Practice for political gain

#Practice for political gain

The practice of re-employing retired staff in government positions in Kerala, often for political favoritism, is deeply problematic and perpetuates a system of corruption that undermines meritocracy and the democratic values of fairness and justice.

This trend primarily benefits those aligned with the ruling party, particularly the CPM, while denying young, educated, and deserving candidates opportunities for employment. It reflects a gross misuse of public resources, as reappointments are often made without proper regard for qualifications, and in most cases, without any transparent selection process. 

Such actions not only deprive the next generation of their rightful chances but also hinder the inflow of new talent and ideas into the government sector, creating a stagnant and outdated system that fails to meet modern challenges.

This practice urgently demands scrutiny and intervention from higher judicial bodies, such as the Honorable Supreme Court, which should take suo moto cognizance of the issue. Allowing retired personnel to continue in service simply to advance political agendas violates the basic principles of equal opportunity enshrined in our Constitution. 

The government should prioritize the employment needs of the youth, especially in an era where unemployment rates are alarmingly high. Continued re-employment of retirees effectively marginalizes capable young individuals, pushing them toward disenchantment with the system. 

This corruption must be curbed immediately, and reforms should be introduced to ensure that no government, present or future, can exploit this practice for political gain at the expense of the nation's youth.

-K A Solaman

Digraceful conduct

#Disgraceful #conduct

Boby Chemmanur’s derogatory language towards Honey Rose is not just an insult to her but reflects a deeper, troubling attitude towards women in general. 

Chemmanur's ugly words showcase a blatant disregard for the dignity and respect every individual, especially women, deserves in society. Such behavior is inexcusable and perpetuates a culture where women are objectified and demeaned. 

It is appalling that a public figure like Chemmanur, who should set an example, stoops to such disgraceful conduct. This incident should serve as a wake-up call for society to hold people accountable for their words and actions, ensuring that no one, regardless of their status, can undermine the value of women.

-K A Solaman

Indian Stock Market

#Indian stick market

The current state of the Indian stock market has become a dangerous playground for unchecked manipulation, leaving average investors vulnerable to enormous losses. SEBI, the regulatory body, has seemingly failed in its duty to protect retail investors, allowing rampant speculation, insider trading, and market rigging to go unaddressed. 

The government, which once intervened to ensure fairness and transparency, has distanced itself from the turmoil, leaving the market to operate as a deceptive casino where the rich and powerful profit at the expense of ordinary citizens. Hard-earned savings are being eroded, and with no meaningful regulation or oversight, the entire system has lost its integrity, turning investment into little more than reckless gambling.

-K A Solaman

Khan was right

#Khan was right

The revised draft rules by the University Grants Commission (UGC) for appointing and promoting vice-chancellors across India clearly affirm the validity of the actions taken by former Kerala Governor Arif Mohammed Khan. His stance, which upheld the authority of the Chancellor in nominating the chairman of the search committee for vice-chancellors, was not only legally sound but also aligned with national guidelines.

 In this context, the opposition from Kerala's Higher Education Minister, who took a confrontational position, appears baseless and insubordinate. The Minister's stand was a disservice to the academic community by challenging a rightful procedure designed to ensure transparent and merit-based appointments. Khan's actions were a necessary safeguard against any potential political interference, reaffirming the autonomy of higher education institutions.

- K A Solaman

Selective Activism

#Selective #activism

The Chief Minister’s endorsement of Swami Sathchidananda’s suggestion to allow men to wear shirts in temples under the guise of reformist thought is a misplaced attempt at religious interference. 

While Sree Narayana Guru's message of equality and reform is indeed powerful, selectively targeting Hindu customs while ignoring equally contentious practices in other religions reveals a bias. Reform should stem from within communities, not be imposed by political figures trying to showcase progressive credentials. 

Hindus have the right to maintain their customs and traditions, just as Muslims and Christians continue to uphold theirs without outside interference. By selectively supporting reforms within Hindu practices, the Chief Minister is walking a fine line between cultural sensitivity and unnecessary disruption.

Furthermore, the Chief Minister's backing of these changes should be scrutinized for its inconsistency. If reformists truly aim to modernize religious customs, why not address practices in all religions, such as circumcision in Islam or certain baptism rituals in Christianity, which are equally open to critique? Singling out Hindu practices, while sidestepping similar discussions within other communities, displays a form of selective activism.

Hindus should not be coerced into altering their practices, especially when traditions are meaningful to devotees and are practiced voluntarily. Real reform must encourage a broader discussion across all religious communities, or it risks appearing politically motivated rather than genuinely progressive.

-K A Solaman

Dubious deal.

#Dubious deal

The deliberate investment of ₹60 crore by the Kerala Government's Kerala Financial Corporation (KFC) in Anil Ambani's financially ailing companies in 2019, despite widespread awareness of their severe crises from 2015 to 2018, is a blatant misuse of public funds. 

Former Finance Minister Thomas Isaac's role in facilitating this dubious deal, which ultimately led to a loss of ₹101 crore, raises serious questions about the integrity of the transaction. It appears to be a premeditated attempt to siphon off a massive commission in collusion with senior officials, rather than a mistake in investment judgment. 

Such corrupt practices must be thoroughly investigated, and those responsible for looting the government exchequer must be held accountable without delay. Public trust cannot be betrayed in this manner, and justice demands swift action against this fraudulent conspiracy.

-K A Solaman

Fraudulent Dance

#Fraudulent dance

The incident at Kaloor Stadium, which resulted in MLA Uma Thomas' accident, highlights the gross negligence and financial exploitation orchestrated by the event organizers, including those at Mridanga Vision. It is appalling that under the guise of a cultural program, the organizers not only put the lives of participants at risk but also financially exploited parents and sponsors. 

The Kochi Corporation, responsible for overseeing such public events, must be held accountable for allowing such a poorly managed program to take place, endangering public safety. Immediate and stringent legal action must be taken against the organizers to ensure such fraudulent and hazardous activities are not repeated. 

The failure to enforce basic safety and ethical standards must not be tolerated, and reforms are necessary to prevent future disasters.

-K A Solaman