Scientists in public life

I do not think science-driven issues are well represented in the nation's governing body. I also feel the need for a larger scientific or researcher presence in governing bodies. However, in order that it happens, the scientists will have to change their attitude towards the general public. The other day, I was watching a top nuclear scientist of the country replying questions on nuclear safety to the representatives of the general public. I must say that the the attitude of the scientist was not correct. There was an air of superiority and arrogance in his responses,  which in fact gave him a poor personal image. The scientists must realise that the laws of science are not known to public but their fears are real. They must be more understanding and compassionate, that is what makes an illiterate politician popular among the public.

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Reflections: Food Food

Food Food: The celebrity Chef, Sanjeev Kapoor has  launched India's first Hindi 24x7 Food Lifestyle Channel 'FOODFOOD'. It will feature, for the very first time, Hinglish content that will be produced and packaged in India, making the shows relevant to the Indian audience. In order to connect to their audience in India, FOODFOOD will feature shows about food and food lifestyle like 'Sanjeev Kapoor's Kitchen', ' Firangi Tadka ', ' Sirf 30 Minute ' and Ready Steady Cook. Prominent personalities form the entertainment and food industry such as Chef Chinu, Chef Harpal, Chef Rakesh Sethi, and more will feature as part of the varied offerings on the channel. FoodFood is also the first Indian channel that's entirely shot in high definition.

It is indeed fun watching this channel. All those who love food must watch FoodFood.

Governance by Mafia: There are three tapping points in a state's distribution chain from where cheap kerosene meant for sale through ration shops is diverted, more often than not, in collusion with civil supplies officials and police.

 

Although quite disturbing but not surprising. All public dealings appear to be full of rackets. Why not legalize rackets and mafia dealings. That will save trouble of investigations.

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Meaning of freedom

Happy 63rd India Independence Day! Independence means freedom from bondage, constraints. Independence guarantees citizens' human rights. However rights sans responsibilities lead to indiscipline and anarchy. At times, we see that kind of a situation in our country. The expression of freedom must be with restraint, keeping in view the overall national interest. We need to teach this in the primary schools and enforce it in the public life for the benefit of all law abiding citizens.

The Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) gets transparent

PuneScoop reports: Taking a step towards transparency, the Pune Municipal Corporation (PMC) has decided to give the citizens access to its records every Monday. Also, the civic body has decided to start a separate cell for streamlining the process of dissemination of information under Right to Information Act (RTI)

In a press statement issued on Thursday, the municipal corporation has stated that the PMC has decided to give common people access to the civic records from August 1. Any citizen can ask for civic records on any matter at the civic headquarters at Shivajinagar or any ward office between 3 pm and 5 pm. Xerox copies of the record will be made available for a nominal fees, said the press release.

The PMC has also decided to provide any information sought under the RTI within three weeks and non-availability of the information will be communicated to the applicant immediately. All the pending applications under the RTI till date will be answered before August 15 by the nodal officer. The PMC will also organise training for its employees on RTI

Congratulations Sh Mahesh Zagade Ji, Municipal Commissioner ! It is a major step towards transparent public administration. Transparency reduces corruption.

Is India a flawed democracy ?

The Economist Intelligence Unit's 2008 Democracy Index ranks India 35th among the 'flawed democracies' of the world. As citizens, should we reject these findings, as most of our politicians have done promptly. The agency has used some 60 indicators to assess. Let us make our own assessment, using some of the major indicators.

Civil Liberties: We enjoy full civil liberty. However, thousands of innocent people languish in jails without any trial for years.

Political Culture: The politics in the country is polarised on caste, region and religious lines. The parliament sessions are marked by chaos. The members often do not sit in the House. What can you expect, when criminals become legislators!

Public Participation: The most dangerous feature of our democracy is the public apathy. The 50% of the population, i.e. women, do not have adequate representation in the governance. The people do not vote; as a result the legislators are mostly elected on the minority vote.

Government: The Indian government machinery is known for its corruption and inefficiency, world over.

Under these conditions, if someone calls India a flawed democracy, it is not too much off the mark