Govt. promises stable Tax regime....

Govt. promises stable Tax regime.... pg 19, Times of India, 20th Dec 2012

I have a few suggestions here.  

1.All employed Indians should pay a MAT of Rs 100/- Annually if there is No Tax Liability

2.All Street Vendors should pay a MAT of Rs 500/- Annually if there is No Tax Liability.

3.All Shop Owners should pay a MAT of Rs 1000/- Annually if there is No Tax Liability.

4.Persons owning a Vehicle must pay a MAT of Rs 1000/- Annually if there is No Tax Liability.

Tax Liability in Metros should be exempted for a Salary of Rs 4.5 lakhs

Tax Liability in other Class A Cities should be exempted for a Salary of Rs 3 lakhs

Tax Liability in Rest of India should be exempted for a Salary of Rs 2.5 lakhs

This will get the economy moving. You need to place Money in the hands of all, so that they can  spend and keep the wheels moving.

Citizens who have more than one Apartment / other property income to their name, must be exponentially Taxed.

Apartments kept locked for more than 9 months in a year, must be so taxed, that it is a better for the owners to rent the place.

Families residing in the same house and owning more than one vehicle must be taxed exponentially.

Industrialists must follow what I mention in an earlier blog If their Individual Salary exceeds Rs 120 Lakhs, then their Tax Liability must exceed 60%

Controversy over TB Hospital's renaming.....

Controversy over TB Hospital's renaming..... Headlines, Mumbai Mirror, 18th Dec'2012

We need to lay down Norms for such Naming Ceremonies.

Hospitals and Medically related Centers should only be renamed after Doctors, Nurses, Ward Boys who have contributed towards rendering yeoman service of the sick.

Streets should be named after Social workers who have lived on the very same street.
Roads should be named after District level social workers.
Highways should be named after National level Leaders

Once these Norms are Laid and Established, there will be No wanton clamour by Political parties to have spaces named after their leaders.

Incidentally it would be nice to know Harilal's contribution towards the nation, other than dying on a particular bed, that a ward has to be named after him. 

Top Dog Pay has all the Bite,....

Top Dog Pay has all the Bite, But No 2's Lacks Teeth.... Headlines, The Economic Times of 18th Dec'2012.

Firstly it must be understood that the Company is a single entity.The Management and Workers are not in a Us....Vs...Them situation. All are working towards a common goal, of producing a superior product. All are expected to contribute their best towards this effort. 

If all are contributing, then the rewards must also be shared by all in a defined proportion.

It is not anybody's right to exploit another- be it shareholder or worker. Once the output of all are defined, and their share in the Pie, then there can never be a bad situation. The solution therefore is about the receivables in any industry or situation. Currently 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 thinks he 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.

This is the best way ahead both for the Promoter, The Organisation and The Worker. This is applicable to every Industry. The answer lies in equitable distribution of the wealth created without discrimination.

BMC's grand idea to curb illegal shanties:...

BMC's grand idea to curb illegal shanties: narrower pavements...Headlines, Mumbai Mirror, 9th Dec 2012

I did write on this issue earlier too, which I repeat below...

The street was clean and clear of all garbage. When dawn broke, a band of gypsies had descended on the lone street, pitching their tent, a little away from the drain which was used the days ahead for all ablutions. Toileting all over was a band of unruly children, carefree of worldly worries, no schooling just begging. The street was their oyster. Women who arrived seemingly single exposed to the vagaries of the night, were now expectant mothers.

Can we have a Law that makes it the responsibility of the local police under whose jurisdiction this street happens to ensure no one arrives from nowhere, and makes the street their home. They just need to be sent to the nearest beggar’s home. The men & women have to be skilled during their stay at the home based on their inclinations, and converted to useful members of society. Once skilled they have to be asked to return to their place of birth/origin and begin life anew. Else the City will forever be an overgrown slum, inviting more children to the dark.

Centre Defers Decision to Raise Ration Sugar Prices..

Centre Defers Decision to Raise Ration Sugar Prices.. pg12, The Economic Times dated 29th November 2012......  Fears backlash from Opposition and Voter apathy ahead of Polls.

The better way for the country is for the Government to gradually remove all Subsidies and Pay the farmer for his Produce at predetermined rates. The Farmer should Pay for the Electricity, Fertilisers and other Inputs consumed at prevalent Market rates. The only subsidy the Government will provide is to release Food grains at controlled rates to fair Price shops. They cannot charge more than 2% for the rates of Grains and other Essentials released through them to Consumers. All thefts due to these subsidies will disappear, (which actually enrich the Rich)  and will reduce the burden on the exchequer.

Institute admits students after de-recognition

Institute admits students after de-recognition.....  pg 7 The Times of India, 1st Dec 2012

Can we have a Web Site that displays all Universities recognized by the Government of India along with their ratings. 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.

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. 

Frame SRA resale rules.....

Frame SRA resale rules: HC to State....The Times of India, pg 7, 1st Dec 2012

Currently a member cannot sell for 10 yrs after being allotted the apartment. To Sell he/she must submit a form where all members currently residing with him/her are all to be mentioned along with their respective UID Nos. Reasons for Sale are also mentioned. This will ensure that one member does not sell and claim another apartment on another member name. This will defeat the very purpose of housing the neglected, and turn the scheme into a money reaping venture, with more public spaces up for Grabs by these persons.

Audit of repaired potholes.........

BMC to conduct first ever audit of repaired potholes....Mumbai Mirror, 27th November 2012.

I have observed currently the practice of the contractor is to take huge bits of rock say 1 inch cubes and mix them in a hot tar and lay it on the ground. Run a Road Roller and claim to have the work done.

This to me is Grossly Incorrect.

What we need to do is first have the base earth well compacted to a level of hardness pre-determined.

Next we need is have a mix of rock say 30% 1 inch cube + 40% 0.5 inch cube + 30% 0.25 inch cube.

This will ensure the space between two 1 inch cubes are well occupied by 0.5 inch cube, and the space between two 0.5 inch cube is well occupied by 0.25 inch cube.

This will be leveled by a road Roller, leaving a depth of 1 inch for the Top layer.

The Top layer will be a coat of fines and rock size less than 0.25 inch cube. This will ensure the smoothness of the road, and not start giving way to weathering or dislodge of filled rock.

This to me is the way ahead for Tar roads.
Also today many roads have kerbs with interlock blocks. Due to movements of the earth or shoddy installation these blocks become a major cause for tripping while pedestrians walk. The better way is to simply lay a minimal coat of tar over these displaced blocks so that the road/street is convenient until the next overhaul.

Saving Water a Natural Resource

We have been facing a Water crisis inspite of the huge capacities being created for storing water.
As they say a Penny Saved is a Penny Earned.

I have noticed in households, every time residents visit the wash room for nature's call, flush the tank, thus draining 5/10 ltrs of water, when maybe 0.5 / 1 ltr would have been good enough.

Maybe we need to ask the manufacturers to create a Flush Tank with an inner partition, 

so that for the first call, they only need to press the button that will flush 0.5 / 1 ltr.
It is only when they empty their bowels, they need to activate the lever to flush 5 / 10 ltrs.

Normally a family of 4 will have used the wash room 20 times a day * 2 Million habitants in Mumbai , would be the amount of water saved per day * 365 and the amount saved per year, which could be huge.

Trust we learn to conserve this most important resource

Recognition of Universities

Can we have a Web Site that displays all Universities recognized by the Government of India along with their ratings. 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.

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. 

16% rise in Sex Crimes......

16% rise in Sex Crimes against Women in City..... Headlines Sunday Times 25th Nov.2012

Where is the Mumbai we all grew up in. 
Regretfully, it is quite disturbing that the Police force who are supposed to ensure the safety of the city-zens are busy Moral policing.

Rape, Murder, Dacoity etc are rampant, while the Honourable  Minister, has bestowed on himself the responsibility to cleanse the city of what he defines as Morals.

It is high time the parties declare in their Manifesto the laws they plan to enact, enforce during their tenure, and we as citizens make an informed choice and decide whom we wish to vote for. 

Also it is my suggestion that the punishment for Rapists is to have their ear lobes clipped in an identifiable way. This will put all on guard when they see one.

New Mission against Mal Nutrition........

 New Mission against Mal Nutrition........ pg 6, The Times of India, Nov 6th 2012

Thrust of the Government should be on Health Care more than Medi-Care. Focus should be on improving the Health of the citizens through Good Nutrition. Easy availability of food is prime. Yoga should be compulsorily taught in primary schools. The day at Primary School begins at dawn with physical education. Basking in the morning light increases absorption of Vitamin D which is essential for robust health in latter years. PE classes followed by Breakfast, followed by classroom education. This is the way.

Loan Growth Stonewalled by Surge in House Prices..

Loan Growth Stonewalled by Surge in House Prices.. Headlines-The Economic Times,  5th Nov 2012

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.

HC backs top baddie against Chief Coach......

HC backs top baddie against Chief Coach...... pg1, The Times of India, 7th Nov.2012
The High Court is right in its direction. We should not  let persons in positions of Authority to rough shod their Writ over Talent. Those in governance should ensure the Administration is taken care of, and the player concerned can focus entirely on the sport. I did write on this in an earlier article which can be read by a click here.

He said he was going to Kill me....

He said he was going to Kill me....headlines Mumbai Mirror, 7th Nov. 2012
Regret the Police Force instead of ensuring the City retains its spot as a safe place to live in, is more interested in Moral Policing, by raiding places of entertainment, because they see quick money, as those caught or apprehended would like to get out of the clutches ASAP. Instead of having their ears to the ground, they feign ignorance. Heads must Roll in such eventualities. Laws have to be redrafted to ensure criminals do not get an easy bail and restart  their activities as mentioned.

Corruption cannot be eradicated........

Corruption cannot be eradicated........ pg14,The Times of India 5th Nov. 2012
says HDFC Deepak Parekh. I think it is the most ridiculous statement to be made by the Chairman. We need to find ways and means to eradicate this evil, rather than play with it and gain.Small measures taken today will eradicate this evil in days to come. Read one of the many measures I have written earlier by a click here.

Peeing in Public? Face the Music.....

Peeing in Public? Face the Music..... Pg 1, 5th Nov, The Times of India.

I did write on the need to keep our streets clean, which can be read when you click here
and the way to resolve this effectively which can be read by a click here 

A Road less Travelled.....

A Road less Travelled..... pg 23 Travel, Times of India, 3rd November 2012.
Tourism is the best Industry to promote. Not only does it create a great trickle down effect, it is eco friendly with no serious environmental damage in the process of employing millions. Unfortunately the Government thinks employment can only be through Chemicals or other polluting Industries. This environmental damage will have a lasting effect on the Planet. The Government needs to promote local Tourism in every village. Homestays as a source of local employment is the best way for the country to go ahead.

WR asks IIT - B for secret to a smoother commute

WR asks IIT - B for secret to a smoother commute...  pg 6 Mumbai Mirror of 1st November 2012.

I have been writing at regular intervals to the concerned authorities offering them a simple solution to this vexed issue of transporting us like cattle. Details can be read when you click here.
I had also written how we can ensure Trains are kept clean. Details can be read by a click here.

PF cases may be settled fast...

PF cases may be settled fast... pg 15 The Economic Times 29th Oct 2012
More than 6000 disputes and more than 1500 Crore locked in disputes in Court.
While this would take time to resolve, a better way is for the EPF Management to set up a Website
and every month the amount the Company Credits into the workers account gets reflected.
More than 45 days delay would warrant the local office to investigate the reasons for delay and initiate positive action so that workers who have sweated their lives do not need to be left in the lurch after retirement and seek death in despair..

FinMin Not too Hopeful of RBI Lowering Rates......

FinMin Not too Hopeful of RBI Lowering Rates...... Page 1, The Economic Times 29th Oct 2012.

It says with inflation still high Subbarao may not want to cut rates just yet. Need to know if the RBI Governor's role is merely to increase/decrease rates and CRR. It would have been better if Economists occupying this position are more pro-active. The better way to tackle inflation is to increase production. The first being Food Production. What is the Yield per Acre, and what reaches the Market place or the Dining Table. Bottlenecks are next identified. Support systems created through local Bank's intervention and solutions found. Similar with Clothing and Accommodation. Once the Three Basic needs are met, rest are all incidental. This is where the Governor can guide Banks to act, and not focus on only Industries and ROI etc.

No Bridge to Cross......

With no bridge to reach it, plush new building at LTT remains unused...  Mumbai Mirror, 29th Oct 2012.

It is a shame to see Tax payers money go waste, only because the concerned authorities are now in a blame game. For every Project that uses Public Funds, there has to be appointed a person known as the Project Manager. It is his responsibility, to ensure timely completion of the Project, and if it will accrue the benefits as mentioned prior to start of the Project. The advantages for which any Project is being funded has to be clearly defined. It need not be monetary, but has to have specific benefits to society at large, to justify the investment.

Service Exporters in a Fix

Service Exporters in a Fix as Tax Dept rejects refund claims....... The Economic Times pg 6, 17th Oct 2012

Decisions of Taxes and Refunds have to be Online. When an Individual or Company files a return, the system is designed to consider the activity and decide the Tax to be deducted and or Refund to be made.
This decision cannot be subjective, based on the moods of the Tax collector. It has to be objective, based on data fed and decision made.

What the authorities can do is to design the form and ask the person entering the data to confirm all that is stated is TRUE more than once. This will ensure he does not feign ignorance later.

The authorities should randomly investigate 10% of the data in depth. If the organisation or individual has fudged and misrepresented data, then the fine should be 10X the normal tax to be paid + Rs 1 lakh.
If the data is entered by a CA then for the second incorrect entry the CA stand to have his licence suspended for 6 yrs. This one rule will ensure better compliance and collection, and ensure we are free of corruption.

Doing Good is Good Business.....

Doing Good is Good Business..... page 15, The Economic Times 12th Oct 2012

This is the best way ahead both for the Promoter, The Organisation and The Worker. This is applicable to every Industry. The answer lies in equitable distribution of the wealth created without discrimination.

Firstly it must be understood that the Company is a single entity.The Management and Workers are not in a Us....Vs...Them situation. All are working towards a common goal, of producing a superior product. All are expected to contribute their best towards this effort.

If all are contributing, then the rewards must also be shared by all in a defined proportion.

It is not anybody's right to exploit another- be it shareholder or worker. Once the output of all are defined, and their share in the Pie, then there can never be a bad situation. The solution therefore is about the receivables in any industry or situation. Currently 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 thinks he 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.

Multiple Scams inflate Dam costs, leave State poorer

Multiple Scams inflate Dam costs, leave State poorer..... page 6, Times of India, 10th Oct 2012

I had suggested earlier the best way to root out this evil. This one way will help root out this evil.

BMC Rejigs tankers for cleaner streets........

BMC Re Jigs Tankers for cleaner streets........ page 2, Times of India, October 10th 2012

A Good idea, as part of the Clean Mumbai efforts.

I would also request the Authorities to permit their  staff to be deployed in their non working hours on this effort.
They need to Publish a  Booklet with Tickets of Rs 50/-, another of  Rs 100/-, and another of Rs 500/-.

These are issued to interested staff at 25% discount. All the staff need to do is have a Tag on him that he is authorized on behalf of Clean Mumbai to collect the fine. Rs 50/- for littering on the street, Rs 100/- for spitting Paan etc, and Rs 500/- for urinating anywhere in public.

This one act will clean the face of the city and a year later we will all have a Clean Mumbai.

Kripa not Grilled despite FIR.....

Kripa not Grilled despite FIR..... pg 10, The Times of India, 1st Oct'2012 

Once an FIR is lodged against an Elected or Public Servant, there must be a defined Time Frame within which investigations made,  conclusions drawn, and Judgement released. We also need to surf through earlier cases of loot of public finances. All wealth in the name of the accused stand frozen and/or credited to a public account, to be strictly used for public welfare schemes once judgement is issued.

Ajit Pawar Quits over irrigation Scam......

Ajit Pawar Quits over irrigation Scam......Headlines, Times Of India 26th Sept'2012

It should be natural when a Minister or Public servant is expelled or forced to resign,the Supreme Court should permit filing a PIL against any Public Servant Elected or otherwise, who has amassed wealth beyond his/her known source of Income. It is the responsibility of the accused to prove the earnings are legitimately earned and have no bearing on corrupt practices he/she may have indulged in to amass the wealth.
Inability to prove will lead the wealth to be credited to the public exchequer and to be used strictly for public welfare schemes. .....This will ensure no public servant amasses wealth beyond his source of income.

The Naming Game..........

It is regular to read an article in the Press that your neighbourhood road/street has been renamed by whoever.
Firstly it is a better idea to ensure names of minor streets and chowks hold good for only 25 years after which they can be renamed.
Secondly the name being proposed for the given street / chowk should have been of a person who contributed to the betterment of the area being considered.
Thirdly the names being proposed should be put up for consideration and majority view either through ballot or show of hands be resorted to. The concurrence of all residents of the street/ chowk should be involved and their opinion sought.

'Indians worried about economic future'....

'Indians worried about economic future'.... A small step in governance will change this worry. The Government needs to enact a law that stipulates all Housing Societies paint their buildings once every 10 years. The incentive to do this is that they get a discount in the property tax. This one act will generate huge employment, cause distribution of wealth and a huge demand in building materials.

BoB reduces home loan rates by 0.25%........

BoB reduces home loan rates by 0.25%........page 20, Sept 11th 2012.
The best way to boost the Economy is to ensure housing for all. This not only creates a huge demand but keeps the Nation on the move.

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, keeping the economy growing positively with inclusive growth.

Cops put chain-snatchers on the wall across city...... pg 12, Mumbai Mirror 25th Sept'2012

The punishment for Chain snatchers and Thieves should be similar to what I had mentioned in an earlier blog.
This one law will deter such scoundrels to desist from this act

Commerce Min Questions Labour Min's Minimum Wage Proposal

Commerce Min Questions Labour Min's Minimum Wage Proposal ...Pg 13 The Economic Times of 25th Sept 2012

The concept of having a common minimum wage pan India is a bad idea. Living conditions etc must determine this. However the Government can follow an idea mentioned below which will be able to hold good.

Firstly it must be understood that the Company is a single entity.The Management and Workers are not in a Us....Vs...Them situation. All are working towards a common goal, of producing a superior product. All are expected to contribute their best towards this effort.

If all are contributing, then the rewards must also be shared by all in a defined proportion.

It is not anybody's right to exploit another- be it shareholder or worker. Once the output of all are defined, and their share in the Pie, then there can never be a bad situation. The solution therefore is about the receivables in any industry or situation. Currently 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 thinks he 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.

Jindal shouldn't set own salary:........

Jindal shouldn't set own salary:........ Advisory Firm....Headlines -The Economic Times of 25th September 2012.
I have said this in earlier blogs and repeat again:

Most Listed Companies decide to reward themselves viz: The Board of Directors and Managers as they think fit. A simple circular and a resolution is passed at the AGM.

Firstly it must be understood that the Company is a single entity.The Management and Workers are not in a Us....Vs...Them situation. All are working towards a common goal, of producing a superior product. All are expected to contribute their best towards this effort.

If all are contributing, then the rewards must also be shared by all in a defined proportion.

It is not anybody's right to exploit another- be it shareholder or worker. Once the output of all are defined, and their share in the Pie, then there can never be a bad situation. The solution therefore is about the receivables in any industry or situation. Currently 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 thinks he 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.

Bad news for Party Zone:...................

Bad news for Party Zone:................... Head lines, Mumbai Mirror Sept 17th.2012

I think it is time we defined the role of the Police. Tax paying citizens have a right to a life of their own, as long as they do it within the purview of the Law.   Should they falter, the attempt should be to ensure the Spirit of the law is followed. We need to redefine the role of the Police. I think it is a better idea  for the Police to ensure the area under their control is free of Hawkers, Encroachments and Roadside dwellers.

BMC has a Cash Pile..................

BMC has a Cash Pile.................. pg 24, Mumbai Mirror, Sept 15th 2012.
It is unfortunate that while the citizens of the Metropolis continue to suffer with aches and pains while travelling from A to B in overcrowded buses, take an hour for a 10 minute journey, walk on roads with potholes, people spitting all over and beggars hounding us at junctions.

'Law-abiding citizens should be treated with respect'

'Law-abiding citizens should be treated with respect'...... page 4Mumbai Mirror, Sept. 14th 2012

Why should we have a situation where we fear the Police. Having travelled Globally, I have witnessed many Middle Eastern countries where citizens are at ease with the Police. The Police force there make every effort to ensure the citizens are always safe. As far as the Laws go, it is the duty of the Police to ensure laws are followed in the spirit in which it is framed, and if Citizens err every help is made to ensure its adherence. Here the effort is to catch Citizens on the wrong foot and find how much the catch is worth........Think.....if we are to advance as a Nation......

Intelligence Warns of Terror Threat......

Intelligence Warns of Terror Threat to HPCL,BPCL's Mumbai Refineries....Front Page,The Economic Times dated 7th September 2012

Just an idea to save the country from Threats & 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 Crime prior to the act or after the disaster has struck,

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 Threats and Acts will greatly reduce if not totally eliminated.

Taxpayer Can't be fined...........

'Taxpayer Can't be fined for Incorrect Claim if he provides all relevant info'. page 6,The Economic Times, 6th Sept 2012

It is a better idea if the On Line Form is so designed that the Tax payer only has to enter data under various heads and system calculates the Tax due, after which he pays by Credit card or Cheque mentioning his PAN on the reverse of the Cheque. If he has entered any false data, and if X is the Tax due, and the authorities find he has concealed information, then he gets fined 10X. This will ensure all enter correct data which can be cross verified. However if data entered is correct and system calculates incorrect, then the program has to be modified accordingly.

Cops Thumbs-up

Cops' thumbs-up to Bandra residents' traffic roadmap.....
another headline on the same page says
CCTV helps nab four who thrashed cop........ page6, Aug 18 2012, Mumbai Mirror

The first of the points endorsed is Introduction of Speed breakers at Relief Road in Santa Cruz.
I think having Speed breakers on the road is a bad idea. The solution lies in having mobile CCTV arrangements at points where discipline is needed. Anyone who drives recklessly is booked immediate.
Fines for crossing the zebra line should be Rs 1000/- per act. For crossing the signal red should be Rs 10,000/- per act, for Dangerous/Drunken driving should be Rs 25,000/- per act with forfeit of Licence for 12 months. This will ensure our rides in public transport is more comfortable, rather than a back breaker because of these rash drivers.

Safety of Women.........

No Woman in Mumbai feels safe any longer.....(Pune Times)Times of India, page 6 20th August 2012

Brilliant article by Priyanka Chopra, highlighting her arrival and sojourn in Mumbai. This was the Mumbai we all grew up in. Regretfully, it is quite disturbing that the Police force who are supposed to ensure the safety of the city-zens are busy Moral policing. Rape, Murder,

Dacoity etc are rampant, while the Honourable  Minister, has bestowed on himself the responsibility to cleanse the city of what he defines as Morals. It is high time the parties declare in their Manifesto the laws they plan to enact, enforce during their tenure, and we as citizens make an informed choice and decide whom we wish to vote for. Also it is my suggestion that the punishment for Rapists is to have their ear lobes clipped in an identifiable way. This will put all on guard when they see one.

Why we'll never know who killed these 2 men.....

Why we'll never know who killed these 2 men.....                    Headlines in Mumbai Mirror of 15th August 2012

I think it is headlines like these that cause anger in the minds of the young.

The report could have been done without sensationalising the issue. I am not sure if it is a deliberate ploy to keep the fire burning or to eke out a living by these two. Media must change if India has to survive.

'Pvt Sector Must Help in Spotting Sports Talent'

'Pvt Sector Must Help in Spotting Sports Talent'....page 6, The Economic Times 14th August 2012

That the Indian Contigent has won is purely on their merit. No one should claim any credit.

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 wil play the game.

13. The Administration should limit them selves to organising 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.

Grandson Moves UP.........

Grandson Moves UP.........page 3, The Economic Times, 13th August 2012.

Most Listed Companies decide to reward themselves viz: The Board of Directors and Managers as they think fit. A simple circular and a resolution is passed at the AGM.

Firstly it must be understood that the Company is a single entity.The Management and Workers are not in a Us....Vs...Them situation. All are working towards a common goal, of producing a superior product. All are expected to contribute their best towards this effort.

If all are contributing, then the rewards must also be shared by all in a defined proportion.

It is not anybody's right to exploit another- be it shareholder or worker. Once the output of all are defined, and their share in the Pie, then there can never be a bad situation. The solution therefore is about the receivables in any industry or situation. Currently 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 thinks he 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.

Group of rogue rioters took police by surprise........

Group of rogue rioters took police by surprise........ page 2, Mumbai Mirror,12th August 2012

Mumbai is not the battle ground for any section of Society to resolve their issues. No permission should be given henceforth to any section of Society to hold a rally if the issue is not connected to the city. Also should there be any Communal intones even if it concerns the City, No permission should be given and such gatherings should be banned.

Media faces brunt of attack over Assam coverage.........

Media faces brunt of attack over Assam coverage.........12th August 2012, page 2 Mumbai Mirror.

This was long expected.Why should there be a coverage for any news either in Print or Audio-Visual media, where we describe the Victims and Perpetrators by their Religious beliefs. Why can we not describe them as individuals or groups targeting one another. We should in reporting ensure there is no coverage  that incites the passions of any section of society. Also if permission is given for holding a rally, the organisers have to be booked for any loss that will result as an outcome of  any incident - Violent or otherwise consequent to the rally.

Growth may be below 6% in 2012 - 2013

Experts warn growth may be below 6% in 2012 - 2013, page 19 The Times of India Aug 8th.
Experts forecast is similar to our Weather forecasts. They express views on a subject  which is beyond their understanding it seems. What is more important is not whether growth is 6% or 9%, but how to get the economy moving. For this Government needs to create positive work, which results in creation of Real Assets to mitigate future vagaries of weather, and this includes FII. A simple enactment into Law that all Housing complexes must be painted once every 10 years, will create a huge demand in all Building Materials.
New Factories will have to be created to contain the surge in demand. The unemployable will also find employment and the country will gain.

Light the Lamp Within..........

SuperPower India, RIP ...............screamed the headlines on the frontpage of The Economic Times of 1st Aug 2012..........
A Government is elected to Govern. Power being a basic necessity, it is necessary that the authorities concerned ensure its availability at all times. For this it is necessary to ensure, no matter how small every member who consumes power pays for it. It would be bad play if the Government decides to condone theft of power as an excuse to vote bank politics. Time to light the Lamp within all of us, and take the country forward.

How to resolve Labour Problems.......

How to resolve Labour Problems.......The Economic Times,July 27th,page 14

Gurudas DasGupta thinks the problem will be resolved if all workers are made permanent. Maybe he needs to explain why in situations where all workers are permanent, yet there is strife and tension, between various categories of  the workforce.

Firstly it must be understood that the Plant is a single entity.The Management and Workers are not in a Us....Vs...Them situation. All are working towards a common goal, of producing a superior product. All are expected to contribute their best towards this effort.

If all are contributing, then the profits must also be shared by all in a defined proportion.

It is not anybody's right to exploit another. Once the output of all are defined, and their share in the Pie, then there can never be a bad situation. The solution therefore is about the receivables in any industry or situation. Currently 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 thinks he 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.

Drive to rein in rash, young speedsters

Drive to rein in rash, young speedsters........The Timesof India,July 26th page 3.

The only way to get these speedsters become responsible citizens, is to block their licence for 5 years if caught overspeeding. Their Names, PAN Card Nos, UID Nos, Passport No. must all be placed online to ensure they do not get another licence by corrupt methods. If they manage to, then the concerned officer who issues the licence gets suspended for a year from service.

Pothole contractors fined Re 21L

Pothole contractors fined Re 21L....The Times of India page 2 21st July 2012.

We all are aware that road repairs is a lucrative way to line the pockets of all concerned.
Yet there is a way out to ensure the issue gets resolved in a fitting manner. Once the contract value is ascertained, the winner of the contract gets paid in yearly instalments with a simple interest on the pending dues. Assume the contract is worth 10 lakhs, On completion of the Order the Contractor receives 3 lakhs as part payment. On completion of the first year after handover provided the road is still in its original state, he receives another 3 lakhs. However, if during the year there is breakdown on the repaired section, members of the public can upload images to the attention of the concerned authorities to express the damage.The due payment is held until the section is re-repaired. A completion certificate has to be re-issued by the contractor, prior to Inspection by the concerned authorities. Interest will not be calculated if the road is taken for re-repairs. This road is then placed under observation for another year. If it passes the test, the next instalment of 3 lakhs is paid else repeat repair. Once 2 instalments have been paid, then the road is placed under observation for another 3 years. If it survives well for all 3 years, then the last instalment with simple interest is paid to the contractor. However during the period if there is a failure, then the contractor re-repairs the road, and the clock starts the day he submits a fresh certificate of completion. No interest will be paid during the period of  re-repair until completion certificate. This one measure will I hope resolve the issues we face of bad roads, Monsoon or.... No Monsoon

RBI heads for a Scrap with Govt on relief to Housing Finance Cos

RBI heads for a Scrap with Govt on relief to Housing Finance Cos.......The Economic Times, page 1, 25th July 2012

Maybe RBI has a reason to take the Government Head On. But it would do well to understand that Housing is the Basic commitment that any Government can offer its Citizens. It would augur well for all if the RBI could resolve this issue at the earliest. While there needs to be Checks and Balances in all dealings to ensure these do not end us ap DUD accounts, the larger picture should not be lost in our endeavour to be right.

Anna Circus Returns

Anna Circus Returns.........page 2, The Economic Times, Mumbai, 26th July 2012

Unfortunately Anna and his Team has been doing the same stuff all over again and again, that the article rightly reads Anna Circus Returns. I am not sure enacting the Lok Pal Bill is the answer to our ills.
Somewhere in the struggle, Team Anna has lost focus, and lack of direction and misled charisma of those on stage are causing the entire act to degenerate into a Circus. If we can enact a Representative of People's Bill I am sure many of the current day ills we face will be eliminated.

Home for the Homeless..............

City's homeless share stories with Delhi's poor.........Mumbai Mirror Wednesday, July 25th.

I do agree that the state must have traveller's homes where new migrants to the city can seek shelter in dormitory situations.These are to be charged on per day basis. Anything FREE will defeat the situation. Besides this is a short term remedial measure. In the long term, efforts must be taken to understand the reasons for migration from their native state, and permanent measures undertaken to rehabilitate them in the place from where they migrated. This is the only way ahead.........

Keep us at bay...........

Officials plan drive to keep big cats at bay.........The Times of India,Mumbai, July 17th page 4

It's time we looked at the right picture. We have been constantly encroaching the Big Cat territory, with petty politicians unmindful encouragement, as long as they grow their Vote Bank. It is this skewed policy that helps us destroy ourselves. We must ensure all God's creations live in harmony and we do not step into their space, as they will not into ours. Time to rethink the issue...........

         This wildlife bridge provides support for all of the animals that don't want to get hit by traffic

A Need to Change the Laws.....

Pro and anti Dhoble camps make peace, ask for better laws, less harassment...........Sunday Mumbai Mirror, July 1st 2012
Early this month there was hue and cry over the actions of the Police who took cover under archaic laws to arrest members of the public. While all know that the Police force are servants of the public and their first responsibility is to provide a Terror Free life for all under their care. While Gangsters, Murderers, Rapists, and Scoundrels run free, Honest citizens out for some FUN are harassed under these laws.

Why cannot we have laws that also have a lifetime(say 25years). If it is not revisited, modified it stands auto deleted from the statute. This would ensure that our laws are always with the times and serve the needs of the populace. Laws are never meant to harass, but to guide all to the new way of co operative living.

Weep Not for Me, Weep for thyself and thy children......

Untouched

On 8th July the program on Untouchability was telecast on Satyamev Jayate. Unfortunately I missed watching the program and discussions.
I do have definite views on this, that needs urgent attention.
We need to start at birth. When a child is born all defintions of caste should be erased from the birth certificate form. Once Caste and Sub Caste find no mention, then within a lifetime we can be sure of having erased this scourge from our society.
Further there should NEVER be a query for such divisive information during one's lifetime .

Outdated Laws.........

Last month there was hue and cry over the actions of the Police who took cover under archaic laws to arrest members of the public. While all know that the Police force are servants of the public and their first responsibility is to provide a Terror Free life for all under their care. While Gangsters, Murderers, Rapists, and Scoundrels run free, Honest citizens out for some FUN are harassed under these laws.

Why cannot we have laws that also have a lifetime(say 25years). If it is not revisited, modified it stands auto deleted from the statute. This would ensure that our laws are always with the times and serve the needs of the populace. Laws are never meant to harass, but to guide all to the new way of co operative living.

The way to rid India of Corruption in Public Life.....

SC quashes assets case against Maya, blow to Govt,CBI.....Headlines in Times of India of 7th July 2012. Another NEWS..........
Pawar backs Tatkare after Konkan Victory...pg 10 TOI of 7th July 2012......

The SC should permit filing a PIL against any Public Servant Elected or otherwise, who has amassed wealth beyond his/her known source of Income. It is the responsibility of the accused to prove the earnings are legitimately earned and have no bearing on corrupt practices he/she may have indulged in to amass the wealth.
Inability to prove will lead the wealth to be credited to the public exchequer and to be used strictly for public welfare schemes.


Currently it is a case of one corrupt shileding another corrupt.

Who is the Minority.....

Nitish talks of Secularism to Dupe Minorities: Lalu...............The Economic Times Page 2 of 6th July 2012.........
It is time we defined who is a Minority - be it by Caste, Creed or otherwise. My view is that 49% is never to be defined as Minority if the other is 51%. Minority in all situations must be in Single digits to be classified as such. Therefore the maximum is 9%. Any value over 9% must be termed as Second/Third  largest Majoirity. Only then will the True benefits of being in a Minority as Sanctioned be received. Currently the Second or Third largest majority is wooed on electoral benefits and laws made to pander to their whims so that the ruling class can continue to rule the roost......Think.

Housing Solutions

Cabinet may take up Housing Loan Subsidy Plan.........Economic Times page 13 of 3rd July 2012

 

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, keeping the economy growing positively with inclusive growth.