Every one has his own search for repute and this often ends up in notoriety in many cases. Kerala cultural super hero Sukumar Azhikode entering unnecessarily in the Amma-Thilakan dispute, mudslinging actors like Mohanlal, Innocent and Ganesh Kumar and frostily withdrawing on hearing the ‘enlightening,’ words of Mammootty, are only the parts of this fiddly game. The loser is not Mohanlal or Innocent, but Azhikode himself.
Someone speaks, writes and do good acts to set up his uniqueness. However, the repeated use of the word ‘ignorant, idiot’ in telling off his opponent is cynical. Azhikode used these words to establish his infamy. A thorough introspection is needed for Azhikode to regain his lost acclaim.
K A Solaman
Sunday, February 28, 2010
Friday, February 26, 2010
Half baked facts about Union budget
‘History repeats first as a tragedy and then as a comedy’: is a good adage. This comedic episode recurs every year in our country with the presentation of the Union budget. The budget is growth oriented, non-inflationary, and people friendly, is the comment of treasury bench politicians. Nevertheless it is it is inflationary, growth-stunning, and anti-people for opposition parties. Both ruling Front and the Opposition present half-baked facts about the budget in their panel discussions.
There are many good proposals in the budget especially for the rural folk and the salaried class; however the hike in petrol-diesel price is a big handicap. The present budget proposals would make price rise in all sectors, if not effectively checked.
Kerala Finance Minster Thomas Isaac has strong apprehensions about the blow by the Union budget upon the people of Kerala. One hopes that Isaac will take deterrent measures such as avoiding additional excise duty on petroleum products and shield the State from the adverse impact of the Union budget. It is time for Isaac to prove his econometric skill through his State budget to lessen the hardships of Keralaites.
K A Solaman
There are many good proposals in the budget especially for the rural folk and the salaried class; however the hike in petrol-diesel price is a big handicap. The present budget proposals would make price rise in all sectors, if not effectively checked.
Kerala Finance Minster Thomas Isaac has strong apprehensions about the blow by the Union budget upon the people of Kerala. One hopes that Isaac will take deterrent measures such as avoiding additional excise duty on petroleum products and shield the State from the adverse impact of the Union budget. It is time for Isaac to prove his econometric skill through his State budget to lessen the hardships of Keralaites.
K A Solaman
UGC: Do not hike retirement age
A reasonable man could not fully agree with arguments in favour of implementing of UGC pay package for College teachers of Kerala. This is because hiking retirement age and subsequent utilization of fund obtained from UGC for other purpose would adversely affect many youngsters waiting for a teaching job. The present teachers of the colleges are misleadingly availing advantage of the opportunity in the State that is created by the acute financial crunch that may be resulted from the mass retirement of employees on March 31. Thuglak model retirement age unification in the State last year has created unforeseen complexity in employment and financial sectors. The teachers argue that the academic excellence will be towering if they continue further for a period of five years in the college. The Finance minister dreams that Rs. 2000 crore received from UGC for the salary hike of the college teachers can be gainfully used for the payout of pension benefits of retiring state employees on March 31. My request to the college teachers is that they should never push qualified youths to total despair. All teachers who have completed 55 years of age should so decide to relinquish their post without trying to stick to it by hook or crook. They should help to open opportunities to the new age group.
The argument that qualified applicants for the post of college teachers are inadequate in the State is totally absurd. The interviews conducted of late in many colleges proved that there are excess candidates with NET and Ph.D. Instance of dozens of candidates appearing for interview for a single post in many colleges has been reported of late. The criterion on which a particular candidate is selected is unknown to all other candidates who are not successful in the interview. The selected candidate should never reveal the secret of his or her success and if anyone needs the secret of this appointment, a ‘narco analysis ‘is to be conducted on the selected candidate. Recently for a single post appointment in an Ernakalam college the interview was conducted at a speed of making ‘thattukada dosa’ as the government nominee was very busy in finishing her work in the college. More interesting is the way in which the applicants were dealt with the college authorities. No receipt has been issued by the college authority for Rs 500 received as application money. The repeated statement from some corners that opportunities in colleges are in plenty is only a maneuver to hoodwink candidates who spent quite a sum as application money for appearing in the interviews.
UGC stipulation for retirement age of college teachers is 65. But Kerala education minister says here it has been decided to fix at 58 because of special circumstances existing in the state. This singularity will never disappear even if the retirement age is brought to 50. Another whimper in this direction is that qualified candidates are not available for college teaching. I want to know how the present college teachers who entered into service by licking the legs of college managers and paying several lakhs as donation, became so efficient now. These people who refuse to retire now, are really a stumbling block before the unemployed educated youngsters. If these persons are appointed as managers of Beverages Corporation, the customers will, of course, get better brands. It may be true that the guest lecturers are handicaps for the improved functioning of the college because they are removed occasionally. But they are the people who teach two alphabets to the students when the permanent teachers are out of the college with their extracurricular activities.
There is also an argument in favour of the existing teachers that if they are retained in the college for another five years only then smooth implementation of the credit and semester system is possible. This argument is absolutely false as C and S system is not an elephantine task. The young recruits will soon catch up the details relating the system and they implement it effectively than the MA second class tailor made self proclaimed professors.
Many people now admit that the retirement age unification was a thoughtless act and in order to meet the financial requirement of next March 31, the Government is trying to hike retirement age college teachers and thereby to divert the UGC fund. The government is not able use this fund to create any fresh job opportunity in the State. If Kerala Government follow the TN model of implementation of UGC package, all teachers will get its benefit without hiking the retirement age. The NET and Ph D qualified candidates will thus get an opportunity to fulfill their aspiration without any loss to existing teachers. It is not one but two families are then protected if a fresh appointment is done in colleges. I hope the government will think more wisely in this direction.
K A Solaman
The argument that qualified applicants for the post of college teachers are inadequate in the State is totally absurd. The interviews conducted of late in many colleges proved that there are excess candidates with NET and Ph.D. Instance of dozens of candidates appearing for interview for a single post in many colleges has been reported of late. The criterion on which a particular candidate is selected is unknown to all other candidates who are not successful in the interview. The selected candidate should never reveal the secret of his or her success and if anyone needs the secret of this appointment, a ‘narco analysis ‘is to be conducted on the selected candidate. Recently for a single post appointment in an Ernakalam college the interview was conducted at a speed of making ‘thattukada dosa’ as the government nominee was very busy in finishing her work in the college. More interesting is the way in which the applicants were dealt with the college authorities. No receipt has been issued by the college authority for Rs 500 received as application money. The repeated statement from some corners that opportunities in colleges are in plenty is only a maneuver to hoodwink candidates who spent quite a sum as application money for appearing in the interviews.
UGC stipulation for retirement age of college teachers is 65. But Kerala education minister says here it has been decided to fix at 58 because of special circumstances existing in the state. This singularity will never disappear even if the retirement age is brought to 50. Another whimper in this direction is that qualified candidates are not available for college teaching. I want to know how the present college teachers who entered into service by licking the legs of college managers and paying several lakhs as donation, became so efficient now. These people who refuse to retire now, are really a stumbling block before the unemployed educated youngsters. If these persons are appointed as managers of Beverages Corporation, the customers will, of course, get better brands. It may be true that the guest lecturers are handicaps for the improved functioning of the college because they are removed occasionally. But they are the people who teach two alphabets to the students when the permanent teachers are out of the college with their extracurricular activities.
There is also an argument in favour of the existing teachers that if they are retained in the college for another five years only then smooth implementation of the credit and semester system is possible. This argument is absolutely false as C and S system is not an elephantine task. The young recruits will soon catch up the details relating the system and they implement it effectively than the MA second class tailor made self proclaimed professors.
Many people now admit that the retirement age unification was a thoughtless act and in order to meet the financial requirement of next March 31, the Government is trying to hike retirement age college teachers and thereby to divert the UGC fund. The government is not able use this fund to create any fresh job opportunity in the State. If Kerala Government follow the TN model of implementation of UGC package, all teachers will get its benefit without hiking the retirement age. The NET and Ph D qualified candidates will thus get an opportunity to fulfill their aspiration without any loss to existing teachers. It is not one but two families are then protected if a fresh appointment is done in colleges. I hope the government will think more wisely in this direction.
K A Solaman
Azhikode’s abhorrence.
I would like to rather endorse the words of actor Mr Innocent than Dr Sukumar Azhikode. Azhikode keeps the habit of mudslinging others for his personal publicity. His enemy list is a never ending one and that all he done in this respect has brought him ill repute. It is to be admitted that artistes who are members of AMMA should obey its directions and not to frame unfounded allegations against the organisation. Remember, whether it is Mohanlal, Mammootty or Thilakan, one could act in films so long. Mr Thilakan has old-age handicaps and he should admit it.
Dr Azhikode is not a party in the whole episode but he demands added advantage out of it. When he puts Innocent as an ignorant person Azhikode stoops to nothing. And he asking Innocent to say comment to his wife is quite uncalled for as Azhikode keeps no woman as wife.
The long-term accusation that ‘Thatwamassi’, the book written by Azhikode is a copy of an Indian classic stands relevant in the context of his hate practice. How, an old man appearing in channels with fully dyed hair and accusing film actors for make-up, could convince the community with his speak.
K A Solaman
.
Dr Azhikode is not a party in the whole episode but he demands added advantage out of it. When he puts Innocent as an ignorant person Azhikode stoops to nothing. And he asking Innocent to say comment to his wife is quite uncalled for as Azhikode keeps no woman as wife.
The long-term accusation that ‘Thatwamassi’, the book written by Azhikode is a copy of an Indian classic stands relevant in the context of his hate practice. How, an old man appearing in channels with fully dyed hair and accusing film actors for make-up, could convince the community with his speak.
K A Solaman
.
Thursday, February 25, 2010
Ethics Committee lacks ethics.
It is quite uncalled-for the confrontation between the State Information Commission and the office of the Assembly Speaker over the issue of the copy of the video tape of the speech delivered by T M Jacob during the `no-confidence motion’ against the Oommen Chandy Ministry. The tape itself is a now laughing stock and is often aired by leading channels revealing the skin thickness of politicians.
Mr Palat Mohandas, the former Chief Secretary of the State as Chief Information Commissioner has revealed to the public the strength of the RTI act and possibly he issued the order after examining all the aspects of the issue based on RTI Act. And in that case Assembly Ethics Committee’s recommendation to summon him to the Assembly is out of the ordinary and is a direct insult to the provisions of the RTI Act.
When there are clear directions in the RTI Act on what action should be taken if an official did not comply with the order issued by the SIC, it is quite unwarranted on the part of any constitutional body to reprimand the members of the SIC. The State Information Commission has followed only rules and if there is any disagreement it should taken up with Judicial Forums in the country and should not turn out as verbal expression such as summoning the commissioners and reprimanding them. Seemingly the Ethics Committee lacks ethics.
The citizen’s right to information should stand above Assembly’s privileges.
K A Solaman
Mr Palat Mohandas, the former Chief Secretary of the State as Chief Information Commissioner has revealed to the public the strength of the RTI act and possibly he issued the order after examining all the aspects of the issue based on RTI Act. And in that case Assembly Ethics Committee’s recommendation to summon him to the Assembly is out of the ordinary and is a direct insult to the provisions of the RTI Act.
When there are clear directions in the RTI Act on what action should be taken if an official did not comply with the order issued by the SIC, it is quite unwarranted on the part of any constitutional body to reprimand the members of the SIC. The State Information Commission has followed only rules and if there is any disagreement it should taken up with Judicial Forums in the country and should not turn out as verbal expression such as summoning the commissioners and reprimanding them. Seemingly the Ethics Committee lacks ethics.
The citizen’s right to information should stand above Assembly’s privileges.
K A Solaman
Tuesday, February 23, 2010
Bird Azhikode fouling its nest.
Sukumar Azhikode’s entry into Thilakan-Amma issue is a ploy to restore his lost image. In a much denounced ‘bird fouling its nest’ comment against Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan, Azhikode has once earned a little notoriety. He needs to shed out this flab and that is why he targeted Mohanlal while actor Thilakan’s enmity is with super star Mammootty. Azhikode is now miserably making a score against Lal for his earlier disconsolate attempt by targeting Lal for appearing in an ad of a liquor company. Azhikode saying Mohanlal called and assured him that he is ready for talks with Thilakan is seemingly a hallucination as pointed by Lal as there was a prior incident enacted by Azhikode against Achuthanandan in the same line.
Azhikode asking Achuthanandan to when laugh, dine and sleep and asking Mohanlal to stop act, dance and comment as per his dictate is obnoxious. Azhikode, therefore, should stop asking people to do this and not do that as none urges Azhikode to perform a particular job. What is wrong in Mahanlal appearing in public places neatly dressed and pleasant? It is more attractive than Azhikode appearing in channel debates with full black hair and scratching all the time because of dye allergy. Learned persons should practice not to blame others even if not admired.
K A Solaman
Azhikode asking Achuthanandan to when laugh, dine and sleep and asking Mohanlal to stop act, dance and comment as per his dictate is obnoxious. Azhikode, therefore, should stop asking people to do this and not do that as none urges Azhikode to perform a particular job. What is wrong in Mahanlal appearing in public places neatly dressed and pleasant? It is more attractive than Azhikode appearing in channel debates with full black hair and scratching all the time because of dye allergy. Learned persons should practice not to blame others even if not admired.
K A Solaman
Don’t push them into disaster
Long life span of 78 years is the applicable reason for Kerala College teachers to enhance their retirement age. Do they need to bring down the life expectancy to 48 years by pushing down unemployed educated youngsters to total despair and subsequent self destruction due to joblessness?
K A Solaman
K A Solaman
Monday, February 22, 2010
Road ahead -The Telegraph
I have been living in Kerala for the last several years and keeping a close watch on National Highway 47. The highway has changed a lot in the last few years. Today, it is more a place for commuters and vendors than for vehicles. Innumerable fish and meat vendors occupy the waysides. They and their customers have turned the highway into a busy marketplace, which stinks to high heaven, thanks to the decaying fish and meat. The wastes piled by the roadsides attract stray dogs. Often, the dogs get killed and drivers meet with accidents trying to avoid the dogs coming in the way of their vehicles.
The highway has become more dangerous after it was dug up for laying water-supply lines and optical fibre cables. The owners of cranes make good profit by lifting the heavy vehicles that land up in the huge craters created by the workers. When one drives along this highway of potholes, one is assaulted with the sight of scattered garbage, open drains, muddled traffic, dirty vendors and food corporation outlets, whose queues extend several metres into the road.
It is dangerous to drive a vehicle on any of Kerala’s roads. The state spends huge sums on road repair, but only about 40 per cent of the amount spent gets reflected in the work done.
Recently, ‘newspaper technology’ has been adopted in Kerala for repairing roads. The workers fill potholes with metal or sand and then cover them with newspapers dipped in coal tar. This patchwork hardly lasts for a week, and then the team is ready with a fresh bundle of old newspapers for starting another bout of work at the same spot. Road repair has thus become a never-ending process, siphoning off huge sums of money from the State exchequer.
But I would like to know whether India has applied for a patent for its newspaper technology used in road repair. For all we know, America or Japan might be interested in this.
K.A. Solaman The Telegraph, Calcutta, Dated 23 Feb 2010
The highway has become more dangerous after it was dug up for laying water-supply lines and optical fibre cables. The owners of cranes make good profit by lifting the heavy vehicles that land up in the huge craters created by the workers. When one drives along this highway of potholes, one is assaulted with the sight of scattered garbage, open drains, muddled traffic, dirty vendors and food corporation outlets, whose queues extend several metres into the road.
It is dangerous to drive a vehicle on any of Kerala’s roads. The state spends huge sums on road repair, but only about 40 per cent of the amount spent gets reflected in the work done.
Recently, ‘newspaper technology’ has been adopted in Kerala for repairing roads. The workers fill potholes with metal or sand and then cover them with newspapers dipped in coal tar. This patchwork hardly lasts for a week, and then the team is ready with a fresh bundle of old newspapers for starting another bout of work at the same spot. Road repair has thus become a never-ending process, siphoning off huge sums of money from the State exchequer.
But I would like to know whether India has applied for a patent for its newspaper technology used in road repair. For all we know, America or Japan might be interested in this.
K.A. Solaman The Telegraph, Calcutta, Dated 23 Feb 2010
Sunday, February 21, 2010
Gluttonous doctors.
Medical college doctors are a class and they know how to hoodwink the school teacher Minister of Health of Kerala as she is incapable of differentiating Pharmacology and Paracetamol. The doctors with their agitation paralyzing hospitals earned retirement age hike and additional monetary benefits with an agreement that they would abandon private practice. Now they say they would treat any one who reaches them at home for consultation. The medical ethics do not allow them to discard the deprived in time. Nevertheless, this moral calibre was seen absent when thousands of patient in various hospitals went helter-shelter for treatment when the doctors were on strike.
Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) has become a conglomeration of most gluttonous persons in the state. What for they earn these much when thousands in the State are starving and working hard to meet their both ends?
The suspension order served on Dr Varghese Thomas, president of the association was in the right direction. He was conducting private practice in spite of the prevailing ban and his case is not an isolated one. A lady doctor in Thiruvanathapuram enacted a suicide drama after her suspension. She might have opted top floor of the hospital building for jumping out instead of first floor and that too with no information to the nursing staff. None prevents doctors to attend private practice and that should not at the cost of tax payers’ money as their hefty salary for government job. The humanitarian and compassionate approach to patients from doctors often occurs when doctors are caught in red hand for corruption.
The people of the State have no faith in these doctors or in the 'lipsticked' health department. They would like to rather queue before the gates of temples, churches, and living gods with prayers that they may be protected from attending these inconsiderate doctors.
K A Solaman
Read this comment in GOSS MAGAZINE
Kerala Government Medical College Teachers Association (KGMCTA) has become a conglomeration of most gluttonous persons in the state. What for they earn these much when thousands in the State are starving and working hard to meet their both ends?
The suspension order served on Dr Varghese Thomas, president of the association was in the right direction. He was conducting private practice in spite of the prevailing ban and his case is not an isolated one. A lady doctor in Thiruvanathapuram enacted a suicide drama after her suspension. She might have opted top floor of the hospital building for jumping out instead of first floor and that too with no information to the nursing staff. None prevents doctors to attend private practice and that should not at the cost of tax payers’ money as their hefty salary for government job. The humanitarian and compassionate approach to patients from doctors often occurs when doctors are caught in red hand for corruption.
The people of the State have no faith in these doctors or in the 'lipsticked' health department. They would like to rather queue before the gates of temples, churches, and living gods with prayers that they may be protected from attending these inconsiderate doctors.
K A Solaman
Read this comment in GOSS MAGAZINE
Mamata exposes Lalu’s magic (Organiser)
Magic cannot stand up to the scrutiny of reason. Thus, the ‘magical’ performance of Lalu Prasad as the Railways Minister and his claims of being a ‘management guru’ have now been proven to be nothing but a sham by Mamata Banerjee. Her white paper has clearly proved that under Lalu Prasad, the Railways had made an improbable claim. At the time Prasad was taking credit for a turnaround in the Railways’ fortunes, he was criticised for his inaction in Bihar. Prasad actually did very little to uplift the state during the time he was in power.
-KA SOLAMAN,
Alappuzha, Kerala,
(The organiserWeekly, New Delhi Dated 10-1-2010)
-KA SOLAMAN,
Alappuzha, Kerala,
(The organiserWeekly, New Delhi Dated 10-1-2010)
Friday, February 19, 2010
Non-sense behind academic excellence
One wonders why the LDF government so decided to hold further talks regarding the hike of retirement age of college teachers when thousands of qualified youngsters are waiting for job outside. Are the teachers, the second class Master’s degree holders of the colleges who entered into service by tonguing the feet of some unscrupulous College managers, are going to make academic excellence of Private Colleges in Kerala? There is no need to open talks again to hold these guys in colleges. Give their pension dues soon and throw them out of the colleges. If the present government is unable to find money for the same then exit from State Governance and hand over the power to persons who able to pay back the benefits of retiring teachers.
The CPI, the RSP and their youth wings should be congratulated for their bold steps in this regard; nevertheless, the senior leaders of both parties have the dubious history backtracking from the original stance in many issues. The unemployed youngsters still keep firm faith in the walk and talk of the youth wings.
Mr. Baby, the Education minister, seeks the LDF committee approval for enhancing the retirement age of college teachers to 58 years and that of university teachers to 62 years. How he could argue like this when the UGC proposal is for 65 years? He may then say about a particular situation prevailing in the State. This situation had been there in 1995 too and that was why the retirement age was fixed 55 then. The same unemployment situation has much augmented now and hence the argument for 58 years of age is unwarranted and baseless. The fear of losing Rs 2000 core UGC assistance for not taking decision before March 31 is not a matter of concern of unemployed youths when they are in complete desolation.
It is wonderful to see why Kerala alone must go in for hike in the retirement age of college teachers when States such as Tamil Nadu had implemented the UGC scheme without doing so. Are there no college teachers in TN who are able to make academic excellence like their counterparts in Kerala? One hopes that the panel discussing the matter should never take a decision curtailing the aspirations of qualified youngsters.
K A Solaman
The CPI, the RSP and their youth wings should be congratulated for their bold steps in this regard; nevertheless, the senior leaders of both parties have the dubious history backtracking from the original stance in many issues. The unemployed youngsters still keep firm faith in the walk and talk of the youth wings.
Mr. Baby, the Education minister, seeks the LDF committee approval for enhancing the retirement age of college teachers to 58 years and that of university teachers to 62 years. How he could argue like this when the UGC proposal is for 65 years? He may then say about a particular situation prevailing in the State. This situation had been there in 1995 too and that was why the retirement age was fixed 55 then. The same unemployment situation has much augmented now and hence the argument for 58 years of age is unwarranted and baseless. The fear of losing Rs 2000 core UGC assistance for not taking decision before March 31 is not a matter of concern of unemployed youths when they are in complete desolation.
It is wonderful to see why Kerala alone must go in for hike in the retirement age of college teachers when States such as Tamil Nadu had implemented the UGC scheme without doing so. Are there no college teachers in TN who are able to make academic excellence like their counterparts in Kerala? One hopes that the panel discussing the matter should never take a decision curtailing the aspirations of qualified youngsters.
K A Solaman
Don’t go the Kerala way
The Council for Board of Secondary Education’s decision to have a core curriculum in science and mathematics for classes XI-XII across all boards in the country from 2011 and to introduce a single national-level entrance examination for students from all streams for entry into higher education from 2013 will ensure a level playing field for students to compete and save them the trouble of giving multiple entrance tests.
Union Human Resource Development Minster Kapil Sibal’s restructuring of entrance examinations is a good beginning but I do not endorse his diluting of the education process by abandoning the examination system at class X level. A little dose of occasional stress is very necessary for every individual to excel in life.
Mr Sibal has taken a bold step but it should not be a meagre replication of the Kerala education model which has abjectly failed.
KA Solaman,Alappuzha
The Pioneer, New Delhi, dated 19 Feb 2010
Union Human Resource Development Minster Kapil Sibal’s restructuring of entrance examinations is a good beginning but I do not endorse his diluting of the education process by abandoning the examination system at class X level. A little dose of occasional stress is very necessary for every individual to excel in life.
Mr Sibal has taken a bold step but it should not be a meagre replication of the Kerala education model which has abjectly failed.
KA Solaman,Alappuzha
The Pioneer, New Delhi, dated 19 Feb 2010
Thursday, February 18, 2010
Single entrance test is a good beginning
Multiplicity of entrance tests is a heavy load to students and their parents. The testing agencies levy a huge sum from them by way of conducting different tests at various centres in India. . Union HRD Minster Kapil Sibal’s restructuring of entrance examination is a good beginning but I could not endorse his diluting of education process by abandoning examination system. Class X and class XII examinations are must for students to take their study seriously. A small dose of occasional stress is very necessary for every individual to excel in life. What is the fun in promoting all the students to class XII and put them in utter despair by not allowing them to qualify in the entrance test for Engineering or medical degree?
The proposal to make uniform science and mathematics curriculum is not a new one as in CBSE and in many of the State Curriculum NCERT pattern is accepted. Truly speaking ISC texts and course materials are seen more good than NCERT study materials. Though the NCERT claim that their study materials are of the same standard as that followed in institutions in western countries, I would say these materials rather make revulsion in most of the Indian students. If the decision is for a core curriculum, then it should be suited to the Indian students and not for westerners.
While welcoming the new single entrance test ensuring admission to all engineering and medical courses, what I have to suggest is the need for single admission test for all jobs of the same category. For instance, in all management schools and colleges in the country the job admission test or interview is done erratically causing financial loss and stress to candidates. For instance, consider the case of candidate with Net and PhD seeking a job opportunity in private or government colleges in Kerala. Application fee is alone around Rs500 and a candidate has to pay Rs 100000 to attend the interviews alone in 200 odd colleges in addition to travel and stay expense. Is there any possible solution for this never-ending misery? A common entrance test for job aspirants is also a must in this circumstance.
Serious effort to improve the study atmosphere in schools and colleges is also very significant. The laboratory works should be given due recognition and the valuation should be done seriously. The Kerala model of 100 percent marks for non-sense writing in the examination should be stopped. When a study material is given and asked to study question should be within that study material. No examination should be conducted to exhibit the ‘vast’ knowledge of the question setter. The reasoning and other abilities will be gained by students in their future life. Moreover, in the proposed syllabus science symbols and terms should be given in English itself. The students should not be strained to study all the translations of science subject in their later classes.
Really, what Mr Kapil Sibal has taken is a bold decision but it should not be a meager replication of the Kerala crafted education model.
K A Solaman
The proposal to make uniform science and mathematics curriculum is not a new one as in CBSE and in many of the State Curriculum NCERT pattern is accepted. Truly speaking ISC texts and course materials are seen more good than NCERT study materials. Though the NCERT claim that their study materials are of the same standard as that followed in institutions in western countries, I would say these materials rather make revulsion in most of the Indian students. If the decision is for a core curriculum, then it should be suited to the Indian students and not for westerners.
While welcoming the new single entrance test ensuring admission to all engineering and medical courses, what I have to suggest is the need for single admission test for all jobs of the same category. For instance, in all management schools and colleges in the country the job admission test or interview is done erratically causing financial loss and stress to candidates. For instance, consider the case of candidate with Net and PhD seeking a job opportunity in private or government colleges in Kerala. Application fee is alone around Rs500 and a candidate has to pay Rs 100000 to attend the interviews alone in 200 odd colleges in addition to travel and stay expense. Is there any possible solution for this never-ending misery? A common entrance test for job aspirants is also a must in this circumstance.
Serious effort to improve the study atmosphere in schools and colleges is also very significant. The laboratory works should be given due recognition and the valuation should be done seriously. The Kerala model of 100 percent marks for non-sense writing in the examination should be stopped. When a study material is given and asked to study question should be within that study material. No examination should be conducted to exhibit the ‘vast’ knowledge of the question setter. The reasoning and other abilities will be gained by students in their future life. Moreover, in the proposed syllabus science symbols and terms should be given in English itself. The students should not be strained to study all the translations of science subject in their later classes.
Really, what Mr Kapil Sibal has taken is a bold decision but it should not be a meager replication of the Kerala crafted education model.
K A Solaman
Taste for trouble-the Telegrph
Jairam Ramesh’s decision to stall the commercial release of Bt brinjal is prudent. But when researchers endorse the use of this crop, the minister will be left with no option but to allow its cultivation. The present reaction is possibly a stopgap arrangement before anything certain can be said. If the damage done to consumers by Bt brinjal is the main reason for the agitation against it, then it is better to start campaigning against all the food items since most of them are adulterated.
Yours faithfully,
K.A. Solaman, Alappuzha, Kerala
The Telegraph, Calcutta dated 17 Feb 2010
Yours faithfully,
K.A. Solaman, Alappuzha, Kerala
The Telegraph, Calcutta dated 17 Feb 2010
Shiv Sena’s failure-the Tribune
The public response to Shah Rukh Khan’s film My Name Is Khan has proved categorically that Thackerays are worn-out tigers. With the newly released Khan film Mumbaikars thumbed their nose at the Shiv Sena’s ominous threats. They queued up in thousands to watch the movie. The Shiv Sena must learn its lessons from its successive failures.
K A SOLAMAN, Alappuzha
The Tribune, Chandigarh Dated 18 Feb2010
K A SOLAMAN, Alappuzha
The Tribune, Chandigarh Dated 18 Feb2010
Tuesday, February 16, 2010
Don’t ignore unemployed youths
The proposal by Kerala State Government to hike retirement age of government employees by one year is appalling, particularly because of thousands of young educated youths are searching desperately for job. The much advertised, government sponsored lottery vending job is not an alternative for of the mounting need for job among youths. The media should identify don’t -care attitude of the State Government towards jobless thousands in the state. The ruling political parties are only concerned with withholding the pension benefits of the staff for one year and they turned a deaf year to the rising demand from unemployed youths.
As the future of the State mainly depends on the hands of youths it is unfortunate that the government conveniently ignore the grim situation of joblessness. I request the government to give their dues to youngsters and save them from utter despair. Regarding retirement age the government should seek a humanitarian approach by not rising the retirement age.
K A Solaman
As the future of the State mainly depends on the hands of youths it is unfortunate that the government conveniently ignore the grim situation of joblessness. I request the government to give their dues to youngsters and save them from utter despair. Regarding retirement age the government should seek a humanitarian approach by not rising the retirement age.
K A Solaman
Saturday, February 13, 2010
Newspaper technology for road repair
It is one’s hard luck to run a vehicle on all the roads including highways in Kerala. The State is spending a huge sum for road repair work and only 40 percent of the amount so spent reflect in the work. Rest of the sum goes directly to the pockets of persons ranging from minister to his office peon.
Recently in Kerala a newspaper technology has been developed in road repair work. What the repairers do is; fill the potholes with metals or sands and then cover them with newspapers smeared in coal tar. This repair work hardly last for one week and the team is ready for another repair work at the same spot with a fresh bundle of old news papers. The road repair has thus become a never ending process with no minimum guarantee, siphoning a huge chunk of money from State exchequer. The Government then announces that the all the repair work has been carried out and a new cess will be imposed for road safety. The people are then get satisfied, nevertheless, the fear of the drivers persist because of the ever miserable condition of the road.
So in this context I want to know whether this newspaper technology of road repair is an approved one. Have we applied for patent? Is there any prospect for countries like US and Japan to copy down from our latest technology of road repair?
K A Solaman
Recently in Kerala a newspaper technology has been developed in road repair work. What the repairers do is; fill the potholes with metals or sands and then cover them with newspapers smeared in coal tar. This repair work hardly last for one week and the team is ready for another repair work at the same spot with a fresh bundle of old news papers. The road repair has thus become a never ending process with no minimum guarantee, siphoning a huge chunk of money from State exchequer. The Government then announces that the all the repair work has been carried out and a new cess will be imposed for road safety. The people are then get satisfied, nevertheless, the fear of the drivers persist because of the ever miserable condition of the road.
So in this context I want to know whether this newspaper technology of road repair is an approved one. Have we applied for patent? Is there any prospect for countries like US and Japan to copy down from our latest technology of road repair?
K A Solaman
Sena’s pompous threat.
SRK’s MNIK has proved categorically that Thackerays are worn-out tigers incapable of initiating any further terror act in Mumabai. With the newly released Khan film Mumbaikars thumbed their nose at the Shiv Sena’s portentous threats. They impulsively queued up in thousands to watch ‘My Name is Khan’. The Sena Supremo is not able obstruct the light from all cinema projectors of Mumbai theatres with his lean, bare and twisted hands.
The successive failures of Siv Sena, first before Rahul Gandhi and the next with Shah Rukh Khan are good lessons for them to learn and could hope every failure is a path to success. However, this success should depend on the way they approach the people.
K A Solaman
The successive failures of Siv Sena, first before Rahul Gandhi and the next with Shah Rukh Khan are good lessons for them to learn and could hope every failure is a path to success. However, this success should depend on the way they approach the people.
K A Solaman
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Bt brinjal will return
Minister Jairam Ramesh’s choice not to allow bt brinjal is a good gesture for the time being, however, when researchers endorse the use the bt brinjal, the minister would be left with no option other than to allow it. So the present decision is possibly a stop gap arrangement.
In Mararikulam constituency, the Finance minister of Kerala with the people of his party there carried out campaign against bt brihjal by spending rupees in tune with 10 lakh from state exchequer but the net result of the campaign is seemingly little. In future it will be difficult for one to differentiate between bt brinjal and ordinary brinjal as there is every chance for mixing up of both as it had happened to certain fish variety in Kuttanadu water bodies and in that case all the campaign done against bt brinjal would become futile. It is quite difficult for the state to keep vigil on the spread of bt brinjal.
If damages done by bt brinjal to consumer health is the main reason for agitation against it, then it is better to start campaigning against all the food items as most of them are adulterated. Can anyone say the vegetable and fruit now used all over India are unadulterated and harmless?
K A Solaman
In Mararikulam constituency, the Finance minister of Kerala with the people of his party there carried out campaign against bt brihjal by spending rupees in tune with 10 lakh from state exchequer but the net result of the campaign is seemingly little. In future it will be difficult for one to differentiate between bt brinjal and ordinary brinjal as there is every chance for mixing up of both as it had happened to certain fish variety in Kuttanadu water bodies and in that case all the campaign done against bt brinjal would become futile. It is quite difficult for the state to keep vigil on the spread of bt brinjal.
If damages done by bt brinjal to consumer health is the main reason for agitation against it, then it is better to start campaigning against all the food items as most of them are adulterated. Can anyone say the vegetable and fruit now used all over India are unadulterated and harmless?
K A Solaman
Christian Brothers
Yet to be released cinema “Christian Brothers" has become a big hit by the allegation levelled by the thespian Thilakan against the makers of the film in general and the Superstars of the Malayalam film industry in particular. Thilakan is seen furious with the two film organizations and a superstar for denying him an opportunity to act in the film. His allegation that the film industry is under the control of a few, seems significant when the super stars conspicuously abscond from comments. ‘Let the dogs bark, foxes yowl, we belong to other planet’ is the attitude of super stars.
Whatever is the fight between Thilakan and his adversaries we film viewers are mainly interested in the excellence of the film. There should be no compromise in the film regarding quality and what we actually need is to see is; sixty plus superstars still cornering around cute teen girls through out the film singing and dancing. This repulsive feature is now an addiction for us and hence this request is placed before the producer of the film.
And regarding the name’ Christian Brothers’ I remember my experience about a liquor brand manufactured by a leading manufacturer in the country. They named their product as ‘Christain Brothers’ and when it was launched in the market there was an uproar from a few faithful and clergies against the misuse of the term ‘Christain”. I too shared my apprehension with my friend in the Federal bank, who is a manager now and he then enlightened me with a practical know-how. He said: “I tasted the stuff and was seen well. The clergies would soon recognize this and their agitation would subside afterward”. And that had come true later. If the film “Christian Brothers” is good, the quarrel between Thilakan and Mammootty would make no impact in Malayalam film industry.
The “Amma” should never consider to cut the Rs 2500 pension to Thilakan whatever be his approach in the present cinema row.
K A Solaman
Whatever is the fight between Thilakan and his adversaries we film viewers are mainly interested in the excellence of the film. There should be no compromise in the film regarding quality and what we actually need is to see is; sixty plus superstars still cornering around cute teen girls through out the film singing and dancing. This repulsive feature is now an addiction for us and hence this request is placed before the producer of the film.
And regarding the name’ Christian Brothers’ I remember my experience about a liquor brand manufactured by a leading manufacturer in the country. They named their product as ‘Christain Brothers’ and when it was launched in the market there was an uproar from a few faithful and clergies against the misuse of the term ‘Christain”. I too shared my apprehension with my friend in the Federal bank, who is a manager now and he then enlightened me with a practical know-how. He said: “I tasted the stuff and was seen well. The clergies would soon recognize this and their agitation would subside afterward”. And that had come true later. If the film “Christian Brothers” is good, the quarrel between Thilakan and Mammootty would make no impact in Malayalam film industry.
The “Amma” should never consider to cut the Rs 2500 pension to Thilakan whatever be his approach in the present cinema row.
K A Solaman
Sunday, February 7, 2010
Dirty NH 47 of Kerala
I live in Kerala for the last several years and have a close watch on the NH 47.
This high way and its sides have changed a lot and it is now a place for commuters and vendors and not for vehicles. This is especially evident when we have a look at the innumerable fish vendors one either side of this highway. The vendors cut fish, meat and sell them to commuters and thus road sides have become very busy. The waste material is put on road side itself and stray dogs gathering there make the situation worse. In every day a dog is killed at one selling spot on an average and the upheaval created is beyond any reckon. Vehicle drivers often meet with accident because of the hit and miss running of the stray dogs. These are all happening because of the State’s neglect of protecting market places for selling fish, vegetables and essential commodities. The NH 47 sides are very busy with sellers and buyers and the whole area smell of decayed fish and meat waste..
A huge amount of digging work for Japan water supply scheme and optical fibre cables carried out at highway side made the road more dangerous. The owners of crans and JCB make a good profit by undertaking the work of lifting heavy vehicles trapped in huge potholes created by water pipe workers. When one drives on this busy highway of potholes, he could see the filth in the sides, scattered garbage, open drains, muddled traffic, dirty vendor spots and Beverages corporation outlets with queues extending to several metres into the road. I could not understand why the indifference from the Panchayat/ Municipality/City Corporation in providing basic facilities in what should be the most significant part State’s development.
By and large, I think the Local Self Government of Kerala is interested only in impractical matters like plastic ban, mosquito census and other silly matters and they are unable to see the terrible state of uncleanness of State Highways. . They are obviously incapable of comprehending the vision of our forefathers who kept the street clean by marking separate spots of selling, buying, playing and other activities. And for them highways are meant not for dwelling but for vehicle traffic only.
K A Solaman
This high way and its sides have changed a lot and it is now a place for commuters and vendors and not for vehicles. This is especially evident when we have a look at the innumerable fish vendors one either side of this highway. The vendors cut fish, meat and sell them to commuters and thus road sides have become very busy. The waste material is put on road side itself and stray dogs gathering there make the situation worse. In every day a dog is killed at one selling spot on an average and the upheaval created is beyond any reckon. Vehicle drivers often meet with accident because of the hit and miss running of the stray dogs. These are all happening because of the State’s neglect of protecting market places for selling fish, vegetables and essential commodities. The NH 47 sides are very busy with sellers and buyers and the whole area smell of decayed fish and meat waste..
A huge amount of digging work for Japan water supply scheme and optical fibre cables carried out at highway side made the road more dangerous. The owners of crans and JCB make a good profit by undertaking the work of lifting heavy vehicles trapped in huge potholes created by water pipe workers. When one drives on this busy highway of potholes, he could see the filth in the sides, scattered garbage, open drains, muddled traffic, dirty vendor spots and Beverages corporation outlets with queues extending to several metres into the road. I could not understand why the indifference from the Panchayat/ Municipality/City Corporation in providing basic facilities in what should be the most significant part State’s development.
By and large, I think the Local Self Government of Kerala is interested only in impractical matters like plastic ban, mosquito census and other silly matters and they are unable to see the terrible state of uncleanness of State Highways. . They are obviously incapable of comprehending the vision of our forefathers who kept the street clean by marking separate spots of selling, buying, playing and other activities. And for them highways are meant not for dwelling but for vehicle traffic only.
K A Solaman
Thackeray’s hate talk needs to be stopped
E-mail Print PDF
Feb.04 : Sir, Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi for his statements on the role of north Indians in protecting Mumbai during the 26/11 terror attacks, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray spewed venom. Mr Thackeray said that “frustration sets in when a person doesn’t get married despite advancing age” and that Mr Gandhi “is a victim of this disease”. It seems that criticising is Mr Thackeray’s favourite pastime. He attacked Sachin Tendulkar, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and now Rahul Gandhi. Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna has turned into a medium for mudslinging. When Mr Gandhi says, “every part of India belongs to every Indian and all Indians have every right to go and work anywhere in the country”, people will listen to him rather than to Mr Thackeray. It is time to impose restrictions on Saamna and contain Mr Thackeray’s hate speeches.
K.A. Solaman
Via email, The Asian Age,Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, London
Dated 3 Feb 2010
Feb.04 : Sir, Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi for his statements on the role of north Indians in protecting Mumbai during the 26/11 terror attacks, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray spewed venom. Mr Thackeray said that “frustration sets in when a person doesn’t get married despite advancing age” and that Mr Gandhi “is a victim of this disease”. It seems that criticising is Mr Thackeray’s favourite pastime. He attacked Sachin Tendulkar, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and now Rahul Gandhi. Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna has turned into a medium for mudslinging. When Mr Gandhi says, “every part of India belongs to every Indian and all Indians have every right to go and work anywhere in the country”, people will listen to him rather than to Mr Thackeray. It is time to impose restrictions on Saamna and contain Mr Thackeray’s hate speeches.
K.A. Solaman
Via email, The Asian Age,Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, London
Dated 3 Feb 2010
Australians can thus be taught.
It is interesting to read that the HLL Lifecare, India, will soon begin exporting its Moods brand of condoms to Australia. Since Indians are at the receiving end at Australia, of late, it is a wise decision by an Indian company to check the act of indiscretion on the back of Indian students by the bubbly Australians. More and more companies should come forward to teach the Australians a lesson as liaison work at Secretarial level between the two countries had not yielded any fruitful result yet. The Australians attracted by the prestigious product of the Indian company get little time to manhandle the Indian students there.
K A Solaman
K A Solaman
Thursday, February 4, 2010
Mumbai for all-The Hindu
Does old age take a man to hate speech as one finds in the case of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray? Of late, Mr. Thackeray attacks everyone as his daily Samna has turned into a medium for mudslinging. It is time to impose some check on such hate speech.
K.A. Solaman, Alappuzha
The Hindu dated 4 Jan 2010
K.A. Solaman, Alappuzha
The Hindu dated 4 Jan 2010
Wednesday, February 3, 2010
College teachers want to retire never?
Though Kerala Finance Minister Dr T M Thomas Isaac is known as an economist he is not a good Finance Minister. All the ‘innovative’ schemes worked out by him during last three years turned into utter slumps. For instance, look at the VAT lottery invented by him. A gold merchant asked me ‘what is it’ when I demanded the same after purchasing eight gram of gold.? Except the initial takers of VAT lottery none is bothered about it now. . The VAT lottery met with a natural death. His modernizing of check posts did not yield any good result instead the price of many essential commodities sky rocketed in the state due the deadlock in check posts. His plan for selling river sand from some places did not materialize despite huge loss as initial investment. His unification of retirement age has brought utter confusion among state employees and many employees are in a desperate bid to retrieve their lost benefit and promotion. His plan to invite educated youths sell Kerala daily lotteries is a damp squib as it as an unproductive and unscientific scheme invented to hoodwink them and against the true spirit of the State. How could a reasonable person equate educated youths to those helpless ones who are in frantic submission to meet the both ends by selling lottery? Remember, lottery ticket is purchased often not because of urgency but of mercy to the seller. An educated youth does not demand such a pity.
The most excruciating is his anxious proposition to get Rs 2000 Crore of central fund for implementing the UGC package for college teachers in Kerala. He confuses people with argument that this money would be lost if it is not being implemented before 31st March. This is quite absurd as there is no such stipulation in UGC package and it has been proved by the TN Government. Mr Isaac pretends to be unaware of the fact that thousands of unemployed youths with qualification like NET and Ph D are wandering in and around the State in search of a job. They have decided to hold a sit-in strike in front of the State Secretariat. The report of Malayalee youths committed suicide in Hyderabad and elsewhere are not a matter of deliberation for Isaac and coterie. Instead they resort to ulterior means beat those sensible people who agitate for the cause of unemployed youths.
The deportment by the Youth Congress and AIYF against the obstinate attitude of Isaac and his well wishers is praiseworthy as they realized the unemployment situation in the State and at the same the posture of DYFI towards educated youths comes out quite dubious.
The remark of Youth Congress President that a few Marxist leaders have to protect some of their relatives who retires on 31st March, 2010 seems significant. UGC says it is at 65 for college teachers to retire then how could the Finance minister say to about 60? If he identifies any special circumstance that exists in the state then why he opts 60? The particular situation prevailing in the state urgently needs to implement the UGC package without extending the pension age from 55. If so it is highly helpful not only to the family of the retiree but also to the family of a new recruit of better knowledge and better qualification. The financial package to a pensioner is no too bad under UGC scheme. Then why the College teachers refuse to retire at 55?
K A Solaman
The most excruciating is his anxious proposition to get Rs 2000 Crore of central fund for implementing the UGC package for college teachers in Kerala. He confuses people with argument that this money would be lost if it is not being implemented before 31st March. This is quite absurd as there is no such stipulation in UGC package and it has been proved by the TN Government. Mr Isaac pretends to be unaware of the fact that thousands of unemployed youths with qualification like NET and Ph D are wandering in and around the State in search of a job. They have decided to hold a sit-in strike in front of the State Secretariat. The report of Malayalee youths committed suicide in Hyderabad and elsewhere are not a matter of deliberation for Isaac and coterie. Instead they resort to ulterior means beat those sensible people who agitate for the cause of unemployed youths.
The deportment by the Youth Congress and AIYF against the obstinate attitude of Isaac and his well wishers is praiseworthy as they realized the unemployment situation in the State and at the same the posture of DYFI towards educated youths comes out quite dubious.
The remark of Youth Congress President that a few Marxist leaders have to protect some of their relatives who retires on 31st March, 2010 seems significant. UGC says it is at 65 for college teachers to retire then how could the Finance minister say to about 60? If he identifies any special circumstance that exists in the state then why he opts 60? The particular situation prevailing in the state urgently needs to implement the UGC package without extending the pension age from 55. If so it is highly helpful not only to the family of the retiree but also to the family of a new recruit of better knowledge and better qualification. The financial package to a pensioner is no too bad under UGC scheme. Then why the College teachers refuse to retire at 55?
K A Solaman
Thackeray’s hate speech.
Old age takes man to hate speech. And that is what one could find with Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. Really it is a nasty personal attack on Rahul Gandhi when Thackeray said “Despite advancing age, if a person does not get married, he becomes frustrated, even Rahul seems to be a victim of this disease and makes stupid remarks.”
Of late, Thackeray attacks every one whether it is Sachin, Sharukh or Amir Khan. His daily ‘Samna’ has turned into a medium for mudslinging. When Thackeray speaks wide mouth about Maharashtrians’ contribution to rest of the country, one is tempted to ask why the ‘Red light street in Mumbai? Whose contribution is it?
When Rahul says, 'every part of India belongs to every Indian and all Indians have every right to go and work anywhere in the country,' people would listen him rather than to hear the cooked up story of any old fox. It is time to impose some restriction on Samna to contain Thackeray hate speech.
K A Solaman
Of late, Thackeray attacks every one whether it is Sachin, Sharukh or Amir Khan. His daily ‘Samna’ has turned into a medium for mudslinging. When Thackeray speaks wide mouth about Maharashtrians’ contribution to rest of the country, one is tempted to ask why the ‘Red light street in Mumbai? Whose contribution is it?
When Rahul says, 'every part of India belongs to every Indian and all Indians have every right to go and work anywhere in the country,' people would listen him rather than to hear the cooked up story of any old fox. It is time to impose some restriction on Samna to contain Thackeray hate speech.
K A Solaman
Subscribe to:
Posts (Atom)
About Me
