The Parliamentary Election in India in close by. The election will decide who rules the Centre. It is very natural that every single political party will try to put its best foot forward. There will be an advertisement blitz, and the media will be full of stories counting virtues and performances of one party or the other. Appeals may probably be made – directly or indirectly - on linguistic, religious and ethnic lines. Under such a scenario, how will a voter judge the suitability or otherwise of a candidate? What are the criteria the voter would determine for accepting or rejecting a candidate? Whether the political affiliation is the only factor one has to keep in mind before casting the vote? What other factors do we need to consider before we vote? What, if a candidate is suitable enough, but has been contesting as an Independent?
These are some of the very pertinent questions, a voter may justifiably ask. An attempt has therefore been made by the Jantaraj to help the voter – especially the one voting for the first time – decide his MP for the next five years. The list is only illustrative, and is not exhaustive, and as such one is free to add his own factors before making up his mind.
The first element is the candidate’s political affiliation, i.e. to determine which party has nominated him, and to study the ideologies and past performances of the party concerned. The voter has to assess his own commitments to those ideologies, and determine if the performances in the past satisfy him. He may as well find out the activities and role of the party in the backdrop of the Constitution, its people and the society at large. He should ascertain if he finds himself comfortable with these factors. It may however be clarified that the need for a political affiliation is not a mandatory requirement – the person may be as well be contesting as an independent candidate. In such a situation, the voter has to assess the candidate on the basis of his inherent qualities and virtues.
The next step would be to see that the person is the right person, and suitable for being elected as a Member of Parliament. Under this head, it has to be seen if the candidate is adequately qualified, has the right attitude, approach and temperament to represent his constituency. His honesty, integrity and dedication should be beyond question.
The accessibility of the candidate is also an important factor to be considered before casting one’s vote. If he had been an MP in the past, his record and performances – especially the way he has nourished and taken care of his constituency - should also be considered before arriving at a conclusion in this regard.
The suitability of the candidate can also be judged by looking into his past records as an individual. No one with a criminal record or of a doubtful or shady character should be able to represent your constituency. The quality of your parliamentarians will determine the efficiency of governance. One has to be careful in electing the right persons for our Parliament.
Mind it, your vote is very valuable. Further, every single vote counts. One need not therefore be casual in casting his vote. The parliamentary democracy demands that the people should cast their votes judiciously and after due thoughts.
Thanks
Editor
www.Jantaraj.com
Thursday, February 19, 2009
Thursday, February 12, 2009
What do we do for a better India?
Hi friends, we are back again. But, this time with a different agenda, and a different issue altogether. How do we make our India a better country to live in? What changes do we need to formulate so that our people get an enriched life?
Today, we will confine our discussions on changes in regard to socio-economic issues that would make our country a better one. While India is a country of plenty with adequate resources, both natural and human, we have difficulties in fulfilling the aspirations of our citizens. No one would probably deny that the country needs directional changes. Not that we lack the will or the inclination for reformation, there is an absence of consistent and constant endeavor to go for a change. Rebuilding a nation especially on socio-economic and administrative platforms needs sincere efforts both by the Government and the society at large. It is certainly not the task of the Government alone.
There are multiple areas that need special attention for bringing about social transformation and administrative reforms. While it may not be possible to enumerate or go for all of them in one go, we may nevertheless take up some of the major issues on a priority. The first and a very important step would be to bring in greater public accountability and higher level of transparency for a corruption-free society. The Right to Information Act is a step in right direction that could prove effective against many of our ills, more specifically the lethargic approach, corruption and nepotism in administration. It has unfortunately made marginal impact on account of factors like general ignorance, lack of awareness and poor publicity. This area needs to be geared up through periodical advertisements, personal contacts and other means for better effectiveness. A ‘zero tolerance’ attitude against corruption has to be cultivated in the country. Legislation alone has done little in eradicating the menace, and so a mass movement is the need of the hour for identifying corruption-prone areas, and exposing those – officials and politicians - indulging in corrupt practices. Those suspected to be involved in corruption should quietly be shifted to non-critical areas and watched over a period of time. A greater degree of transparency in work-culture will surely put a brake to this malady.
The Consumer Rights movements have not picked up fast enough. Despite several legislations against misleading and grossly inflated claims on consumer products, there is still a flourishing market of fake and substandard items of all hues. The number of Consumer Courts has to be increased, and the consumers should be educated to bring up cases of infringement of their rights on their own without having to go through the tedious process of hiring a lawyer.
The need of the hour is to have a responsive administration. The Police have to work with two faces – they need to be harsh to criminals while helpful and friendly to a law-abiding ordinary citizen. A people-friendly police officer may also be assigned the role of a public relations officer at each Police Station. Police public coordination committees may also be considered on a permanent footing. A high-handed Police force may not be well-equipped to deal with the present-day law and order situation, while a friendly, even-handed and intelligent officer may do miracles. The Police should be trained to have an accommodating attitude, especially in regard to the poor and the down-trodden, and remain unbiased and objective in its dealings with the public. The force should necessarily be free from interferences from politicians, high and mighty.
The criminal justice system needs to be more responsive and rationale. The maxim of ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ looks all the more meaningful in the backdrop of hardened criminals getting bails easily while those with minor offenses staying behind bars as under-trials for years. Justice should not only be done, but should also seem to be done.
Last but not the least, the country should have adequate legislation to put a total ban on divisive politics, hate speeches and moral policing. Those indulging in these activities need to be strictly dealt with. Nationalism and love for the country cannot be a monopoly for only one section of the populace. Whether it is terrorism or communal flare-up, the administration has to be swift in taking strict action notwithstanding the stature of the persons involved.
These are some of the thoughts in regard to enriching the lives of our people. What more do we need to do? Our readers are invited to offer their views and comments, so that the forum could be useful and rewarding.
Jai Hind.
Editor
www.Jantaraj.com
Today, we will confine our discussions on changes in regard to socio-economic issues that would make our country a better one. While India is a country of plenty with adequate resources, both natural and human, we have difficulties in fulfilling the aspirations of our citizens. No one would probably deny that the country needs directional changes. Not that we lack the will or the inclination for reformation, there is an absence of consistent and constant endeavor to go for a change. Rebuilding a nation especially on socio-economic and administrative platforms needs sincere efforts both by the Government and the society at large. It is certainly not the task of the Government alone.
There are multiple areas that need special attention for bringing about social transformation and administrative reforms. While it may not be possible to enumerate or go for all of them in one go, we may nevertheless take up some of the major issues on a priority. The first and a very important step would be to bring in greater public accountability and higher level of transparency for a corruption-free society. The Right to Information Act is a step in right direction that could prove effective against many of our ills, more specifically the lethargic approach, corruption and nepotism in administration. It has unfortunately made marginal impact on account of factors like general ignorance, lack of awareness and poor publicity. This area needs to be geared up through periodical advertisements, personal contacts and other means for better effectiveness. A ‘zero tolerance’ attitude against corruption has to be cultivated in the country. Legislation alone has done little in eradicating the menace, and so a mass movement is the need of the hour for identifying corruption-prone areas, and exposing those – officials and politicians - indulging in corrupt practices. Those suspected to be involved in corruption should quietly be shifted to non-critical areas and watched over a period of time. A greater degree of transparency in work-culture will surely put a brake to this malady.
The Consumer Rights movements have not picked up fast enough. Despite several legislations against misleading and grossly inflated claims on consumer products, there is still a flourishing market of fake and substandard items of all hues. The number of Consumer Courts has to be increased, and the consumers should be educated to bring up cases of infringement of their rights on their own without having to go through the tedious process of hiring a lawyer.
The need of the hour is to have a responsive administration. The Police have to work with two faces – they need to be harsh to criminals while helpful and friendly to a law-abiding ordinary citizen. A people-friendly police officer may also be assigned the role of a public relations officer at each Police Station. Police public coordination committees may also be considered on a permanent footing. A high-handed Police force may not be well-equipped to deal with the present-day law and order situation, while a friendly, even-handed and intelligent officer may do miracles. The Police should be trained to have an accommodating attitude, especially in regard to the poor and the down-trodden, and remain unbiased and objective in its dealings with the public. The force should necessarily be free from interferences from politicians, high and mighty.
The criminal justice system needs to be more responsive and rationale. The maxim of ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ looks all the more meaningful in the backdrop of hardened criminals getting bails easily while those with minor offenses staying behind bars as under-trials for years. Justice should not only be done, but should also seem to be done.
Last but not the least, the country should have adequate legislation to put a total ban on divisive politics, hate speeches and moral policing. Those indulging in these activities need to be strictly dealt with. Nationalism and love for the country cannot be a monopoly for only one section of the populace. Whether it is terrorism or communal flare-up, the administration has to be swift in taking strict action notwithstanding the stature of the persons involved.
These are some of the thoughts in regard to enriching the lives of our people. What more do we need to do? Our readers are invited to offer their views and comments, so that the forum could be useful and rewarding.
Jai Hind.
Editor
www.Jantaraj.com
Wednesday, January 28, 2009
Awaiting the Next Move
Awaiting the Next Move
The Terror Track to Pakistan
It is now around two months. Pakistan at one stage seemed talking in two tongues – ‘the terrorists are non-state subjects’ and that ‘they may be Pakistani’. Under such a situation, the frustration and anger on the part of India is understandable. India’s stand however remains unchanged. It has relentlessly putting pressures on Pakistan to handover the terrorists and those responsible for planning and execution of acts of terror in India. With the international community openly advocating India’s stand, the options for Pakistan are certainly limited.
Some of the major developments during the last few days are summed up in the following lines –
- The Government of Pakistan has belatedly put a freeze to all activities of those promoting terrorism in India
- Pakistan has agreed to prosecute all those identified by India through its own judicial system
- It still fights shy of handing them over to India. India has however decided to wait and see how the judicial system in Pakistan addresses to allegations made by India
- The international community has again urged Pakistan to cooperate with India, and take the issue with utmost seriousness
There are little doubts that Pakistan is now under tremendous pressure. While India has decided to wait and watch, it has not allowed Pakistan to get out of the hook. It appears that Pakistan is inching towards accepting India’s points of view, and may ultimately accept some of the major demands to cool down the temperature. The ball is undoubtedly in Pakistan’s court. Let us see how prudently the leadership responds to the gravity of situation. It can only be hoped that Pakistan would now see reasons, and provide total cooperation in the task that would be in the interest of Pakistan as well.
The Terror Track to Pakistan
It is now around two months. Pakistan at one stage seemed talking in two tongues – ‘the terrorists are non-state subjects’ and that ‘they may be Pakistani’. Under such a situation, the frustration and anger on the part of India is understandable. India’s stand however remains unchanged. It has relentlessly putting pressures on Pakistan to handover the terrorists and those responsible for planning and execution of acts of terror in India. With the international community openly advocating India’s stand, the options for Pakistan are certainly limited.
Some of the major developments during the last few days are summed up in the following lines –
- The Government of Pakistan has belatedly put a freeze to all activities of those promoting terrorism in India
- Pakistan has agreed to prosecute all those identified by India through its own judicial system
- It still fights shy of handing them over to India. India has however decided to wait and see how the judicial system in Pakistan addresses to allegations made by India
- The international community has again urged Pakistan to cooperate with India, and take the issue with utmost seriousness
There are little doubts that Pakistan is now under tremendous pressure. While India has decided to wait and watch, it has not allowed Pakistan to get out of the hook. It appears that Pakistan is inching towards accepting India’s points of view, and may ultimately accept some of the major demands to cool down the temperature. The ball is undoubtedly in Pakistan’s court. Let us see how prudently the leadership responds to the gravity of situation. It can only be hoped that Pakistan would now see reasons, and provide total cooperation in the task that would be in the interest of Pakistan as well.
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