Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter DELIVERY BOYS TIPS THE DONS OF DELIVERY LPG DELIVERY BOYS IMPOSES A TIP TAX ON THE INNOCENT CONSUMERS

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

DELIVERY BOYS TIPS

THE DONS OF DELIVERY 

LPG DELIVERY BOYS IMPOSES A TIP TAX ON THE INNOCENT CONSUMERS 

 Arguably, the Gas supply business in India is indeed a cream pie venture not merely for the owners and Managers but even for local delivery boys. 

 Can any cooking gas consumer dream of getting their LPG cylinders delivered to them by the delivery boys without paying the tips? Except a few VVIPs and VIPs, all other ordinary mortals who use cooking gas have to pay the tips compulsory to the delivery boys. Over the years, payment of tips has indeed become mandatory. 

The LPG supply business in our country is out of competition and such is the pathetic state that whenever a delivery boy knocks your door, there is a sense of satisfaction. The consumer feels privileged for having received the prestigious delivery of the gas and without much hassle willingly pays the tip to the delivery boy. But has anyone pondered about the volume of amount paid to the delivery boys all put together? 

NO ESCAPE 

Even though the gas agencies pay them salary the delivery boys make many times their salary from ‘tips’. Nobody, except the VIPs are exempted from this “tips tax”. As of now, the tips range between Rs. 6 for ground floor to Rs. 20 to the higher floors. Everybody in the business, the LPG companies, the gas agencies, the consumer activists, the consumers all are aware of this menace; but they are all simply helpless. In Bangalore alone, the tips have become a multi crore business…. 

DOOR LOCK EXCUSE 

Interestingly many gas agencies prominently print ‘no tips please’ on their receipts. But the delivery boys care two hoots for this and demand the tips as if it is their right. And everybody is afraid to oppose it. And what if the tips are not paid? Once the consumer refuses to pay tips, his name will be entered in the black list of Delivery boys and supply of cylinders to such consumers will become erratic. The Delivery Boys will use the excuse of door lock and the consumer cannot approach the gas agency every time the supply is denied or delayed.

 The gas agencies too will not come to his rescue because the Delivery Boys would have already submitted the door lock note. And the agencies promise that delivery will be made within few days. And most of the consumers are not prepared to take the risk of complaining to the gas agencies or to the oil companies whichever it is. 

TIP OF SALARY

 In fact, the Delivery Boys fix the tips amount also. Normally the price of cooking gas is fixed at fancy rate which is presently Rs. 360.90. However, the Delivery Boys have to be paid at least Rs. 370 if the house is situated on the ground floor and additional Rs. 5 for upper floors. So a minimum of Rs. 10 is guaranteed to Delivery Boys as tips per cylinder. Now, if he delivers at least 50 cylinders a day, he makes at least 500 per day. Normally the Gas agencies pay them around Rs, 1500 to 2000 as salary. In a way, the tips of a Delivery Boy are more than three times his salary. 

 BLACK GAS

 The Delivery Boys also make a fast buck in diverting a cooking gas to small time hotels at a premium rate and this business is popularly known as the ‘adjustment’ business. Normally a big percentage of consumers have two cylinders and for a normal family, a cylinder can last for more than a month and sometimes two months. With an additional cylinder, they will not book the cylinder immediately. The Delivery Boys know all these customers and makes it a point to ‘book’ the cylinders in their names. 

These cylinders will be sold to hotels at a premium. The Delivery Boys make a cool profit of at least Rs, 100 per such ‘diverted’ cylinders. The gas cylinders for commercial use actually costs more than double the cost of cooking gas as they are not subsidized. So, a cooking gas worth 360 can be easily sold at Rs. 600 and still it is worth it. There are permanent customers for these ‘diverted” cylinders. 

 WHATEVER LEFT IS MINE! 

There is another avenue for the Delivery Boys to make money without attracting the notice of people. In some cases, they supply cylinders and take back the empty cylinders which may have still some amount of gas left. In few cases, the quantum of gas left in the empty cylinder may be three to four kgs. The consumer has to forgo this gas as the new cylinder has been already supplied to him. He cannot ask the delivery boy to supply the new cylinder at a later date and even if he asks so, the Delivery Boy will not oblige. The Delivery Boy will then supply the remaining gas left in the cylinders to hotels for a nominal rate. 

MULTI CRORE SCAM 

All these make one wonder whether there are any checks stipulated while awarding gas agencies. Everybody knows this menace. Even assuming in Bangalore, the yearly consumption of gas cylinders is about a crore and the tips business alone nets 15 crores as a majority of consumers are in first and subsequent floors. Moreover, the diversion business nets at least another 25 crores to the Delivery Boys. 

PAY FOR YOUR IGNORANCE

 Interestingly, the customer can go personally and exchange the cylinder for which Rs. 2 is reduced form the cost of the cylinder since same is levied as delivery charges. But no gas agency allows such reduction and collects the entire amount even if a customer visits their premise for delivery with exchange of empty cylinder. And in most cases, the customers are all ignorant about this fact. 

It is high time that the oil companies put their foot firmly down on the menace. If any customer complains of compulsory collections of tips, the license of the agency should be suspended forth with. Only then the gas agencies will sit up and take appropriate measures to curb the mandatory tips menace. But the question is-whether the oil companies show the guts to end the menace? In few cases, the mandatory tips collected by the Delivery Boys are said to be shared with the agencies!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE ART OF BETRAYAL COMMON IN POLITICS, BETRAYAL TAKES CENTERSTAGE

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 THE ART OF BETRAYAL 

 COMMON IN POLITICS, BETRAYAL TAKES CENTERSTAGE

 “The lesson you taught me, I will do it and do it better than you” the famous dialogue in the Shakespeare’s Merchant of Venice comes live in the Karnataka Politics. Our current Chief Minister Mr. B.S.Yedurappa stands as the shining example for betrayal. 

 THEY BETRAYED ME! 

 A couple of years back when Deve Gowda and Kumaraswamy refused to hand over the seat of power to Mr. Yedurappa for the remaining 20 months as per the agreement, the BJP and Yedurappa cried foul. They went to polls and played the betrayal plank and won 110 seats due to the sympathy factor. The Congress and the JD(S) combined won 108 seats and there were 6 independents in the total 224 seat assembly. While there was no single party with majority, the role of Independents became very crucial. The BJP had a bright chance to form its first ever Government in South India by seeking the support of these 6 Independents among whom there was 1 BJP rebel, 3 Congress rebel, 1 JD(S) rebel and one Independent. 

 THE LURING OF THE INDEPENDENTS 

 Karunakaran Reddy of the Reddy brother fame rushed to Hosadurga to meet Goolihatti Shekhar prior to his election result and convinced him to support BJP. Besides the monetary perks he was also promised a cabinet berth. Mr. Yedurappa had pledged to him that he will be awarded a good ministry and he will remain the Minister till the last of the BJP Government. Goolihatti Shekhar accepted the offer and pledged his support to Mr. Yedurappa. 

Further, he also approached other Independent candidates along with Reddy brothers and successfully brought them in. He is even today known for bringing in Mr. Varthur Prakash, a Congress rebel, to support Mr. Yedurappa. Later, Mr. Yedurappa was sworn in as the Chief Minister and 5 out of 6 Independents were made Ministers and Mr. Varthur Prakash had to contend himself with the Chairmanship of a big Board. Yedurappa thanked all the Independents for helping him form the first ever BJP Government in South India and assured them that they will not be disturbed of their Ministers Portfolios till the BJP Government survives. So, arguably, Goolihatti Shekhar played a vital role in making the Chief Minister out of Yedurappa. 

 THE GAME OF ‘OPERATION KAMALA’ 

 Then, Reddy brothers under the guidance of Yedurappa, undertook ‘Operation Kamala’ wherein they horse traded few more MLA to safeguard Yedurappa and reduce the opposition strength. Many MLA from Congress and JD(S) joined BJP and were made Ministers within hours. They were also promised by the Chief Minister that they will remain Ministers till the last of BJP Government. Shivanandgowda Nayak, who defected from JD(S) to BJP under ‘Operation Kamala’, is also one among them. 

 THE TRUE COLOUR 

 What happened then? The chameleon changed its colour. After the ‘Operation Kamala’ the BJP had the strength of 117 MLA and obviously there was no use of the Independent ones. In the year 2009, Yedurappa dismissed Mr. Varthur Prakash from the Chairmanship of KUWSSB for comparatively a small mistake. A few weeks back, another Independent D. Sudhakar, the Social Welfare Minister was sacked in the wake of Beggars Colony blunder in which actually the Minister had no role to play. He was shifted to Muzrai which means a demotion for him. Then, in the current re shuffle, he was further demoted from Muzrai to an insignificant Portfolio. 

 THE OPEN BETRAYAL 

 Then there was a full screen view of Yedurappa’s betrayal. He dismissed Goolihatti Shekhar and Shivanagowda Nayak from Ministries. Goolihatti Shekhar was doing pretty well in his Sports and youth Affairs ministry and had no scams or controversies to his credit, yet, he was dismissed. Further, even Shivanagowda Nayak was dismissed due to allegations against him for the purchase of books for libraries. 

However, he actually had no role in it and that was the manipulation by the officials of the department, yet he was sacked. Both these Ministers are camp followers of Reddy brothers and they were dismissed by the Chief Minister to cut size the Reddy brothers. In fact, it is commonly known that the Reddy brothers played a vital role in bringing the first ever BJP Government and in the making of the Chief Minister, yet, Yedurappa has repeatedly tried to throw them out of the cabinet. 

 THE DEFECTED CM 

 Let us not forget that the same Yedurappa had ditched the BJP through which he crafted his political courier. He had gone to the extent of breaking down the party in 2005 to go and join JD(S). However, his attempt was foiled when the BJP high command took a tough stand and eventually he could not garner enough support of party MLA to defect to JD(S). 

 The betrayal is nothing new to Yedurappa. It is in fact his common weapon. And he has been and will consistently use it for his personal gains.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE MURDER OF DEMOCRACY CHEAPEST POLITICAL NATAKA IN KARNATAKA

BY FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 THE MURDER OF DEMOCRACY

CHEAPEST POLITICAL NATAKA IN KARNATAKA

 The recent cabinets reshuffle by the Chief Minister despite the opposition of his senior leaders has resulted in a disaster which any one could have imagined. Mr. Yedurappa, perhaps would have thought that he is the supreme in Karnataka and boasted of having crushed dissident leaders by dismissing their loyal ministers. He was also chest filled for successfully inducting his personal favourites Shobha krandlaje and V.Somanna into the cabinet. Also by dropping the Reddy Brothers’ loyalists Goolihatti Shekhar and Shivana Gowda Nayak, he felt he had put the Reddy brothers in their place. While some reaction was due to happen, what consequently happened was the most shocking in the history of Karnataka politics. 

 THE REACTION

 Disgusted by the dirty and corrupt administration of Mr. Yedurappa, the BJP MLA’s themselves opposed the Chief Minister. The rebellion grew to more than a dozen and half MLA’s opposing the functioning of the Chief Minister. The rebelling MLA then submitted the letter to the Governor of Karnataka intimating him their Withdrawal of Support to the Chief Minister. Technically, the ruling BJP was now reduced from the majority and eventually the Governor asked Mr. Yedurappa to prove his majority on the floor of the assembly before 12th October, 2010. The Chief Minister opted for a Trust Vote on 11th October and the dirty politics took a new turn. 

 THE POLITICAL TRADING

 While the rebellion group of MLA was camped in Taj Exotica of Goa, the horse trading began. The financial backbone of Mr. Yedurappa, Mr. Janardhan Reddy of the famous Reddy brothers was given the responsibility to trade back the rebelling MLA. He visited Goa to meet and convince them back to support the Government during the Trust Vote. A lot of chaos, hungama, tamasha, goondaism, dirty politics and the rebellion were still firm on their stand except for Mr. Renukacharya, who returned and submitted his letter of support to the Governor. There were reports that the MLA’s were offered about Rs. 20 to 30 Crores to oppose the Chief Minister, while their were reports that they were also offered money to support him. The former Chief Minister Mr. HD Kumaraswamy, was squarely blamed for inciting the rebellion group through money power. Later, Mr. Kumaraswamy shifted the rebellion group from Goa to Chennai under the nose of Janardhan Reddy. 

 ERASING THE COMPETITION

 Mr. Yedurappa was working hard to save his chair under any circumstances and he was not bothered if the Democracy was required to be raped and murdered. He prepared a master plan. First he tried to win back the rebellion group by all means and when he failed, he instructed the Speaker to disqualify them all under the Anti Defection Law, so that they cannot participate in the Trust Vote enabling him to win the same. 

 SHAME SHAME! 

 Then, the black day arrived, the 11th of October, Monday. The Speaker K.G.Bopaiah on the behest of the Chief Minister disqualified the 16 MLA under the Anti Defection Law, of which 11 belonged to the BJP and remaining 5 were independents. The disqualification was done at around 5.30 in the morning and we always complaint that the Government do not work. Well, sometimes they start working as early as 5.30am. Now with effective disqualification, the strength of the assembly was reduced to 208 from 224. The Policemen were instructed not to allow the dismissed 16 rebellion MLA to enter the assembly and participate in the Trust Vote. They were held at the entrance gate when they arrived at 9am. The rebellion group became restless and forced themselves inside the assembly by breaking the doors open and overpowering the Policemen and Marshals. 

 What happened inside the assembly was a clear rape and murder of the Democracy. There was a total chaos as the rebellion group was not allowed inside and the opposition cried foul. The Speaker then hurriedly moved the Trust Vote amidst this uncontrollable chaos. He called for a Voice Vote and without actually taking the head count declared that the Chief Minister had got the majority with 106 for and none against and immediately adjourned the house Sine Die. There was absolute misuse and violation of the Constitution and machinery to win the Trust Vote. 

 BJP- DOWN DOWN! 

 The opposition and the rebellion group went berserk. There were physical abuses, assaults, damages and what not. They then rushed to the Raj Bhavan to meet the Governor and complained to him about the constitutional violation in the procedure of Trust Vote and sought the dismissal of the BJP Government. All in all 118 MLA’s paraded before the Governor opposing the Chief Minister and his party. The Governor immediately prepared a report citing the Trust Vote as a farce and submitted it to the Honourable President of India recommending immediate imposing of Presidents rule in Karnataka. 

 The BJP on the other hand celebrated the victory. Mr. Yedurappa addressed a conference and apologized to the Media for the assaults. He blamed the opposition for conspiracy to pull his Government and also blamed the Governor for trying to de-stabilize his Government. 

 POOR DEMOCRACY! 

 The entire nation or perhaps the entire world witnessed the massacre of the great Democracy by the wicked, cruel, corrupt and selfish political Netas. More disgusting is that all this happened just a few days after the Gandhi Jayanthi and so we call it the total murder of Democracy. As usual, the leaders continued their debate through various Media on who was right and who was wrong. But, the fact is that Democracy was already murdered. The Value, ethics, elegance and repute of the state of Karnataka was already raped and slit to death. What remained is the shame, which the state of Karnataka and India as a nation, will now have to live with.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter NOW ROSES TO LEGALISE ILLEGAL ACTS? SACHIDANANDANAGAR LAYOUT- A SCAM IN ITSELF

By FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

NOW ROSES TO LEGALISE ILLEGAL ACTS? 

SACHIDANANDANAGAR LAYOUT- A SCAM IN ITSELF 

 On September 16th 2010, few people featured in the media offering roses to the BBMP Commissioner demanding their sites/Houses in Sachidanandanagar Layout in RR Nagar be regularized by registering the Khata’s. This novel protest made headlines in both print and visual media and the BBMP Commissioner promised positive actions in few days. Whatsoever, the fact remains that the Sachidanandanagar layout formed by the notorious Vishwa Bharati Housing Society is entirely illegal. In the context, let us understand the scam in its entirety. 

 THE BEGINNING 

 It all began in the nineties when B.Krishna Bhat formed a layout in Pattanagere and Halagevaderahalli survey number lands meaning agriculture lands through his Vishwa Bharati Housing Co operative Society. These agriculture lands actually can not be used for non-agriculture purposes without obtaining the conversions. 

B.Krishna Bhat posing himself as an agriculturist entered into sale agreements with the land owners of about 68 acres in Halagevaderahalli and got the possession through sale deeds and General Power of Attorneys. Besides, he used the society’s funds to purchase the lands in his name and later, gave the GPA in favour of the society that is B.Krishna Bhat himself. 

 Then without bothering to apply for conversion, land acquisition, layout plan etc. he simply started forming the layout. He formed 950 sites and sold them to people treating them as members of the society. As the housing society is a registered co-op society, it cannot simply purchase lands, form sites and sell it to the members/public. It has to follow the law of the land and function under rule of law. But B. Krishna Bhat does not know the law of the land or rule of law and simply cared two hoots to follow it. 

 BORN ILLEGALLY 

 Form the very beginning, the layout is illegal as it had no sanction of law. Primarily, a society can not purchase agricultural lands. Under the Karnataka Land Reforms Act, non agriculturists and agriculturists whose income from non agriculture sources exceeds 50 thousand per annum (now increased to 2 lakhs) can not purchase agricultural lands. When B. Krishna Bhat purchased the lands in his name in the eighties the income limit was Rupees 50 thousand. By any stretch of imagination, B.Krishna Bhat, due to his income and employment was barred from purchasing the land let alone transferring the same to the society. And the Housing co-op society was specifically barred from purchasing or holding agriculture lands. 

 Besides, there are various steps and a procedure to be followed if a society has to acquire an agricultural land. It has to first get the lands acquired by the Government, then, get the layout approved by the BDA, form the sites to be allotted to the members of the society following the seniority list as approved by the registrar of co-op societies. It is a very long process and the society is also required to spend money at every stage. 

 THE CORRECT PROCEDURE- 

STEP 1 

 First, the society has to identify the lands and get consent from the land owners. Then it has to make an application to the Land Acquisition Officer to get the lands notified for the acquisition. At this time, the society has to pay acquisition cost to the government. The Land Acquisition Officer issues the notification, calls for objections etc. holds inquiry with the land owners and fixes the price of the lands. The society then has to pay the price of the lands to the Land Acquisition Officer who in turn disburses the same to the land owners after getting physical possession. After all these procedures, the Government hands over the lands to the society and that land should be converted. This is the first step. 

 STEP- 2 

The society after getting the lands should submit a layout plan to the BDA for approval. The town planning member in the BDA thoroughly vets the plan for provisions for CA sites, roads, parks etc. Once the plan is approved in principle, the BDA calculates the supervision charges to supervise the formation of the layout. It then asks the society to pay up the supervision charges and approves the plan only after the society pays up the charges. This is the second step. 

 STEP- 3 

 The society can go ahead with formation of the layout’s civil works. And here too, the society has to surrender the CA sites and other public utility lands to the BDA through a registered relenquity deed. After all these formalities are over, the society can take up the site allotment, this is the third step. 

 FINAL STEP- 4 

 However, the society cannot allot sites on its whims and fancies to its members/outsiders. The society being a co-operative one is bound to follow the direction of the registrar of co-op societies, the act and rules. As per the law, before starting the site allotments, the society has to prepare the seniority list of the members eligible for site allotments and has to get the same approved by the registrar of co-op societies. And only then the society can register the sites in favour of eligible members. This is the final step. 

 But, in case of B.Krishna Bhat’s Sachidanandanagar Layout, not a single rule has been followed. 

 What Krishna Bhat has done is a mockery of the law of the land and rule of law has become the first casualty. If one were to take a grace at his actions in this regard, one wonders whether the law of the land had been “exempted” in his case! 

 THE CONFISCATION

 Whatsoever, the malpractices of B. Krishna Bhat could not escape from the eyes of law. The then Assistant Commissioner, who conducted enquiry under section 83 of KLR Act, found the society and B. Krishna Bhat violating the provisions of the act and confiscated 68 acres of land in Halagevaderahalli in 2001. But Krishna Bhat continued his layout works and selling sites and in fact purchased some more agricultural lands. 

 It is another matter that B.Krishna Bhat, true to his style took the matter of confiscation of lands to KAT and hurried the purchasers to build houses on their sites, so that their properties could be regularized by the Pattanagere CMC. In fact, the Assistant Commissioner in his order had directed the CMC Commissioner not to issue Khatas to the purchasers of the sites in these lands and also prevent unauthorized and illegal constructions.

 In the meanwhile, the then Divisional Commissioner after coming to know of the violations by the society and also illegal alienation of the agriculture lands, had slapped a notice on Krishna Bhat’s society to pay Rs. 3.42 crores as conversion charges. As usual, B. Krishna Bhat also challenged this notice in the High court and in 2003, the court quashed the notice and referred the matter again to the Divisional Commissioner to reconsider the matter afresh and pass appropriate orders regarding conversions. In this case, the Divisional Commissioner had taken action under Karnataka Land Revenue Act. 

 GOVERNMENT CIRCULAR & HOLDER KHATA

 Forget about this, amidst all these, B.Krishna Bhat took the advantage of the Government circular in 1997 regarding the regularization of revenue properties and collection of betterment charges by CMC and Municipalities. Interestingly, this circular had directed the municipal bodies to collect taxes from the owners of revenue properties for having used the civic amenities provided by the municipal bodies. It had also directed to issue “Holder” Khatas to such properties and it should be noted that Holder khata is not a regular khata but “Anubhavdar” khata which does not provide fool proof title and ownership. 

 B. Krishna Bhat succeeded in getting around 150 properties regularized by the Pattanagere CMC before the Divisional Commissioner ordered freeze in 2000. The DVC had directed the special Divisional Commissioner, to cancel all the khatas already made in respect of allottees of B. Krishna Bhat’ society. He also directed to take action against the society for forming the layout on agricultural lands and also asked the Special Divisional Commissioner to direct the Sub register not to register the sites in this illegal layout. 

 Here again, BKB filed a case in civil court and got a temporary stay over the DVC letter. Finally, the court quashed the DVC letter and direction and ordered the registration of the khatas. Interestingly, even though the layout plan was not approved by BDA, he submitted a so called “approved layout” and mislead the Court also. 

 FOILED AGAIN

 Most importantly, the regularization scheme was meant only for revenue properties and it was not applicable to the sites of the housing co-op society. Still armed with the court order, B. Krishna Bhat tried to browbeat the CMC officials to affect the khatas. But the Government order in 2007 prohibiting collection of betterment charges once again foiled B. Krishna Bhat’s attempts to get the khatas registered. 

 Ooops! This is the sad but true story of manipulation about the Sachidananda Nagar Layout. And now, the individual site owners of this completely illegal layout have opted for Gandhigiri, inspired by the Bollywood hit. They are demanding the registration and legalization of their sites/Houses by offering roses to the BBMP Commissioner. They have also sought the help of Lokayukta, who actually is nowhere connected with this issue and also hyped this matter in the Media without revealing the truth of the entire deal. Now the question is, by merely offering roses to the present Commissioner, can someone really trespass all the laws and legalise the entire illegal layout?

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE LEGEND OF TRUTH & NON VIOLENCE - CALLING FOR MAHATMA AGAIN!

 FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

 THE LEGEND OF TRUTH & NON VIOLENCE 

 CALLING FOR MAHATMA AGAIN! 

 Another Gandhi Jayanthi has come and will go. People will enjoy the National Holiday. There will be few functions organized by the Governments and Political parties to celebrate the birthday of Mahatma. There will also be speeches made by many Netas in praise of Gandhi without actually knowing anything about him. And that will be the end of another Gandhi Jayanthi for this year. And for today’s generation, Gandhi Jayanti means Gandhiji, who further is associated with Gandhigiri which is depicted in a recent Hindi film which fortunately became a hit. Besides, since Gandhi Jayanthi is also observed as a ‘dry’ day, there will be also be people; addicted to drinking who would curse the day Gandhiji was born as they have to forego their quota of drinks. Frankly speaking Gandhi Jayanti for people today is merely a National Holiday. 

 Of course, Mahatma Gandhi who was a Great Soul is above all these descriptions. It is better to call him Mahatma rather than Gandhiji as there is an imminent danger of people getting the impression that he is the founder of Gandhi dynasty starting from Indira Gandhi to the present Rahul and Priyanka Gandhi which will be further extended to their future children. 

 KNOWING THE MAHATMA 

 Forget about all these cynicisms and let us understand who Gandhiji really was? In simple words, Gandhiji was a Mahatma that is Mahan Atma. He may not be a successful lawyer but he was definitely an outstanding advocate of human rights, democracy, non-violence and above all, truth. He was a man who hardly tolerated any sort of discrimination between human races and most importantly, he practiced what he preached. 

 Gandhiji introduced Truth and non-violence weapons to fight the mighty British empire, who had enslaved India and also provided a moral leadership to crores of Indians who were crying for Independence from British Rule. 

 THE BEGINNING 

 Gandhiji started his experiment with truth and non violence in South Africa where he had gone to eke out a living as a pleader. South Africa at that time was also under the British rule and the discrimination between Whites and Blacks, implying Indian labours, changed his life. The Indian community in South Africa was being humiliated and insulted by the whites in every conceivable means and they were not even allowed to mingle with the whites who treated them as bonded labours. They were also not allowed to travel in trains and buses along with the whites. In fact, Gandhiji himself was once thrown out of the first class compartment despite having the first class ticket. He then organized the Indians, most of whom were mine workers to protest the discrimination by the British in South Africa. 

 Gandhiji mesmerized the world with his agitations through the weapons of Non violence and truth. The protestors did not protest the police brutality on them and their imprisonment. Gandhiji along with many Indian leaders were also beaten up and sent to Jail, but still the protest continued. Indians willingly went to Jails and ultimately there was shortage of space in the jails for them. Despite the police brutality and Government’s racist approach, the agitation went on unabated. 

 Finally, the mighty British were forced to start dialogue with Gandhiji for ending the agitation. Gandhiji having become the undisputed leader of Indian community in South Africa was all humble throughout the talks. He never showed arrogance which is a common character of our present Netas. General Smuts who held discussions with Gandhiji was very much impressed with his honesty and simplicity and most people would not know the fact that General Smuts in later years, came to India to pay respects to Gandhiji who was then leading the Indian freedom struggle. He called him the ‘Great Soul’ that is Mahatma and also presented him a pair of chappals which he had made with his own hands. It may be mentioned that General Smuts was the symbol of British Sovereignty in South Africa and Gandhiji was a symbol of challenge to British Empire when he was leading a strong protest in SA. Demands of Indian community in South Africa were finally met by the British Government. 

 THE HOME COMING

 Of course, Gandhiji’s Non-violence and truth based agitation did catch the imagination of the people world over. During that time, the freedom struggle in India was also taking a firm ground. Balgangadhar Tilak, Gopalakrishna Gokhale etc had become the leading figures. They too were attracted by Gandhiji’s style of agitation and wanted him to lead the Indian freedom struggle. Gandhiji returned to India and before taking up the leadership of freedom moment, he toured the entire length and breadth of the country to understand the problems of the people in its entirety. He realized that Indian society needed reforms along with freedom from British rule. Such was the appeal of Mahatma Gandhi that anybody who would come into his contact would change his life style. Motilal Nehru, the highest paid advocate sacrificed everything to join Gandhiji and so did Sardar Vallababhai Patel, a leading legal luminary of India. And the list continues. 

 SOCIAL UPLIFTMENT

 Gandhiji led the freedom movement as well as the social reform movement. The dalits, who were treated as the most oppressed section of the society, were excluded from social mingling and they were not even allowed to enter temples and draw water from the community wells. They were also weak economically. To bring them to main stream Gandhiji called them Harijans meaning the loved ones of Hari, the Vishnu and led the movement to allow them entry into temples and also tried to uplift them economically. He also lived in harijan bastis. 

 While taking up the social reforms, the Mahatma provided an effective and innovative leadership to the freedom movement. Until then, the Congress which was leading the movement was not a mass party and its membership was restricted to a few educated people. After assuming the Congress leadership, Gandhiji opened the membership to all and provided moral leadership to it. 

 TRIUMPH OF NON VIOLENCE

 Gandhiji never aspired for any position either to himself or his family members and he was never an office bearer of the Congress. He fought the British through multiple agitations. His Swadeshi movement aimed at protecting the Indian craftsman gave a big blow to the British economy. His promotion of Khadi provided gainful employment to millions of people and his non co-operation movement shattered the morale of the British government. People refused to pay taxes to the government. And invariably, all his agitations were based on non-violence as he never tolerated violence. In fact, he called off his non violent agitation when few agitators enraged by the behaviour of police burnt the Police Station after locking up the police in Chouri Choura. 

 His Salt Satyagraha electrified the freedom movement and the entire world was surprised at the ultimate level of non-violence. The Quit India movement in 1942 was a watershed in the freedom movement. The British could not control or rule India anymore and were finally forced to terminate their rule in India and India became an independent country. However, the British succeeded in dividing the country by forming Pakistan and what happened thereafter is a sad history. 

 ONE MAN ARMY

 Mahatma was a guide, philosopher, teacher and preacher to the entire nation. Politically, he had the uncanny character of reading the pulse of the people. Socially he had realized that unless the Indian society gets rid of caste and communal discrimination, it can not progress. Economically he advocated the ‘trusteeship’ concept and his economic policy is relevant even today. Religiously, he was for harmony between the communities as he knew well that this is the only way to progress. As Lord Mountbatten described, Gandhiji was a “one man army”. His one word was enough to bring the nation to a halt.

 Gandhiji wanted the Congress which symbolised freedom struggle to wind up after the nation got freedom. According to him, the Congress had outlived its utility after it got the freedom but nobody heeded to Gandhi’s wishes. 

 HISTORY REPEATS

 As on now, the Indian economy is again in the grips of foreign countries. Farmers are committing suicides, the village industries; small industries have already become non-existent. Morality has gone down the drain. There is politics of hatred and communal divide. Politics has become a dirty word and has been commercialized. Corruption has become a part and parcel of the society and politics and bureaucracy have become highly profitable ventures. 

 WAITING FOR THE MAHATMA…..? 

 Arguably, Mahatma is more relevant today than at anytime. He gave us the freedom from alien rule. And now, the time has come to start a movement against hunger, poverty, corruption, communal tendencies, social evils etc. But we lack a leader who could steer the country out of these ills. And Mahatma would definitely fit in the scene. But the question is-where is Mahatma?

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE FLOODING OF BENGALURU The flood like situation which caused havoc on 24th September is an eye opener to the civic authorities of Bangalore. Even now, if they do not wake up the city will become another Kolkata of South.

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 

 THE FLOODING OF BENGALURU 

 The flood like situation which caused havoc on 24th September is an eye opener to the civic authorities of Bangalore. Even now, if they do not wake up the city will become another Kolkata of South. 

The current pathetic civic amenities of Bangalore are the outcome of many reckless and irrational actions being undertaken by the respective officials from the past. It is always essential to study the subject in its entirety in order to understand it thoroughly. The civic amenities of our city could have been much better had there been enough care and precaution taken in the past. Let us take a bird’s eye view on the subject. 

On 26th January 1976, the functions and activities of Planning Authority of Bangalore, Urban Art Commission, and Karnataka Housing Board, were merged to form the Bangalore Development Authority. The Urban Arts Commission was headed by a learned T.P. Issar, an IAS officer who was not only a good disciplinarian but a protectorate of some of the heritage of Bangalore. The Town Planning authority was headed by K.S. Rame Gowda, a perfect town planner and a visionary who along with Noor Ahmed (who later moved to PWD as Chief Engineer) were good advisers to the then Chief Minister and Chairmen of erstwhile CITB. Up till 1976, the town planning activities were under the frame work of Outline Development Plan of Bangalore which was known as ODP and the concept of CDP evolved later. 

 Then came the regime of R.Gundu Rao and R.K. Hegde and hell was let loose since persons like Rame Gowda, N. Govindappa, T.N. Galgali were not available to guide the Commissioners of BDA and the Government. Eminent personalities like, Charles Corea, T.J. Doss, Mahmood Ayaz were all not there on the board of directors of BDA. Persons loyal to the Chief Minister were picked and posted to BDA who were more interested in getting allotment quota rather than developing the city with future civic amenities. As a result the proposed schemes such as BTM 4th 5th and 6th and the surrounding areas of H.R.B.R., HBR, Banaswadi, M.R.C.R and Srigandadakaval layouts vanished into the hands of land lords. These land lords, not only got compensation from BDA, but also managed to sell their lands to needy public of Bangalore, which resulted in the haphazard growth of small segments within the city as upper class slums. By the time, when the CDP was put into practice the cat was out of bag, narrow lanes with flow of sewage on the roads had started. 

 At this juncture, the BCC collected development charges and issued khatas and sanctioned building plans recklessly without bothering about the widths of the roads. The greater loser was BDA, who had neither reclaimed the compensation which were not deposited in the Civil Courts nor collected the reconveyance charges from these beneficiaries of sites on its lands. Thus, BDA incurred a loss of rupees one billion. If the BDA is serious, then it should take courage to collect reconveyance charges and regularization charges from the site owners who have constructed their houses on its lands instead of demolishing which is not only a national loss but a childish act. 

In the very early stage, there were two municipalities for the city of Bangalore, one was called the Blackpally Cantonment Municipality for cantonment area, and the another Bangalore City Municipality for southern Bangalore. These municipalities were functioning perfectly with able guidance of persons like Sir Mirza Ismail, the Dewan of erstwhile princely Mysore and Dewan Madhav Rao. The sewage system and water supply to the citizens were met from Ippegondanahally and Hosakote tanks. These Municipalities were merged in 1949 and there was no problem as far as the drainage and sewage was concerned. There were only 60 divisions in the Corporation at that time and it was capable to manage the city’s needs at least till the year 1980. 

 The problem started after the divisions were increased to 100. Now, the Government had leaped beyond the metropolitan limits up to the rural areas and increased the wards to 200 without bothering about the sewage system and the traffic problems of the city which is a major bottleneck for its growth. During the time of B.T. Somanna and HGV Reddy, there used to be seminars and symposiums and eminent personalities like world famous Waghle use to give advice to the then Chairmen about the planning of the city. After their exit, no Chairman or Commissioner of BDA or BBMP bothered to conduct such seminars, which has resulted in this chaos. Had the Bengaluru city been on the bank of any river or sea port, then, nobody could have stopped it from submerging. At least the Bangaloreans should thank God for not gifting the city with a river or a sea.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter OH! ANOTHER BANK FRAUD BANK USES A CUSTOMERS DEPOSIT MONEY FOR OVER A MONTH

 FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 OH! ANOTHER BANK FRAUD 

 BANK USES A CUSTOMERS DEPOSIT MONEY FOR OVER A MONTH

 It is now common for Bank executives to approach individuals and invite them to open a Bank account with their employer Bank. And further, the existing customers are also encouraged and induced to open additional savings and other accounts more for the benefit of the executives and their employer Bank. 

 LATEST VICTIM 

 Mohammed Abdulla, 50 years old businessman from S.P road was approached by Raghavendra, the executive of Kotak Mahendra Bank, Kasturba Road branch who invited him to open a Savings Bank Account with Zero balance facility. The executive Raghvendra who was following him continuously finally succeeded in convincing him and Mohammed issued a Cheque of Rupees 10,000/= as deposit for his new Savings Bank Account. The cheque he issued was from his Amanath Bank Account of dated 29/07/2010 and the same was debited on date 17-08-2010. 

 I WILL VERIFY & INFORM YOU

 Mohammed then started enquiring about his new Savings Bank account with the Bank. However on other end Ranghvendra started evading the calls. After repeatedly calling up Raghavendra, Mohammed started sending SMS asking him to update his status or he will take legal action. Then, Raghavendra started replying his messages but would merely send one or the other excuses saying he is not in the station or would verify and inform him. 

 SEVERE FOLLOW UP 

 A month passed by and Mohammed then finally told him either to open his Savings Accounts immediately or return him his amount which was debited on 17-08-2010. But then too he didn’t get any response from Raghvendra. He finally sent him a message warning him to open the account or return the money else he will proceed with the legal action. This also didn’t make any difference and finally he approached the bank on dated 17-09-2010. 

 THE FINAL SHOW DOWN

 He contacted the Branch Manager of the Bank who told him that they had already gone through the SMS’s sent by him and had already prepared the DD for his refund amount and that also was already sent to his address. Mohammed however didn’t believe the Manager and went to the Cubbon Park Police Station to file a complaint. Initially the Police evaded the complaint, but, when he told he will contact the media they finally registered his complaint. 

 A constable then accompanied him to the bank. The Branch Manager of the Kotak Mahinder Bank along with Raghvendra & another Manager reported to the Police Station. They showed the courier receipt to the Circle Inspector and tried to convince him. However, Mohammed argued that why did they debit and use his 10000/- rupees for over a month. 

 However when TBMR contacted Circle Inspector of Cubbon Park Police Station, Mr. Jagadish, he said the case is being handled by the Sub-Inspector and asked us to call back later. However, we called up Sub-Inspector Mr. Girish, who is handling this case. He told TBMR that the Bank representatives told us that the account was not activated because Mr. Mohammed had given them a fake ID and also showed a courier receipt saying his deposit was returned to him through a Demand Draft. We have however issued him an acknowledgement for his complaint and since he said that he will approach Consumer Forum and also because the Bank representatives showed us the sent DD receipt, we have therefore not taken any further action. 

 When TBMR contacted the branch of Kotak Mahindra Bank, the Branch Manager was not available in his seat. We were directed to Mr. Raja, the Branch Operational Manager, who again diverted us to Ms Anu, the Service Manager. But, Ms Anu declined to comment and asked us to speak to the Branch Manager himself. Our repeated attempt to contact him turned futile. 

 Mr. Mohammed insists that he had issued the cheque for Rs. 10000/- on 29/07/2010 which was debited from his account on 17/08/2010. The Bank had retained my cheque for more than 15 days and must have verified my documents by then. Only then they must have presented my cheque. If they say that my ID was fake, why did they deposit my cheque? Why did they also not inform me about the same when I repeatedly followed them to start my account? Why did they again take more than a month to prepare a Demand Draft to return my amount, which on the contrary I still have not received yet?