Rampant corruption

Under  Pinarayi administration corruption is rampant in every walks of life. The latest is the  cabinet decision to appoint K V Manojkumar as the chairman of the Kerala State Commission for Protection of Child Rights. Manoj is the son of former CPM Thalassery Area Committee member KV Balan and is only a law graduate.

It is alleged that the appointment was made by flouting norms and the eligibility criteria. Earlier, the chairman and the members should be postgraduates and should have atleast 10 years experience in child welfare and protection activities. Manoj is only a graduate and has little experience in child welfare activities.

A slightly qualified chairman and highly qualified members in a State Commission reveals a corrupt government that had lost its hold on the affections of the people.

K A Solaman,

No need of mute police

It is  shocking to see the police remaining mute spectators to rallies when  participants make aggresive slogans claiming murder of opponents in the past. If a participant publically claims his or his party's involvement in past killing he can be arrested and questioned

This I say because there were such rallies in Kerala recently glorifying their  past killings and claiming they are ready to do it again. This sort of provocative slogans would create discontent among opponents. Hence, the offenders should be immediately questioned  by the police instead of standing mute.

K A Solaman

Privatise KSEB

The Kerala State Electricity Board (KSEB) chairman N S Pillai asking the consumers  to pay the electricity bill of lockdown period in five instalments, is amusing. Does he mean that consumers have no job other than to stand in queue before the KSEB Section office?

In the absense of Electricity minister, Chairman NS Pillai has become a media maniac uttering nonsense. What consumers needed is a rollback of the heavy current bill issued to them. The consumers are of firm belief that bills were prepared maliously to charge extra. The Karnataka government has waived off current bills for five months. Why Kerala could not waive off two months at least?

The Chairman also says  even if these bills are not paid, power connection will not be disconnected. This kind of talk is authoritarian and against the existing rules. The autocratic way of KSEB would come to an end if it is privatised and its present chairman is sent to corner.

K A Solaman

Abandon online classes for tiny tots.

The Karnataka state government decision to stop online classes for children from Kindergarten (KG) to Class 5 is a welcome one. However, in Kerala, the government has no decision making in this direction. The Kerala government is searching ways to hand over smart phones and other electronic gadgets to  little ones.

The online teaching for LKG, UKG and primary classes has become a misadventure for tiny tots and their parents. These classes will adversely affect the  mental health of very young children and hence must be stopped in all schools whether government or private. Let the children enjoy their holidays for one more month till all are free from Corona scare.

-K A solaman

Dam makes ecological damage

The Kerala state government has granted permission to KSEB to proceed with Athirappilly hydroelectric power project. Following this, the authority has decided to issue NOC for technical-financial and environmental clearance for the project. Interestingly this project was previously  deferred by the government.

The reason for such a decision is the huge commission that would generate in the purchase of cement and steel rods. Also, there is an eye in the sale of trees in the dam site.Whatever it may be,  this crafty plan under the mask of Covid-19 is unlikely to work out in Kerala  in the immediate future because the new generation is not unaware of the ecological damage that dams make.

What Jairam Ramesh said in this regard is correct. He said:By approving Athirapally hydel project despite opposition and expert advice, Kerala govt is inflicting ecological disaster. Indira Gandhi saved Western Ghats by stopping the Silent Valley project in 1983. That commitment, concern & courage (3 Cs!) for environment is missing today.

K A Solaman

For better relationship

All war is a symptom of man's failure as a thinking animal. So it is a welcome move by India and China agree to continue military and diplomatic talks to resolve peacefully the border issue in accordance with bilateral pacts and guidelines. 

A month-long standoff in the line of control in Himalayan region has created tension among citizens of both the countries. An early resolution of the issue would contribute to the further development of the relationship between the two. "India - China bhayi bhayi" is a better slogan than any others.

-K A Solaman

Needed apolitical Commission

Kerala State Women's Commission chief M C Josephine's statement that her party CPM is functioning like a court and a police station, is controversial. She has no right to remain as the chairperson of an impartial government body like  the Women's Commission. 

Of late all the actions of  WC in Kerala is partisan. A legislative decision is needed to make the Commission  apolitical by selecting its chairperson and members from judicial forums and non-political organisations. No commision  should be permitted to violate the principles of the Indian Constitution.

.-K A Solaman

Youth Commission in action

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The Kerala State Youth Commission has charged a suo motu case on the incident in which the teachers were insulted through various social media platforms. Chintha Jerome, the chairperson of Youth Commission, noted in a Facebook post that those who make derogatory comments about the teachers who led the online classes  are a disgrace to Kerala and its culture.The Youth Commission has asked the State Police Chief to arrest the culprits as soon as possible and take legal action against them. 

Admittingly, one would like to say that not only teachers no one should be harassed via social media. However, Youth Commission's stand in this case seems questionable as it had a blind eye to the death a girl in a convent in Kollam and suicide of a ninth standard girl in Malappuram. The girl in Malappuram was died because of denial of online classes to her where the culprit is none other than the Education Department. The Commission that was dormant for years now coming with a single incident, is curious

Trolls ard tik-toks are the order of the day  and that could not be restricted by a partisan and inactive commission.

K A Solaman

When #JacobThomas #retires

Jacob Thomas IPS, the troubleshooter turned troublemaker officer of government of Kerala, initially placed all his loyalty on  chief minister Pinarayi Vijayan under the presumption that he was the last action hero against corruption. With what was called yellow card, red card he  boasted in channels that he was going to fight against corruption. 

As a part of his fight against corruption he raided the residence of Chief Secretary KM Abraham, who was working in a higher position and that too was in the absence of Abraham and scared of his aging parents. The incident turned out as a bark on the wrong tree. The cunning political leadership who always played it safe, realized this stupidity and decided it was better to corner Jacob Thomas.

In the case of EP Jayarajan's cousin's appointment, rather than intelligently intervening, he placed emphasis on unnecessary initial publicity. He forgot that the ban on corruption is not just a sham. The book "Swim with sharks" is not pleasing to the government.

However, in the last days of his service, the government showed him injustice. The world is vast and the future is long. Let Jacob Thomas launch his crusade against corruption. Evidences in plenty can be found in his personal file.

K A Solaman

Prevention is better

Despite all the precautions taken there is an unprecedented rise of Covid cases in Kerala. Friday  alone 42 cases were reported. This rapid increase of corona virus cases is seemingly a serious warning that the defense  mechanism in the state has to be increased

Interestingly, the cases reported are among  from  people who came to the state from outside. Since the lockdown restrictions are lessened there is chance for  social spread of the disease.

It appears that many people go out with children and old people defying Covid restrictions. It is, therefore, important for all to follow the lockdown directions. Prevention is better than cure

K A Solaman

മറ്റൊരുപ്രളയത്തിനായി കാത്തിരിക്കരുത്

2018 ലെ മൺസൂൺ കാലത്ത് ചിലർ ചേർന്ന് ഡാം ദുരന്തമുണ്ടാക്കിയത് കേരളീയർ മക്കാറായിട്ടില്ല.. ഡാമുകളുടെ മോശം മാനേജ്മെന്റ്  മൂലം കൃത്രിമമായി സൃഷ്ടിക്കപ്പെട്ട വെള്ളപ്പൊക്കത്തിൽ അനേകം പേർ കൊല്ലപ്പെടുകയും  ഭവനരഹിതരാകുകയും ചെയ്തു. ഈ വർഷം മറ്റൊരു ഡാം ദുരന്തത്തിനുള്ള സാധ്യതയും തള്ളിക്കളയാനാവില്ല.

അടുത്തുവന്ന മഴക്കാലവും വേനൽമഴയും ഡാമുകളിലെ ജലനിരപ്പ് രൂക്ഷമാകുന്നത് സംബന്ധിച്ച് ആശങ്കകൾ വർദ്ധിപ്പിക്കുന്നു. ഏറ്റവും വിശ്വസനീയമായ കാലാവസ്ഥാ ഫോർ‌കാസ്റ്റിംഗ് ഏജൻസിയായ തമിഴ്‌നാട് വെതർമാൻ കനത്ത മഴയും അതുമായി ബന്ധപ്പെട്ട വെള്ളപ്പൊക്കവും കേരളത്തിൽ ഉണ്ടാകുമെന്ന് സൂചന നൽകിക്കഴിഞ്ഞു. ഇടുക്കി ഡാം ഉൾപ്പെടെയുള്ള ഡാമുകളിലെ ജലനിരപ്പ് അടിയന്തിരമായി കുറയ്ക്കാൻ മറ്റ് പരിസ്ഥിതി വിദഗ്ധരും അഭിപ്രായപ്പെടുന്നു..

ഈ സാഹചര്യത്തിൽ, സംഭവിക്കാൻ സാധ്യതയുള്ള വെള്ളപ്പൊക്കം കണക്കിലെടുത്ത് പ്രവർത്തനങ്ങൾ ആരംഭിക്കാനും കേരള ഡാമുകൾ തുറക്കുന്ന തമിഴ്‌നാട് അണക്കെട്ടുകളിലെ ജലനിരപ്പ് കുറയ്ക്കുന്നതിന് കേരള- തമിഴ്നാടു സർക്കാരുകൾ തമ്മിൽ അടിയന്തിര ചർച്ചകൾ നടത്താനും അധികാരികൾ തയ്യാറാകണം

കെ എ സോളമൻ

Don't wait for another flood

Keralites  still remember the man made dam disaster during the monsoon of the year 2018. Many were killed and many went homeless due to the flood artifificially created by the poor management of dams. This year also the possibility of another dam disaster cannot be ruled out.

The nearing monsoon and intensifying summer rains have increased concerns regarding the water level in the dams. The Tamil Nadu Weatherman, the most reliable weather forcasting agency, has hinted about a possible occuring of heavy rain and related flood. Various other  environment experts have opined to reduce water level in dams including Idukki dam urgently. 

So, it is high time to start the activities in view of a flood havoc and for a government-level intervention to reduce water level in Tamil Nadu dams to which Kerala dams are opened.

K A Solaman

Terrible time for poor workers

It is most heart breaking to know seventeen migrant workers were crushed to death by a train in Aurangabad and that is just one day after the Visakapatanam Gas leak tragedy. My heartfelt condolence to the bereaved families. 

The workers, who were walking to Bhusawal from Jalna, were returning to Madhya Pradesh.This incident should not have occurred. It is due to sheer lack of planning from the authority. It is time to open our eyes at find ways not to replicate such tragedies. Due to Covid job loss thousands of labourers are on the streets and government should arrange safe transit for them

May these people find strength in this difficult time.

K A Solaman

Develop better program

Lockdown norms violation is high among politicians in Kerala. This is evident in the cases of Dean Kuriakose, Adoor Prakash, Kadakampally Surendron and others. But when police takes action it is often appears one sided. If Dean's is a sufficient case for a police case, then that of Kadakampally is not a lesser one.

Another draconian way of penalising common man is the fine for not using face mask. It is Rs 200 for first time offence and Rs 5000 for second time offence, which means a scale factor of 25, quite unheard in any petty case. Of late, Govt hospitals have become a place for rescue people while public places are one for punish people. It is high time to develop a better programme to create awareness among people instead of imposing hefty fine in this lockdown period .

Amazon cloud leaked?

Sprinklr data is intact in Amazon Cloud and it would never leak. This was the argument of some channel woodheads in public domain. But it went wrong. The leakage of data has happened. It shows smugness and indifference of the Government of Kerala.

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The details of COVID-19 patients including their phone numbers were leaked in both Kannur and Kasaragod. The patients were contacted by Bangalore based hospitals regarding the follow up treatment.  Sprinklr is collecting the data of the patients and those under observation. This shows the irresponsibility of the  government in protecting people's private information

K A Solaman.

No compromise on disciplinary action.

The significant way to prevent the spread of coronavirus is to maintain social distance. This requires the closure of institutions. In this scenario, the closure of beverage shops in Kerala is exemplary. The social impact of such a shutdown may also be direct.

If people violate the closure proposal and the travel ban, the police should act strictly. Grab the vehicle and revoke the license.

In some countries, including the US, the military has been deployed to enforce the shutdown. India has not reached such a stage. To avoid a situation like calling the military people must comply with the government directives.

New Covid cases are reported daily in Kerala. Many are under surveillance. The government should ensure the availability of essential commodities and take stringent action against those who sell at higher prices. Ward level committees should be set up to provide government assistance as the daily wage workers are deprived of income.

Social kitchens that serve free meals are good. But more than that, every home needs to be built up.

K A Solaman

Uninfomed people bring suffering.

It is the habit of some people to remain uninformed despite the measures taken by Centre-State governments and health agencies. The enforcing of prohibitory order in  Kodungallur taluk in Kerala is an indication. Over 1,500 people had attended the Bharani festival in the last few days in Kodungallor, defying government directions.

This is not an isolated case. The churches, mosques and Beverages Corporation outlets have shown scant  regard to directives of Health authorities. Those who disobey government restrictions should be brought to book. No law permits individuals to expose themselves to virus infections or to become  carriers of virus to transmit disease to others. Too much self-centered attitude brings isolation and extreme self-centered attitude is the source of suffering.

K A Solaman

Corona joke

Corona joke

Kerala government has announced a revival package of Rs 20,000 crore to tide over the coronavirus financial crisis. Chief Minister Pinarayi Vijayan said that the state will offer Rs 20,000 crore package to overcome the economic meltdown.

Interestingly, this announcement has become a Corona joke because where from this  money would come, is unknown to the public. Of late, the government faces much criticism for not closing down Beverages outlets and bars to combat virus spread. The sole reason is; block of money due to the stoppage of liquor sales. If no liquor sales, no salary to employees,  is the deplorable financial condition of the state.

The corona scare has put the life to misery and state government tries to lessen if by jokes!

- K A Solaman

Welcome move

It is a welcome move by BJP to appoint K Surendran as state president in Kerala. With K Surendran as BJP president and Sandeep G Varier as Yuva Morcha chief the party would get added vigour in state politics when the state is set to go for the LSG polls.

Of late in Kerala, there is no opposition against ruling front. The present opposition led by Chennittala often plays hide and seek and act as B-team of Pinarayi Government. BJP  could do something against the corruption of the government.

There are several  police cases registered against Surendran,  all of which are related to violence in Sabarimala. This gives an added advantage to him beause believers of Lord Ayyappa think Surendran is with them. The infght, if any, in Kerala BJP unit will subside because detractors have no choice other than to stand with the decision of national higher-ups of BJP.
In every sense BJP will have better prospects in Kerala under Surendran's leadership .With K Surendran as chiet, BJP Kerala unit could perform better on days to come.

K A Solaman

Membership claim, a farce

The Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) should be congratulated at least in two matters. The trumping third time victory  in the state of Delhi is the first one. The other is,  the media, once boycotted AAP leaders for their reluctance to appease reporters, now running behind AAP leaders for interviews. The AAP Supremo Arvind Kejriwal is now a hero to all channels.

However, Kejriwal's claim that more than one million people have joined AAP within 24 hours of their victory, is a farce. These missed call members may be from other parties. Does it  mean when a person joins AAP party, his membership in other party, stands cancelled. The AAP leader should have shown sense while declaring such meaningless missed-called memberships. That is, in membership claims the AAP and others make no difference.

K A Solaman