Kerala’s poor financial management.

Sir,

Who is better in dealing financial matters- Kerala Finance Minister Dr T M Thomass Isaac or his counterpart in the Centre Pranab Kumar Mukherjee? When Kerala Finance Minister claims that his management of finance is fool proof the Union Finance Minister says that Kerala has failed to manage the financial system through proper fiscal management. The Debt-GDP ratio of the state is at a shocking height and has reached 29 percent. There was lack of financial management in the state and it failed to utilize the funds granted by the Central government.

Kerala is in debt trap according to Mukherjee but for Isaac there is 3000 crore still in the State coffers because of his able management. Isaac has not responded to Mukherjee’s findings, may be of election fever. Now Isaac can open his mouth.
K A Solaman

College teachers can join NREGP after 55!

The dismissal of a batch of petitions seeking hike of retirement age of college teachers from 55 to 65 is a welcome verdict from Kerala High Court. The petitioners seeking issuance of directions to the state government on the basis of the UGC recommendations is an indication of their greed and scant consideration to innumerable youngsters looking for job. The hiking of age from 55 plus Thomas Isaac gifted one year to 65 would turn the hope of all candidates waiting for teacher post in colleges drab for another ten years. Their quality and capability may drain. The argument that a lot of qualified people were waiting for their turn to get appointment as teachers in colleges is an absolute fact.


The petitioners submission that they were forced to retire from service at the peak of their careers is not withstanding because they entered in service under the condition that they relinquish from the post when they reach 55. What they claim such as their professional experience and other things are sheer non-sense as students benefit more from youngsters with new knowledge and energy and not from worn-out horses. Let these teachers join NREG programme after their retirement and make their job more meaningful. Reasonable people would blame them for not having any concern over the plight of innumerable educated ones wandering for a job.


-K A Solaman

ICC cup is unbreakable!

It is embarrassing to see that the ICC World Cup trophy which was kissed by Dhoni and company was not original one. ICC made April 2 all fools day instead of April 1. Are there more replicas for World Cup Trophy?
The real World Cup trophy which was estimated to be $130,000 item, however priceless for any cricket fan, for Indian Cricket team was not present at Wankhede Stadium of Mumbai. It was placed at the Custom Department’s strong room as it was seized by the Mumbai Customs for non-payment of duty.
Whatever may be the truth, the ICC trophy is not as fragile as one issued by the Kerala Education Department to State School Games Festival winners,

K A Solaman

India-the World Champions!

Pakistan lost, Sri Lanka lost and finally India won. Indian Cricket Team will now be known as ‘The World Champions’ every time they play a One Day International. People all over the world viewed the classic event. While the affluent thousands applauded the team sitting at Mumbai Wankhade Stadium, the less privileged ones cheered before home TV and street TVs. The final game was not won because of Sachin Tendulkar but was won for Sachin Tendulkar by his young colleagues. Notably, the win spells out that Indian cricket is in safe hands under the leadership of Mahendra Singh Dhoni.

Some prayed for India’s victory and some others for Sri Lanka in the final. Some prayers were heard and others including that of Sri Lankan President were rejected. Perhaps the Indian God discarded the prayer of Sri Lankan President against India. Nevertheless, the media hype given to this game is avoidable. The people drank thousands of gallons of liquor and spoiled their money,health and valuable time. We need an alternative game like football in the place of cricket to save the people from spoiling themselves with what is called the ‘rich man’s game’.

K A Solaman

Chandy and company will rule Kerala!

After Asianet survey, it is India Today now. The surveys conducted by them tell that the LDF will face a setback. The survey sample was selected randomly from selected destinations in 140 constituencies in Kerala. The organizers claim that their result of previous surveys were correct.

Are there more in the offing to predict the victory of Chandy and company?

K A Solaman

Political mudslinging at its peak

Political mudslinging is at its peak in Kerala. The UDF and the leaders of the LDF were busy trading barbs in the eve of the election to the Assembly. The Government led by Achuthanandan registered case against the leader of the UDF P K Kunhalikutty, who is accused in a sexual scandal. Chief Ministerial candidate Oommen Chandy of the Congress was dragged in the case of Palmolein and the former Minister R Balakrishna Pillai was sent to prison for a year for Idamalayar case.

The UDF also struck back and claimed that Achuthananadan has influenced the judiciary to punish Pillai. They have also started to target the son of the ChiefMinitser and alleged that he had taken a bribe to change the stand of Achuthanandan against sandalwood mafia in 2003. The UDF argued that the Government was also linked to the online lottery mafia. The Chief Minister and other ministers have misused their power and still misusing for their political advantage in the election - according to UDF.

Thus, the two major political fronts in Kerala are involved in the process of mudslinging. They have nothing to say about the immediate development of the State. Even if it is an act against the code of model conduct, the leaders of both the fronts are apparently involved in the process of accusing each other and supposedly it will end on April13. The present war of words between political leaders is seemingly nasty and ordinary people are caught in confusion on what to be believed and what not to be.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express, 3-4-2011

Rice issue ended in disgrace.

Rice politics in Kerala has ended in disgrace for the ruling LDF. In a setback to the Government, the Supreme Court upheld the Election Commission's order directing the state government to defer its decision to extend the scheme for providing rice at Rs.2 per kg to all ration card holders that was announced on the eve of the assembly elections. The Apex court wondered why the scheme was extended just before the April 13 election to the state assembly. Truly the court was sharing the feelings of unbiased people in the state. And the LDF Government escaped from future litigation on breach of the Model Code of Conduct.

Rice is not the sole requirement of common people in Kerala. They need good shelter, clothing, and proper education for their children. When all except rice cost much what is the fun in supplying rice alone at low price and that too in the eve of election.

K A Solaman

Rice politics in Kerala

Rs 1-2 rice politics in Kerala is unwise and an unfriendly decision
by both leading political fronts in Kerala. It is only a political
gimmick. This I say not because of institutions like Centre for
Monitoring Indian Economy (CMIE) rank the state as the first among
Indian states in terms of per capita household income but because of
the sky rocketed price of all commodities. Will the government supply
people cloth, medicine, liquor and other essential commodities at
subsidised rate? Rice is not the sole requirement of common people in
Kerala. They need good shelter, better clothing, hospital treatment,
proper education for their children and many others. When all, other
than the rice, cost much what is the excitement in supplying rice alone
at low cost.

Distribution of low priced rice may make more people diabetic and
remaining paddy fields in Kerala to disappear.

K A Solaman

Are English medium schools a threat to Malayalam medium ones?

This is a pertinent question that is still lingering in the minds of all malayalees. The politicians who are not well versed in English are deadly against English in schools and for them English is definitely posing threat to Malayalam language.

Nevertheless, learning of English is definitely very important for higher education, to communicate with multi-lingual Indians and for venturing abroad for education or business purposes. Almost all computer and internet literature are available in English and the regional language like Malayalam should take decades to attain that might. The only positive aspect of Malayalam is it is our mother tongue and anything said and written in that language is tastier for us. This doesn’t mean than we have to translate all the English scientific terms to Malayalam in school classes as it is practised now and later students are asked to study them in English too. This is a time waste and in schools itself, if medium of instruction is Malayalam, science terms should be taught in English so that a future effort can be avoided to learn the translation.

Among English learned people there exists absolutely no rivalry between English and Malayalam. They love both languages with equal respect avoid situations for a combat between the two. To remain devout to the Malayalam language, one need not have to reject English. It is the desire of the parents to make their children’s life better and that is why they send their children to English medium schools. It is also the responsibility of the parents toimplant in their children a sense of pride in their mother tongue.

The State Government should shun all actions to give supremacy to Malayalam medium schools instead it should definitely establish a brilliant infrastructure of English education in all the schools, but with due emphasis on Malayalam language as well. And all public notices, circulars, advertisements, application forms etc should be in both the languages so that all people could easily understand them. Policy making bodies should be filled not only with Malayalam poets and novelists but with people having English education and scientific knowledge.
Malayalam lovers should remember that Malayalam is only a regional language with local identities and do not have a global appeal. Everyone is free to speak or write any language of his choice in India and by using a specific language; other languages do not lose their appeal. So it would be wrong to presume that English is a threat to any other language.

In fact, English language has its impact throughout the world because many people understand this language. In India there are various languages but each has its own identity and background. So, none of the languages are in any way inferior to the other languages. There is no doubt that English language has created its impact in India but it does not see other languages inferior. According to Gandhiji learning of many languages is a pleasure so we should not be prejudiced with any language.

K A Solaman

Sindhu Joy to become the Saviour of UDF

“Parissutha Kannya Mariayme Ennile Muruvunangeedukayillayo”. This much acclaimed cine song was Sindhu Joy’s master piece while combating with ‘ body massage hero’ Prof K V Thomas in the Ernakulam Parliament seat contest. Thomas was successful but until now Sindhu’s wound was not cured. Nevertheless, her injury was now totally cured by giving an embarrassment to CPM by resigning from the party and joining the Congress.

Sindhu Joy, who was in the forefront of the agitation against UDF Government’s educational policies in 2005, was a scapegoat for unsuccessful contests against congress leader Oommen Chandy in Puthupalli in 2006 assembly polls and against Union Minister K V Thomas in 2009 Lok Sabha elections in Ernakulam. The strong musclemen of the CPM were watching and laughing at the plight of this desperate girl then.

It is ironical to see the sufferer of “brute” handling of student stir in 2005 by UDF is now becoming the saviour of the UDF.


K A Solaman
The New Indian Express dated 26-3-11

Demolition man surprises all!

The ‘demolition man’ surprised everyone, especially the CPM cadres in Kerala. Alphons Kannanthanam, former IAS bureaucrat and Marxist MLA, who has refused the CPM offer to contest again to Kerala Assembly, has joined the BJP. And in the joining ceremony Kannanthanam is seen more saffron coloured than BJP National President Nitin Gadkari. He has been included in the national executive committee.

However, Gadkari and company should be more watchful as quitting is the style of this demolition man. He quit IAS, quit MLA post, and quit the Marxist candidature. And his views on rural development is not rewarded he will quit BJP too!

K A Solaman

Gouri Amma to Guinness Book!

With her candidature to Kerala Assembly Electtion 2011, it is certain that 92-year-old K.R. Gouri Amma has made history and she is a sure entry to the Guinness Book of World Records. Gouri Amma is the only candidate to contest all the assembly elections since the state first went to polls in 1957.The leader of the Janathipathiya Samrakshana Samithy will contest the April 13 elections from Cherthala constituency in Alappuzha district.
Gouri Amma’s candidature has raised many an eyebrow for she contesting at such an old age when most other individuals retire from all activities at 60 or 70 at the most. The energy she gives to all others is very much as it persuades unoccupied people to do something rewarding in life. Though she was expelled from the Marxist party in 1994, the Marxist leaders now cornering her is just because of her unbridled courage and positive attitude to human life.
She coming to Cherthala, where she won in the first election, has much significance as the chance for one more election is presumably unviable. Long live Gouri Amma and her optimistic outlook.

K A Solaman

Kerala’s unchecked sound pollution

In Kerala, temples, churches and mosques are perennial sources of sound pollution. Worshippers indulge in religious songs at full blast loudspeakers which go on till night. Bar hotels, vehicles without silencers make their contribution too. In addition there are full volume TVs and Home theatres in almost all homes with scant regard to aged and the ailing ones They are always the suffering lot. Legislation aimed at reducing noise pollution has not yielded any result.
In most cases people will not complain because of assault from parties violating the rule. Complaints to the police stations have been of no use at all. An activist by name Sumanan from Alappuzha has been attacked by owners of mike system and other accessories. Even complaints lodged on the Chief Minister’s website have been of no use.
The sound pollution has augmented with the beginning of poll process in Kerala. Though rule prohibits roaring loud speakers on moving vehicles it is a frequent scene in the streets of Kerala. It disturbs the attention of all commuters causing greater accidents. The sound pollution affects health of the residents of all localities including of those making the sound. Apart from the sound pollution, all kinds of drugs are freely used by law breakers. With this write up, I would like to bring the matter in attention of the State Administration so that action may be taken to reduce sound pollution particularly in the eve of poll process to Kerala Assembly.
K A Solaman
The New Indian Express dated 21 March 11

Quitting is his style!

K.J. Alphonse Kannanthanam, who quit the Indian Administrative Services in 2006 to join politics, now says he quits from election this time to the Kerala Assembly. He was happy at the time of quitting IAS but this time not so because of denying seat to the veteran comrade and the mass leader VS Achuthanandan. Though not required that much wisdom Kannanthanam identifies the ground reality.

K A Solaman

Veterans fighting in the election

Central Chronicle Editorial Posted On Tuesday, March 15, 2011

It is undesirable to come heavily on Kerala veterans fighting in the election. Old age is not a curse but a boon. The seventy plus 'youngsters' should understand that they will also become old once. K.R. Gowri Amma going to contest the election is a bone contention for many. Gouri Amma speaks more clearly and plainly than those criticizing her. Her stand in every aspect is understandable whereas her detractors lack that intelligibility.
Elder people are blessings of God's own country and they stimulate others to chase their life. Elder people contesting election gives positive energy to all. They should be respected not only in households but in political circles also.


KA Solaman

Chiranjeevi daughter’s story

Chiranjeevi’s daughter Srija’s story is a clear warning to all sons and daughters who disobey their parents for what is called an immature choice at teen age. The dowry torture complaint against Srija’s husband is one among the innumerable complaints in this direction. The father who received humiliation for his daughter’s act was seemingly right at his earlier decision to save his daughter from a college drop out. The agony the daughter feels now is the after effect of her parents mental anguish years back.
Srija can now visit their parents for an immediate solace.

K A Solaman

Japan will rebuild in no time.

The Japan Tsunami was terrible. The most powerful earthquake ever recorded in Japan shook apart homes and buildings, cracked open highways and frightened even those who have learned to live in hazard. The shattering tsunami slammed into north-eastern Japan and killed hundreds of people. The violent wall of water swept away houses, cars, trains and ships. Fires burned out of control. Power to a cooling system at a nuclear power plant was knocked out, forcing thousands to flee. The destruction was far beyond any reckon.
The Tsunami threat in Japan will be repaired with fortitude, courage and staying power. And the country will rebuild in no time and they will be admired and rewarded for their efforts. Our solidarity is with Japanese people.

K A Solaman

Isaac’s unjustified pact with Gouri Amma.

After one and a half decade of exile JSS leader K R Gouri Amma has become dearer to Kerala CPM and that too in the eve of the Assembly election. It is none other than Dr T M Thomas Isaac, the possible incarnation of the next CM, while praising Gouri Amma’s greatness, asks her to reveal her bearing in the election. And at last Gouri Amma revealed her stance. She and her party will remain in the UDF!

Would anybody in CPM ask Isaac an explanation for his inflated praise and unjustified pact with Gouri Amma?


K A solaman

Discovery- a great leap to mankind.

The historic journey ends. Discovery finished its 27 years of service and landed at the Kennedy Space Centre. The mission delivered an extra room along with supplies and equipment, including a human-like robot, known as Robonaut 2, the first such robot ever sent into orbit. The oldest shuttle in the fleet, Discovery has cumulatively spent a year in orbit and logged many spaceflight firsts. It was the first shuttle to return to flight after the Challenger disaster in 1986 and after Columbia's disintegration while re-entering orbit.
Discovery launched the trailblazing Hubble Space Telescope, made the first US rendezvous with the Russian Mir space station, and was the first and last shuttle to rotate crews on the space station.
Discovery's next destination will be a museum where hundreds of children could watch and learn about the scientific pursuit of their forerunners.

K A Solaman

Old age is not a curse but a boon

It is undesirable to come heavily on Kerala veterans fighting in the election. Old age is not a curse but a boon. The seventy plus ‘youngsters’ should understand that they will also become old once. K.R. Gowri Amma going to contest the election is a bone contention for many. Gouri Amma speaks more clearly and plainly than those criticizing her. Her stand in every aspect is understandable whereas her detractors lack that intelligibility.
Elder people are blessings of God's own country and they stimulate others to chase their life. Elder people contesting election gives positive energy to all. They should be respected not only in households but in political circles also.

K A Solaman

The New Indian Express, dated 14 Mar 11

Free budget jokes.

Kerala Finance Minister Dr T M Thomas Isaac in his sixth budget in the five year term has declared Rs 40000 crore road development by using the money to be collected through non-existent Al Mubarak Bank based on Shari yet principle. Like wise Central Finance Minister has exempted tax for Rs five lakh for persons above 80 years of age. As it is impossible to get money as Thomas Isaac planned and ordinary people, except a few privileged politicians, never survive above eighty, the two schemes are apparently the best budget jokes of the year.

K A Solaman

Blood recognize blood!

Blood identify blood when the date for Kerala Assembly has been declared. Pinarayi has all the praise for Achuthanandan. Nevertheless, the latter has not opened his mouth till date. And if the party sails over smoothly in the election Pinarayi and his friends can safely put Achuthanandan to the corner. Demotion to the Branch Committee is a customary practice in the party where a comrade gets better opportunity to serve the people!

K A Solaman

‘The Kerala shining’ waste

A dozen photos of CM, half a dozen photos each of minister T M Thomas Isaac, minister G Sudhakaran and other ministers on every day news papers at the fag - end of their rule is thoroughly 'Kerala shining' waste. One could not understand the miracles they have done at the valedictory. Kerala's present waste resembles the misuse of money by NDA government during their regime. The NDA had ended in shame in the election. A similar fate awaits LDF government in Kerala.

K A Solaman

the New Indian Express Dated 3 Mar 11

Bird in the nest still fouls!

Writer and social critic Sukumar Azhikode accuses Kerala Chief Minister Achuthanandan for what is alleged about latter's son. And he feels happy for having not married and having no son like Arun Kumar. When there are other ministers with infamous sons in Achuthanandan's party Azhikode targeting Achuthanandan alone is conspicuous. Azhikode could have commented about them also. The ‘bird in the nest’ still fouls its nest.

K A Solaman

Saving Coir Industry!

It is highly interesting to see that a pepper spray device is being distributed in the IT campus at Technopark , Thiruvananthapuram as a self-defence mechanism for women employees who have to travel even during night. The distributors think night travel is safe for women with pepper spray made from chilly and pepper.

As an alternative why can’t the techies consult this matter with Coir Minister G Sudhkaran so that he could easily arrange a coir device for self protection. Though Alappuzha MLA Shukkoor pooh-pooh Sudhakaran for wasting State fund for his coir mela at Alappuzha Sudhakaran claims the Coir Board has received a huge order from abroad for the well-known ‘Coir Bhoovastram”. And if a coir hook like device can be expediently used by women to catch hold of aggressors, it would be a boon to women as well as coir industry.

K A Solaman

Corruption everywhere

The ministers are clean but bureaucrats are the corrupt, is not an acceptable perception because the corrupt ministers tempt bureaucrats to indulge in corruption. Corruption is a threat for our society and all steps taken to contain corruption went nowhere. The deep rooted corruption spreads its tentacles to unanticipated areas of the society. For instance take the case of lecturer post approving bureaucrats in various universities in Kerala and elsewhere. For long these offices were corruption free, nevertheless they started asking money from colleges and candidates for the posts to be got approved. While the candidates spend several lakh for being get appointed the contention of these bureaucrats is that why candidates could not pay an additional one lakh for getting the post approved.

The ordinary people, therefore, should determine to disallow corruption. We must vow not to bribe the ministers and administrators to get the job done. The governments of Centre and State should take immediate action to end corruption at least in its offices. Let the young generation breathe in fresh air free from the pollution of corruption.


K A Solaman

"Tatvamasi", writer should not be so cruel

Writer, speaker, social critic, Dr. Sukumar Azhikode is apparently concerned about media coverage given to politicians of late. While covering Rauf's enunciation, Kunhalikutty channel show, R B Pillai’s Anwarsseri model showdown at Kottarakkara, Azhikode has received little attention from lens men. This is why he filed a defamation case against cine star Mohanlal. Azhikode alleges that the actor called him a mentally unstable person. Azhikode then served a legal notice to Mohanlal, asking him to apologize or face legal action. Nevertheless the actor has not issued a legal notice to Azhikode for he being called "kankalam" by the latter.

Azhikode’s aversion to Mohanlal is notorious as Lal out rightly refused demand of Azhikode asking Lal to do something and not do something else. When many celebrities endorse the sale of gold and liquor Azhikode targeting Lal is doubtful. Why Azhikode cannot ask Mammootty to do something suited to his wish? Azhikode would never direct Mammootty as Mammootty is the CPM official faction favourite. He therefore, maintains a special ilk to Mammootty . Mohanlal-Azhikode case is unlikely to yield good result other than a little inappropriate media coverage. Counsels for both parties might make a good buck by extending the case of ten or twenty years.

"Tatvamasi", writer should not be so cruel to one of the most famous actors of the country and recipient of several national awards.

K A Solaman

Congress should checkout irresponsible remarks of its leaders

Congress MP K Sudhakaran achieved what he intended to gain-the media coverage. People thought he was landed in trouble and is going to face action from Kerala Police and Delhi Police for alleging corrupt practices of the country’s judiciary. Now he made a somersault by denying his earlier statement and his assertion against an unnamed Supreme Court judge. Now it is the turn of country’s police to close the file opened for hasty action. The witness to a bribe of Rs 21 lakh becomes no witness after one week. The skin thickness of the present day politicians is high.

The visual media should be more vigil to air announcement of unscrupulous politicians hereinafter to avoid further embarrassment among public. The Congress party should warn its leaders like Sudhakaran to make such irresponsible remarks against the judiciary.

K A Solaman

Pillai's arrest

R Balakrishna Pillai's new petition to trial court to avert arrest is a laughing stock. Seemingly in the country of Kottarakkara, Indian Supreme Court has no jurisdiction! Mr Pillai, Kerala Congress men and the Congress men will decide when to surrender and where.

The Supreme Court has, indeed, denied the opportunity for Pillai to faint in court and get admitted in Medical Trust hospital, Kochi.

K A Solaman

BOT camels in Congress

Admittance of A P Abdullakutty to the Congress resembles the age old act of giving space to camel. Kutty started questioning veteran Congress leaders like V M Sudheeran. Sharp criticism by Abdullakutty against Sudheeran is not in the true sense. Building NH under BOT scheme is not suitable for Keralites and they do not support Kutty. BOT is a source for politicians and bureaucrats to book a huge sum. Abdullakutty would better rejoin Elamaram Kareem's party. There is no sufficient reason for Congress in Kerala to withdraw their stand against BOT highway.

As Sudheeran pointed out, "the BOT operators should not be allowed to rob the people of Kerala."

K A Solaman

Really a different Balan!

Quite curious to hear the Kerala state electricity Minister A K Balan announcing that Kerala has become a self sufficient state in electricity distribution. Probably scheme of Balan to replace all incandescent lamps by CFLs and all CFLs issued by KSEB damaged by this time may be the reason of Balan’s auto sufficiency. CFL revolution is a scam and is to be probed.

Balan adds load shedding, voltage problems and increase tariff do not apply now, and recently KSEB had decided to avoid 10 rupees per month for electricity meter charge. This was also first in the history by avoiding current income. Kerala was the only State giving low price electricity to consumers, according to him. Apparently his conclusion is at the end of the LDF regime and that the election is in sight. And if the people fooled by Balan and his coterie elect them for the next time a cumulative increase may be carried out in the next year. Poor people with little memory!

K A Solaman

God is surprised at mankind!

God is surprised at mankind because of the following reasons
Reason 1: Man gets bored in childhood, he wishes to grow up and then longs to be a child.
Reason 2: He loses his health to make money and then loses his money to restore his health.
Reason 3: He thinks anxiously about future, forgetting the present. So he lives neither in future nor in present.
Reason 4: He lives as if he will never die, but die as if he has never lived.


K A Solaman

Overhauling of Indian Judicial system

Many people oppose the Arundhati Roy’s opinion when it comes to "Maoist Gandhians with guns" or "Kashmir is the part of Pakistan". However, her observation about Indian judicial contains a little water. No doubt the country's judicial system should be overhauled to obtain justice to ordinary people. Judicial process see delayed justice, not only justice denied but the litigant is punished.

Current system of the judicial forum, if transaction colonial or not, is another question, but people refrain from asking for help from the Court because of unforeseen difficulties. If there is adequate money one can hire a senior lawyer and win the case. And if one has not sufficient money, he hires an average counsel then money as well as the case is lost. The rich and the influential alone win cases, is a tragic situation.

Further, comment by Arundhati that she would never support the Supreme Court order prohibiting street meetings is only to appease politicians who need interference with the peaceful life of ordinary people. Why can’t agitators prefer Minister Residences or compound of Secretariat or auditoriums for agitation that hinders the movement of ordinary people who are in search of livelihoods?
K A Solaman

Cancerous corruption in India

Former President Dr. A.P.J. Abdul Kalam's observation that corruption is a cancer engulfing the Indian policy-bureaucratic-judicial system and requires urgent treatment is a correct analysis. Corruption is really one of the biggest challenges facing the country. However his proposal of youth brigade as solution would materialise not immediate as older leaders not allow young people in politics. Furthermore, politicians, doing no work but earn a lot by political corruption, have increased much. Full-time politics without doing any should be discouraged.

Corruption in Judiciary is now everybody’s concern. Not only bribe the undue delay is disposing cases by the courts is a part of the corrupt practice. Court cases should be distributed to counsels in an equi-partition basis so that younger counsels should get an opportunity to earn their livelihood. It is a pity that when renowned counsels earn lakhs for a single appearance, young advocates hardly get Rs 1000 per month. A monthly stipend should be given by the government to all enrolled advocates and some job should be assigned to them.

Judicial corruption is one that ordinary people could never compromise. India would never become a developed country until corruption is checked in all walks of life. As Dr. Kalam stressed, cancerous situation of corruption engulfing judicial system is harmful for growth. For this severe disease the country needs sermon. But will that it launch?

K A Solaman

Actor Machhan Varghese

Actor Machhan Varghese is a commoner. Ordinary people like him much. His departure at 50 is too early and a loss for cinema of the ordinary people. By his exceptional skills, he obtained his rightful place in the hearts of people. His work in films like ‘MannarMathai speaking, Meesa Madhavan, Thenkasipattanam and others is dotingly remembered for years to come
K A Solaman

Enka veetu pillai under arrest

It is very interesting to see that Kalaignar TV belonging to Karunanidhi family carried out practically a black out of the arrest of A Raja. Raja is really just a scapegoat among black sheep, most of them from TN. Apparently for Kalaignar TV and Karunanidhi family, hiking crude oil prices, the formation of the DMK Committee to share seat and chances India to win the World Cup are more important than CBI grilling "enka veetu pillai".

Nevertheless JayaTV belonging to the friend of Purachi Thalaivi compensated the loss with a full time slot. Other channels in the country, especially Kerala channels making all time blast with tittle-tattle of Kunhappa-Rauf ‘pennu case, can seek more lessons from TN how to highlight a particular news and delete the other.

K A Solaman

A year cross for Indian Railway

What Lalu Prasad Yadav has not achieved with Indian Railway Mamatha Banerji, present railway Minister, reached and only too miserably. The shocking incident of a 23 year old woman was allegedly raped in a train running and suspected of having been thrown; leaving her with several serious injuries is more a year cross of Indian Railways to cherish. To collect the ticket charges and dump into the compartment of insecurity is apparently Indian Railway passenger custom. And the passenger in the compartment can be brutally attacked and killed. Indian Railway could not escape the crime for not providing a railway guard or a police man in the compartment.
The matter must be considered carefully and women under attack should be adequately compensated by the Indian Railway and the Government.
K A Solaman

How many cases we have seen?

Rising fuel and onion prices, soaring inflation, disorder in government hospitals and medical colleges, deteriorating law and order, inept education system and many others are not at all problems for Keralites. The Kunhappa-Rauf row is the only problem for them to forget all others including wealth amassment case of Sreenijan, son-in law in law of former CJ K G Balakrishnan.
The government of Kerala has officially endorsed a fresh police inquiry about the infamous ice-cream parlour case in which Kunhappa and Rauf are involved. Nevertheless one could not expect much from state police that has received a drubbing on the credibility count for bad investigation skills, corruption and overt linkages to the mafia here in the state.
Kunhappa-Rauf in hand in hand would say: how many cases we have seen?

K A Solaman

Parlour ice cream, Kozhikode

Case of parlour ice cream Kozhikode returned with a bang. The leader of the UDF Ommen Chandy, potential candidate for post of the CM, leading comfortably "Kerala Mochana Yathra' on the hearing the news fell ill. Despite announcements repeated full-page in press documents for a long time, the LDF is so desperate to fight against the UDF in confidence-building measures. Nevertheless, they were given new breath with Kunhalikutty-Rauf case of rotten sex scandal.

Really the new revelations are death blow of nature to the UDF. The plea of his kin that Kunhalikutty spent huge sums of money to buy his way out of the ice cream parlour case put the UDF prospects down. The businessman Rauf has vigorously proved that he is not only a crafty person a political pimp too. Rauf's charge that Kunhalikutty could have influenced the Judiciary puts it also under inkling especially in the backdrop of the continuing allegation against top judicial man like K G Balakrishnan. It is to be noted that the Supreme Court also had cleared the name of Kunhalikutty in the ice-cream case.

A best friend often turns out to a worst foe and that is what happened in Kunhalikutty's ice cream parlour case.

K A Solaman

Needed a Judgment machine!

Whether it is the wealth amass by the son-in-law of former CJ of India Justice K G Balakrishan or the alleged involvement of Justice K Thankappan and Justice K Naraynakurup in the ice-cream parlour sex scandal case it is an unwelcome status for the Indian Judicial system. Ordinary people who had lost faith in political parties were keeping some faith in Judiciary until recently but lost faith with news pouring in from Indian Judiciary. It is time for a scrupulous introspection of the country's Judicial frame work. The judges allegedly received scraps to sabotage the case and amassed wealth, should be questioned and if found guilty, grilled.

Moreover, control over News Channels is imminent as they sensationalize silly matters by drawing the names of honorable judges. The damage they cause to respectable persons is beyond any reckon even if the person under allegation proves his innocence later. The channels should not be given an upper hand to say about a person whether guilty or not. Instances are many where channel findings have later proved to be wrong. It is also impending to inquire whether channels get a payback from persons under their scanner.

And the question is: can we trust channels as we did in the case of the Indian judicial. The "land of God" became a perverse sex country where fraud politicians, corrupt judges and shady channels dictate matters. We need computer aided judgment machinery as judges are human beings and they are prone to corruption.

K A Solaman

Enchanting and charming Shreya Goshal!

Kerala Ministers have decided for Malayalam compulsory education in all schools, including CBSE and CISP. No doubt the decision was taken after viewing online in English from John Brittas of the Kairali Channel with play back singer Shreya Goshal, interview the day of the Republic. All interviews in English should be banned in Kerala including Kairali Channel hereafter!

And there a similar nastiness need Brittas said in public with a woman who "you are enchanting and charming."


K A Solaman

Deadly faith

Sir — The people killed in the Sabarimala incident were devotees of Lord Ayyappa. They were on their way back after celebrating the Makaravilakku festival. The stampede was the biggest mishap in Kerala after 107 passengers of the Bangalore-Thiruvananthapuram Island Express died when the train fell off the Perumon bridge across the Ashatamudi lake in Kollam district in 1988.

The huge rush at the Sabarimala temple and the narrow roads are the main reasons behind the accident. The precautions taken by the government to avoid such disasters have come to nought. More scientific planning is required to administer the crowds and the traffic to make the Sabarimala shrine safe for visitors.


K.A. Solaman
The Telegraph, Kolkata 19 Jan 2011

Justice vs Justice!

Former Justice V R Krishna Iyer is seen much worried over the silence of Prime Minister Manmohan Singh on the issue of former Chief Justice of India and National Human Rights Commission Chairman K G Balakrishnan. Perhaps PM might have contemplated that when Iyer is making ample sound on the issue why he interfere and make more noise.

Had Iyer always an indisputable approach former Justice V Giri would not have come with a rejection of Iyer’s allegation that he had approached Iyer with a request to not to write to the Prime Minister on the issue. Justice vs Justice: a hard-hitting situation for common people to comprehend.
K A Solaman

Sky will not fall on saying 'Makaravilakku.'

At least for rationalists many burning problems of State are apparently silly. They are not worried about Martin’s Bhutan lottery, rising price of essential commodities, petrol price hike, VS- Isaac tussle, Oommen Chandy’s Kerala Mochana yathra or even the nonstop assault by Musli Vita powered thugs on hapless women. The silly stuff union viz. rationalist organisation in Kerala, Yukthivadi Sanghom, has approached the state high court, to intervene in the "celestial light" phenomenon near the Sabarimala temple, claiming it is man-made. They argue Makara Jyoti is an act of group of people. If so what? In the next season probably the number of people gathering at Sabimala multiple if the court declares ‘Makaravilakku’ is man-made.

Thanks for rationalists not saying that the reigning deity at Sabarimala has not saved the lives of 102 pilgrims at Pullumedu. Politicians like Chennithala asking people to keep their mouth shut on this issue is for getting a few votes in the next election. Should the sky fall if people talk about Makarvialakku or Thanthri Kanadaru Mohanaru

K A Solaman

Makaravilakku heals millions

Truth or myth-Makaravilakku and Sabarimala heal millions. Let it carry on. Sabarimala pilgrimage is a saunter into the Nature.

K A Solaman

Delhi Nair is replaced by Kerala Nair.

The huge void created by the unceremonious exit of ‘Delhi Nair’ Shashi Tharoor from the Central Cabinet was filled up by Kerala Nair K.C. Venugopal. Ostensibly Venugopal is far better a minister than Tharoor because he has not married thrice or not done any liaison work with any cricket consortium for sweat equity for his fiancé.

And undoubtedly Venugopal could improve relations between the Congress and the Nair Service Society as assistant secretary Sukumaran Nair is very happy with Venugopal's induction. So Venugopal’s immediate attention is in visiting Perunnai, then Kanichukulangara and later Bishops’s house, Alappuzha. Communal conciliation is the motto of all secular parties including the Left.

Though sworn in as the minister of state for power, his prime initiative will be the completion of Alappuzha bypass, the people Alappuzha so desire. Wishing him the best.
K A Solaman

Open Sabarimala shrine on all days.

The stampede at the Sabarimala shrine in which 104 pilgrims have died indicates that human life is a commodity for Rs 5-6lakh. The money that received by the family of ill-fated pilgrims says we do not value human life that much. Lack of proper schedule for the travel of people to Sabarimala is the root cause of the grave mishap.

To avoid the heavy rush at Makaravilaku season why can’t Devaswom Board make arrangement for keeping the Sabarimala temple opened all the days in a year instead limiting it to 41 days or less. Why the heap of camphor burned at Ponnambalamedu on Makaravilaku day alone? Can’t it be performed a dozen days in a year on other holy days so that pilgrims get more opportunity for a healing thought by viewing it? Again worshippers hating large crowd could also advantageously visit Sabarimala at their pace if the temple is kept opened on all days.

Sabarimala is small area and that is not meant for for huge crowd. It is located at a remote hilly place where easy accessibility is difficult. The government has not provided scientific traffic management despite the huge sum received from the pilgrims as donation and travel fare.

It is better to have an introspection for the people of Kerala than accusing one and the other.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express dated 20 Jan 2011

Politburo in glass house.

Something quite unpleasant in the CPM is likely to shell out. The Polit bureau meeting decision to censure Kerala Chief Minister and veteran party leader V.S. Achuthanandan for the stand he took in the lottery controversy in the state is a pointer in this direction. VS has expressed his displeasure about the decision of the PB and the way by which the news were leaked out.

The PB decision to censure Achuthanandan is for sending a letter to the Centre demanding CBI enquiry in the lottery issue. Interestingly the PB act is a move against the larger interest of the common man in Kerala. Do PB need the majority illiterate and poor people of Kerala be looted more by lottery mafia and their goons?
It may be true that VS sent the letter without consulting the party. Would bigwigs of the party tainted in lottery mud permit VS to write a letter of the sort? VS’ letter was in good spirit and that has full support from large section of the people in the State. The PB sitting in glass house should come to earth.

K A Solaman

Black Friday.

It is a shocking black Friday of mishap for Kerala with death toll of 104 persons near Sabarimala Friday night. The people killed were devotees of Lord Ayyappa. They were returning after the Makaravilakku festival in Sabarimala . This is a major tragedy in Kerala after a total of 107 passengers of Bangalore-Thiruvananthapuram Island Express met with a watery grave as the train fell off Perumon bridge across the Ashatamudi lake in Kollam district on July 8, 1988.
The huge rush to Sabarimala and the bungling roads are the main reason for the accident. All precautions and care taken by the government till date have gone futile with this major accident.

More scientific planning is needed for crowd management and road traffic to make Sabarimala pilgrimage season incident-free.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express dated 17 Jan 2011

Woman assaulted at school fete

It is really an unsightly event by the Deputy Director –Education, Alappuzha to manhandle the mother of a student participant for photographing in her mobile the ugly scene enacted by the DDE at the school fete venue at Thuravoor. The teacher turned DDE should learn how to behave in public. Seemingly he is incompetent to guide the teacher community and to maintain a peaceful atmosphere for school education in the district. He should be given compulsory retirement from service.

The whole fete at Thuravoor was carried out erratically and DDE sending parents to programme committee and the programme committee sending back them to DDE for rectification of grievance is evidently an indication of the lack organisational ability of the department. Local goons taking charge of school fete have made all events nasty. Shashikala, a poet from Punnapra and the mother of the Ottumthullal participant is a known figure in the cultural world of Alappuzha and people know her well that she would never indulge in nasty acts as did by the DDE.

If the teachers in charge of the fete are not able conduct it neatly transfer their duty to police or abandon all such meets in the future. Women whether a presiding officer or a budding poet- all are assaulted by goons in and around Alappuzha. This must stop.
K A Solaman

Fee for a view-that is it!

When CPM leaders in Kerala has sneakily withdrawn from ‘nokkukooli’(fee for a view) and said they were against it, the CPI has taken it as a prestige issue and its leader Kaanam Rajendran said they were not against ‘nookukooli’ According to him nookukooli is the right of the working class who were denied opportunity by mechanization. Kaanam was carrying on shoulders worn out cine actor Thilakan for quite long and when he realized there were no takers for Thilakan issue, Kanam shifted his target and become the new incarnation for nookukooli.

Kaanam should understand that they are not workers who demand nookukooli. Can he find a worker for climbing coconut tree or ploughing field? He can find only workers for party demonstrations and agitations. By asking nookukooli, common man is denied freedom to do their work themselves or to assign work to people of their own choice.
Nookukooli is in fact a virus and people like Kaanam should take decades to understand it.

K A Solaman

Black money in foreign banks

The allegation against former Chief Justice of Supreme Court of India Justice K G Balakrishnan and his son-in-law is the hot subject of discussion in political circles. Several politicians who started from zero and now possessing assets worth several crores have demanded probe against KGB. And in that case BJP’s demand that Prime Minister Manmohan Singh should make efforts to bring back the black money deposited by politicians and businessmen in the foreign banks is in the right direction.

If the PM wishes to ensure corruption free system the demand of BJP should be viewed with utmost importance. Let the common man see ‘who owns, how much?’

K A Solaman

This time judges will not be “nincompoops”!

The Supreme Court of India has upheld the decision of Kerala High court banning public meeting on road sides. And one hopes this time the Marxist leader M V Jayarajan will not call judges as ‘idiots’ as he did earlier. It is a tough job to find synonym for the word ‘idot’.

In fact the State Government of Kerala is wasting its time by filing appeal at apex court for unjustifiable demands of political parties. Blocking roads and curtailing the freedom of movement of people is against constitutional provisions.

K A Solaman

Monsanto is the saviour of this house|

The CPM has put their hoary opposition against Monsanto into cold storage. They are no longer against genetically modified seeds. The move in the party’s stand on genetic crop farming is not because of any scientific know-how about BT seeds but to keep shut the mouths of Opposition parties on various issues.

Interestingly the CPM stance has drawn support from Union Minister of State for Agriculture KV Thomas, a person who forgot all the burning needs of the State when he has become central minister. The president of Kissan Sabha comrade S Ramachandran Pillai speaking in tune with Monsanto chief is also interesting to hear. Though Pillai is a politburo member of the party his opponents say he is incapable of winning a ward election if contested. He is making himself the author of ‘gods of small thing’ by uttering words indigestible to vast population of the country. Arunthathi speaks for Pakistan, likewise Pillai speaks for Monsanto.

The somersaulty by State Finance Minister Thomas Isaac, who opposed BT brinjal and disbursed Rs 20 lakhs to his party men for what is called Mararikulam Brinjal festival, now favouring Pillai is also intriguing.

K A Solaman

The sky is the limit

The success or failure of a space mission depends on many factors. The probability of successfully launching a satellite can't be predicted. That's the reason not too many people are criticising the recent failure of the GSLV satellite. The scientists must focus on rectifying technical snags. More than Chandrayaan, India needs more space projects that improve our communication network facility. Chandrayaan can only fetch data already available with Nasa or
similar agencies.
KA Solaman, via email
The Hindustan Times, Jan 2, 2011

Maternity leave for a decade

Yet another new year gift by the Kerala State Pay Commission to the State employees, teachers and of course not for pensioners is the proposal for revision of maternity leave of one year for women and paternity leave of ten days for men. The Commission is wise enough to identify that men have no effective role in bringing up the child. Wonderfully the commission has not restricted the number of such leaves to women. And if a woman so desires to give birth to ten children she could earn a good buck without doing any work for ten years. This I say because I have a friend who signs in his date of birth as 10/5/50 which also means that he is one among ten children of his parents and he is the fifth one. If anyone needs to meet my friend fix an appointment through woofer space blog.

K A Solaman

Live more get more

A few items of the New Year gift by the Kerala State Pay Commission to the State employees, teachers and pensioners are very charming. One such item is the proposal for upward revision of pension in the case of persons aged above 80 years. It is quite certain for the Commission that because of the present life style in association with Beverages Corporation there would be no one above 80 years among pensioners.

Had the Commission fixed this upper age limit as 90, the payout from the state exchequerin this direction could have been brought to zero. What the pension minister (?) proposes, the Commission disposes.

K A Solaman

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

Asian games performance wonderful.

Guangzhou Asiad brought many accolades to India. The country created history by casketing best ever presentation in Asian Games with 64 medals, including a record 14 gold. India jumped to the sixth place from the previous tenth place in Doha with greatest ever heave of medals. The State of Kerala’s contribution is also remarkable. Congratulations to all.

K A Solaman

Corrupt parties, corrupt leaders

Continuous disruption of Parliament is an indication of the lack of will by all political parties in the country. Crores of rupees spent for making only disturbance in the Parliament sends no good message to the outside world. If it is BJP and Communist Party that stall the Parliament then why can’t the UPA Government allow a JPC inquiry for spectrum scam, especially when all such inquiries reach nowhere?
Regarding corruption whether it is Congress, CPM, BJP or DMK all are one and the same. If Delhi had the biggest scam of spectrum deal, Kerala’s CPM has SNC Lavalin and BJP leader Yeddyurappa has some illegal land. And it is foolish to argue that a corrupt Raja on resignation becomes corruption less Raja.
K A Solaman

Scams own country

The State of Kerala owns a dubious forename ‘gods own country’ though many things happen there are not in god’s lane. Likewise our country India can claim a new name ‘scams own country’ and that too not in the doubtful sense. Just after the notorious 2G spectrum scam siphoning 176000 crores, and many others now surfaced new one that can be coined as ‘housing loan scam’ involving a deal of Rs 1000 crore or more. It is quite alarming to note that half a dozen or more public sector banks have looted people’s money. The CBI has done an archetype job by unearthing the scam by a meticulous surveillance extending for a period of one year.

Those who found at fault should be put in prison and they should be permitted lead rest of their life with States’ own expense.

K A Solaman

Verdict against caste politics.

How miserably the politicians read the public mind, is evident from outbursts of Lalu Prasad Yadav and Ram Vilas Paswan a day before the election results in Bihar.
They claimed a big leap for them in the Bihar Election but unfortunately it was a big blow. NDA leader and CM Nitish Kumar has driven to a remarkable electoral feat by securing 84 percent of the seats in the Bihar Assembly. Lalu, Paswan et al can go to hibernation for next five years and the National Congress leaders have nothing to cheer. Who said the Bihar people are illiterate and are guided by malicious propaganda?

Those who fought the election on the basis of caste in Bihar had been defeated and it is a direct warning to those who resort to caste politics in rest of the country.

K A Solaman

Mani's tall claims- NIE

Opposition leader Ommen Chandy should fear more about K M Mani rather than Vayalar Ravi or A K Anton because Mani has started flexing muscles. He says that the results of local body elections in the state helped the party to emerge as a regional player.
In fact K M Mani is a communal player. K M Mani’s party has no existence if he fails to kiss the hands of the clergies. Mani’s claim is reason enough for other communal outfits to come out with similar points.

K A Solaman

The New Indian Express, Dated 23 Nov 2010

'Rathinirvedam' in the remake

The Malayalam Film industry is on its way to the worst. The latest in this direction is the remake of old adult only films. First of these species is "Neelathamara" remade last year.
Next is the remake of movie "Rathinirvedam" released 32 years ago. It is awfully repulsive to make alert the younger age band about the sex lessons of older generation.

There should be some legislation preventing all not to remake old films and remix time-tested film songs.

K A Solaman

Left Discord Front-LDF

Sir,

The LDF in Kerala has become a left discord front. The latest incident in this direction is the sharp criticisms by RSP General secretary TJ Chandrachoodan against the duplicitous submit of CPM State Secretary to project the defeat in the Kerala civic polls a silly matter. Until then the RSP State General Secretary Ramakrishna Pillai comes against his national secretary the statement of Chandrachoodan demands legality.

Chandrachoodan has identified the harmfulness of CPM attacking the church. The attitude of CPM leaders justifying the setbacks in the election is cheap gimmick, according to Choodan. Does it mean that Choodan’s party also aim an exit from the LDF? Is RSP following the way of Kerala Congress (J), Janata Dal (S) and the Indian national league?

The half a dozen party alliance has thus become two party coalition with CPM and CPI(who cares the party headed by Thettayil and Mathew T Thomas?). As the new CPI Secretary Chandrappan has no memory loss like his predecessor, the coalition will likely to end up with one party.

K A Solaman

Quick bucks for private colleges!

Many of the affiliated colleges in Kerala are in killing spree in disguise for the appointment of teachers to their various faculties. One of the major handicaps the managements face with, is the lack of NET/JRF qualified candidates with liquid cash in tune with 20 or 30 lakhs. Then, came news from some flip-side doors of the UGC stating that candidates with M Phil can also apply for the posts. On hearing this there was a heavy rush for purchase of application forms from the office-counters of private colleges and it attracted some quick bucks to the managements. The managements were also happy of getting an immediate fortune without many hardships. If demand is high the auction amount is also high.

But unfortunately, soon arrived a clarification from the UGC that candidates should be NET qualified for appointment, sending the management to an immoderate despair. However, the Mundassery II of Kerala is contemplating to dilute the UGC stipulations in collusion with all gluttonous managements.

Will the Managements pay back the application money in tune with Rs 500 or 750 they collected from candidates for one-day clearance sale of application forms? Will the Government check up the rank lists of candidates waiting for appointment in these colleges? Is there any management in Kerala, still waiting to appoint from their lists because of non-compliance of candidates with adequate fund? Will the Government ask private college managements to publish the rank lists on their website, as PSC do, on the very next day after the interview? There should be some corroboration in the acts of private college managements in Kerala because salary to the privileged ones appointed in these colleges are paid from State exchequer.

K A Solaman

Fresh debate on lottery!

Debate on lottery by Kerala Finance Minister Thomas Isaac and Congress MLA V D Sathhesan was a past story. Sneakily Satheesan has handed over his batten to Isaac’s own Cabinet head, the Chief Minister for a fresh debate. When Isaac argues it is Chief Minister’s attempt to protect the Central leaders, the Chief Minister stands in denial.

It is a matter of great relief to see that there is someone in the state to protect the illiterate poor from lottery looters and those who put red carpets to those lottery thugs. All lottery promoters and sellers except the handicapped and the aged hapless should be put in jail for making public nuisance.

K A Solaman

Good news from Myanmar

Report from Myanmar is a matter of relief for the rest of the world. Aung San Suu Kyi has been released by the military rulers of Myanmar. Presumably she could lead her party for the imminent Myanmar general election if the military rulers do not impose further restrictions. Most probably Myanmar’s calming posture by releasing Aung San Suu Kyi was the outcome of U S President Barack Obama stance on the issue. Obama has personally supported for the release of Aung San Suu Kyi during his recent visit to India.

It is good for Myanmar if the rulers of that country so decide to demonstrate faith in Democracy and thereby to avoid further diplomatic isolation from all world countries.

K A Solaman

Community policing at Mararikulam!

I fully agree with Kerala Chief Minister V S Achuthanandan.s comment that community participation is important to combat the growing threat of terrorism and ensuring law and order in the state.In fact, police displaying friendly temperament and compassion towards public is a dream of the society. Nevertheless, one cannot see any kind of community policing or empathy from the police at Mararikulam when the Presiding officer , with magisterial power, of booth number one of ward number ten of Mararikulam North Panchayat was brutally assaulted by local goons. The assaulted woman’s oral deposition alone is necessary to arrest the culprits, but the police was playing hide and seek all the time to rescue the perpetrators. Has the Election Commission no responsibility to protect the poll officials who are under attack from criminals?

If this is the approach of authority to ensure law and order the State it would take another decade to accomplish the concept of community policing. Law enforcers turning into mute spectators or law offenders are the blight of the present time.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express, 6 Nov 2010

Humble wish of a restless soul!

I wonder why Hindi film actor Dimple Kapadia needs to act alongside Mammootty in a Malayalam film. May be she wishes to become more young by acting along with Mammootty. I presume the ‘restless soul’ in her will not meet the requirement. Ms Kapadia can send her daughter, if she had one, to act with Mammootty as he prefers teen aged girls for the same. The Malayalam film-goers have created a good taste in viewing sixty plus stars acting with fair looking girls of tender age.

Further, Kapadia’s latest venture Bombay Mittai is not likely to get much fanfare in Kerala as there are only a few takers for the UP politician Amar Singh who acts against Dimple in the film.

K A Solaman