A Vote that Counts..........

In our current parliamentary system, our representatives are elected by the principle of who reaches the post first. Thus if 5 Candidates are in the fray, each garners 20% votes and are equal winners. However, If one candidate can get 21% then he gets declared winner, even though he does not represent the 79% who have rejected him. The better way to correct this anomaly and make every vote count in parliamentary elections are to vote for the Party

Manifesto. Thus if a Party gets 10% of the votes polled, he gets represented by 10% of Parliament's strength. The only criteria being all parties must have internal free and fair election. No candidate can hold the same position within the party for more than two terms.
The party must put up their list of candidates who will represent them in parliament in descending order. All elections within the party will be conducted by election commission. Once invited the ruling party should work within the manifesto only and not make rules that were not mentioned in the manifesto prior to elections. This will ensure we get our elected representatives to work for us rather than the other way round.

The Blind Can Walk.........

A road that is repaired or made new, should be such that a blind can walk without stumbling.

The terms of the contract should be such that 50% value is paid on completion, and the rest in 3 equal installments.Each installment paid at the end of a year, if earned in time will carry nominal interest as paid by the Banks. Before any installment is due for payment, the Contractor with the Civic Ward Engineer + Municipal Councillor + Citizens Group representative will inspect the status of the work done. If any two of the three members find fault in the workmanship of the road work, payment can be delayed until rectified to satisfaction. The date of next payment is counted from last payment date. Delayed payments attract no interest. Thus by default the road must be in good condition for a minimum of 3 years after handover.

Trains ahead.........

We need to change the focus of the Trains running on both Western and Central Railway. 

Currently the trains are all scheduled with Churchgate / CST as focus. In the 1960’s it was common for the working class to travel South towards these work centres at dawn and return home at dusk. People lived in the Northern areas of the city and worked in the Southern areas. Gradually this changed and by the turn of the Century, the entire city had work centres and residences all over. In view of this it is imperative that Rail Time Table Planners evolve, rework their timings and focus to ease the hardships of travel. The trains have to be Andheri centric as Andheri is at equidistance from both Churchgate and Virar. If all slow trains originate and terminate from Andheri most of the hardships will be resolved.
Just need to redesign Platform No 2 to ensure it has a common discharge. Slow Train from Churchgate arrives at 2A and slow train from Virar arrives at 2B. Passengers arriving from Churchgate/Virar at Andheri and wanting to travel further alights and boards with a common platform between both trains. No bridges to climb. Similar at Kurla for CST – Thane trains.
Also we need to increase the frequencies of Trains on Western Railway. Currently it cannot be done because of the cross-overs of tracks near final destination. The better way is to underground the line 1 from Marine Lines and proceed along the sea coast to make a big loop that can do a turn around under the Maidans and surface again at Marine Lines as Line 2. Churchgate station will be underground. This one low cost act will save us Millions. Only need to increase the rakes so that time between two consecutive locals can be reduced from 180 secs to 120 secs and later 60 secs.
This is for the slow line. Train follows train. Same principle for Fast locals too.

Dog and the Bone.........

Last week I read an article in The Times of India on Dog and the Bone. It was about the receivables in any industry or situation, where the max perks are received at the top and the crumbs picked off the floor at the bottom of the pyramid. This is a misconceived notion that it is the top alone that deserves the credit for success. Success can be achieved when every player in the game plays his part and contributes to the targeted goal. We need to create a winning situation and a prosperous society where everyone who contributes gets rewarded. Let us assume these are the different levels in an industry.

Chairman & Managing Director,(10x)
CEO,(9x)
Manager,(7.2x)
Divisional In Charge,(6x)
Foreman,(4x)
Supervisor, (2.5x)
workers (1x)

If say x=Rs 10,000, then the CMD gets max Rs 1 Lakh. Once this definition is accepted / legislated, then in a given industry if the CMD deserves more, he has to ensure the value of x at the ground level in his organization changes. This one act will create a healthy environment within the organization, and within society.

Representative of People

Any person who seeks to serve as an elected member of a legislative body in a given  region or area, can stand for election to represent the region or area. Once elected, he is required to represent his constituency and ensure their aspirations are met. He must be an embodiment of their lifestyle, and his earning shall be reflective of the average wage of his constituency. An Improvement in the standard of living of his constituency by default improves his life style. His medical treatment also has to be similar to what his constituents undergo. He uses the same infrastructure, and is accorded the same treatment as ordinary citizens in his constituency.This would be True Representation of the People as envisaged by our Founding Fathers.

Gradation of Universities & Schools

 

Can we have a Web Site that displays all Universities recognized by the Government of India along with their ratings. Norms of recognition and Gradation are clearly defined for all to aspire to be the best. Ratings will be on many counts.

viz: Doctoral Publications, PHd's who have accomplished in International forums, Quality and Type of Research / Courses conducted etc.   

When a guest clicks on any University> they get a display of the Various colleges under their fold, with every College being rated on a scale based on decided parameters to display their Rating.
This will ensure that no College or Institution make false claim in the papers through advertisements, and fleece the student community through exorbitant fees and then award Degrees or Diplomas that are invalid.

This website information will be well published on all college and University Notice boards.

University / College can be Upgraded or Downgraded in their ratings..

If any University / College gets into the Orange Zone, and if they continue to fail for 3/5 years, they may/can be unrecognized.
This will ensure that students do not enroll for courses under this University / College.

This one act well publicized, will ensure all Institutes of Learning strive to better the Best.

The way ahead………

The Army should not be used for Peace keeping or resolving any incident in J&K. It has to be the responsibility of the local police to resolve all local  issues.

The Armed forces must be deployed only along the borders of the State. This is not only at the Pakistan border but also with other states of India where a common border exists. All transport will be fully examined by the armed forces before any person or vehicle enters the state. This if done on a continued basis for a year will sap the energy of the Terrorist, and Free the country from the resources drain. India can then be at peace with itself.

Details of Work done by PWD-GOM ........

 It is a Good idea to display all these details at the site. http://www.mahapwd.com/projects/pune/default.htm    

 
Can I also request you to mention reasons for Cost Over runs, was it the Project Consultant’s fault in poor understanding of specifications, or was the change motivated for benefit. Also the reasons for delay of the Project and persons/institutions who are responsible for the delay. Sometimes you see organizations on frivolous or motivated grounds delay a project. This tactics of securing a Stay Order from the courts must be displayed here so that we the public at large know who hurt us more.

Billing the Bill...........

As one travels along the suburban trains in Mumbai, you see all sorts of Hand Bills advertising services or products stuck haphazardly in an annoying fashion in the compartment.         

The best way to resolve this issue is for the Railways to enter into an agreement with the concerned Telephone/Cell phone service providers. At regular intervals, the Railways only need to collect the advertised numbers on display, and inform the concerned service providers to block the advertised number.

When the client visits the service provider, he is asked to get a NOC from the Railways. When he approaches the Railways, he is asked to clean up the mess he has created or Pay a fine of Rs xxxxx

This one act will ensure in a short time all trains and other public utilities are not disfigured. 

The BEST travel for the common man.............

Doing away with the Rs 25/- ticket will be an opportunity lost to serve the common man.

There could be commuters who sell the ticket after their journey on discount etc.

The better way to resolve this is to have all commuters have an id card issued by BEST 

This carries the photo and a 4 digit Sr No.

When a commuter seeks a Rs 25/- ticket he only needs to inform the last 4 digits of his pass.This gets printed on the ticket.

At the time of checking, Inspectors only need to check his Sr.No. with that on the ticket and penalize the guilty rather than do away with the scheme altogether.

A Better way to Travel...........

Presently we are carted as cattle, and reach our place of work-exhausted and disheveled.
The return journey homeward at dusk is equally frustrating.

Could we have Ltd  Buses on all routes during morning and evening hours alternating with ordinary fare  buses? At other times these  buses can ply as ordinary  buses.

These ltd. buses will not permit more than 3 standees and fares can be accordingly fixed @ 10% ~ 20% higher than ordinary fares.

If the bus if full and with 3 standees, it need not halt at a stop unless a passenger wishes to alight.

While higher than ordinary bus fares, this bus like the Air Conditioned Bus will be for a class of passengers who wish to travel in relative comfort without being hassled.

Could we have Express Buses on all routes during morning and evening hours alternating with Limited Buses? At other times these  buses can ply as ordinary buses.

These Express buses will travel a minimum of 1.5 km before it halts and fares can be accordingly fixed @ 10% ~ 20% higher than ordinary fares.

If this advice can be passed to the BEST management, I am sure like AC buses this will find merit, and a sense of gratitude from the toiling middle class.

Mumbai Musings

Hon.Chief Minister,
 
After the recent happenings,
I have been thinking how we can face the menaces affecting our beloved city of Mumbai.

1. Regards the Terror threats, my suggestion is to immediately instruct the Police force to build a team of dogs, trained to sniff out chemicals etc. These dogs will then be moving freely on railway platforms, air terminals and bus depots. This is besides the existing policing being done at the moment. Should the police notice any suspicious movement they can apprehend such persons for further investigation.

2.In making Mumbai, a better place to live in, have a concerted drive in a given area. Once the area is cleared, get the local politicians, the municipal officers, the local residents, the local police and others involved in a handing over ceremony. It is now for them to maintain the place. Here Hawkers are cleared in the morning and by afternoon it is business as usual.

3. Also make it a rule that Hawking is possible only from Standard Mobile Carts. No one is permitted to lay their wares on the road or build stalls. Also hawking is permitted only on one side of the road. The other path is free for pedestrians.

4.Build Markets in areas where the population cross a benchmark. Shift the Hawkers to the Market place on a first come basis. Make rates for Hawking on the streets double that you charge for similar space in the market.

5.Issue instructions to demolish however old, whether earlier approved or not, all extensions made to buildings on the ground floor. No shop on the ground floor should be permitted to display wares beyond the plinth area.All these extensions are land grabbing by muscle power. No society member likes to get involved for threat of life. The other way is to charge a Property Tax of 100X, where X is the standard property tax in the building.( So if the Property Tax for a commercial space is Rs1000/- per square foot per annum, then for the extra spaces it is 
Rs100,000/- per square foot per annum.

6.Give permissions for all buildings in Mumbai to have their ground floors if approved by their society to turn commercial. This will cause more avenues for wealth generation(for the individual & state), alternatives for the unemployed, and lesser hawking on the streets. 

7.No Sign board for any store can extend beyond 12 inches from the wall. All sign boards must be approved by a team of architects so appointed for the same.
8. No permissions to be given for erecting temporary rain shelters in front of the shop.The shop owner knew when he bought the shop, that rain will be there. He has to make alternates, and not encraoch on public space in the garb of serving his clients.

9. Signboards, Street furniture, building colour, etc must reflect some relationship.This is the way to make Mumbai a city of the century.

                         

10. A responsible team should be created to study the roads of Mumbai and try and convert maximum number to one way streets. This one act will ensure a continuous unhindered flow of traffic.

11. No Goods vehicles/Hand carts, to ply between 7.30am & 10.30 am and 5.00 pm & 7.00 pm on any road.This will ensure office going crowds reach their destinations on time.

12. It should be the responsibility of the Contractor to mantain roads repaired once, for the next 3 years.

   A case in point is the bend at Marol Naka in front of the Fire Brigade. I have seen this road being repaired every two weeks the past 2 years. This has to be investigated, and the guilty brought to book.

13. All signage in front of stores etc should be approved by a body so constituted. Norms should be defined for approval in terms of dimensions, color.Use of Power saving lamps should be made compulsory.

14. No signage should protrude beyond 12 inches from the wall.

15. No storage of building materials in front of any shop.These shops store huge amounts of bricks,sand and cement bags on the footpaths.

16.Shops selling building materials should only be given permission to book orders. Delivery of these should be done from a central warehouse. Every 5 km radius can have a warehouse.

17. All shops that have extended beyond the original building plan should be first demolished.Many have created temporary rain shades, which have with time become permanent.If business is good, they must buy bigger space, and not grab public space.Besides revenue for the Government, it brings in discipline and a better look city.

18.Express Buses should be asked to ply on the flyovers created to shorten travel time.

19.Once drains are cleaned, the silt should be cleared within 24 hrs irrespective. Payment should be done only on proof of it having been cleared & dumped at the dumpyard.

20.The new townships being developed at Lower Parel and other Mill areas, should be given a theme.

   We can have a Chinese style township, another an Austrian style, a third a Tibetan style etc. This could be in future an attraction for tourists.

21. Townships being developed should have water bodies like ponds or lakes.

22. 200 metres of either side of the Mithi river should be taken over by the Govt. Alternate accomodations provided to the dishoused. All workshops if legal should be relocated in an Industrial belt.If illegal should be demolished. 

23. The land on either side of the river, should be developed on lines similar to Dubai creek.

24. Infrastructure created first, and then these plots sold to the highest bidder.

25. These plots should be the next highlight of Mumbai.

26. Painting of Buildings should be compulsory every 10 years.

27.A team of designers,architects,etc to design carts of dimension similar to existing carts.Licence Hawkers alone permitted to stand besides cart.

28.Carts permitted only on one side of any street.

29.No other structures permitted to sell wares.

30.All carts of uniform size only.

31. Traceability in all approvals.If a job is executed,we must know who has done it, who has inspected the job,who has  approved the job and certified for use. Once accountability sets in we get our moneys worth on all expenditure.

One implemented without bias, you will find mumbaikars appreciative of your efforts in making Mumbai a world class city.

Trust you will find my views in agreement, as I await response and convey regards

Aam Admi
2011

A New Role for the Media.........

The Press and Television Media should change their reporting format.

Instead of sensationalizing news for TRP's and Advertising revenues,
they should focus on the larger role they can play in improving the lives of its citizens by being part of the solutions for bettering living.

Awareness in better neighbourhoods, better & civil societies, living in harmony with nature rather than plundering it.

Awareness in how better practices help farmers get better value for their farm produce and how the produce can be improved Qualitatively & Quantitatively.
Awareness in how individuals have created a difference in the world about them by small changes to the way they harness nature and improve their environmentwithout degradation.
Awareness on the disasters of Global Warming and the steps we need to take to mitigate the dangers

The list goes on. I would like to witness the day, when I get up at dawn and the News papers spell out to me Positive news, and show me the way I can contribute to make this a better world. Let all murder, rape, theft etc be relegated to the unread page.

Road Sense...............

Can the Traffic Authorities do away with all the speed breakers in the city,
and get to those drivers who violate Traffic Rules & Discipline.
Penalty should not be only a monetary fine, but also compulsory  attend a Road Sense Class, which must extend beyond an hour.   

Presently these rash delinquents, think they can get away with a monetary fine.
We need to hurt them where it hurts most. That is on their time.
If after attending two class, his behaviour does not improve, then his licence gets revoked.
This re vocal is displayed on a website, so that before fresh issuance, the concerned officer can check if he is a banned driver or not. This act will compel all drivers to be responsible citizens.
We who travel by the public transport today, have to bear the violent motions caused by these speed bumps, as these are Weapons of Mass Discomfort.

What ails Mumbai........

This letter was addressed to the PM, CM & Chair Person-UPA sometime in 2005.

I have been airing my views in the fond hope that it gets read and acted upon.

My message of today is on Mumbai.

To make it a livable city, you will need to advice your team as detailed below:

1. A responsible team should be created to study the roads of Mumbai and try and convert maximum number to one way streets. This one act will ensure a continuous unhindered flow of traffic.

2. No Goods vehicles/Hand carts, to ply between 8.30am & 10.30 am and 5.00 pm & 7.00 pm on any road.This will ensure office going crowds reach their destinations in short time.

3. It should be the responsibility of the Contractor to mantain roads repaired once, for the next 3 years.

   A case in point is the bend at Marol Naka in front of the Fire Brigade. I have seen this road being repaired every two weeks the past 2 years. This has to be investigated, and the guilty brought to book.

4. All signages in front of stores etc should be approved by a body so constituted. Norms should be defined for approval in terms od dimensions,colour.Use of Power saving lamps should be made compulsory.

5. No signage should protrude beyond 12 inches from the wall.

6. No storage of building materials in front of any shop.These shops store huge amounts of bricks,sand and cement bags on the footpaths.

7.Shops selling building materials should only be given permission to book orders. Delivery of these should be done from a central warehouse. Every 5 km radius can have a warehouse.

8. All shops that have extended beyond the original bulding plan should be first demolished.Many have created temporary rain shades, which have with time become permanent.If business is good, they must buy bigger space, and not grab public space.Besides revenue for the Government, it brings in discipline and a better look city.

4.Express Buses should be asked to ply on the flyovers created to shorten travel time.

5.Once drains are cleaned, the silt should be cleared within 24 hrs irrespective. Payment should be done only on proof of it having been cleared & dumped at the dumpyard.

6.The new townships being developed at Lower Parel and other Mill areas, should be given a theme.

   We can have a Chinese style township, another an Austrian style, a third a Tibetan style etc. This could be in future an attraction for tourists.

7. Townships being developed should have water bodies like ponds or lakes.

8. 200 metres of either side of the Mithi river should be taken over by the Govt. Alternate accomodations provided to the dishoused. All workshops if legal should be relocated in an Industrial belt.If illegal should be demolished. 

9. The land on either side of the river, should be developed on lines similar to Dubai creek.

10. Infrastructure created first, and then these plots sold to the highest bidder.

11. These plots should be the next highlight of Mumbai.

12. Painting of Buildings should be compulsory every 10 years.

13.A team of designers,architects,etc to design carts of dimension similar to existing carts.Licence Hawkers alone permitted to stand besides cart.

14.Carts permitted only on one side of any street.

15.No other structures permitted to sell wares.

16.All carts of uniform size only.

17. Traceability in all approvals.If a job is executed,we must know who has done it, who has inspected the job,who has  approved the job and certified for use. Once accountability sets in we get our moneys worth on all expenditure.

Saving India........

Just an idea to save the country from future massacres.

Today a high percentage of our population have cell phones.

Most Cell phones are equipped with a Camera.        

If an announcement is made on National Television, 

that if people click images of suspicious acts,

and if they feel this could be related to the disaster,

then the person who shot the footage and sent it for telecast

will be awarded Rs One Hundred Thousand.

Only that the images must assist the Police to unravel the crime, and arrest the perpetrators,

and such footage is accepted as clinching evidence.

This single announcement may cause all & sundry to start shooting on the quiet.

The resultant effect of this announcement will be that no one will dare to be seen in acts of murder lest he be apprehended.

Terror acts will greatly reduce if not totally eliminated

Housing for All............

This mail was written sometime in 1993 to the GOI

You will agree that the measure of good governance is when we are able to give a comfortable life to our citizens. The best way to make all feel proud as Indians is to improve their standard of living. The very basic being affordable shelter.  

If we enact a law that enables all tax paying citizens who do not have a house of their own, to avail of low interest loan for housing. The interest should be around 6% only.

The applicant of the loan should have been a Tax payer for the preceding 20 years.

Based on the response, the period can be reduced to 15 yrs and later 10 years.

Also the house cannot change hands, be sold or mortgaged for 10 years after getting possession.

The loan should be limited to flats with a carpet area not exceeding 555 square feet.

This one act will not only create a positive impetus to growth, but be a harbinger to better economy, as all will strive to be Honest Tax paying citizens to avail of this facility.

The other outcome will be in creating job opportunities in many sectors.All documents should be well scrutinized to ensure the applicant satisfies all criteria. A website should be dedicated to the cause, with names of those who have been shortlisted and inviting objections if any from others who may be aware of the true facts.This one act will create a huge demand in housing, which will have a ripple effect on Steel, Cement, Sand,Stone, and other Building Materials consumption.The economy will boom, and what is reduced in loans, will be multiplied by increases in Tax collections. For a Better India as keeping the economy growing positively with inclusive growth.

Exports: ....................

A law should be enacted that prevents exports of goods in any form other than a finished product. Why should we export low value Ore's or Raw materials. We should go up the value chain and create infrastructure and employment within the country itself. If any Organisation wishes to procure Raw Materials/ Ore's then they should be encouraged to set-up a plant within the country.

Hawking .........

On a given stretch of a street / road, hawking should be permitted only one side of the stretch and the other footpath left free for pedestrians. Those wanting to buy goods will need to walk the vending stretch. This single measure will ensure quick flow of those who do not wish to get caught in the melee'. It is also my recommendation to call for designs from architects on standardisation and simplification of stall designs and after due consideration, ensure that all stalls on a given stretch confirm to these specifications. The main point for consideration being aesthetics, and standard areas. This stall area is determined by calculating the earnings possible by sale of product vs. the earnings needed for the hawker to maintain a family of four. Provision should also be made to ensure the allotted member alone stands at the stall at the appointed hour for dispensing of goods. His details and photograph should be prominently displayed. No person other than the allotted should be permitted to sell the wares. This will prevent stall capturing. In allotting stalls priority should be given to a single member in a family. Only after all unemployed applicants are covered should the second member be given opportunity.

Encroachments ..............

There is an increasing tendency of shops and establishments to encroach upon the Public space or pedestrian footpaths, by muscle power or otherwise. A law should be introduced that prevent any establishment or eatery from expanding beyond the original approved building plan and built up area. Permissions if granted by any authority earlier should all be cancelled, and where difficult, the property Tax should be 100X the value of that charged for valid space. Thus all commercial establishments will have to procure additional space for expanding their activities, or give rise to opportunities for new entrants to venture into   

business. This will cause greater creation and better distribution of wealth. Even storage outside the shop limits should be banned. This law will create a greater demand of built space and increase the revenue collections. This law should also be made applicable on those who have expanded in their residential Society space. These expansions should be completely cleared and no permission given. Permission should be given to residents of Housing Societies to convert their apartments for any business activity, which is in the accepted lists of trade acknowledged and accepted by the society. This will create more opportunities for creation of wealth, and ensure that prices are within control through a healthy competition. Licences to be issued to all those engaged in commercial activity. Another major cause of encroachment is for slumlords to capture spots and erect places of worship. A law should be legislated that for a place of worship to be recognised as one, it is necessary that the spot be earmarked and designated as such. We find suddenly in a slum a spot which was a hutment suddenly emerging as a Temple or Masjid. This causes resentment and disturbance in the neighbourhood. The Law should treat such places as illegal and have them demolished.

Power: ...............

The issue of Power thefts is very real. My opinion is to have a metering mechanism at all junctions/distribution points and the concerned Section Engineer is responsible to ensure the KwH he

receives is accounted for. Once this is done then the points of theft are identified and Police action can be initiated.

Tree Plantation: .............

We must now embark on a massive plantation of fruit bearing trees along the roads and streets of the country.
Trees like Chickoo, Jambool (white & purple) Mango, Custard apple, Jackfruit, etc can be skilfully planted. This will also solve to a large extent the shortages of such fruits. We must achieve a maximum distance of 10 feet between any two trees anywhere in the State.
Water retention and soil conservation is one of the side products. Also to encourage tree plantation, the Authorities must Prune, Trim or Cut trees free of cost. Currently notices are being served on those who have trees in their plots, for not trimming etc. This must STOP and the Authorities when informed must do the needful. There must be checks and balances, with PAN card details of the person who complained, and approved the status after the work is done.

Info Centre:...........

 To make the country a safe haven we should encourage all residents to call a toll free number and report on any activity they see as suspicious, unlawful, or against the interests of the country. This one facility will be cheaper than every other measure we undertake, where all citizens act as informers.

Education: ..............

I would like to share some of my views with you on Education as mentioned below:

  If we are to move ahead as a nation then education is a must. Education can be categorised as primary, secondary, tertiary and Quarteriary.

Primary education should be free and compulsory until the Seventh standard.   Secondary should be until the Tenth Standard. Higher secondary should be until the Twelfth standard.  Tertiary should be until the fifteenth standard.  Quarteriary should be until the seventeenth standard.

Primary education should teach all the basics. ie. Value Education, Human relations, Environmental studies, Social Behaviour, Respect of Heritage, basic communication in International, National and Regional language, basic sciences, basic arithmetic. Language, Science, and Arithmetic should not be taught as a standalone subject, but should be integrated with all topics to help the student understand better. The other subjects being Yoga, Sports, Music – vocal and Instrumental, Dance and its varied forms. This will help evolve a better human being. Students should be examined by having them give presentations in their class on chosen topics, and failure by repetition should be avoided. Emphasis on languages should be more on the spoken word and his conversational skills should be at the fore. The student should not be made to learn by rote answers.

On completion of primary one can opt either to continue in secondary or attend vocational courses. viz: Carpentry, Electricians, Plumbing etc.   A two-year course with six months apprenticeship should deserve a Certificate.

Secondary education should permit the student to choose his subjects. He must attempt a minimum of seven hundred marks at the exams.   Of these there should be language, a science and arithmetic for 100 marks each. Languages should be examined with 45% allotted to spoken and expressive power, 35% to reading abilities, and 20% on ability to write. Students should not be made to learn answers in languages or memorise text. The passages should be provided at exams and their ability to comprehend and respond should be gauged.   For the remaining Four hundred marks he can attempt more languages or higher level languages, higher sciences, higher mathematics, social and nature studies etc. Of these Environmental Studies and Heritage studies should be compulsory and integrated in Science, History, and Social studies.

Completion of secondary can entitle one to appear for Diploma courses.   Entry level subjects for each course should be defined and students at secondary levels know that their choice of subjects will entitle admission only to select courses.  Diploma courses should be three years academic with one-year apprenticeship

Higher secondary and its choice of subjects entitle one to Degree level courses.   The choice of entry-level subjects in each discipline is clearly defined for the student to choose his career objective.

Tertiary education or the Degree/Diploma level of education should be awarded only on completion of three years academics and one year apprenticeship.

While apprenticeship in vocational courses will be got at in Industry.   The Pure arts, Science and Commerce must also have a year's apprenticeship at the third year level where students have to serve society.  The choice of subjects can be varied and the student can choose his or her affiliation to an NGO or other associations wherein detailed study and contribution is possible.   These students should be asked to meet monthly and share experience.  The fourth-academic year will be a blend of education and practical experience.

Quarteriary education is the next phase at Post Diploma or postgraduate levels.  It is a two-year course with intensified study on a given theme. This too must have a six-month tenure when the student is listed with an N.G.O. and contributes further to the betterment of Society.

Gradation of Schools : .........

To get the competitive spirit, Schools should be Graded as per the Results achieved by its Students in Public Exams individually and collectively, The extra-curricular activities conducted etc. Based on these Grades the School should be permitted to charge fees etc. Even the Teachers emoluments should be linked to the Grade of the School. This will cause all to strive for excellence.

India having one of the largest coast lines and land base it is imperative that a larger number of certificate and diploma level courses should be introduced on Agriculture, Pisciculture, Sericulture, Horticulture etc. Scientific knowledge acquired should be disseminated to the field workers if the country is to march forward. We should ensure that related Institutes are available at all Districts. Besides disseminating information both in theory & practice, these will act as catalysts of change and centres of interactive and continuous learning.

Also care must be taken to encourage and provide free and compulsory education to those living below the Poverty line.

Education: ..................

The recent statement by members of the Planning Commission are very disturbing. If there is nothing we can give our people at least let us educate them, so that they can earn their livelihood. Once he starts earning the country earns better by way of taxes.Even education loans must have zero% interest. and payable once the student gets employed. This one act encourages all to study further.This is what we owe our future. Students who have availed of a loan, will get only a provisional certificate and the final certificate/degree will be issued only after his loans are cleared.If he fails to repay then alone his surety is held.

Also we need a website where all Universities recognized by UGC are displayed on their homepage.
Click on the University to check further, and all Colleges recognized by this University are displayed.    
Click on the College and all students who have Graduated in the various disciplines through the years are displayed.
Any False information posted at any stage, the Principal, Registrar and Teacher who enters the data are held accountable.

Home Transfer: .........

It should be legally permitted for parents to transfer their homes in the names of their children without attracting any tax or stamp duty or transfer fees.

Income Tax: ...........

No Government till date has done justice to the toiling middle class. Taxes are being raised every year. The Breadwinner has to struggle endlessly to provide the basics without aspiring for a better quality life. Considering the average expenditure of a family of four living in Metros and having a reasonable standard of living at Rs.15000/- per month, (and accordingly defined for Cities, Towns and Villages,) it is necessary to raise the Individual Tax Free limits to Rs.180,000/- per annum. Any amount earned above this should be taxed at source prorata. Tax deduction by Companies should be on Monthly basis. If individuals annual income is less than the Tax Free limit, he can claim a refund on the Tax paid by filing his returns. Gross Family Income per annum should be defined (say Rs.240000/-) and those filing returns can claim refund based on the size of their families, status/expense of each member and the total income earned in the family. If the individual without greasing of palms genuinely receives refunds into his account, you will observe all Indians filing their returns, if only to claim his refund. Standard deductions as provided presently should be done away with and the Returns Form should have columns classifying these saving facilities to reduce the tax burden. Taxes should be levied only on amounts above the Tax-free limit.

Tax structure should then be 30% for Family incomes of those earning above free limit upto Rs.3 lakhs  above limit. 

                          40% for above free limit upto Rs 4 lakh                          50 % for above free limit upto 5 lakhs                          55% for above this limit.

For every 5000 taxpayers a Computer with an Accounts officer should be dedicated in the village / Town / District from where the tax is collected. This accountant will be fully conversant with the existing taxes and assist the individuals for filing returns rather than harass. All information when computerised with the forms so designed that it includes cross-references will prevent the tendency of giving wrong information. This measure will cause employment and also Payment of Taxes by all. It must be emphasised that the Administrative costs for collection should not exceed 0.01% of the Tax collected at the centre.

PAN

Encourage the use of Credit/Debit cards and make it compulsory for all transactions above Rs 1000/-.to be paid either by Cheque or Credit Card only. This one act will bring to light many transactions and better revenues to the coffer. On the one-by-six criteria, the ownership of Telephone should be deleted and instead should be on electrical unit consumption per household. For starters we can define a mark of 750 units per month. Any household consuming in excess of this should mention their P.A.N.

Money Plant.............

Money Trail: When Central Funds are allocated for any Project, this information should be made available on a Central Government Information website known to all. As the funds get disbursed down the line, the allocation tree should be indicated. This one act of information and transparency will ensure that no bribes are paid and weed out corruption. This practice should also be made compulsory to all States. This one act will see India make great progress in a short span of time. When an individual who holds public office, either as a Government servant, or a Minister, and if he is found having wealth disproportionate to his know source of income, then the entire wealth should be confiscated and placed under a trust. It then becomes the responsibility of the individual to establish his claims to this wealth.

Noise Pollution: ..................

A law must be legislated that no Institution or place of worship will have speakers fitted in a way that sound is

transmitted beyond the four walls of the premise. This will curb all activities that are cause of irritation. Prayer has to be a very private affair.

Broadcast.........

DoorDarshan must ensure all its programmes are not Delhi centric or urban oriented. They must go down to
different states and towns and conduct their debates and seminars. This will ensure the opinions and voices of the common man in rural India are also heard and understood. DD must also conduct programmes that show how a problem existed and how it was tackled and resolved. This could be an enlightener for those in other states to emulate. Also a channel must be dedicated to proceedings of Parliament and State Assemblies. You will agree that a major part of citizen's lives are decided by the happenings in these Institutions.

Tourism: .........

The thrust should only be on preserving our heritage. Internal tourism should be encouraged through appropriate infrastructure. If visitors from abroad arrive or not it should not affect the industry.

National Integration:..........

Another of my favourite theme is National Integration in its truest sense. We all know that inspite of 45 years

of independence we cannot think of ourselves as one Nation. One good way of integrating the population and causing cross-cultural relationship is by promulgating a law that requires 60% of all central government positions to be recruited from outside the state. These are to be represented in a fair proportion giving weightage to merit where needed. This representation is to be executed at every centre of Central government employment individually & not arrive at a collective figure for a state.
This one act will cause a cross-cultural flow and appreciation, relegating divisive forces to the background.

Also since we are unable to abrogate Article 370, the next best alternative is to get all educated Kashmiri youth employed in various sectors of the country. Once they begin to integrate with the rest of the country then this animosity and all related problems will vanish.

Another point, which is the cause of present dis-integration of society, is the caste factor. Is it not possible to design forms that do not carry one's caste or sub-caste. Suffice that for statistical purposes creed will serve. And nowhere during the entire lifetime of an individual should he be asked for these divisive data.

Industry........

Industry:  My view is that such industries should now be promoted that adds value to agriculture and the other cultures.  Co operatives should be encouraged to form industrial units in close proximity to ensure low input costs and maximum percentage of yield is converted to useful food. Norms should be laid down that no industry can & should operate without adequate environmental controls. Industries should be graded into various categories from A to Z depending on the degree of causing emissions dangerous or otherwise. Based on this categorisation audit should be conducted ranging from monthly for Z category to once every 3 years for A category. We should gradually prohibit the export of all ore's and only value added fully finished product exports should be permitted. Also Trade Boards should be created for all commodities. Representatives of that Industry alongwith nominated members of the Government should govern these Boards.

Ratings..........

Ratings: A law should be created that all Professionals who practice in Public should be rated once every 5 years, and it is mandatory for these professionals to get themselves evaluated if they are to practice in their chosen profession. They must prominently display their ratings in their office of practice. Evaluation is done by having candidates attend a minimum of 48 hrs of Advanced Learning Lectures. This Law is applicable for Chartered Engineers, Chartered Accountants, Lawyers, Doctors, Architects, and other practising professionals. The evaluation is to be done by Institutions chosen and created amongst members from their respective disciplines.

Employment for All

The first is Employment.  If the Nation can be gainfully employed, it is definitely moving ahead. A law should be legislated that all structures should be painted every seven years.  This one law will create millions of job opportunities and have a cascading effect. Besides reinforcing structures and ensuring a longer life, avoid loss of human life and property, a cleaner and brighter environment and high employment creation at the lower strata of society, creation of more industries in the steel, Cement, Sand, Stone, paint, scaffolding and related sectors.

 Employment Opportunities One of the main causes of frustration for the educated is to stay unemployed. A regular survey is to be conducted and a forecast annually published of the various opportunities available between years five to ten from the year of publication. By this students will have a better idea of the direction

they should orient their education to be better employed.

What ails Indian Sport............

Further to my last few messages on diverse topics, I propose a solution that will resolve the vexed issue of Indian Sports.

In a country of 1 Billion, having 15% Global population, we are yet to make our mark in the International arena.   

My suggestions if implemented will cause India to be a force to reckon with in Sports:

1. A website should be created under the auspices of the sports ministry.-SportsIndia.com

2. Here all Globally recognised sports should be listed

3. Each sport should have a criteria for rating which is mentioned

4. Each sport should have a page that lists players of the sport at district level,state level and national level.

5. The yardstick for a given sport is the same irrespective of which district the player is from.

6. Depending on the sport, players above the benchmark at District level, qualify for the state level.

7. The same applies to players to qualify for the national level.

8. Players performance which is rated here is the only criteria for qualifying.

9. This is there for all players to see how he performs and his chances of getting to the next level.

10. Depending on the Game, the Team List (16 if Cricket) gets qualified.

11. The team decides who should captain them by a vote.

12. The Captain with the coach then decides which 11 players from this list will play the game.

13. The Administration should limit them selves to organizing the event.

14. 60% of gate and all other collections go to the Game.

15. 40% of Gate and all other collections go to a Central Sports kitty

16. All players from games that meet the laid benchmark will qualify for being sponsored from this kitty.

17. All this is displayed on the website,so that it is Clean and Fair for all.

18. Players will naturally get motivated to perform as they all know the criteria for selection is based on performance only.

Trust if this is accepted, the day is not far when Indian sports will do all Indians proud.

Your Government can initiate action in this regard.