Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE SUPREME COURT V/S A VILLAGE ACCOUNTANT VILLAGE ACCOUNTANT VIOLATES SUPREME COURT ORDER, KIADB ACQUIRES LANDS IN KENGERI VIOLATING SUPREME COURT STAY

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 THE SUPREME COURT V/S A VILLAGE ACCOUNTANT

 VILLAGE ACCOUNTANT VIOLATES SUPREME COURT ORDER, KIADB ACQUIRES LANDS IN KENGERI VIOLATING SUPREME COURT STAY 

 They say that the Law is Supreme and that no body is above the Law, yet there are many Public servants who not only think but also act above the Law. We bring to you a more bizarre incident of taking the Democracy for a ride. It features a Village Accountant and Revenue Inspector in Kengeri, who boldly effected a change in Khata and Mutation of about 4 acres of lands in Kengeri despite the “stay” by the Supreme Court. This incident throws much light on the machinations of the revenue officials and the officials of the Karnataka Industrial Area Development Board and their ‘who cares’ attitude. 

 THE SUBJECT

 The case pertains to lands in Survey numbers 128/1, 128/2A, 128/2B, and other lands proposed for acquisition by KIADB. In 1992, the KIADB had issued preliminary Notifications to acquire certain lands in Kengeri for establishing Industries. The owners of the lands in Survey Numbers 128/1, 128/2A, etc., filed a writ petition in the high court challenging the acquisition. The high court in 1993 disposed the writ petition after the submission of the Government, that it would not acquire the lands under emergency provisions and the High Court had directed the petitioners to submit their objections to the land acquisition. 

 Acting on the directions, the petitioners filed their objections and the Land Acquisition Officer had recommended the acquisition be dropped. But the KIADB officials were not prepared to accept the recommendations of the LAO. 

 FINAL TRY

 The KIADB further issued a final notification for acquiring the land, and in this final notification, it stated that the lands are required for KSRTC workshop and for the residential quarters for KSRTC employees. 

 The land owners again challenged it in the high court. In 2000, the single judge of the High Court allowed the writ petition and held that the Government has not considered the objections of the land owners and the recommendations of the LAO and the KIADB officials issued the final notification without application of mind. Moreover, there were serious discrepancies in the preliminary notification and the final notification. 

 Interestingly, the KIADB did not file the appeal against this single judge order. Rather, the KSRTC, which suddenly found place in the final notifications, filed the writ appeal. The division bench in 2003 set aside the order of the single judge and allowed the appeals. The bench held that it was not necessary to state the purpose for which the beneficiary uses the acquired land. This would mean that, once the KSRTC gets the lands from KIADB, it could damn well use it for any purpose. 

 Quite natural, the land owners filed a Special Leave Petition in the Supreme Court in 2003 against the orders of the division bench. The Supreme Court after hearing the matter admitted the Special Leave Petition and issued a “stay” against the orders of the division bench in 2004. Later, in 2005, the Supreme Court extended the stay but, what happened then is really shocking. 

 EXTRA ORDINARY POWER

 On 25-09-2006, the Government through its Industries and Commerce Secretariat issued an extraordinary Gazette Notification proclaiming that the lands have been acquired for KIADB as per modifications. This implies that the Government had exercised the emergency powers to acquire the lands. In fact, the extraordinary Gazette Notification was a clear case of violation of the Supreme Court order and since it was a low key affair it did not receive much publicity too. 

 Then, out of blue, the Village Accountant of Kengeri suddenly came into the scene on 16.07.2007. Acting under the pressure, he put up a file for effecting the change of Khata and the Mutation for the disputed lands. Being the grass root official, he knew the legal battle in respect of the lands and moreover he was the custodian of land records in the village. The Village Accountant was also aware of the Supreme Court order as well. 

 THE SUPREME CHANGES 

 Yet, he put up the file for change of Khata and Mutation to the Revenue Inspector who is the competent official to do the necessary changes. The Village Accountant had based his proposals on the extraordinary gazette dated 25.9.2006 and asked for the orders to effect the change of mutation. However, he put up the file for orders to effect the changes in the Khata and Mutation on 16.7.2007, after almost 10 long months of issue of the extra ordinary gazette. 

 Since the acquisition was proclaimed through an extraordinary gazette, the Village Accountant should have acted immediately. In stead, he waited for more than 10 months to initiate action on the gazette notification. The reason for this is very simple. The Village Accountant was well aware of the Supreme Court ‘Stay’ which was still effective and did not want to risk initiating the actions immediately. 

 ALL IN A DAY

 But later, things changed and the Village Accountant displayed his guts. He took the Law into his own hands and mocked the Supreme Court order. He boldly put up the file for effecting the change of Khata and Mutation to the Revenue Inspector who without caring for anything in the world simply accepted the proposal and ordered for effecting the necessary changes in the land records, on the same day, that is 16.7.2007.

 In one go, all the lands whose acquisition was “stayed” by the Supreme Court, got transferred to the KIADB in the revenue records, on the basis of the extraordinary Gazette Notification issued by the Government in September 2006, in blatant violation of the supreme court “stay”. 

 STRONG BACK BONE

 The Village Accountant and the Revenue Inspector successfully ganged up to play mischief on the Supreme Court ‘stay’ by proposing, accepting and effecting the change in mutation- all in one day. It is simply incomprehensible that these two petty officials would dare to mock at the Supreme Court order unless they have the support of the higher ups and politicians in power. Even after the change in mutation, effecting the gross violation of the Supreme Court order, no senior revenue official bothered to take any action against this duo. 

 Of course, the senior officials of the Revenue department too cared a damn for the Supreme Court order. There are a lot of senior officials involved in the process. There is the special DC (Revenue), Special DC, KIADB, special Land Acquisition Officer and above all the Revenue Secretary. The special DC (Revenue), special DC KIADB, were all parties in the Special Leave Petition in the supreme court. They can not feign ignorance of the SC order as they have been represented in the court proceedings. But still, they issued extraordinary gazette notification in 2006 acquiring the lands and despite the SC order which had directed that the statuesque be maintained. 

 WHO IS SUPREME?

 And what does the entire episode indicate? It simply means that the Village Accountant and the Revenue Inspector enjoy superior and supreme powers than the Supreme Court in India. Need there be any other explanation or conclusions.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter CYBER FRAUD

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 CYBER FRAUD 

 Huzaifa a business man from city Market area decided to go for Airtel Dish Antenna DTH. He searched the internet and came across a website of Airtel. He then registered his address and contact numbers as requested by the website and later received a call from a person named Amit Sagar who gave his number as +911204087604 and discussed the plan details and packages with him. He offered him plans of Rs. 1690/ 2590/ 1590/ 3999 etc. and finally Huzaifa accepted the plan of 1690/- in which he was given 3 months subscription free and would be charged at 275/- per month. 

 Huzaifa after acceptance agreed to make the payment through cheque or credit card but Amit at the other end advised him to make the payment in cash since it is a very small amount and assured him that he will arrange for the delivery and installation at his Gottigere address within 48 hours. Huzaifa then agreed to pay the amount in cash and within moments, though it was raining heavily, a representative met him for collection. He issued him a receipt of M/s Vriti Infocom P Ltd, collected the cash and disappeared. But, then, nobody came up for installation. 

 Huzaifa, then once again checked the website and called up a Mobile number 9845903388, as given on the website. At first, the person who responded merely said that he will check the status and call him back, but he did not. 

Later, Huzaifa continuously called up the same number and also the one provided by Amit Sagar, but no one picked up the call. He then called up Airtel office and was told that there have been many such complaints and that he has been cheated. He then personally visited Airtel office on Bannerghatta Road to submit a written complaint for installation of DTH but was refused by Airtel representatives. He was told that Airtel does not accept any written complaints but only through e-mail. He returned helplessly and sent a complaint to Airtel through an e-mail requesting for the DTH installation. But till now, Airtel has neither installed a DTH at his address nor replied to him on his complaint.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter MOBILE MENACE

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER

 MOBILE MENACE 

 Savitri, a 24 year old married lady joined Nemmadi Mane Trust, a social organization at Tumkur, as an office assistant. She was provided with a mobile phone with number 9241006982 by Nemmadi Mane Trust for office use. But, the Mobile seems to have made her life hell as she started getting obscene & vulgar messages on her mobile. She immediately informed her employer, who decided to lodge a police complaint which was filed at Tumkur on dated 01-09-2010. 

Tumkur Sub Inspector, Mr. Dinesh Patil after receiving the complaint started his investigation and found out that the Sim Card number 8867158933 from which the obscene messages were sent was purchased on the name of Anil Kumar, No.134, Bagalkot Bagalkot Dist. However, the police were not able to trace the address, said Nagaraj, the Managing Trustee of Nemmadi Mane. 

 Further the nasty messages continued and in fact increased. Then, Savitri’s husband called up to the number and asked him about who is he and why is he sending obscene messages to his wife. To his shock he was threatened and then he too started getting vulgar messages from him. Later, Savitri’s relative, a 65 years old lady decided to call and speak to the person and request him to stop sending lewd and threatening messages to Savitri and her husband. 

 More shockingly, even she too started getting the messages on her mobile from which she had called up. Now more than 600 messages have been send from the said number and they also sometime gets threatening calls on their respective mobile numbers, added Nagaraj. 

 When TBMR spoke to the Sub Inspector of Tumkur, Mr. Dinesh Patil on 14th Sept 2010 about the case, he confirmed that yes they were not able to trace him because of the incomplete address & the person from the above number only called up matrimonial offices. He had also called up to Belgaum from the same sim number and threatened the lady working there and sent her obscene /vulgar messages. How ever, since he was not in the station, he could not provide us with more details on this. 

 While we can understand the mental trauma of Savitri and her husband, the most terrorizing is the fact of not tracing the Sim card holder. The breech or security lapse is so common in our country. If any man can take up a Sim card and use it to harass women, it is not a wonder that anti social elements also obtain mobile numbers and then use it for disturbing peace and harmony in the country.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter OFFICE BURGLED ON SP ROAD

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

OFFICE BURGLED ON SP ROAD 

 Stealing and theft have of late become routine at the Sadar Patrappa Road, famous for Hardware and Computer market. 

 Obviously because there are myriads of shops here, crooks expect money in the drawers and attempt to break in. The burglary which was most common to the ground floor shops forced the shop owners to take preventive measures. They installed multiple locks, additional collapsible gates and enhanced the security features of their respective shops making it tough for the crooks to break in easily. 

But the thieves had another alternative. They then started to break in shops located on the above floors which are least expected to be burgled and less equipped with safety measures. Several theft cases occurred in the establishments situated on the upper floors and it continues. 

 Recently, another establishment by name M/s Pioneer Sales Corporation, situated on the first floor at Mandi Veerappa Lane, SJP Road cross, was targeted by the thieves. The owner of the shop Mr. Mufaddal Kapasi when came to his shop on 1st September 2010 at around 10.30am, was shocked to see the lock at the entrance collapsible gate on the ground floor broken. He went up the stairs to find 2 locks on his wooden door and another on the additional collapsible gate broken as well. He immediately informed the control room and soon a constable from Halsuru gate Police station visited the spot. However, he said that this spot comes under SJP Road Police Station limit and he would inform them. 

 Some time later, a constable accompanied by a lady colleague from SJP Road Police Station visited the spot, said Mufaddal. They opened the office door and found that everything inside was ransacked. Upon verification I noted that all stock items were intact but my Laptop was missing. The constables left asking me to visit the station in the afternoon and I did so. However, the Inspector at the SJP Road Police Station refused to lodge an FIR citing the reason as non availability of serial number of my stolen Laptop. 

 The Inspector told that even in the court I am required to provide the serial number of my stolen laptop, therefore, no complaint is registered by the Inspector yet, said Mufaddal kapasi.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter CHOPPING OFF THE LEGACY

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 CHOPPING OFF THE LEGACY 

 Dr Suresh, an Orthopeadic from Kims Hospital, attempted to chop off a huge tree near his house for the second time but was unsuccessful due to timely intervention of the neighbours. 

 The Doctor who is residing at 67/1, Sri Rama Mandir Road Baswangudi, Bangalore, had already chopped off a huge tree a couple of year ago despite resistance from the neighbours. And this time he decided to go for another chopping of a huge tree on the corner of the road outside his compound wall. But, his neighbours were stiff in resistance. The moment they saw the officials planning to bring down the tree, one of the neighbour, Mr. Taher immediately called up TBMR. Our photographer immediately rushed to the spot and as he started taking pictures at the spot, the officials panicked. Fearing the outcome, all the officials from BESCOM, FOREST and other relative agencies ran helter and skelter leaving the tree un-cut. 

 Taher Siamwala, who did not want the tree to be cut said that even 2 years back, a huge tree was cut by the Doctor. Actually when we resisted he stopped but he then played a smart game. Soon there were Holidays for about 2 or 3 days continuously and the Doctor arranged for the chopping during this time. Though we resisted, he could successfully chop off a huge tree since we could not contact anybody due to Holidays. 

 

However, the Doctor said that he will plant two saplings against the chopping of this tree. He stated that he had chopped off a tree earlier because it was covering his garage and now he wants to remove another huge tree because there are cracks appearing in his house. 

 “This time he has made excuses that there have been cracks in his house due to the tree. However, I have seen his entire house, there is no such damage but mere hair like cracks on the ceilings which is not because of the tree. He actually wants to chop the tree for the sake of outside elevation of his house. There is a definite possibility that he will take another chance during Holidays, like he did earlier to chop off the tree”, added Taher. 

 The TBMR team demanded the order copy for the chopping of the tree from the Doctor who agreed to issue us a Xerox of the same. But then the Doctor spoke to the Deputy Conservator of Forests (R.R.NAGAR) Mr. Venkatesh, who instructed him not to handover the order copy to us. The Doctor then refused to give us the order copy. 

 Taher also said that even during the earlier chopping he had promised to plant 2 trees, but he never did so.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter BALANCE SHEET OF MISCALCULATIONS BBMP BUDGET IS JUST MANIPULATIVE MATHEMATICS

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 BALANCE SHEET OF MISCALCULATIONS 

 BBMP BUDGET IS JUST MANIPULATIVE MATHEMATICS 

 The first ever Budget of the Bruhat Bangalore Mahanagar Palike is finally out and has indeed shocked everybody. The BJP Government which is controlling the BBMP has set out a whopping Rs. 8500 crores budget which has not only shocked the die hard BJP loyalists and the common man, but also puzzled mathematicians and economists. In addition, the budget is released in the mid financial year which means, the BBMP will have to raise and spend Rs. 8500 crores in just seven months. 

 In straight words the Rs. 8500 crores budget of BBMP is nothing but manipulative mathematics of the Politicians and Bureaucrats who can make two plus two as twenty two. 

 Let us understand the manipulative mathematics of the BBMP budget- 

 The BBMP has raised heavily from the Banks. It has raised over 2700 crores from 21 Banks and it is yet to clear the bills of contractors up to the tune of Rs. 2000 crores. Together, it becomes 4700 crores rupees. Now, even if the BBMP pays the minimum interest of 11% annually, it has to shell out around Rs. 500 crores per year as interest only. The loan repayment and clearing of pending bills still remain in place. 

 TAKING GOVERNMENT GRANT FOR GRANTED

 Arguably, the Budget is mainly based on the availability of special grants from the Government. Here too, there is no word of commitment from the Government, but, the BBMP is banking on the same. The BBMP budget has put the State’s special grant at Rs. 1900 crores and in fact, it has already taken this figure as ‘revenue’. On the face of it, this figure is highly exaggerated. While last year the BBMP expected the special grant of Rs. 550 crores, the Government actually gave only Rs. 400 crores to it.. Hence, this year they can only expect an increase of about 100 or utmost 150 crores. There is no other way as there are set of rules and guidelines for giving special grants to local bodies. Thus, the budget already shows a highly inflated figure of almost Rs. 1200 crores in ‘revenue’. 

 AKRAMA/ SAKRAMA TACTICS

 Further, an estimated Rs.750 crore ‘Receipts’ from Akrama/ Sakrama scheme is also hard to digest. Even though the Akrama/ Sakrama scheme is already approved by the legislature, the Governor has refused to give his assent and asked for detailed discussions in the legislature. This is because the Bill was passed by the Government in just few minutes while the opposition was staging Dharana. The Governor may therefore send it back to the Assembly for discussion and that means the Bill is still pending. 

Even if we assume that the Governor gives his assent, the scheme cannot be implemented immediately. The Government has to frame the rules for its implementation and the draft rules have also to be published for public information and also for inviting their suggestions/ objections to the same. This will obviously take months. Besides, the Akrama/ Sakrama scheme is already questioned in the High Court as well and as such there is no final conclusion over the scheme. In such a case, how can BBMP include the estimated Rs. 750 crores in its budget as ‘Receipts from Akrama/ Sakrama scheme’? 

 Now if we calculate honestly, the special grant of Rs. 1800 crores plus the Akrama/ Sakrama scheme receipt of Rs. 750 crores, totaling to Rs. 2550 crores is dubious. Assuming that the Government gives the special grant of Rs. 600 crore, even then, there is an inflated receipt of almost Rs. 2000 crores. And that reduces the BBMP budget to Rs. 6500 crores from 8500 crores. 

 PENDING BILLS AND SALARIES

 Again, out of this amount, the budget has earmarked 4878 crores rupees towards payment of bills for the completed and to be completed development works. About Rs. 600 crores are set apart for repayment of loans and interests. It also has to spend about Rs. 500 crores towards Salaries and administrative expenses. All these come to about Rs. 6000 crores and that leaves BBMP with a mere Rs. 500 crores for the actual works and proposals. 

 DON’T FORGET THE WARDS

 In addition, the BBMP has also set up Rs. 2 crores for each old BMP ward and Rs. 3 crore for the newly added 100 wards for short term works and sanitation. This would also consume the remaining Rs. 500 crores. 

 ADDITIONAL PEANUTS

 It is also true that the BBMP has successfully tapped some other resources to collect about Rs. 250 crores through taxes on high value buildings, Trade Licences etc. It is also hoping to get Rs. 200 crore from JNNURM, additional Rs. 400 crores from the State Finance Commission and Rs. 125 crore from the 13th Finance commission. But, all in all, it would add up only to about Rs. 1000 crores, which is peanuts, considering the thousands of crores worth works as proposed by the BBMP. 

 

HIGH END PROMISES

 The BBMP has proposed many high cost projects like underpasses, signal free roads, elevated High ways, etc. which would in all cost not less than Rs. 5000 crores. Besides, it has also proposed projects/schemes like General Hospitals, Multi level Parking lots etc. which would at least cost another Rs. 3000 crores. 

 REALITY BITES

 Now the most important question is where is the Money honey? Though the BBMP has already released a glamorous budget, but in reality it actually does not have money even to fulfill 25% of the budget proposals. Then, it again has to raise loans. Now make a note, we have learnt that the BBMP can raise 20% of its budget estimate as loan. Perhaps that is why it has prepared an inflated and manipulative budget for Rs. 8500 crores, so that it can raise about 2000 crores in loans. 

 All said and done, going by the facts and reality, the glamorous BBMP budget is nothing but a shining example of manipulative mathematics. 

That’s all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter HEALTH DEPARTMENT NEEDS A CHECK UP Health Department’s Purchase of Heart Care equipments gives Heart Attack

BY. FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 HEALTH DEPARTMENT NEEDS A CHECK UP 

 Health Department’s Purchase of Heart Care equipments gives Heart Attack 

 We had exposed the manipulations of the Health department in the past issue pertaining to the irrational purchase of High Frequency sophisticated X-Ray machines in the name of up gradation of the Government run hospitals. We bring to you another open and clear manipulation undertaken by the officials of the Health department to mint money out it. 

 This time it is with regard to the purchase of ventilators and Defibrillators for the District hospitals. Ventilators and Defibrillators are basically first aid equipments used in heart care and it did not cost more than Rs. 2 lakhs in the market in the year 2006. 

 However, the Directorate purchased 25 ventilators at the rate of 5.50 lakhs and 27 Defibrillators at the rate of 6.25 lakhs. The entire script for this scam was written by Ramesh, the DD(M) and executed to perfection by Eswar Prasad, the then Health Equipment officer, approved by the then Director Prasad and CAO Krishnappa, who put his financial seal on this financial blunder. 

 TENDERING THE FRAUD

 It all began in the year 2006 when the Director of Health &Family Services floated a tender for supply of 25 ventilators and 27 defibrillators for District Hospitals in the state. The tender process was itself a hush hush affair. Save Meditech System which is a supplying firm, made a bid for the tender along with other two created Benami firms. Obviously, the other two bids submitted in the name of Benami firms got eliminated in the tender on technical grounds, as per the plan and only Save Meditech Systems remained as the potential bidder. Actually in such circumstances, the Departments are required to go for re- Tender process, but since the ‘deal’ was already fixed before and the tender process was meant for a mere eye wash, Save Meditech System was awarded the tender. 

 THE HEALTHY UNION

 Ramesh, a DD (M) is an expert personality in manipulative tenders and purchases. The DH&FS Prasad is also a famous corrupt to the core official. The CAO Krishnappa can do any damn thing for the sake of money. And Eswar Prasad, the Health Equipment Officer too was an exceptional in manipulative purchases. With such a great team of dedicated and apt corrupt officials, the Health Department was destined to excel in the field of manipulation and swindling. Thus, the tender was meant for the Save Meditech System. 

 NO, NOT ENOUGH

 But what about the purchase price of these equipments? While both the Ventilators and Defibrillators did not cost more than Rs. 2 lakhs in the open market, the firm quoted the price of about Rs. 3 lakhs in the tender. This was inclusive of VAT charges and the kickback amount as required for the Health Department officials. However, the officials were not satisfied the amount they would earn out of this deal and therefore blatantly decided to raise up the cost of purchase. Since there was only one single potential bidder by now, it was very easy for them to change the quote for an extra amount. After all their internal calculations and manipulations, the quote in the tender was raised to Rs. 5.50 lakhs for each Ventilator and Rs. 6.25 lakhs for each Defibrillator. 

 PUBLIC MONEY, OUR MONEY

The supply order was then immediately issued to the firm. In fact, the supply orders were split and the firm was actually given repeat orders totaling to a massive Rs. 3.06 crores. It is indeed a shock to imagine the Directorate placing the orders for equipments at three or four times its market rate. While the entire procurement would not have cost more than Rs. 1 crore if proper and competitive tenders were obtained, the Government had to actually shell out Rs. 3.06 crores of public money all because of the crooked Health officials. 

 CHANGING THE HISTORY

 It is also learnt that the crooked Health officials have misplaced the file and also tempered with some details pertaining to the procurement of these first aid equipment. Whatsoever, the fact is that even today; the Ventilators and Defibrillators do not cost more than Rs. 3 lakhs in the market. 

 All said and done, the Health Department officials jointly with the supplier have successfully made a good fortune out of the procurement deal and still moving about freely. We bring to you this scam with the hope that the culprits are booked and penalized for their frauds which also eventually helps curb down the manipulations undertaken by the Health officials of the department.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE INEFFICIENT LOKAYUKTA LOKAYUKTA SURROUNDED BY SHORTFALLS, ADVANTAGE BJP

By, Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE INEFFICIENT LOKAYUKTA 

 LOKAYUKTA SURROUNDED BY SHORTFALLS, ADVANTAGE BJP 

 The state of Karnataka is currently facing tremendous heat of the Mining scam and undoubtedly all the credit is attributed to the inefficient and corrupt BJP Government of Karnataka. In spite of the exposure of manipulations by their Ministers, the Chief Minister, Mr. Yedurapa has openly defended them and successfully drafted a plan to safeguard them. While a CBI probe is a necessity for such types of scams, Mr. Yedurappa adamantly entrusted the Mining probe to the Lokayukta in stead of the CBI. But, it is a clear fact that the Lokayukta is an unsuitable agency to investigate a scam spread at national and even inter national level. Let us understand the limitations and helplessness of the Lokayukta pertaining to the Mining scam for which he is entrusted the probe. 

 TIME IS TICKING 

Is it really possible for the Lokayukta to conduct the probe? It is in fact, Mr. Yedurappa’s great political conspiracy to safeguard his Government. The Lokayukta is scheduled to retire in August next year and therefore must submit his report to the Government before his term expires. Since the scams involves inter state and inter national complexities, it will be next to impossible for the Lokayukta to submit the report within a year. And even if he does so, the report will once again be in the hands of Mr. Yedurappa himself, who will then decide whether to accept or reject the report and his next course of action. 

 BEYOND THE BORDERS 

A major shortfall for the Lokayukta in this scam would be his limitation to the state only. While the iron ores were exported from the ports of Karnataka, Goa, Maharashtra and Andhra Pradesh, it also includes certain inter national violations as well. The Lokayukta will find it difficult to analyse the transactions outside Karnataka. He may seek assistance of CBI but it may or may not oblige. The Lokayukta also is incapable to seek assistance from the Interpol to investigate inter national violations. 

 ACCESS DENIED INTO SWISS BANK

 It is a known fact that people across the globe deposit their black chunk of money in the famous Swiss Bank perhaps, because, the laws of the Swiss Bank suit such people. The Swiss Bank never reveals the details of its customer, unless there is a criminal case filed against a person for accumulating wealth through illegal means and that there is a suspicion that the same person may be holding an account with the Swiss Bank. But, it would be next to impossible for the Lokayukta to request the Swiss Bank to provide the details since it has limited powers. 

 INTRUDERS 

Another important problem would be shortage of staff for the Lokayukta. Nevertheless, even if he successfully pressurizes the Government to recruit additional staff to assist him in the Mining investigation, the Government will intervene and depute their loyal officials who would completely hamper his investigation. Minute by minute development on the Mining scam investigation can be informed to the Chief Minister, who will then play the cards accordingly to save his Government and the Reddy brothers. 

 CBI POWER

 If the probe was offered to CBI, it would have surely exposed the culprits. The CBI is national agencies which can access the entire country and also seek assistance at inter national level. Mr. Yedurappa is all aware of it and so he was frightened about the CBI probe. When the pressure mounted him to order investigation, he intentionally avoided the most suitable agency CBI and handed over the probe to the Lokayukta, who is incompetent as far as mining scam, is concerned. Now, Mr. Yedurappa is safe as his political gamble ensures his victory.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter ARE WE REDDY FOR PRESIDENT’S RULE THE REDDYS MAY INVITE PRESIDENT’S RULE IN KARNATAKA

By, Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 ARE WE REDDY FOR PRESIDENT’S RULE 

 THE REDDYS MAY INVITE PRESIDENT’S RULE IN KARNATAKA 

 The Reddy brothers, who arguably succeeded in bringing the first ever BJP Government in Karnataka a couple of years back, may become the reason for the downfall of the same. In fact, they had almost succeeded to pull it down last year itself, but for the intervention of their God mother Sushma Swaraj. 

 CORRUPT RULES

 The recent expose of Ministers of BJP Government who have bluntly exploited the natural resources of the state for their selfish gains and amassed abundance of wealth has shocked the entire nation. The more shocking is the fact that the Chief Minister, who should immediately sack and initiate criminal proceedings against these violators is actually going out of the way in defending them. While there is a new political game played every other day, let us understand that going by the developments, it seems possible that Karnataka may witness President’s rule in the near future. 

 FLIGHT TO DELHI

 Let us recall that the Governor of Karnataka, Mr. H. R. Bhardwaj has himself prepared a damning report on the ugly political atmosphere, illegal mining, uncontrollable corruption, nasty behavior of the Reddy brothers, ineffectiveness of the Chief Minister in controlling the state affairs etc. etc. Let us also ponder on the fact that the Governor took the pain of personally flying to Delhi to submit the report to the President, Prime Minister and Home Minister of India in person. 

 MIND YOUR BUSINESS

 Well, whatever the spokesperson of the BJP say, it is clearly evident that the Reddy brothers have showed an ugly behavior and rowdy character to the state. Firstly, the rowdy brothers dared to insult the High Command and publicly asked him to mind his own business when the Governor summoned them on a petition. The Governor had summoned the Reddy brothers on a petition filed against them under the plea of Office of profit and Conflict of Interests. Actually there is nothing wrong in this. Any Governor there be, whenever receives a petition against any Minister or Official of the Government and if that appears to be of serious intensity, then summons the concerned authority and who is required to explain on the matter. But, the Reddy brothers thought that they are the owners of the state, made an episode out of this and publicly refused to meet the Governor and also fired harsh words at him asking him to mind his own business. 

 WE ARE REDDY

 Later, the Lokayukta resigned on the grounds of Mining issue and the Government shielding the culprits but took it back finally, when L.K.Advani, the senior leader of BJP intervened. Furthermore, when the opposition held dharna in the assembly over the Mining scam, the Reddy brothers once again made news by verbally abusing the Congress leaders and threatening them of dire consequences if they continue to oppose them. 

 WHO WILL BELL THE CAT?

 The Governor was never a mute spectator but observing the incidences deeply. The Governor also has constitutional duties towards the state and the Law of land. He also informed the Chief Minister to control the Reddy brothers who are behaving as the owners of the nation by now. But, even the Governor knew that the Chief Minister is helpless. If he tries to finger the Reddy brothers he will loose his post. Even the BJP High command is helpless in their case since it is publicly known that the Reddy are ready to spend thousand of crores in the next Lok sabha election to help their God mother Sushma Swaraj become the Prime Minister of India. In short, no body from the state BJP Government or the high command is capable to control the Reddy brothers who are continually holding the Karnataka state for ransom. Besides, they have also successfully made Mr. Yedurappa to order a Lokayukta probe in the Mining scam in stead of CBI. Further, the already submitted report of Lokayukta in 2008, on illegal Mining still gathers dust. 

 PRESIDENT’S RULE?

 Now what can one do to safeguard the interest of the state and the public in such a situation? Obviously, the Governor had to intervene and he submitted a strong report to the central Government seeking its intervention. The Centre is studying the report and planning to impose President’s rule on Karnataka state under section 355. However, the Governor made it clear that he has neither asked for the President’s rule nor for a CBI probe in the illegal Mining scam and it is left to the Central Government to decide upon the appropriate action. Whatsoever, if article 355 is imposed then, the Governor has the power to order CBI probe in the Mining scam. As per the current political scenario, the President rule on Karnataka looks imminent in the near future. Let us wait and watch.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter LONG WAY TO GO INDIA INDEPENDENT INDIA COMPLETES 63 YEARS OF AGE

By, Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 LONG WAY TO GO INDIA 

 INDEPENDENT INDIA COMPLETES 63 YEARS OF AGE 

 India completed 63 years of its independence on 15th August this year. While 63 years may be an entire lifetime for some humans, it is indeed a short period for a nation. It is an appropriate time for us to review our progress and justify our worth for independence. We have to introspect over our duties to the nation and not merely try to assert our rights. 

 One of the greatest achievements of India is that it has remained democratic all these 63 years and is regarded as the biggest Democracy in the world. While other Nations, who gained freedom or became independents, lost their democratic status, India went ahead and established foolproof democracy which can be a role model for the world. 

 It was a fact that Mahatma Gandhi, a true democrat, brought up an army of great men and women who treated democracy as their breath. When India became independent, we were fortunate to have great democratic leaders. Jawaharlal Nehru, the first Prime Minister of Independent India had laid a strong base for democracy in India. 

 We have free and fair elections, an independent judiciary, free press and great parliamentarians. All these are a must for democracy and we have it in plenty. It is another matter that the quality of political leadership has started degrading in the recent past. 

 Do these plus points suffice for all round development of the country and its people? India despite its true democracy has not been able to provide prosperity to its people. Jawaharlal Nehru who laid the foundation for Industrialization and agrarian reforms was instrumental in India becoming an industrialized country. At the same time the big dams and other related irrigation schemes also helped India become an agricultural country. Nehru wanted both industries and irrigation to prosper so that the Indians can have employment and good food production. 

 While the Industrialization achieved its purpose, the agricultural projects could not provide the desired results. The reason was that the land holding was concentrated among negligible section of the society and therefore small and micro farmers were not benefitted. Moreover 70% of the agriculturists did not own a single plot of land. It was only after the sixties, that the government took major steps in land reforms and Vinoba Bhave’s Bhoodan Movement also made lakhs of agricultural workers get some piece of land as their own. 

 UNCULTIVATING INDIA

 At the end of 63 years, we are witnessing a steady decline of industries and the agricultural production is also at its low ebb. The unimaginable urbanization has resulted in decline of agriculture activities. The hard fact is that agricultural production constitutes only 17% of the GDP and we still prefer to call ourselves an agricultural country! There is absolutely no hope of the agriculture getting priority among the people in the near future. 

 LOVE THY NEIGHBOUR

 It is another matter that India has to spend a large portion of its budget towards defense as it is besieged by enemy countries on its borders. Pakistan, China, Bangladesh etc. are not prepared to allow India live in peace. If we had to spend less on defense in case of friendly neighbours, many poverty alienation schemes could have been taken up. But that is not the ground reality as of now. India has to increase its defense expenditure by 20-25 percent every year. 

 KNOWLEDGE IS POWER

Education has become the biggest drawback of the Independent India. It is not only the drawback but the biggest challenge of post Independence. Despite the best efforts, the literacy rate has not touched even 60%. Only recently the government introduced compulsory primary education to every child. Even though compulsory education was in force since many decades, it remained only on paper. Poverty is the root cause for this situation. In fact, in spite of central and state governments introducing Midday meals, bicycles and other inducements to make poor children to come to school, it may take many years to make the country, a totally literate. 

 TIME OF IT/BT 

Of course, India has made giant leaps in science and Technology. Indian scientists and Technocrats are second to none in the world and recognized the world over. The Information Technology of the recent origin has made India proud. Indian IT industry is no.1 in the world and has provided employment to millions of young and talented in a matter of 10-15 years. 

 The BT sector is also helping the country to become world no.1 in Research and development of Bio technology. In fact, BT is the future of India for some more years to come. It is important to recall that IT and BT sectors are in the hands of private enterprises and this private sector has seen tremendous growth in the past decade. The IT industry which was hit badly by the global recession of last year is slowly getting back on the track. Interestingly, the IT-BT boom has attracted students to a large extent much so that the basic science engineering etc. have no takers in the past decade. 

 THE DARK STORY

 Power is another sector that is yet to rise to the occasion. There is indeed an acute power shortage all over the country. The country is mainly dependent on Hydel and Thermal power production and has not explored the nuclear energy to increase the power generation. The word nuclear itself has become synonymous with destruction as the same has been used by many countries for war and other related activities. People forget to notice the other side of the nuclear energy. The scope for using the nuclear energy in power production is vast and some states are gradually veering towards it. 

 UNDER THE TABLE CHALLENGE

 And the challenge to the very basics of democracy which has survived for 63 years is the cancer of corruption. This has entered into the veins of the democratic India. In the past three decades, corruption has creeped into every organ of the establishment. One can imagine the level and reach of the corruption by the fact that two late Prime Minister were accused of corruption. Politics which was once a respected forum for social service has now become a highly lucrative commercial venture. Unscrupulous businessmen and even criminals have easy access to political power, while politicians with clean image and honesty, have become a rarity. 

 The bureaucracy which once was the pride of the country has now been completely politicized. They now cater to the needs of their political masters rather than the people of the country. The corruption level in the bureaucracy also has come to rotten level. The honest among them is considered an outcaste but we still do have ‘honest’ officials though negligible in numbers. 

 Corruption has established its dominance in defense also. Even judiciary is not spared. There was a case of a Supreme Court Judge escaping the impeachment by the Parliament by a whisker on corruption charges. The judiciary which should be ‘above’ everything is getting tainted because of the dark horses. In fact, in the recent past, many judges have been dismissed from service on corruption and inefficiency grounds. That itself is a sad commentary. 

 The spurt in corruption level was because of the political corruption which percolates to the lowest. The politician has to spend crores to get elected as MLA and he has to pay ‘funds’ to the party and its leaders to become a minister. He further has to recover the cost and has to amass money to fight the next election and also has to make arrangements towards his family. Gone are the days when party workers who were honest were issued tickets to contest the elections and the election expenses were minimal. In fact, if such a person is given the ticket, the party cadres used to pool funds, to bear the minimum expenses. Such persons used to remain honest and corrupt politicians were a rarity till the seventies. And Now? We have to conduct an elaborate search to find honest politicians! 

 In the recent years, many lobbies who have minted crores and crores and who used to patronage the politicians have themselves purchased political power for themselves. If one were to take a look at the legislators and parliamentarians, one can find at least 50% of them belonging to various lobbies - Granites, mines, capitation, excise etc. There is no denying the fact. When this being the case, how one could expect corruption to be rooted out as these lobbies are the other side of the corruption. 

The all pervading and engulfing corruption has become the greatest challenge to not only India but to the basic structures of democracy. One only hopes the emergence of a new leadership with honesty, integrity and far sightedness to save the country from corruption. As they say, one has to live on hopes. And on this Independence Day, we can at least hope for good tidings!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE RUBBER STAMP CM CM REFUSES TO ACT, ASKS OPPOSITION TO APPROACH HIGH COURT AND SUPREME COURT AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING

BY FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 THE RUBBER STAMP CM 

 CM REFUSES TO ACT, ASKS OPPOSITION TO APPROACH HIGH COURT AND SUPREME COURT AGAINST ILLEGAL MINING 

 While the state of Karnataka is under the storm over the Mining scam, the first time BJP Government of Karnataka is on the verge of collapse for being a party to this mega scam. The opposition would not have asked for a better issue to protest against the Government and it has successfully flagged the issue of corrupt BJP Government. They also disrupted the legislature session opposing the same and also held day and night dharna demanding a CBI probe in the Mining irregularities. However, when the pressure mounted on the Chief Minister, he cunningly eye washed the public and handed over the probe to the Lokayukta in stead of CBI. 

 OOPS! WHAT DID YOU SAY? 

Whatsoever, the opposition continued its agitation and went on a Padayatra from Bangalore to Bellary which became a huge success. Mr. Yedurappa, who actually should have addressed the issue to the opposition and the public is countering the Congress Padayatra and planning to undertake Padayatra in all the districts of Karnataka. Recently, while the opposition was aggressively demanding a CBI probe in the Mining issue the Chief Minister commented what could be termed as a most shocking statement made by a Statesman. Mr. Yedurappa, told the opposition to approach High court if they wish to fight illegal Mining. Refusing clearly to opt for a CBI probe, the Chief Minister told the elected representatives of Congress and the JD(S) parties to approach High Court or Supreme Court to initiate a CBI probe if they had the related documents with them. Such a statement made by a Chief Minister is indeed shocking and strikes the very roots of Democracy. 

 YOUR DUTY SIR! 

It is the duty of the Government and the Chief Minister to protect and safeguard the interests of the state, its people and its resources. If the Government discovers a violation of a law either on its own or through any other source, be it the opposition or the media, it is bound to take action. Mr. Yedurappa is very much dutiful to take action on the illegal Mining and has no logic to ask the opposition to approach the courts in stead. The courts would be last resort to approach in case the Government intentionally fails to act for the welfare of the state. 

 ACT OR VANISH 

Mr. Yedurappa is the Chief Minister of the Karnataka state. He is primarily responsible for the rule of law and the law of land. He also has the powers to take actions. He cannot simply shirk the responsibility of the august office he holds. If people have to approach the courts in order to seek justice, then what is the point of having a Government Mr. Yedurappa? What is the point of having you as the Chief Minister? 

Let there be no Government and people can approach the courts for all their matters. Let us hope that we are gifted with statesmen who are genuine in their services to the state, its people and its precious resources.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter WALKING IS GOOD FOR POLITICS PADAYATRA BECOMES A POLITICAL GIMMICK

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 WALKING IS GOOD FOR POLITICS 

 PADAYATRA BECOMES A POLITICAL GIMMICK 

 The Congress Padayatra from Bangalore to Bellary, the Reddy brothers’ Padayatra in Bellary district, the BJP’s rally cum convention in four revenue divisions and later Padayatra by the Chief Minister in every district and the proposed Padayatra from Bagalkot to Bangalore by the JD(S) headed by H.D. Kumaraswamy has made the state politics as Padayatra politics. Every party and politician is trying to extract benefit and credit from Padayatra politics, the credit of which should be given to the Reddy brothers. 

 It was all started by the opposition leader Siddramaiah. During the heated debate over the illegal Mining issue in the assembly, the Chief Minister, Mr. Yedurappa lost his cool and displayed threatening postures against Siddaramaiah by folding his sleeves and abusing the Congress. The talk of the town rowdy Reddy brothers also joined the CM and created a ruckus in the assembly. They hurled abuses and challenged Siddramaiah to set his foot in Bellary and that they will strip him and finish him. 

 Shocked over the violent behavior and the challenge of the Reddy brothers, Siddramaiah readily agreed and promised to hold a convention of Congressman at Bellary. Though his reaction might be termed as a spur of the moment but surely it caught the imagination of the Congressmen and they saw a golden opportunity to take up their fight against the illegal Mining and simultaneously rejuvenate the party. 

 Within a few days, the Congress decided to go for a Padayatra from Bangalore to Bellary. Luckily for the Congress, the timing also clicked as the state was undergoing the trauma of a massive Mining scam allegedly involving the Reddy brothers and the BJP Government. They obviously settled for the same issue and went ahead. 

 While the CM, the Reddy brothers and the BJP party did took it casually in the beginning they were shocked over the successful response the Congress Padayatra gained as the days passed by. This made them loose their sleep and they were forced to counter act simply to derive a political benefit out of it. Many more Padayatras were announced by the ruling party themselves and the state and its people were left suffering. 

 Everybody is organizing a Padayatra for their own reason and indeed it has become a laughing stock for the nation. Gone are the days when the Padayatra was the last resort weapon to fight the injustice. Now, it has actually become a forum for power. One can still understand and accept the fact of opposition taking out a Padayatra for a cause, but, it is indeed amusing to know that the ruling party and the Chief Minister himself is planning to go on a Padayatra. What sense does it make? He is the CM and his party is in rule. What could be the reason of a Padayatra? Quite clear it is that the CM wants to visit each and district and brain wash the people. So that he can once again establish his vote bank which is under serious threats due to his own misdeeds. 

 Well, the concept of Padayatra has clicked in Karnataka. While we are celebrating our 63rd Independence Day, we remember the great mahatma Gandhi who took the Dandi march against the British demanding the Independence of India. That was a true march by a leader. And six decades down the line we have our leaders who have made Padayatra, a cheap instrument to induce people and derive their own political mileage out of it. God save India!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE CONTROVERSIAL BILL THE CONTROVERSIAL BILL OF COW SLAUGHTER BAN AND ITS REPERCUSSIONS

FIROZ.T.TOTANAWALA

THE BANGALORE METRO REPORTER 

 THE CONTROVERSIAL BILL 

 THE CONTROVERSIAL BILL OF COW SLAUGHTER BAN AND ITS REPERCUSSIONS 

 Amidst uproar and protest by the opposition parties the controversial Bill of Prevention of Cow Slaughter and Preservation of Cattle – 2010 was passed by the Karnataka Assembly. Not only the opposition parties, but also a large section of the state’s population is against passing this Bill into a law. The Bill was passed after a four-hour-long debate and discussions held, which were mainly focusing about its repercussions, if implemented. Despite insufficient ‘yeas’, the Bill was passed by the voice vote in the lower house and further it needs the approval of the upper house, where the ruling party lacks sufficient support, to be made into a law. 

Disturbance of livelihood of many 

The well-set livelihood of many of those who are involved in the industry would be shattered. More than 2 lakh under direct employment in the industry would be thrown out of employment and their families would be left to seek other means for their survival. In all more than 12 lakh people would undergo the sufferings. Nonetheless, the eating habit of the majority of the people of Karnataka would undergo a sea change. Consumption of lamb-meat would become a rarity and the price of chicken would be beyond the reach of their affordability. 

Not a choice of the Majority 

The current Bill is brought now with the intention of effective implementation towards the prevention of Cow Slaughter and preservation of the Cattle just because the present ruling party is of the opinion that a similar Act which was passed in 1964 was not that effective at all. Besides, its act of passing the Bill is in tune with keeping up of its promises made prior to the elections. But the reality is that no one from the public forum wanted a Bill of this nature to be passed into such an Act, whereas the public in fact has shown its displeasure through various means. 

Majority are non-vegs 

The ruling party of the Karnataka State is inspired by the successful implementation of a similar Bill in Gujarat by its sister government. The reason for its success in Gujarat is due to its high proportion of majority vegetarian public, which is the highest in India (70 per cent), whereas in Karnataka the proportion is only 30 per cent, which means the Bill if implemented would stir and disturb the eating habit of the major section of the society. 

Cattle-count on the high

 Further citing the reason of diminishing of the cattle population by the ruling party is nothing but an excuse for the population has actually increased to 1.49 crore from 95 lakhs during the past 4 years, despite culling of over 20,000 economically unproductive cattle on a daily basis. It’s left to one’s imagination as to what would happen to the count of the cattle in case they are not slaughtered for consumption by the human beings, in particular and other encaged animals of the Zoos, in general. Besides, the end-user of the by-products of the cattle debris such as the pharmaceutical, leather and sugar industries would also be severely affected. 

Untimely and unwanted 

However, all the praises should go the Bharatiya Janata Party for passing the Bill, in question, which was not thought of by its predecessor and earlier governments for they were governing the state for the welfare of the public.