Today's SHASTRI ji.

Metro Man’s Resignation is a lofty example for today's cult... It's to be interpreted and accepted not only by our political leaders but by everyone who wants to lead an organisation.Delhi Metro chief E. Sreedharan has proved beyond doubt that people of exemplary character are still around.He has displayed the highest level of courage in owning moral responsibility and offering to resign after the recent accident.He brings to mind Lal Bahadur Shastri who had resigned as railway minister owning moral responsibility for a train accident.

Stop Exporting Ore to China....!!!

We export iron ore to China. We need to review this and de-emphasise trade with China.Recently, China tried to block Asian Development Bank aid for one of our projects in Arunachal Pradesh on the ground that the location is disputed territory. This is completely irresponsible since development in any case should not be hindered. In view of the Chinese attitude,by providing it with raw material,we only end up strengthening it.Thus stopping export of iron ore to China is in national interest and no argument of exporters should be considered.

Corruption Synopsis..!

The collapse of a bridge at a Delhi Metro construction site once again underlines the bitter truth that India is deeply entrenched in corruption.Innocent lives have been claimed as the contractors compromised on quality.Despite the recurrence of many such accidents,the authorities remain silent.The Delhi Metro Railway Corporation authorities must hang their head in shame for not maintaining standards.

Help Other States...!!

Union agriculture minister Sharad Pawar claims there has been a record procurement of rice this year.But with global warming and the late monsoon it is essential that adequate steps be taken to assist the states that experienced less than normal rainfall.Agriculture is the means of livelihood of about two-thirds of the work force in the country.Also,growing certain crops like oilseeds is a problem in rain-fed areas.

Mixed Bag.....!!!

Union finance minister Pranab Mukherjee's Budget rightly puts emphasis on the agriculture and infrastucture sectors, which alone can generate large-scale employment. Indirect taxes have been rationalised and income-tax slabs have been raised. Also, the 10 per cent surchage on individuals has been dropped, giving some relief to middle class taxpayers. This is an "inclusive Budget", giving some relief to every segment without losing much revenue.

Babri.....A forgotten Chapter....!!!

Most inquiry commissions that have been set up in India, usually to defuse crisis situations or to settle political scores, have been a total waste of public money. What use is the Liberhan Commission report, coming as it does 17 years later? The nation has moved far ahead. Why not make a temple of learning of religion, arts, science, engineering and medicine at the disputed site in Ayodhya in the spirit of conciliation instead of further dividing our already divided polity?

Chk Fuel Price hike........!!!

After assuming power the UPA government has given a rude shock to the aam aadmi by substantially raising the price of fuel.This was totally unwarranted. Such a steep hike will have adverse effects and common man will have to bear the brunt of it.A regulatory body must be set to check price increase.

Respect the privacy of Dead.......!!!

I am referring to a report in a British tabloid which says that Michael Jackson, who passed away recently, was bald and hence wore a wig, that he had many scars on his face caused be cosmetic surgeries, and that his nose had almost disappeared. The world had a certain image of the world's greatest pop artist. In my view it is absolutely cruel to bring to light facts which only destroy the agreeable image of a person. If Michael Jackson wanted the world to know about his baldness he would not have hidden it under a wig. I take this opportunity to implore the media to have a heart and refrain from hurting sentiments and reporting aspects which are of no real consequence.

THOUGHTLESS ACT by Kumari Mayawati...!

Uttar Pradesh chief minister Mayawati has spent nearly Rs 2,000 crores for installing useless statues of herself.Such senseless wastage of public money must be criticised.She could have used this money for the cleaning the Ganges and the Yamuna. Through her thoughtless act,Ms Mayawati has devastated a big area that was a fully green zone.People are rightly angry with the Mayawati government for building memorials and statues with public money.However,it should be remembered that the United Progressive Alliance government spent an estimated Rs 400 crores of public money for advertising its achievements.The government has once again started a blatant campaign spree.The print media is understandably silent as they are the beneficiaries of this huge advertisement expenditure by government departments.And Ms Mayawati has justified her statue spree by saying that the installation of monuments erected in honour of men symbolising Dalit empowerment was done without cut in budget of educational,health or employment schemes.The courts should step in and order the recovery of money from those who authorised the advertisements.

UID........A welcome Step.

The government of India has approved the proposal to use multi-application smart cards with unique identities (UIDs) for citizens to facilitate easy verification,availing of government or private services,help welfare programmes reach intended beneficiaries and for serving as basis for e-governance.This proposal is welcome but it also raises some questions.On what basis the UID Card will be issued? Also,the unique identity (UID) project should assign a UID number to each individual in the country that would remain a permanent identifier right from birth to death of the individual.With the influx of illegal migrants from Bangladesh,Sri Lanka and even Pakistan,will vested interests allow this project to succeed?