive suitable support price of the agriculture produce without much botheration. Only talking on the subject and shedding crocodile tears on the plight of farmers by the political masters of the country will not help.

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                                                                 Will meet again with Open Mind. All the Best.

REMEMBERING LAL BAHADUR SHASTRI - A TRUE LEADER

                                                        By MILAN K SINHA

        
During last three days the country has been  discussing the issue of barbaric act of Pakistani soldiers with regard to beheading the body of two Indian army personnel.  Different views are being expressed by defence experts and Govt. functionaries to give a befitting reply to Pakistani establishment. Media channels are busy hosting such discussion to keep their viewers engaged and updated on this sensitive issue. Today, the country is remembering one of its great sons and the second prime minister of our country, Lal Bahadur Shastri on his 47th death anniversary who, for more than any thing else, is always remembered for his heroic leadership for teaching the real lesson to the then Pakistani rulers during India- Pakistan war of 1965. The Indian Nation needs leaders of such stature at this crucial juncture. Pl. see what Lal Bahadur Shastri said before 1965 war actually begun, "If Pakistan has any ideas of annexing any part of our territories by force, she should think afresh. I want to state categorically that force will be met with force and aggression against us will never be allowed to succeed." And India succeeded very conclusively to the great surprise of  all the countries of the world including the super powers.

     

Lal Bahadur Shastri was born on 2nd October, 1904 at Mugalsarai, near Varanasi. His father was a school teacher who died when Lal was only one year old. He spent his  childhood in and around Varanasi. Lal Bahadur joined Kashi Vidya Peeth and  studied philosophy for four years and was awarded the degree of Shastri in 1926. Thereafter he actively worked for  "The Servants of the People Society", an organisation which was started by  Lala Lajpat Rai. He participated in freedom movement and was jailed more than once. After the first general election in 1952 , he was inducted in union cabinet by Nehru as Minister of Railways and Transport. He did a lot to improve the facilities for passengers travelling in  lower class and also rationalised the disparity between 1st class and 3rd class. Shastriji resigned from the post after a railway accident in Tamil Nadu on moral ground despite being persuaded by Nehru for continuing as Railway  minister thereby setting a high moral standard in public life. In later years he handled the portfolio  as minister of  Transport & Communications , Minister of Commerce & Industry and in 1961 took over charge of Home ministry after the death of  Govind Ballabh Pant. Lal Bahadur Shastri showed his calibre and competence during those trying times of Indo-China war in 1962 by  managing the internal security. 

After the sudden demise of Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri became the Prime Minister of the country. The time was very critical as the country was facing all kinds of challenges including shortage of food. But, as a man of strong will, dedication, commitment and integrity, he rose to the occasion like a true statesman and made us proud by addressing  major issues of the country. Acknowledging and complementing the vital role of farmers and soldiers of the country, he coined the famous slogan JAI JAWAN, JAI KISAN. His views on some of the important issues as enumerated below give us the opportunity to know and appreciate his perspective and his action oriented personality:

Governance

“The basic idea of governance, as I see it, is to hold the society together so that it can develop and march towards certain goals. The task of the Government is to facilitate this evolution, this progress. It must provide proper conditions and a proper climate for this purpose. While governing, the administrator must, therefore, keep certain trends in view. He should be aware of the policies which he has to implement and of the methods which are open to him for their implementation. He should know what the Government wants and at the same time be attuned to the needs of the people”.

Development

“The economic issues are most vital for us and it is of the highest importance that we should fight our biggest enemies – Poverty, unemployment. Whether it is agriculture or industrial development, or for that matter, development in other fields, the basic fact remains – that it would serve the largest number of our people”.

National Integrity

“In this vast country of ours, people profess different religions, speak different languages, dress differently and observe different customs; but we are one nation; the history of our struggle for independence and our faith in our future development are our common bonds”.

“Among the major tasks before us none is of greater importance for our strength and stability than the task of building up the unity and solidarity of our people. Our country has often stood as a solid rock in the face of common danger and there is a deep underlying unity which runs like a golden thread through all our seeming diversity”

                                               

                                     Will meet again with Open Mind. All the Best.

MY VIEWS IN ECONOMIC TIMES ON JOSEPH STIGLITZ'S COMMENTS ON NEW BANKING BILL & ON INDIA INC. CSR SPENDING

Economic Times Story on 08.01.13 : New banking bill may do more harm than good: Joseph Stiglitz

Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA)
08 Jan, 2013 09:47 PM

Nobel laureate Joseph Stiglitz has asserted rightly on the priorities for our country by stressing the point," India needs to focus more on its internal issues of inequality, lack of infrastructure, issues of education, agriculture, environment , water tables going down." Its very unfortunate for the large population of our country that even after six and half decades of independence, the nation is still beset with the most basic problems of food, clothing and shelter , what to talk of other necessities of life like, health, education, drinking water, sanitation, electricity, all weather roads etc. The unemployment problem is becoming grave day after day with growing population of educated youths who spend lots of money and time to acquire a degree to become eligible for suitable job. No doubt, the power that be has been busy showing their concern for these problems by making tall election promises and also by formulating some plans in the process. Notwithstanding these sordid facts, by and large the ruling political class across the country and their advisers couldn't ensure internal resource management effectively, but instead have been looking for external economic grants/support/loans which may ultimately push the country towards an inevitable debt trap in coming years.

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Economic Times Story on 06.01.13 : How India Inc can make their CSR spends count 

Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA)
06 Jan, 2013 11:58 PM

India Inc can certainly make a lot of difference in the quality of life of millions of fellow Indians by sincerely fulfilling their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The areas can be any and many in a country like ours where majority of population is leading an unworthy human life due to lack of proper nutrition, sanitation, education, health care, employment, to name a few. Millions of young people have acquired degrees by spending lots of money and time but there is serious issue of their employability. More than a quarter of country's population is still illiterate and even elementary education is not available to the eligible students despite RTE Act,2009.There are lots of basic problems which our rural masses are facing day in and day out which can be comprehended and appreciated only by first hand observation.We have more than six lac villages in the country with majority population still living there and earning their livelihood in and around those villages. Despite lacs of crore being earmarked in the budgets of central & state Govt. for the welfare of the poor and downtrodden in the country, little change is noticeable as far as improvement in quality of life of these targeted groups is concerned. I must thank Thermax for taking up some of these issues to make a commendable beginning. Some other corporates are also engaged in such activities in their own way which must be followed by others to register huge CSR related activities in coming days.

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                                                                 Will meet again with Open Mind. All the Best.

MY VIEWS IN TIMES OF INDIA ON CORPORATE GOVERNANCE

Comments of MILAN K SINHA (PATNA) in  
The Times Of India dt.05.01.13 

Your comment on the article ''Recast corporate governance rules: Sebi'' is now displayed on timesofindia.com.

''The proposal of SEBI is a welcome step in the right direction. After the Satyam episode, much water has flowed down our rivers but the desired changes in the complexion of corporate governance is yet to be effected in Indian Corporate entities due to many undesirable factors including lack of political will on the part of the policy makers at Govt. level and the implementing machinery at ground level alike.Segregating the post of CMD into Chairman on one hand and the Managing Director on the other is a necessary step to improve the transparency, objectivity and finally efficacy of corporate governance and so is the proposed norm for selection of independent directors in the board of a company. It is no denying the fact that in most of the companies, both in private as well as in public sector, the directors, barring a few, act as a yes man of CMD or the defacto master ( may be the Govt. in many cases) of the company. As such, the board meetings turn out to be a necessary ritual to create documents for compliance of the laid down norms and to incur wasteful expenditure to oblige the directors to elicit undue favour to pass the board resolutions as per the whims and fancies of a few having vested interest in the company. Provision of training and performance evaluation of independent directors is another good input for better corporate governance. Undoubtedly, the proposed measures, if accepted and implemented sincerely and monitored seriously, would go a long way not only in restoring confidence of existing small investors in Indian equity market but also prompt lacs of new small investors to join the fold for the good of listed companies in particular and the economy in general.''

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MY VIEWS IN LIVE MINT ON CULTURE OF VOLUNTEERING & ON INDIA'S GDP GROWTH

'Live Mint' story on 08.01.13 : Promoting the culture of volunteering 

Comments of Milan K Sinha
08 Jan, 2013 07:26 PM

The first hand experiences of rural India is really thought provoking as well as inspiring.The Young Educated India of today which is millions in number and is relatively far more exposed to learning and education,  has lots of potential to transform the Indian Nation to make it a place worth living in true sense of the term by addressing issues related to poverty, starvation, nutrition, education, health etc provided they have the will and commitment to do it followed by  accepting the culture of volunteering to have real ground level experiences like Madhavan. We have more than six lac villages in the country , most of which face many basic problems of life. No doubt Govt. has been spending  huge amount  of money year after year in the name of rural development and welfare schemes meant for  the poor  and disadvantaged section of society, but unfortunately it has not been reaching to them because of corrupt delivery system where there is no strict check and balance. If educated youth, both in the system and outside the system of delivery administration take a resolve to know the actual  loopholes and then do the needful as per law of the land to help plug them, the developmental scene in the country, more particularly in rural  areas would be truly encouraging.

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'Live Mint' story on 04.01.13 : Economy likely to grow at less than 6%: Kaushik Basu

Comments of Milan K Sinha

04 Jan, 2013 11:26 PM

In any case the the growth rate would be less than 6% as all the experts and top Govt. functionaries have  opined. If one look back and analyse the uncertainty and confusion that have been prevailing almost all through the last three quarters both politically and economically, the growth estimates can't be termed as bad. But the more important question to be asked is about the quality of life of common Indian vis-a-vis the growth story of our economy. Majority of our population is still fighting for meeting their two ends. The basic necessities of life are still far away from their normal reach.  Govt. claim and proclaim to  be spending lacs of crore  on welfare schemes for the poor and the disadvantaged section of society, but the money is not reaching to the targeted population as the delivery system is fraught with lots of deficiencies and loopholes. Simply, we can't afford to have two India in our country if the country is to be a super power in real terms in next couple of years. It is hoped, the thinkers and policy makers like Basu  would appreciate this concern and suggest  far better ways  and means to address the basic problems of common people.

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                                                        Will meet again with Open Mind. All the Best.

POEM : PLEASANT CHANGE

                                                                       By MILAN K SINHA

Switch off your mind
for a while.
Open your heart.
Go out
for early morning walk.
Enjoy the fresh air.
Identify yourself with -
the rising sun,
the birds flying in the sky,
the farmers in the fields,
the workers running towards factories,
the children playing, quarreling,
dancing, singing...
and lots more.
You would feel 
a pleasant change 
in your personality.
It would definitely be more
confident, positive, empathetic, contended...
                           
          Will meet again with Open Mind. All the Best.