Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE ANTI CLOCK CM LESS TIME FOR CITIZEN, MORE FOR PARTY

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE ANTI CLOCK CM 

 LESS TIME FOR CITIZEN, MORE FOR PARTY 

 Finally after the repeated turmoil that rocked his chair, our beloved Chief Minister B. S. Yedurappa has learnt the hard lesson. No, do not expect him to become pro people and work for the Citizens and State, he will rather focus more on his party colleagues who are opposing him. 

 Oh Democracy, the Chief Minister will now give less time to the Citizens and more to his party dissidents to ensure that they do not revolt against him again and he can peacefully complete his tenure and also prepare for there after. If the dissidents are not controlled than the future definitely would be bleak for the present Chief Minister. 

 To check the anti factor in his party, Yedurappa has chalked out a plan and said that “I will give 15 hours to my party every week.” The party men can approach the Chief Minister at his official residence ‘Krishna’ where they will also be treated with good food. According to the schedule prepared by the CM, he will meet his legislators over lunch on Tuesdays and Thursdays and with Ministers on Wednesdays and hear their grievances. Such a measure is targeted to bring and keep his flock together. It is also planned that the CM will remain in Bangalore from Monday to Thursdays and visit districts on Fridays & Saturdays. He will take complete break on Sundays. 

 But what about the citizens? Well, what would you expect? The citizens are scheduled to get 6 to 7 hours per week to address their grievances compared to 15 to 16 hours for his party men. 

It was noted that during a regular Janata Darshan programme, a time of 15 seconds was given on average to the citizens who had gathered at Yedurappa’s residence with their grievances. Of course, it is practically impossible for citizens to explain their problems in mere 15 seconds. But, who cares, Janata Darshan are organized, CM attends it, people reveal their grievances unsure about whether it is heard or not and go back. 

 TROUBLE AGAIN FOR YEDURAPPA 

 SC QUASHES DISQUALIFICATION OF 16 MLAs 

 While we are talking about the CM’s time contribution to citizens, the worst news comes in again. The Supreme Court on Friday, 13th May, 2011, has quashed the disqualification of 11 BJP MLAs and 5 Independent MLA’s by the Speaker of the Assembly in October, 2010. 

It is to be recalled that against the raising dissidence in the ruling party, the Chief Minister was challenged to prove the majority on the floor of the Assembly in October, 2010 and was most likely to fail. The Speaker of the House, K. G. Bopaiah, in a last minute move announced the disqualification of all these 16 MLAs, there by barring them to participate in the Trust vote and eventually reducing the strength of the Assembly. Consequently, the CM won the Trust vote and the disqualified MLAs approached the court for justice. 

Now, while the Apex Court has quashed the decision, the first ever BJP Government of South headed by Yedurappa is in trouble again. More of dirty politics is expected and the CM will be busier with saving himself again. Obviously, while he will give full time to save himself now and planning his survival, the State and its Citizens can wait with their grievances on the backseat. There will be fresh political gamble, horse trading and drama that will perhaps convey to us the pathetic political structure of our country. God save Karnataka!

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter GO GREEN ON A DAY OUT

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 GO GREEN ON A DAY OUT 

 Well, what do you do when it’s your Day out? Obviously, anything that would entertain you. But, the GTS team of Synopsys I EDA Pvt. Ltd. had an innovative and novel idea. On the regular Team Offsite day, they planned for a green initiative and decided to plant trees and contribute to the cause of environment. 

 Friday, 13th of May, 2011, was the teams offsite day. Headed by the GTS team Director Mr. Manjunath Haritsa, 40 members of the Synopsys GTS team, planted 100 saplings in the campus of a school named MSB Educational Institute, situated in CK Palya. 

 While planning for this novel idea, the team had first contacted Miss Janet of “Trees for Free’ foundation. “Trees for Free” is a foundation that provide trees to you free of cost with charging only the basic amount incurred in delivering the trees to you. Miss Janet provided them with 100 saplings and Tree guards and also helped them in arranging the digging of the pits at the location. 

 The team reached the location at 10 in the morning and they were welcomed by the school staff. A brief introduction about the programme was given followed by Vote of Thanks and refreshments after which the team members began the plantations. They put the required red soil, manure and water to the planted sapling and installed the tree guards. The whole program was over by about 12: 30pm the expenses of which were contributed by the team members. Thereafter, the team proceeded to their day off activity.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter EDUCATION- A DISTANT DREAM? CACL PROTEST THE DELAY IN NOTIFYING RTE RULES, 2009.

By.Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

EDUCATION- A DISTANT DREAM? 

 CACL PROTEST THE DELAY IN NOTIFYING RTE RULES, 2009. 

 Education is the process to awakening which can bring the desired good change for the society. It is therefore saddening that the education sector in India is still far behind and less is done to rapidly foster the spread and reach of quality education to the generation of India. 

 The Right to Education Act is indeed one milestone in the educational empowerment, but, unfortunately it is yet to cross the tables and come for implementation. The Right to Education Act should have actually come into implementation from 1st April, 2010. And it is indeed a matter of concern that a year has passed and the Department of Public Instruction has failed in notifying the rules. If notified, this law can be enforced at least from this current academic year and it empowers children to free and compulsory education. 

 While the primary schools have already started the admissions in the schools, there are incidences already being reported that the primary schools are continuing to violate the provisions of this law. ‘Campaign Against Child Labour’ (CACL), an anti Child Labour organization stepped out and seriously protested the delay in the implementation of Right to Education Act by delaying the notification of draft rules. 

 CACL had already filed comments & suggestions on the draft rules with the Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan but there has been no response to their appeals and letters on the status of the same. The finalized draft rules are also not yet placed for public scrutiny and this unreasonable delay by the Department amounts to violation of the UN Convention on The Rights of the Child (UNCRC), ratified by the Government of India. Article 28 & 29 of the Conventions provide for Quality Primary Education without any discrimination to any child. The Right to Education Act passed by the Indian Parliament gives an opportunity to make this right a reality at least to some extent to our children, but is yet to become a reality. 

 CACL suspects that the Department has aligned with the private school lobby to delay the enforcement of this Act and even the Education Department of Karnataka does not want to give the opportunity and hence are delaying the notification of the draft rules. 

To protest against this back ground, CACL –K organized a Protest in front of the offices of Sarva Shiksha Abhiyan (SSA), Nrupathunga Road on 12th May 2011 from 11 to 1 Pm. 

 They unanimously demanded that the Government does not site any kind of lame reasons to postpone the implementation of the RTE. They also warned that anymore delay in the implementation of RTE will call for intensifying their stir throughout the State.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter DODGING THE CM GURURAJ IS LEADING IN THE GAME OF SURVIVAL

By. Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 DODGING THE CM GURURAJ IS LEADING IN THE GAME OF SURVIVAL 

 We have already exposed in our earlier issues the double name conspiracy of M. N. Gururaj Rao, the Assistant Secretary in KPSC. He is simultaneously using another name as M.N Gururaj and managing the affairs of Lokseva Housing Co-op Society to avoid legal complications. 

 What is interesting is that everybody in the KPSC knows this dual role of M. N.Gururaj Rao, but nobody has any guts to take action in this regard. Shocking is the fact that, even the Chief Minister’s directions in this regard has yielded no results. The CM had sent two letters which ended up in the waste paper basket of Gururaj himself. While, this clearly explains the ‘clout’ and manipulation expertise of M. N. Gururaj, it is high time that somebody who matters in the Government or the Lokayukta intervenes and checks the criminal offences of M. N. Gururaj Rao. 

 Everybody accuses the Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa of managing every institution to insulate himself from the multifaceted and multidimensional scams. The opposition parties, his own party and even the BJP High command have become helpless before the might of B. S. Yedurappa, who has been successful in saving himself in repeated adversity. But it is wonder that a small time official in Karnataka Public Service Commission has beaten Yedurappa in the art of survival and warding off any threat to his vested interests. The official is none other than M. N. Gururaja Rao, the present Assistant Secretary in KPSC and also its Public Information Officer who also functions as MN Gururaj, the Secretary of the Lokaseva Housing Co-Op Society. 

 As M. N. Gururaj Rao, he is bound by the Civil Service Rules applicable to every Government employees. He simply cannot function with a different name and if he does, it is a criminal offence, as per the service rules. But M. N. Gururaj Rao functions as M. N. Gururaj and manages the affairs of the Lokaseva Housing Society dealing with crores of members’ money and responsible for the law of the land. The Co-op department officials have also allowed M. N. Gururaj to function as the Honourable Secretary of the Housing Society since its formation despite the fact that the rule stipulates that, every co-op society should have a qualified paid secretary However, no body has taken any actions or not even bothered to raise any objections. 

 It was your TBMR which raised this issue, yet, nobody took any action. After providing sites to all the KPSC employees who paid sital money in the Nagadevanahalli Layout, M. N. Gururaj, instead of winding up the society converted it into a real estate agency. TBMR has already exposed this in its earlier issues as to how M. N. Gururaj collected crores of rupees from the aspirants for the last seven years promising them sites in Yelahanka layout and even to this day has not even submitted the layout plan to BDA for sanction. 

 Whatsoever, now what if somebody files a case of cheating against M. N. Gururaj who is the Secretary since its formation? The court/police will issue summons in the name of M. N. Gururaj, the Secretary of the Lok Seva Housing Co-operative Society and the summons can be refused by him by stating that he is M. N. Gururaja Rao, the Assistant Secretary in KPSC! There is absolutely nothing ‘official’ about M. N. Gururaj Rao changing his name as M. N. Gururaj. If that was so, he should have mentioned it in KPSC official records. But, he is still acting and signing as M. N. Gururaj Rao, Asst. Secretary and PIO in KPSC while acting and signing as M. N. Gururaj in the Lokaseva Housing Co-operative Society records! 

 This is a very serious and criminal offence especially so when it is committed by a Government official that too a gazette official! But nobody wants to take action, least of all, KPSC top brass including its Honourable Chairman and equally Honourable members, as M. N.Gururaj has been their legman in many dealings and also has provided them sites. 

 Still, a complaint reached the Chief Minister B. S. Yeddyurappa on 1.9.2009. B. S. Yedurappa then directed the DPAR to take suitable action against M. N. Gururaj who is using two names, vide letter No. CM/33066/REP-GEN/2009 dated: 1.9.2009. As is natural, the DPAR should have held an enquiry into the matter which would have substantiated the charges. But, M. N. Gururaj who had high links in DPAR managed the matter. The DPAR simply forwarded the complaint to the KPSC which reached the Establishment Section that is M. N. Gururaj himself. And how one could expect M. N. Gururaj Rao to act on complaints against himself? He simply blocked the movement of the DPAR reference and killed it. 

 Then, again on 17.2.2011, the CM gave another direction to the DPAR vide CM/6272/REP-GEN/2011 to take suitable action against M. N. Gururaj. Here again, the CM’s direction to the DPAR was forwarded to KPSC that is M. N. Gururaj himself. In fact, in such a situation, the DPAR should have conducted and enquiry and directed the KPSC Secretary to initiate criminal prosecution against M. N. Gururaj after dismissing him from service! But M. N. Gururaj here too was successful to defend himself even against the CM’s personal section. The Chief Minister of course is a powerful entity and can manage his survival comparatively well in times of adversity since he has at his disposal ample of resources. But, a small time official channeling his own complaint letters to himself and then subsiding the matter itself explains the success of Democracy in India. 

The Chief Minister is helpless as both of his communications have actually reached the culprit for actions and he has freezed it. To put it simply, M. N. Gururaj has surpassed Yedurappa in the art of survival.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE MODERN SLAVE BAZAAR IPL SPINS MONEY, KILLS THE CRICKET SPIRIT

By. Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE MODERN SLAVE BAZAAR IPL SPINS MONEY, KILLS THE CRICKET SPIRIT 

 The BCCI which had raked thousands of crores by selling ‘Cricket Teams’ of Twenty 20 also created another notorious record by ‘auctioning’ the cricketers among those who purchased the IPL cricket teams. The auctioned players carried the price tag ranging from lakhs to crores. Players from India and other countries who signed for IPL were auctioned. Amidst this entire auction, the BCCI literally killed the cricket and the adjective ‘Gentleman Game’ for all times to come. And from the onset of IPL, cricket is never the same again . . . 

 THE BEGINNING 

 When Kapil Dev the former Cricket Captain and a legend, floated Indian Cricket League under the Zee banner few years back, he would not have even dreamt that he will be providing a golden opportunity to the BCCI to make thousands of crores in its attempts to neutralise his ICL. It may be recalled that Zee Company’s boss had floated the ICL to conduct league matches in different parts of the country to encourage the talented players who would not have stood a chance under the politically dominated BCCI. 

 To provide the necessary training and grooming, the ICL had signed up with experienced cricketers both from India and abroad. In fact, the ICL was a sort of replica of the County Clubs in England where they invite foreign players to play for their County. The ICL would have supplemented BCCI’s cricketing activities and would have produced talented cricketers for the Indian team. 

 But the BCCI thought otherwise. It considered the ICL as its rival and competitor and tried every trick in the trade to finish off the ICL. It refused to rent out the cricket stadiums it owns and threatened action against the players who would associate with ICL. It took up the matter with International Cricket Council complaining against the ICL and its attempts to encroach on the monopoly of BCCI on cricket in India. It prevailed upon the Cricket Boards of other countries to ban their players in signing and playing for ICL. Yet, despite the best efforts of the BCCI, it could not contain Kapil Dev’s ICL. Then, the BCCI in its attempts to teach a lesson to Kapil Dev stopped the pension to him. It may be recalled that the BCCI had introduced pension schemes to retired cricketers in recognition of their contribution and service to Indian cricket. Kapil Dev had earned the pension because of his cricketing years in the Indian team and not for his activities after retirement. Yet, when the board stopped his pension, the matter reached the courts. 

 BIRTH OF IPL 

 When all its attempts to finish off ICL failed, the BCCI hit upon a novel idea to counter ICL. Interestingly, the ICL had not yet started its tournaments. To nip the bud in the beginning, the BCCI floated Indian Premier League (IPL) to play Twenty 20 matches in major cities. The formation of IPL was also on the lines of the ICL. 

 After deciding to form the IPL, the BCCI then constituted IPL teams in the names of many cities like Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Huderabad, Chennai, Mohali, Jaipur etc. The BCCI then did the most unthinkable. It wanted to privatise these IPL teams and called for bids. Needless to say that only rich and powerful could bid for getting the team they wanted. As expected, the filthy rich of the country participated in the tender. 

Mukesh Ambani, Vijay Mallya, Shahrukh Khan, Preeti Zeinta, Deccan Chronicle group, India Cements etc bid for the teams and grabbed it at a phenomenal prices ranging in hundred of crores. The rest is history. Nowhere in the world did a sports team command such an unbelievable amount. For the next three years, these purchasers were named the owners of the teams and they can damn well use the same for promotion of their business. 

 And then came the most disgraceful episode of purchasing the cricketers. It is a well known practice the world over for the sporting clubs to sign outstanding sportsmen by offering huge money for their contract. Even the cricket County Clubs offer big money to the players particularly the foreign ones. Also many players deem it as an honour to play in such Counties who normally prefer highly successful and experienced players to play for them. These players are usually on contract for a year or two and depending on their performance, their contract could be renewed. The contract money also depends on the experience and expertise of the players. The money spinning sports like Football, Tennis, Base ball, Rugby, Boxing, Car race brings millions of dollars to the players and the contract, the contract money etc are all decided by mutual discussions between the sporting clubs and the players. 

 THE BAZAAR 

 It was shocking and sickening to witness the auction of the players. Never in the history of sports, were the players auctioned among the team owners just like the public auction conducted by the auctioneers. All the purchasers of the IPL teams were allowed to bid for players who have signed up with BCCI for the IPL. Just like any public auction where each items are displayed and described before the commencement of the auction, the auctioneer started the auction of the players one by one. The players were described, their talents, expertise, performance over the years etc were detailed and a base bid amount was fixed. The owners of the IPL teams were allowed to bid for the players over the base rate of the players. In some cases, there were serious bidders and in few cases, players were not at all auctioned because none of the owners of IPL team bid for them even at the base price. 

 OWNERS MAKE THE RULE! 

 Apart from the humiliating sale of players, the way in which the owners of the teams purchased the players also strikes at the root of cricketing spirit. There seemed to be no standard yardstick in fixing the player’s rate and it clearly depended on the whims and fancies of the owners. Nobody can explain how highly successful and talented players from India and abroad were either quoted exorbitant high or terribly low rates. In a way, the likes and dislikes of the owners of the teams played havoc with the auction. As money had become the password cricket simply suffered. How one could expect the players of the IPL teams who were paid differently without any yardstick, to play pure and genuine cricket? Besides, whether they perform or not, they are assured of the money. In fact, there is no gradation of players. 

 Why go far? The BCCI had introduced the gradation based contract system few years back in which the players are graded into A, B and C groups. The A grade consist of experienced and senior players, B grade players are experienced and the C Grade players are new entrants or budding players. The contract rates too are different and there is a system to promote C grade players to B grade etc. This gradation of players had ensured respectable earnings to the players every year. At least, if the BCCI had graded all the players for the IPL, then, there would have been some sort of fair rates for the players. 

 SPIRIT AT STAKE! 

 Whatsoever, even though the IPL is in the 4th year and a super hit in terms of money generation, glamour, popularity etc, the cricketing spirit has gone down the drain. Moreover, the IPL stretches for almost two months and such over exposure of Twenty20 matches will dampen the spirit of cricket fans who are the main say in gate collection. If cricket is over exposed, the fans may not throng the stadiums and gradually the cricket itself may lose the popularity. It can rightly be concluded that BCCI in its money making adventures has literally killed the spirit of cricket and the adjective ‘Gentleman’s Game’ forever. 

Howzzattt..

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE RISE AND FALL OF THE MOVEMENT ANNA HAZARE’S MOVEMENT LOSING STEAM? WHAT NEXT?

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE RISE AND FALL OF THE MOVEMENT

ANNA HAZARE’S MOVEMENT LOSING STEAM? WHAT NEXT? 

 Anna Hazare’s fight against corruption movement is slowly and steadily fizzling out, of course due to his own doings. Anna who took it upon himself the monopoly over civil society, nominated the Father-son duo Shanti Bhushan and Prasanth Bhushan, Lokayukta Santosh Hegde, RTI activist Kejrival and himself as the nominees of Civil Society to the committee, to prepare the Lokpal Bill. While Shanti Bhushan and his son Prasanth Bhushan are facing charges of corruption, Anna himself is accused of misappropriation in his NGO, and it is possible that Anna Hazare may quit out of frustration. The common question that will linger above the Indian society then will be “what next?” 

 If one studies the whole event, one may conclude that from day one, Anna started committing blunders after blunders. All of a sudden, he started fast unto death for implementation of Lokpal Bill. Fortunately for him, out of blue, many NGOs, organizations and media gave him unimaginable coverage and publicity as if Anna has come to liberate India from corruption. Innocent Indians who are definitely disgusted and exhausted by the level of corruption blindly supported him or rather supported a movement against corruption. In fact some overzealous media even painted him as a Mahatma. But, down the lane, the movement suffered a terrible break down as the nominated members of the civil society themselves were accused of corruption. 

 Let us be clear that Anna himself had clarified that he did not know Shanti Bhushan and his son personally and now Anna is in an embarrassing situation, as the Bhushans are facing serious charges of corruption and tax evasion. Anna, however has given them a clean chit without going into the charges against them. More than anything Anna himself is being accused of misappropriation in his NGO and a petition has been filed against for barring him from the membership of the committee on Lokpal Bill. Anna also faced ire from the secular forces after he praised Gujarat CM Narendra Modi and Bihar CM Nitish Kumar. The Congress General Secretary Digvijay Singh’s coments also disturbed the activists as he questioned the efficiency of Lokayukta Santosh Hegde for failing to control the unimaginable corruption in the Karnataka state. Irked by this criticism Santosh Hegde had even planned to resign from the committee but backed out from the decision due to pressure. 

 Most people supported Anna’s anti corruption movement and were by default against the UPA Government. But, let us know that it is the UPA Government which processed the Lokpal Bill for consideration. The bill which was prepared more than 3 decades back was kept in cold storage till now. Whatsoever, the Government still agreed to Anna’s every condition. Anna wanted to implement his version of Jan Lokpal Bill and the Government agreed. It also accepted to form a 10 member committee comprising of five members each from Government’ and Anna’s side. Anna wanted his nominations to be treated as representatives of the civil society which was also agreed. Further, Anna wanted gazette notification in this regard and the Government readily agreed without caring to insist on representation to all the sections of the society. It should be noted that India is a democratic country and therefore all sections of the society enjoys right of equality. 

However, Anna nominated Father-son duo, himself and two others as civil society nominations and there is no representation of Women, Dalits, Backward classes and Minorities in the Jan Lokpal committee. Anna insisted on co-chairmanship to Shanti Bhushan and the Government readily agreed. Whatever Anna demanded, the Government readily agreed. Unfortunately and most importantly, there is also no representation to the opposition parties which is a must for democratic functioning. The Government particularly UPA chairperson Sonia Gandhi and the PM Manmohan Singh bent backwards to satisfy the ego of Anna Hazare who has no respect for democratic institutions. When Digvijay Singh leveled serious allegations against Anna’s movement being financed by vested interests and corporate bodies, Anna instead of facing the situation and silencing the barb with convincing answers, wrote a complain letter to Sonia Gandhi to silence the Congress leaders who are leveling charges against him. 

 While Anna is complaining to Sonia Gandhi, the co-chairman Shanti Bhusan has sent legal notices to former SP leader Amar Singh who has released a damaging CD, threatening to file defamation case. Amar Singh however has stood his ground. While Shanti Bhusan cited the report of an American forensic lab to state the CD fake, the Hyderabad Forensic lab whose opinion is respected by the courts throughout the country has reported that the CD is original! 

 Whatsoever, the anti corruption movement that shot to the peak is in troubled waters now. It is possible that the Bhusans may resign from the committee or are forced to quit. Even Anna may quit out of frustration and then the matter will be back to square one. The fight against corruption will possibly get diluted. But can we Indians afford to lose the steam over the fight against corruption? Not at all. There can not be any sort of compromise on corruption and there can be no alternatives to the Jan Lokpal Bill. But, there will be vacuum and the Government may have to reconstitute the committee by filling the vacancies with more dignified people like Medha Patkar, Somnath Chatterjee etc. The Government may even invite former President Abdul Kalam to the committee. The committee should also have a representation from the opposition, to make the committee more meaningful. 

 Whether Anna stays in the committee or not, the committee should continue with the work and a more meaningful and effective Lokpal Bill must be prepared. 

That is all.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter BAR GIRLS V/S CHEER GIRLS WOMEN CAN BOOST SALES EASILY

By Firoz.T.Totanawala

The Bangalore Metro Reporter

BAR GIRLS V/S CHEER GIRLS 

 WOMEN CAN BOOST SALES EASILY 

 After the popularity of IPL, Cheer girls are no aliens to Indians. Every evening when the cricket frenzy crowd tunes into the televisions to view the most beloved game, they all get an additional entertainment in the form of Cheer girls. Whenever the player hits a boundary or a six or there is a fall of wicket, these scantily clad teenage girls dance to the loud music tunes. All correct, but the question is what has Cheer girls got to do with IPL? 

 Well the answer is very simple and everyone knows it as well. Perhaps that is why every one is ignorant about it. Cheer girls are here to raise the glamour of the game thereby increasing the craze and the monetary gains eventually. Besides, men from any corner of the world would be happy to see scantily clad young beauties dancing. And it is a treat if they come along with cricket. The concept of Cheer girls hit men where it hurts the most, and so it exists. 

 Surprisingly, if we compare, there is a strict regulation on bars that undertake dancing activities. Pubs and Bars are rigorously followed up by the police for having Bar girls who dance in front of the customers in scantily clad dresses in a confined space though they possess the required license. It is considered immoral for women to dance in front of customers in cheap dresses and further it incites illegal activities and degrades women though it may increase the sale in the Bars. All correct, but what confuses us is that why is there a separate law for separate people? 

 When there is severe condemning and restrictions for bar girls dancing in Bars, which of course is good, so then, why is there a permit to perform the same actions in full public view? The Cheer girls dance in the stadium which may have thousands of audience comprising of children, boys, girls, men, women, old etc. Is it not immoral then? When scantily clad women dancing in a confined and enclosed space to boost up sale is considered immoral and degrading for women, why is it not immoral and degrading for women to scantily clad and dance in front of thousands of cricket fans which is also featured live on television? Just because they are dancing in celebration of cricket shots, does it make the concept acceptable? 

 Well, on the contrary, Cheer girls as they are named have apparently nothing to do with cricket. If Cheer girls dance and perform some actions, will it help the players to perform better? No, the Indian talent or any talent for that matter is not dependant on Cheer girls. Even if the Cheer girls are absent, there will be same average scores, boundaries and sixes in the IPL tournament. But of course, the revenue may be affected and men may feel the overdose of cricket.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter COMMUNICATION VACUUM REVENUE DEPARTMENT DOESN’T REPLY FOR 16 MONTHS. RBI KEEPS SENDING REMINDERS.

By Firoz.T.Totanawala 

The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

COMMUNICATION VACUUM 

 REVENUE DEPARTMENT DOESN’T REPLY FOR 16 MONTHS. RBI KEEPS SENDING REMINDERS.

 India is the largest Democracy and we are all proud of it. But then there are many things in our Democracy that brings shame to us as well. Is it not? Ask every Indian about the same and the list will be endless. In this issue we bring you the story of how the Government Departments care two hoots to respond to their communications and no body on either side is bothered to act seriously about it. 

 Assuming a large scale scam in the collection of Stamp duty and issue of pre printed denomination wise Stamp papers by the State Bank of Mysore, we were collecting the required information for the same. In the context we had written a letter to the Governor of RBI on 10th of October, 2009. The RBI in turn forwarded a letter to The Secretary of Revenue Department, Bangalore on date 01st January 2010, for his comments on the issue. 

Shockingly, the Department did not reply. Then the RBI sent a reminder letter on dated 07th September, 2010, but the Department still didn’t reply. The third letter was sent by the RBI regarding the issue on 19th October, 2010 and of course that too went into the dustbin. Then again, the RBI sent another letter on dated 04th January, 2011 to the Revenue Department to comment them about a serious scandal by the SBM in Stamp duty collection. Oh dear friends, even this was ignored and as of now, even after 16 months, the RBI is yet to receive a reply from the Revenue Department on the complaint filed by us in spite of sending a written correspondence plus 3 reminders. 

 Ironically, a Democracy is a Government run by the people, for the people and off the people, but, everybody would admit that it is merely a definition existing in the books. Revenue department is supposed to be the most important department as the state receives its revenue through this department. Then how could that department be so careless to ignore a communication from the highest banking authority? That too, for more than a year in spite of 3 reminders? Besides, the complaint is filed with regard to the manipulation in the state revenue from a particular activity which should immediately attract attention and action. Yet, the authorities are turning a blind eye to the matter. 

 On the other hand, even RBI merely sent them reminders after reminders but did not take any other action. Does the Government Department function in this fashion? If a correspondence is sent to any Department, is it the Department’s wish to decide and answer it or avoid it? What action can be taken on the department for not replying to the communication and how much responsible is RBI for not initiating any actions but merely sending reminders to the department? 

Any comments????

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter LOKASEVA HOUSING Co-op SOCIETY-Scam-3 Yelahanka Layout: two hoots for the law of the land

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 LOKASEVA HOUSING CO-OP SOCIETY-Scam-3 

 Yelahanka Layout: two hoots for the law of the land The Yelahanka Layout formed by the Lokaseva Housing Co-op. Society at Kogilu makes one wonder whether the law of the land is applicable to the above mentioned society. The Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society is headed by M.N Gururaj, alias M N Gururaja Rao, the Assistant Secretary of KPSC who is functioning as the Secretary to the society since its inception. 

The society or rather M. N. Gururaj has been collecting sital deposits from the members (?) since 2004 by stating that the layout works were progressing. However, the BDA in its latest information has categorically revealed that it has not approved the layout of the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society. Then, how can one begin layout works without the sanction from the BDA? Is the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society or M. N. Gururaj above the law? 

 In our last two issues, we exposed how M. N. Gururaj, the Secretary of the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society, who also functions as Assistant Secretary in KPSC as M.N Gururaj Rao had played fraud in the Nagadevanahalli Layout. We have also exposed how M. N. Gururaj sold sites in areas reserved for CA sites and about his futile attempts at browbeating the BDA to get more sital areas. Interestingly, the sites were allotted to the employee members of the KPSC through draw of lots. This is the boasting of M. N. Gururaj to claim transparency in the allotment. 

 But the hard fact is different. Even though the society was limited to the employees of the KPSC, Gururaj has allotted more than 50 sites to the outsiders by treating them as members. The layout formed in an extent of 12 acres, was suffice to cater to the needs of the 192 employees of KPSC. In fact, out of this, only 165 were eligible as they had paid sital deposits. However, M. N. Gururaj has registered more than 200 sites. 

 We had taken a sample of around 87 registered deeds and shockingly found more than 30 names of outsiders that are those, who are not employees of KPSC. Why go far, M. N. Gururaj’s brother M. N. Nagaraja Rao, an employee in PSIT was also given a site bearing No. 149 which was registered on 06-10-2010. Gururaj who has built a three storied building near Kumaraswamy Layout has also allotted a site to himself as well. Besides, his another brother too was given a site. 

 Of course, the BDA released 192 sites to the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society. As per the rule, the Society has to submit the seniority list of members duly certified by the registrar of Co-op Societies. But who cares? M. N. Gururaj, who has grown bigger than the law because of his reach and clout, definitely did not care. Besides, even the BDA did not insist on the lawful procedure. 

 Forget about this. The Yelahanka Layout at Kogilu by M. N. Gururaj stands as the shining example for his contempt towards the law of the land. The Nagadevanahalli Layout was sufficient to cater to the needs of the less than 200 employees of KPSC. But Gururaj continued to form layouts so that he can do the real estate business. 

 The latest layout undertaken by him is in Kogilu village near Yelahanka. For the last seven years, he is busy in this layout. In fact, he has sent letters to companies and factories offering sites to their employees. This is a direct violation of the co-operative spirit. How can a Co-op Society, formed to cater to the housing needs of the KPSC employees, advertises sale (allotment) of sites to outsiders and that too by forming new layouts? It is sheer rubbish. But who cares? 

 In the Yelahanka Layout (Kogilu) abetting the Arkavathi Layout, Gururaj has forming hundreds of sites in three stages. He is collecting sital deposits to the tune of crores from members and non members promising them the allotment. In fact, in 2005 itself, Gururaj had sent a circular to the purchasers to pay up sital deposits ranging from Rs. 40,000 to 1,00,000 depending on the size of the sites as second installments from the aspirants. 

 But the most astonishing aspect of this 2005 circular, mind it 2005 year, is that Gururaj has stated that civil works of the layout were progressing. This means that the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society had started the civil works of the layout by 2005 itself and the rule is that the society can start the civil works of the layout only after the BDA approves the layout plan. 

 What does the BDA have to say in this regard? As per the information obtained under RTI, the Town Planning Member in BDA states that the BDA has not sanctioned any layout plan in Kogilu in favour of the Lokaseva Housing Co-op Society. This simply means that Gururaj has taken the members (?) for a ride by stating that the layout works are progressing and that too in the year 2005! 

 The law of the land stipulates that the society should get the lands acquired on its behalf by the Land Acquisition Officer which is a long drawn process. Before the land acquisition, the society has to identify the lands, send proposal/request to the land acquisition officer explaining the need for the lands along with the information about the number of members who need the land and with supervision and other charges. Finally, the BDA gives sanction after the society hands over the areas meant for CAs. 

 Only after these formalities are over, the society can take up the civil works under the supervision of the BDA engineers who have to see that the society adheres to the sanctioned plan. Once the works are completed, the BDA then releases the sites to the society, in the name of the members. For this purpose, the society has to submit the seniority list of the members duly certified by the Registrar of Co-op Societies. The society can start registration of sites in favour of the allottees thereafter only. 

 This is the rule. On the face of it, Gururaj in the year 2005 itself said that the layout works were progressing. This implies that the BDA had sanctioned the layout plan then. Otherwise there is no question of civil works being undertaken by the society. And the Town Planning Member in BDA says that BDA has not sanctioned any layout plan in favour of the society at Kogilu. 

 What does all this mean? 

 Any Comments???

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE LAP OF GREAT LOSS INSULT TO INDIAN FLAG AND CULTURE

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE LAP OF GREAT LOSS INSULT TO INDIAN FLAG AND CULTURE 

 Sachin Tendulkar has shouldered India for 21 years and it was the time that the players carried him on their shoulders was the remark of a player soon after the final victory. They then carried Sachin Tendulkar on their shoulders for a victory lap as this was his last world cup. All is well till here, but what happened next is shocking indeed. Virat Kohli had wrapped the Indian Tri- colour on his back and as the world watched, Sachin sat on his shoulders. While the Indians were rejoicing the victory, Sachin was carried for a big victory lap and he was literally sitting on the Indian flag. 

 Worst was the fact that while his left leg hanged down, it was touching the tri colour and his left shoe was continuously trampling the Indian honour. Let us recall that Sachin had already faced National flag disrespect controversy when he had cut a Tri colour cake few years back. This obviously means that Sachin must be well aware about the respect of national flag since the issue was severely blown up last time. Then, again committing such a disgraceful act is definitely condemnable. 

 Further, it is known that Champaign is a part of celebration, but, it has to be limited to the dressing room and not in public view. Players celebrate the victory opening the Champaign, drinking and dancing in the dressing room, but it was very saddening to see Sachin drinking the Champaign openly in front of the world. Sachin is a renowned player world wide and treated as a role model by many and they accept and follow his style and practices. Obviously, display of such uncultured acts in public have serious repercussions on the generations and damage the fabric of Indian culture. Worst again is that Sachin after drinking the Champaign wiped his face with the National flag he was carrying. It was not just Sachin, but other players too did not lag behind in this matter. One does understand their ecstasy and celebrations, but, wrapping the national flag around their body, wiping their faces and sweats with the flag, with a Champaign bottle in their hands and sipping it in public glare, is definitely a deplorable act. 

 As per the Prevention of Insult to national Honour Act 1971, "Whoever in any public place or in any other place within public view burns, mutilates, defaces, defiles, disfigures, destroys, tramples upon or otherwise shows disrespect to or brings into contempt (whether by words, either spoken or written, or by acts) the Indian National Flag or any part thereof, shall be punished with imprisonment for a term which may extend to three years, or with fine, or with both." 

 The entire team including the ‘God’ Sachin in their unlimited joy and ecstasy has hurt not only the sensibilities of the people at large but also insulted the National flag by sitting on it, trampling it with the leg and shoe and wiping their face and mouth with it after drinking the Champaign. 

 While India lifted the trophy after 28 years and whole of India rejoiced, let us not forget that it was meant for Sachin Tendulkar. Besides, the insult to the National flag and uncultured acts by the players are perks for the nation. 

 Sachin Tendulkar is all around proposed for Bharat Ratna award though the criterion does not cover Sports contributions. Whatsoever, like the case of Narayan Murthy who lost his Indian President seat due to the national Anthem controversy, the Tri colour Cake controversy and the recent deplorable acts definitely go into Sachin’s accounts. 

And that is all……..

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter WORLD CUP 2011: THE GREAT LOSS OF INDIA CELEBRATIONS CALM DOWN. REALITY BITES NOW

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

WORLD CUP 2011: THE GREAT LOSS OF INDIA 

CELEBRATIONS CALM DOWN. REALITY BITES NOW 

 Congratulations to India and Team India for winning the Cricket World Cup, 2011. Well, now that the euphoria seems to be in control, let us talk about some relevant and important incidents that are associated with Indian cricket. 

 Dear fellow citizens, please do not get emotional or excited after the knowing the fact that our Indian cricket team never played or won the world cup for our India. Of course, they played and won it for the star Batsman, Sachin Tendulkar, who would retire soon and not play in the next 2015 world cup. 

 Yuvraj Singh had earlier stated that he is playing the world cup for a particular person and will reveal the name of the individual later. He later made it clear that it was indeed Sachin Tendulkar. Most of the players after winning the finals admitted that they all played with their goal being World Cup for Sachin Tendulkar. 

 All these mean one simple conclusion that Sachin Tendulkar was put above India. Nobody disputes the greatness of Sachin Tendulkar who has broken myriads of records in cricket world. He has created records which other players in the near future can not even think of breaking, let alone equaling. But, does that mean that he is put above the nation? If the players have played and won for Sachin, then team India should be renamed as team Sachin. If at all, he was the only consideration then there was no need to play under the name and style of India. Now that he is retiring and will not be playing 2015 World cup, does it imply that our players will have no reason to win the next world cup? 

 Cricket has given Sachin everything in the world. He has name, fame and money and undoubtedly he is worth hundreds of crores. The ‘endorsement’ agreement he signed few years back is said to be more than 250 crores! Of late few ardent fans of Sachin and some sections of the electronic media have even started calling him ‘God’ of cricket. And even though the contribution of the great Sachin was negligible in the final match, the attribution was such that as if he has brought us the world cup. 

 Just like how one attributes his achievements to his near and dear ones, the ‘World Cup’ victory may have been attributed to Sachin as a mark of gratitude by his team mates. Nobody would have objected to the players dedicating the World cup to Sachin. But, in stead, the players said in unison that they played for and won the World cup for him. This has indeed disappointed a large section of cricket fans who were under the impression that the players were playing for India and that they are paid in crores for the same. 

 Whenever any team wins an international tournament, the Captain normally says that the team won because of the team spirit and the collective contribution from all the players and the guidance by the coach. They attribute the success to the entire team including supporting staff. Even though there may be one or two players who might have played dominant and decisive role in the win and are particularly mentioned, but still attributing the success to the team effort is in good spirit. 

 Of course, the moment the Indian team won, millions of people not necessarily cricket fans, celebrated the events as if they had won the world cup! It was the word ‘India’ that mattered. And truly, it is always the country that matters in such glorious feats and not any individual. Take for example the Indian victory in 1983 and everybody remembers that Kapil Dev had captained Indian team. But they will hardly remember other players of the team? It will be hard to recall all of them which mean that the country matters in such glorious feats and not the team members. 

 The 2011 world cup win is exclusively a victory for India with nobody’s share in it. The players have unfortunately, belittled the importance of the victory of the world cup by not stating that they won it for the country instead for an individual, however high or mighty he/she may be.

Firoz.T.Totanawala The Bangalore Metro Reporter THE NAKED TRUTH THE STINT WORKED. POONAM BECOMES HIT

Firoz.T.Totanawala 

 The Bangalore Metro Reporter 

 THE NAKED TRUTH 

 THE STINT WORKED. POONAM BECOMES HIT 

 Selling is an art and it needs a strategy. Be it a product or ones self, it takes a great deal of effort to hit the sale peak. Nevertheless, there are exceptions to every rule and the same is in selling. Sometimes your strategies click and sometimes it is courage that takes you to the peak instantly. 

 At one moment we had never heard of a Kingfisher Model named Poonam Pandey, and the next moment we realize that she is one of the top downloaded celebrities on internet. Whatever one has to say, the strategy of Poonam Pandey has clicked. 

 Well, as we are already aware, she offered to go full Monty for thousands of Cricket fans in the stadium and also exclusively for the Indian Cricket Team in their dressing room, if they won the Cricket World Cup 2011. 

 The biological instinct worked and the internet was obsessed with Poonam or rather for the proposal she offered. She even wrote a letter to BCCI asking for a humble permission to strip before the players in order to boost their morale without creating or igniting any controversy. Interestingly, India won the World Cup and the fans were double delighted. 

 However, Poonam went into hiding since then. She reportedly received many threats from various individuals and groups and was warned with dire consequences if she proceeded with her plans of going nude. Whatsoever, Poonam has hit the sales target and has received multiple offers from various magazines, TV Channels etc. etc. Poonam however continues to accept and abide by her proposal to strip. She is just waiting for the right opportunity and thousands are waiting for that moment. She recently again defended her move and stated that “There is no vulgarity in nudity” and that “We are all born naked”. 

 Yes of course Poonam, we all know that we were born naked. But, perhaps you have to be explained that there is a lot of difference between a naked new born and a naked 19 year old lady. Anyways, while you have hit the target, celebrate the success and remember that the next World Cup is in 2015.