Naming season

Season for naming all institutions in the name of late Congress leader and Chief Minister of Kerala K Karunakaran has come up. The very first suggestion in this direction has come from the third wedded former union minister and Congress MP, Shashi Tharoor. He demanded the international airport at Nedumbassery should be named after K Karunakaran. Likewise Kerala Education Minister and Marxist leader M A Baby stresses the need for naming Thrissur Fine Arts College as Karunakaran college. More and more dignitaries are in the fray for naming other establishments after Kraunakaran. And for Mr Appunni Nair, a resident on the side of NH 47 the demand is NH 47 should be renamed after Karunakaran for his security men abused all passersby including him while Karunkaran was dashing away on the high way during his prime time.


A statue of Karunakaran should be set up in the Assembly Complex, and statue of his high speed car should be erected at any point on NH47 in between Thiruvananthapuram and Thrissur as worthy honour of the three-time chief minister!

K A Solaman

Do we need more engineering seats?

May be a pleasant surprise for students but is quite unlikeable for the conventional arts and science colleges in the country, Human Resource Development Minister Kapil Sibal’s announcement of increase of 200,000 seats in engineering courses in India. Already some of the Engineering Colleges in TN and Karnataka are in the verge of collapse due to poor inflow of students and one wonders what prompted Sibal to sanction this much seats in Engineering sector. The huge infrastructure now available with Arts and Science Colleges are poorly utilised at present due to unattractiveness in pursuing conventional education and the present decision of the government would turn the issue worse.

The liberalised scheme now applied to Engineering colleges would not bring results as the minister expect. More focus on technical education would result in lack of interest in pure science study.

K A Solaman

GSLVgrid452

GSLV failure

Success or failure of a space mission depends on many factors. Barring match fix it is just like a cricket match with occasional win and loss. That is why not too many are criticising the GSLV failure. The scientists must focus more on rectifying technical snag rather than breaking coconut at the time of launch. And in doing so, harrying on gods can be avoided at infrequent launch failure.

What we need are more space projects that improve communication network facility rather than Chandrayaan. Chandrayaan can only fetch data that are now available with NASA or similar agencies.

K A Solaman

Fate of palmolein case

Death often makes a person dearer. And that is what happened in the case of four time Chief Minister of Kerala K Karunakaran. Nevertheless, all the four state ministries under him were tainted with allegations of nepotism and fraud. He was the key accused in palmolein import scam which has also sucked in the current Central Vigilance Commissioner P J Thomas. Karunakaran as chief minister had decided to import 15,000 tonnes of palm oil at 405 US dollar per tonne from a Singapore-based firm whereas the prevailing market price was 392 US dollar per tonne. The case was dragging in the court for the last 20 years and its first accused departed.
The palmolein case that emphasizes the ineffectiveness of Indian Judicial system due to its snail pace will continue in the court for another 30 years till the remaining accused bid adieu.

K A Solaman

Wishing all a wonderful new year!

Irreparable loss for Antony

Antony’s words about K Karunakran were from his heart. Antony said: “no Congress worker could ever forget the 'leader,' who was the real king-maker”. Really Antony could not ever forget leader as their healthy mutual fight reserved the Congress party nimble in the State all the time. However, comments from other corners such as, : Karunakaran was instrumental in bringing about rapid socio-economic development of the state, Karunakran was the only top leader of Congress party etc are indigestible.
The departure of very dear challenger who always kept good relations with him is truly painful for Antony.

K A Solaman

Forgotten Siamese twin

Like the present duo leaders Remesh Chennithala and Ommen Chandy of the State Congress , around 1978 it was K M Chandy, then KPCC President and K Karunakaran were the leaders of the Congress in Kerala. While K Karunakaran was a sharp fighter then, K M Chandy was a pacifier. They were known as Siamese twins. On death, K M Chandy went into oblivion, and possibly I might not have missed reading, no leading dailies in Malayalam which abundantly spent dozens of pages as funeral tribute to Karunakaran, has not mentioned a single word about K M Chandy. This is unkind and quite unfair.
One does hope, history should not repeat first as a tragedy then as a comedy.

K A Solaman

Merry X-mas and Happy new year!

May all of your world be filled with warmth and good chear this Holy season,
and throughout the year.
Wish your Christmas be filled with peace and love.
Merry X-mas friends.

K A Solaman

Onion price

The increase in onion prices has helped the merchants of Kerala make a quick buck. On the morning of December 20, the price of onion was Rs 50 per kg. By evening, it had become Rs 80. Although onion is not essential for survival, some gourmands got into a panic over possible onion shortage, and a few unscrupulous merchants made full use of the opportunity. The government of Kerala acts with unwarranted enthusiasm on certain matters, and goes into hibernation on some others. While the office of the minister for food showed no interest in the onion shortage, it tried to sale uneatable items through civil supplies outlets.

The Central government at least tried to adopt suitable steps immediately after the price rise. The Kerala government, on the other hand, just sat on the matter. As a result, despite assurances from the concerned ministry that onion exports would be banned till January, and notwithstanding the 13 trucks of onion that arrived from Pakistan, vegetable vendors continue to quote any price they like for onions.


K.A. Solaman,
The Telegraph, Kolkatta Dated 24-12-10

Leader K Karunakaran

End of an era

Leader K Karunakaran is no more. It is the end of an era for a man who had been possibly the most perceptible political idol of Kerala for more than 60 years. He was known for qualities like fighting strength, political smartness and managerial capability. The projects like the international airport at Nedumbassery, the Kayamkulam power project, the Guruvayur railway line and the Jawaharlal Nehru stadium in Kochi are his contributions. The most distressing event in his life is the custodial killing of Rajan by Kerala police under his rule, and Rajan’s father Eachara Warrier’s tireless fight for justice for his deceased son.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express published on 25 Dec 2010

Ask her to say Dimithri

Of late the name ‘Drithrashter' is one of the most sought words in the edit page of the New Indian Express daily and one of its readers Nebu George, Pottamkulam(?)(NIE Dec23) argues that not only boozers but his teetotaller wife is also unable to pronounce the name Dritharashter. Then ask her to say Dimithri Medvedev.

Interestingly, along with other places, in Pottamkulam too, husbands are every so often misguided by their faithful wives.

K A Solaman

Bilateral exchange

A leading journalist Malayalam in his weekly column suggests a way to identify boozers by asking them to speak the name “Dritharashter”. As a bilateral exchange and a courtesy gesture when the Russian P M visiting India, why can’t he replace Drithrashter by the name “Dimithri Medvedev”?

K A Solaman

Onion price hike.

Onion price hike has helped Kerala merchants to book some quick bucks. The Monday morning onion price of Rs 50 has elevated Rs 80 a kg in the evening. Though not an essential commodity for survival of man some taste seekers got panic over onion shortage and then a few unscrupulous merchants made it an opportunity. The government which is bound to act suddenly hibernates over other things. The Kerala Food Minister’s office showing no interest on onion shortage contemplates over the sale of uneatable items through civil supplies outlets. It has been identified that 24 items sold by Kerala Civil Supplies stores are n not suited for consumption.

While the Centre Government moved into action immediately the Kerala State government has not taken it as an issue. And when the Commerce and Industry Ministry says the country has enough stocks of onion and going to get more from Pakistan for a price of Rs 18, the huge price now collected by vegetable merchants is doubtful. The common people should keep out for a little from the onion market so that onion now available with the greedy merchants must be allowed to decay.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express 23-12-10

When CEOs come calling

A visit by the head of a foreign country is an indication of the host country's might. The US President, Mr Barack Obama, recently visited India along with several corporate heads. Then came the Chinese Prime Minister with numerous businessmen.
These CEOs have done enough mathematics for their business ties with India. Interestingly these visits are for getting something from India, and not letting India gain something from them.

China has proposed to establish more bank branches in India and it would be thoroughly pleasing for the Left in the country.

K.A. Solaman
Alappuzha
The Hindu Business Line, Dated 21 Dec 2010

Inebriated MLAs in Kerala Assembly

Quite witty to hear news of Kerala State Health Minister P K Sreemathy identifying legislators attending the State assembly in an inebriated state. And with what device she has done this splendid job is a big question. When Kerala police trying hard to identify boozers on driving seats with breathe analyser it is amazing to see Minister’s ability to detect the drunkards without any modern gadgets. Does one believe that five-time veteran MLA P C George criticising Sreemathy sharply is a certification of her findings?

A person working in a peeling shed smells shrimp all time,even if bathed with Fiama soap. Likewise, may be due to the frequent visits in hospital wards under her department Sreemathy might have felt the smell of surgical spirit in Assembly hall too.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express, 21 Dec 2010

Indecent dress by youths

The attempt by the Chavakkad police to curb the younger generation's indecent dressing is praiseworthy. Many youngsters, misled by tinsel world heroes and heroines, wear low waste jeans and inadequate garments. Wearing low waist jeans exposing underwear and lower part of one’s body is a loathsome scene. But how the police is going to tackle the situation is an issue. Imposing fine or beating them in public is not at all permissible.

K A Solaman

All teachers’ appointments should be done by the P S C.

Good news to hear that PSC would now carry out the appointments of staff in Universities in Kerala. The decision by the Cabinet is presumably in the backdrop of discrepancies relating to the appointment of the assistants at the university level. Why, then wait for appointment of teachers in University Departments by the P S C. Is it now alright with the appointments in University departments? Are the P S C members appointed on political basis are not competent enough to recruit to the teachers to the Departments.
All appointments including teachers of private colleges where salary is paid from State Exchequer should be transferred to the P S C. The private college managements should not be permitted to sale these posts for a price.
K A Solaman

Chinese banks in India

A country’s premier’s visit to any other world nation is an indication of its might. The US President Barrack Obama recently visited India along with 300 corporate heads. Now it is Chinese Prime Minister’s turn to visit India. He came to India 400 businessmen. These CEOs have done enough mathematics for their business ties with India.
Interestingly these visits are for getting something from India and not letting India to gain something from them. China has proposed to establish their bank branches in India and it would be thoroughly pleasing for the Left parties in the country. They are searching all the time for a safe place for bank upon and with the opening of Chinese banks they sorted out an apt place to put their money.

Will Chinese banks give interest to deposits or stick on the motto of Islamic banks?

K A Solaman

Not every thing smooth in S B I branch

This is for the first time I visit (Date 16-12-10, time 12.15noon) SBI Branch at X-Ray junction, Cherthala, Kerala and that is for taking a DD. I had also in mind an idea to open an SB account with the branch because it is a new branch and one of their outsourcers contacted me of late and enlightened about the advantage of opening an account with SBI. The lady at the front counter, possibly a last grade, told me to fill the application and submit to the next counter with cash. When approached the cash counter the woman at the counter told:
“Wait”, of course there was no other client
I asked “How long?”
“I don’t know”
“What shall I do then?”
“Go to some other branch and get the DD. The man in charge of the DD has gone out with source code”
“What is it?”
“It is none of your business”
“Will he return?”
“Ask the Manager.”
I returned and took DD from a Co-operative bank. The SBI lost Rs 25 as DD commission.

What I have to say is: not everything smooth with SBI. Make the X-Ray branch as Banjara Hills, Hyderabad model so that ordinary folk should never visit this branch.
Further I own a SBI life insurance of Rs 1.5 lakh (Does anyone need to know the Policy number?). I will dispose it soon. I need not require service of State Bank of India.

K A Solaman

Kerala e-governance

It is quite welcome to hear that the Kerala government is on the edge of launching the ‘e-district project’ that enables people to get various government services available online. And possibly bribe needed will also be in online.

The project is under the aegis of Kerala IT mission. Nevertheless, I have apprehension about the feasibility of the project. There was a power failure extending over six hours in and around, Cherthala on fourteenth and without power how does the e-governance work. So before jumping into IT, ensure uninterrupted power supply. It is meaningless to keep opened Technical Institutions, Info Park or what else without ensuring uninterrupted power. We need industries other than Inverter manufacturing.
K A Solaman

Cash crunchy K S F E

A senior citizen would think hereinafter, not twice, but thrice to put his hard earned money as FD with Kerala State Financial Enterprise Branch. It took three days for me to receive the pay out for a matured FD for Rs 50000 with the Enterprise. They permit only a maximum withdrawal of Rs 20000 in a day. If a man has Rs 10 lakh with KSFE as FD he has to walk almost a month to get back the amount in full. And if the money is intended for the marriage of his daughter he should fix a date after counting this lapse. Of course, the company asks its client to cooperate, may be because it is in a cash crunchy condition.

However, spending lavishly the Enterprise is on its way to modernisation. All the existing counters have been demolished and the employees of Cherthala main branch sit with their mouth and nostrils covered with hankie to save themselves from dust produced from modernisation. I wonder why ordinary citizens put their money with KSFE for an interest of 7.5% when the rural Co-operative banks issues 10% interest to senior citizens. May be due to the fact that Minister Thomas Isaac owned KSFE is a safer place to bank upon than Minister Sudhakarn owned Cooperative banks.

And, of course, these places are better than new generation banks where the money deposited dwindle due to some computer generated programmes incomprehensible to ordinary folks. An old woman who deposited Rs 10000 in Lord Krishna Bank, turned Centurion Bank of Punjab turned HDFC bank here when contacted after three years stood enthralled to hear that she has only Rs 7000 in her account. When asked about, the man in the counter elucidated not so courteously to the old woman that it is a computer generated programme to deduct Rs 1000 in a year from an inactive account and pointing to a cabin said: “there is a bulky man with a necktie, sleeping in the cabin and in case of any complaint ask him”.

K A Solaman

Horse riding on Kerala roads.

Finding the deplorable road conditions, one of the Judges of Kerala High Court recently opined the road journey in Kerala is like riding on horse. As my experience in horse riding is little I could not fully enjoy what the honourable evaluator meant. Last day I had a journey by bike from Hotel Karthiyayani, Ottappunna, Cherthala to X-ray junction. The experience was terrific and my friend’s bike got punctured. Then only he elucidated me the meaning of Justice’s comment.


The NH-47 portion from Ottappunna to X-ray junction, due to heavy traffic, is in a pathetic condition and the Alappuzha Ministers who are determined to make the backwater tourism a spectacular event are not travelling though this road. Would they make arrangement for tourists from US or elsewhere to be airlifted to Punnamada from their homeland?

The PWD department knew the dismal condition of this road but sits unmoved. It’s shocking to note the ministers who are bound to correct these adamant bureaucrats are otherwise busy with redundant needs of the foreign tourists.

K A Solaman

Overhaul in PSC appointment is long overdue.

Justice G S Singhvi’s finding that Public Service Commission heads of many states of India are fraudulent and inefficient, is an eye opener. Most of the chairmen and members are politically appointed and often they are the obedient servants of their political bosses. It is of sheer luck that a few bright candidates without money power are appointed in government posts. A thorough overhaul is long overdue especially the backdrop of job scam in Kerala.

K A Solaman

Man who married 11 women

The man who married eleven times in Kerala understood the crucial need of the State. The highly literate State with only 1000 men for 1058 women is a grim reality that the State Government, now struggling with job scam, till not addressed. The vociferous ministers who speak volumes on all subjects under the sun did not notice this and, of course, Thomson, the accused identified the crisis. Thanks to heaven, he only married and protected the women, and not killed them after robbing their possessions. All his wives may be asked their opinion before hanging this man if the law permits.
How could a highly diabetic and hyper tensioned man do all these mischievous acts and that too for a long span of time? Are there any clarifications in the available medical bulletins for this sort of abnormal behaviour?
Whatever it may be, the prevailing dowry system is a big handicap that the society to witness. Or else girls from poor families were not the targets.

K A Solaman

Job scam missile

Job scam has become as breather for Kerala CPM. The scam came in the setting of tensions between the two communist parties over Lavelin scores.
A woman and her father were arrested in Kerala's Kollam district Monday for stealing a government job with forged documents. They could now say that they would deal the case legally and, of course, politically as political outfits are involved in the scam. Police says there is a larger racket involved in the scam. Where from the police got this handy information without probing that much?
It is time for CPM to rejoice for the member of the CPI is being the key pin in the scam. A scud missile could be intercepted by a patriot missile. Likewise a Lavelin missile could be intercepted by job scam missile.

K A Solaman

Kerala PSC scam

Like in many other fields Kerala thus secured a unique position among other Indian States with appointment in government service by producing fake Joining order and advice memo of the Kerala Public Service Commission. If all were rotten, why the PSC alone dither from it?
I sympathise with those candidates applied for PSC test, studied much, travelled miles and spent a lot to get a berth the PSC rank list. Why the government restrict its enquiry in Revenue Department alone? Extend it Home and other departments, where there are apparently many without requisite qualifications. The legitimate village assistants and LD Clerks in Revenue Department would be viewed with suspicion hereinafter.
K A Solaman

Justice Chelameswar’s evocation

While admitting Kerala High Court Chief Justice J Chelameswar’s evocation that the evil system of corruption could be addressed only with people's initiative, I would like to add that it is not the lack of public initiative that spread corruption but it is the the snail speed of the Indian Judicial system. A delay for a decade or above for settling a dispute is the big handicap of the Indian Judicial system.

Consumer Redressal Forums set up for speedy disposal of cases are very slow in settling disputes and have become the havens of some greedy counsels. Even Presidents of these forums favour advocates’ assistance thereby denying the opportunity of the complainant to argue for himself. A counsel appearing for a client in a Forum costs at least a sum of Rs 5000 which is often unaffordable to many. It is my experience with Alappuzha District Consumer Redrassal Forum to wait more than a year to get the judgment of a disposed case. And public initiative in such occasion is a meaningless observation.

The huge number of pending cases in Kerala High Court is a clear indication of the snail space of the judicial system and it points out the rampant corruption in the society. When one approaches a court with a petition it is certain that some sort error has been committed by some one. If the court, that is bound to settle the dispute, brood on it for many years how it would be possible to reduce corruption. The Government itself could resolve many dispute without court interference, nevertheless, it has become the most involved litigator.

The solution is the only one. And that is the speedy disposal of cases with the active participation honest and able judicial officers.

K A Solaman

Wikileaks and Radia tape

Courageous people like Julian Assange are a necessity for the present age.
Wikileaks exposed the political pettiness and haughtiness of many world countries especially the US. While her husband once asked pardon for his personal mischief, now the US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton asks pardon for her country’s mistake. Wikileaks Editor Julian Assange is apparently a human rights fighter and hence the Interpol red alert to arrest him is unwarranted.

The Wikileaks and its inverse Indian parallel Radia tapes are in fact good materials to raise people’s curiosity.

K A Solaman

Continuing deadlock

Continuous disruption of Parliament points to the lack of political will among all political parties to ensure smooth governance. Why doesn't the UPA government agree to a JPC inquiry into the spectrum scam?

K.A. Solaman,

Alappuzha
The Hindu dated 29 Nov 2010