Showing posts with label IIPM Admission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label IIPM Admission. Show all posts

Tuesday, September 04, 2012

IT IS TIME THAT OUR GOVERNMENT AT THE CENTRE LOOKS AT SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT AS ITS KEY BUSINESS!

Since the last two terms, the UPA government has come out with several development schemes – which on hindsight look very impressive. Welfare schemes under NREGA, NRHM, midday meal, universal education scheme, JNNURM and many others, not only have aimed at uplifting the underprivileged but also have had an objective of bringing about some uniformity within the existing regional and social imbalances. But then, what is being experienced is something that defies these aims and objectives. There is no doubt that these schemes have done small wonders, but these wonders are confined to select pockets of the society. For instance, if NREGA saw success in a few south Indian states, then it also saw rampant corruption in most of the other states, especially in north India. Same has been the case with most other development schemes. Great initiatives, but equally great failures!

It doesn’t take rocket science to gauge the gaps. And it is also nothing new! The nation’s development schemes would have delivered to their promise across the length and the breath of the country if and only if the state governments had not been suffering from inadequacies in their delivery mechanisms. Most of the times – rather, almost every time – it is the local (state level) bureaucracy and administration that fails to effectively execute and implement most of the national schemes. Not just that, the state governments are invariably found to be careless about preventive and precautionary communication emanating from the Centre. Recently, all the major cities of India experienced a massive outbreak of malaria and dengue. Now, in spite of regular and pre-emptive alarms from the central government, most of the state governments failed to act. So much so that a few states even found their hospitals and medical centers incapable of handling the rush. The hospitals were not only full to the brim but also lacked necessary manpower and facilities to tackle the outbreak. A similar situation is being experienced with respect to food security. There is much talk that has gone on and on about the distribution of food grains to people below the poverty line; but it seems there is still a state of complete crisis over the same. The state delivery mechanisms are so weak and porous that huge amounts of these grains find their way to the black market – or at best are found rotting in warehouses. To top it up, in spite of having grain stocks that are enough for food security, the states mostly waste time deciding whether to sell the same in the open market or through Public Distribution System (PDS), knowing very well that PDS does not have a great track record. A March 2010, CVC (Central Vigilance Cell) report concludes that corruption is pervasive in the entire chain and grains are distributed for 2-3 months only, in spite of the Centre allocating around `30,000 crores for the same!

Year after year, our annual budget allocates and disburses hundreds of crores of rupees to states for developmental programs viz. universal education, health and sanitation, agriculture reforms – to name a few. But half of the time, either the funds are returned unused or find their way to bureaucrats’ and government coffers. Recently, it was reported that the states have managed to use just 20% of the funds allocated by the Centre for the backward regions. What is worse is the fact that the biggest offenders are the states which have the maximum regional imbalances. It was also reported recently that the state of UP has indicated its failure to allocate funds for implementing the Right to Education Act, even after the Centre has agreed to bear 75% of the budgetary responsibility. The cases are endless. The Public Accounts Committee 2008-09 tabled in the House of the Manipur Assembly this July, reveals the grim fact that the state failed to achieve the target mentioned for road connectivity to rural habitations under the Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY) project. Even the Comptroller and Auditor General (CAG) found out that Meghalaya’s Education Department was very inefficient with the implementation of the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan scheme. The list of such gaps and subsequent failures goes on and on. It is incredible that most state governments most of the times still shamelessly bargain for budgets in the name of development.

The failure in implementation is just one part, the bigger worry is to know about it and still continue with it. Recently, the Economist magazine reported how the Obama and the Cameron governments in their respective nations have embarked upon a new mission to reach out to masses with their developmental schemes. They have entrusted the job of carrying out the developmental initiatives to large NGOs and social entrepreneurs with sparkling track records. Although the project is at an initial stage, it holds a huge promise. It is time that our Central government starts thinking on the same or similar lines.


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Friday, August 31, 2012

Why MPs must get a pay of Rs 5 Lakh Per Month

The credibility of our politicians is so low that the media and the public at large are sniggering at the proposal to raise the salary of MPs to `50,000 per month. Thanks mainly to their own behaviour and the brazen corruption of some of their fellowmen, we often tend to forget or ignore the fact that those are MPs and MLAs who actually perform the most important tasks in the country. For the middle class chatterati which has a ‘radical’ solution for every problem that India faces, the solution would be doing away with MPs, and perhaps even elections. Frankly, the middle class chatterati has no interest in democracy. But India cannot afford such solutions.

Given the enormity of the task they perform, I think the MPs need to be paid far more than what they get now. Look at it this way: each MP is responsible for a shareholder base of about 20 million. The actual budget of each constituency runs into hundreds of crores every year. And while district collectors and district magistrates are merely transferred for incompetence or non-performance, an MP can – and often does – actually lose his job! To that extent, an MP actually deserves a monthly salary of `5 Lakh per month. There should be an additional travel and other allowance of `1 lakh per month. That sounds preposterously high? It is not. Paying them these ‘reasonable’ salaries will cost the tax payer less than `1000 crores a year.

But as pointed out and suggested by this magazine and many others umpteen number of times, the problem is not paying generous salaries to our MPs – they deserve that for sure. The problem is with the ‘perks’ that they enjoy. That really is costly and something no elected representative of any functional democracy can demand as a right. Yes, by all means pay `6 lakh every month to our honourable MPs. But then stop giving them free housing in VIP Delhi. Just as it happens in UK, USA, Denmark, Australia and most other democracies, ask our honourable MPs to find their own houses-rented or owned. This will lead to enormous savings for the society – apart from making the MPs more connected with the citizens of India.

Just imagine what can happen to the Indian economy if the logic is extended to all politicians and all bureaucrats in India. They are squatting on the most prime real estate assets available in the country. For example, pay a district collector (an IAS officer) a monthly salary of `1 lakh and ask her to find her own house. Surely the rent for even a wonderful house in a small town cannot exceed `20,000? Why let her stay in a massive bungalow with acres of lawns when that land can be better utilized commercially? You know what the answer will be when politicians and bureaucrats are actually offered this option – huge tax free salaries but no perks. They will find every possible excuse and refuse. That is because our mindset has really not changed much since the British left. 


 
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Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Srinagar is where the shikaras and houseboats wait for the tourists to return...

The city changes its hues with different seasons, each having its extravagant charm and splendour. Be it the vast, frozen Dal Lake in the pristine white winter, or the blossoming irises in Nishat bagh in the colorful spring, or the honey-dewed orchards and rippling lakes in the pleasant summer, the scenery will leave you spell-bound from the very first step out of your hotel, especially in the golden autumn when the crisp Chinar leaves carpet your way. Painters, photographers, poets will find inspiration for new creations around the year every step of the way!

Migratory birds and a variety of wildlife are also a major draw to this enchanting land. The Hangul stag, the endangered species of red deer, is particularly famous and is found in the Dachigham National Park. The Park is also where other animals typical to the state such as musk deer, black or brown bear, leopards and migratory birds are found.

A tourist in Srinagar will be spoilt for choice when it comes to picking up keepsakes. Shops filled with an awesome array of handicrafts – from silk or wool carpets with Persian designs, to intricately carved walnut wood and paper machie items – are found lining the streets. The wide variety of the craft-items ensures there’s something to suit every pocket.

The architecture of the city is a mix of old and new buildings; there are houses with sloping roofs, minarets of mosques rise into the skies while narrow streets are characteristic of the city. Lal-chowk is the commercial centre of the city and is located in the heart of the city.

The attire of the people here is simple and conservative. As Islam is the religion followed by the majority, most of the women wear burkhas and hijabs. On the other hand, the cuisine is rich and elaborate. Enough to whet anyone’s appetite, Wazawan is the ultimate in Kashmiri hospitality. This royal cuisine of Kashmir has been influenced by Iranian, Afghani and Central Asian styles of cooking, yet it’s unique and its preparation is considered no less than an art in the eyes of the Kashmiris. Non-vegetarian dishes dominate this extravagant 36-course meal.

As one watches the sun set from a house boat anchored on the Dal Lake, one can’t help but wonder why a heaven like this has had to endure such hellish years. Not a place you’ll forget easily, Srinagar is one place that will stay with you not just in photo albums, but also in the deepest confines of your heart.



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Friday, August 24, 2012

The peculiarities of the industry and the company’s future plans

Managing Director, Godrej Nature’s Basket, talks to b&e’s angshuman paul about the peculiarities of the industry and the company’s future plans
 
B&E: How does Nature’s Basket plan to leverage from the other businesses of Godrej group?
MK: We are leveraging from various other FMCG businesses. We would be selling all our food products in the stores. However, we are yet to implement other way of leveraging. We are planning to share our retail presence or even buy retail properties together.

B&E: Frankly, do you think the Indian market is prepared for a concept like gourmet retailing?
MK: There’s a huge demand for exotic foods, especially things like dried herbs, wines, which you get only abroad or is imported into the country. This is what creates the base for gourmet retailing. Even last year, irrespective of the global slowdown, the Indian economy registered healthy growth numbers. The metro lifestyle is witnessing a change; there is a growing liking for good food and this is what makes us feel that there is a market for gourmet retailing – if not in the mass level, then in the niche category.

B&E: What are your investment plans; have you reached the break-even point as of now?
MK: We don’t believe in announcing investment figures – we invest wherever we find it’s necessary. At this time, it’s too early to comment on if whether we have reached the break-even point or not; but I should mention that we have been growing at a rate of 80% and segments like assortment retailing, wine & bear retailing have been doing phenomenally well with significant contributions towards our turnover.

B&E: It’s said that to shine in the retail industry, it’s crucial to have a sturdy base of logistics. You have paid heed to this – but how much?
MK: I think and we strongly believe that you should not open a retail store if you don’t have a logistics plan for that particular retail store. We deal with 400 importers as most of our products come from overseas; and then we have our own storage procedures ensuring the quality of the goods and its freshness are maintained.

B&E: Food Bazaar and Spencer respectively from the Future Group, and even RPG are focusing a lot on creating inhouse brands. Will you follow suit?
MK: No, not as of now. Like I said before, we don’t believe in doing things just because other players are doing it. We rolled out an inhouse brand in organic mangoes at a time when no other players were offering the same.



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Monday, August 13, 2012

“The biggest mistake of my life was that i believed in the stock market in 1999.”

He came, he saw, he conquered ... Subhash Chandra, the media maverick, in an exclusive conversation with B&E, shares the eventful ups and downs that he faced during his journey to the top

B&E: When was it that you realised that it’s time that you hand over your major business responsibilities to the next generation? What was it that prompted the thought?
SC: The next generation has been a part of various businesses within the group for several years. They have proved their mettle and are leaders in their own right. In fact, I feel the takeover process has actually been gradual.

B&E: What is the most defining moment of your life? Something that changed your entire life...
SC: It was the day when I was asked to leave the College of Engineering as my family could not afford the fees and expenses. If that wouldn’t have happened, life would have been on a different path.

B&E: When are you planning to take full retirement from all business responsibilities?
SC: Currently my role in the group is that of a mentor. As far as full retirement is concerned, you will surely come to know when I take this decision.

B&E: 10-15 years down the line, where do you see your group with the next generation completely in charge of all business responsibilities? 
SC: I see each company in the leadership position in their respective industries.

B&E: What is your biggest strength as a businessman?
SC: To see a business opportunity ahead of its time and back it up passionately.

B&E: What is one thing you have learned the hard way from life?
SC: Never give up. Even if you fail initially, you need to be persistent and keep trying until you succeed.

Read more....

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Saturday, August 11, 2012

Blood on the runway

You know you’re going wrong when fashion trends transform your wardrobe from being cool to terribly cruel...

Fashionistas were purring in delight when designers at the recently held New York Fashion Week made models strut down the ramp in animal furs that ranged from a dyed silver-fox on a coat, to a leather trench-coat with mink’s fur running down its back, to hoods and skirts with fur trimmings and even leggings made out of leather! Designer Michael Kors, who has faced the ire of animal rights activists earlier, got plenty of applause for his ‘quintessential American sportswear’, which spared not even sports apparel from using real fur. As fashion critics are doling out appreciation for the innovative creations that have made fur more wearable, it is apparent that from hoods to shoes to suits, which boast of fur will now be among the must-haves of the fashionable set. This is perhaps the point when we should remind ourselves of the PETA warning – “Fur on your back, blood on your hands.”

“Cave-people-like designers who still use fur are chasing headlines from the controversy. It does not take one ounce of creativity to rip the skin off of an animal’s back,” said Poorva Joshipura, Chief Functionary, PETA India. Describing the cruelty of this industry Poorva added, “Because fur farmers care only about preserving the quality of the fur, they use cheap slaughter methods that keep the pelts intact but which can result in extreme suffering for the animals. Small animals may be crammed into boxes and poisoned with hot, unfiltered engine exhaust from a truck. Engine exhaust is not always lethal, and some animals wake up while being skinned.


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Friday, August 10, 2012

ABOLISH IMPORT DUTY

THIS IS THE ONLY WAY TOWARDS A SUSTAINABLE CEMENT INDUSTRY

Cement is certainly an important raw commodity / input for the infrastructure & real estate sectors. However, in the cement sector, import duty on inputs is higher than its finished goods that include high import duty on coal, petcoke and gypsum which are major inputs for the production of cement.

I expect reduction or complete abolishment in the present import duty on our input costs. The budget should also include some special schemes for boosting exports, which is the need of the hour. In fact, India’s exports could witness a significant improvement in coming years if the government adopts proactive measures.

I am also hoping for some reduction in the railway freight rate and more wagons to be added to the fleet in this year’s budget. Further, I expect the finance minister to target the GDP growth of at least 8% or higher for the next three financial years.

On tax reforms front, I would be very happy to see the reduction in individual income tax levels as it leaves the consumer with more spending power hence builds consumption leading to higher economic growth.


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Friday, August 03, 2012

Malnutrition in Africa is more of a political conspiracy – Ethiopia is a crying example

Malnutrition is neither a disease nor is it a phenomenon. It is a man made conspiracy, leading to genocide as, unlike other social malaise, malnutrition does not kill the victim instantly but drives him closer to a life of destitution and ultimately death, with every passing moment. It is a chronic and permanent shortcoming that not only destroys an individual’s future but cripples the entire demography of the nation. Conventionally, malnutrition and other similar problems are attributed to climatic changes, natural disasters and other uncontrollable factors, but then a detailed analysis makes it evident that such a problem creeps up only on account of policy failures and political reluctance. I would like to go a step ahead and blame it on the conflict between the scientific and political community, and more on the growing greed for ownership of resources amongst the underdeveloped nations, wherein the incidence of malnutrition is also the highest. To put it in simple words, it is relatively easier to own resources in a country that is socially challenged rather than in a nation that is otherwise. This is what is happening in the whole of African continent.

The dark clouds of hunger in Africa are ever more ominous as the rulers themselves have turned their backs towards their own countrymen! Dr. Robert Mwadime of Uganda Action for Nutrition inferred the problem by commenting that “children don’t vote”, there is no urgent need felt in the rulers to feed their hungry mouths! This very outlook has escalated the food crisis situation in Africa – with a staggering 50.9 per cent of the population of sub-Saharan Africa living with below $1.25 a day! Drought in Africa this year again has caused havoc with 14 million pushed to the edge of starvation and malnutrition! Most of sub-Saharan Africa is facing an emergency with an immediate need of 270,000 metric tonnes of food – no more than 120,000 metric tonnes is available! Sudan, Uganda and Somalia are the worst affected apart from Ethiopia. The World Food Program (WFP) has penetrated deep into South Kordofan with food from Humanitarian Aid Commission (HAC) reaching out to 4,000 displaced people in Kadugli and 3,000 in Heiban in Sudan. For the records, there are an estimated 60,000 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in Sudan, and this number is continuously increasing! Uganda, to a large extent, depends on international aid for adequate food supply – because of the lack of livelihood diversification, reduced wages, and over dependence on agriculture! Thus, a drought in the region (as is the situation at present) leads to large scale food insecurity and malnutrition. The clutches of famine penetrating deep into Somalia have created such trepidation that tens of thousands of Somalis are fleeing to neighboring Ethiopia. But then, conditions in Ethiopia are something that is beyond what words can describe.

In Wag Hamra district of Ethiopia, more than 10,000 children under the age of 5 died between 2001 and 2006 because of malnutrition and hunger, while tens of thousands were found massively suffering malnutrition-related diseases. On an average, 50 per cent of all children in Ethiopia are malnourished. Most of these children do not have the fortune of finding the easy escape of death, but get stuck in the grasp of chronic malnutrition and related diseases. Their physical and mental growth gets decelerated and most of them end up spending years in dilapidated hospitals and ill equipped clinics. The saga doesn’t end here. Even if a child struggles and reaches school, his/her performance is very dull and slow. Most of the children, due to lack of nutrition, find it tough to concentrate and learn, and thus fail to get promoted to a higher grade. This results in early dropouts and incomplete education. As of 2010, around 25 per cent of elementary school students quit schooling (between grade 1 and 8) and 7.3 per cent of all students failed to get promoted to the next grade compared to 5.3 per cent in 2005. This clearly indicates the dwindling education level of the nation. Moreover, given the fact that these poor areas have no industries and Ethiopia at large is a backward nation, these children – even if they manage to grow up safely – find it tough to make a living. Also, since the nation has more labour-intensive jobs, which require physical fitness and strength – most of these children are left jobless even at their productive age.

With Ethiopia’s population growing at 3 per cent every year, the per capita availability of resources is getting increasingly sparse and dispersed. However, the bigger problem here is about the population distribution and population density. Population in Ethiopia is not homogenously distributed, but is the exact converse. Around 40 per cent of all Ethiopians prefer staying in the Oromyia region, thus increasing the demand of resources in this very place. Around 25 per cent of the population resides in the Amara region – where the food shortage is at its peak; and the rest are scattered all across the nation. These two regions, in particular, are more vulnerable to diseases and malnutrition. Overpopulation (high population density) has increased the burden on the local administration. The huge food shortage and increasing unemployment have worsened the situation here.


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