Strategic Gambit

#Strategic #Gambit

The recent praise by Congress MP Shashi Tharoor for the Pinarayi Vijayan-led government in Kerala has sparked speculation about his political future. Some believe this is a calculated move by Tharoor, sensing the decline of the Congress party in India. 

His apparent shift in tone, from critiquing the ruling Left to offering compliments, is seen by some as an attempt to secure his political relevance, particularly his parliamentary seat. Critics argue that his actions are motivated by personal ambition. 

He may be preparing to leave Congress to align with another political force. Many now expect him to quit the party soon, viewing his remarks as a strategic gambit to safeguard his position in Kerala politics.

-K A Solaman

Replacing old Cars

#Replacing old cars.

The recent decisions by both the state and central governments to sharply increase road taxes and fitness testing fees for old vehicles are harsh and unfair. Many people, particularly those from lower-income groups, simply cannot afford to buy new vehicles. Penalizing them with heavy taxes and exorbitant fees only deepens their financial struggles, enhancing the inequality in society. 

These policies ignore the reality that many rely on older vehicles to earn a living or for essential daily needs. Instead of burdening them further, the government should adopt empathetic measures that recognize the economic hardships faced by these citizens. They should be offered supportive alternatives, such as subsidies for scrapping old vehicles or incentives for affordable, eco-friendly replacements.

-K A Solaman

Blatant misuse

#Blatant misuse

The recent decision by the Kerala Cabinet to revise the salaries and benefits of Kerala Public Service Commission (PSC) members to match the superscale pay of District Judges, along with generous pensions, is a blatant misuse of public funds. 

It's appalling that individuals, often handpicked from the political elite's close circles with no particular qualifications, are being rewarded with exorbitant salaries while thousands of elderly and destitute citizens struggle to survive on a meager welfare pension of just ₹1600. This glaring injustice reflects deep-seated political corruption, where the privileged few benefit at the cost of the most vulnerable in society, who are continuously denied their basic rights and dignity.

-K A Solaman

Shaming Teachers

#Shamig teachers?

The Kerala Education Department's decision to publicly shame government school teachers for sending their children to private schools is deeply misguided and infringes on the fundamental right to choose education freely. 

In a democratic society like India, every individual, regardless of their profession, has the right to decide what they believe is best for their children's future. Teachers, who are more than aware of the pros and cons of different educational systems, should not be coerced or judged for exercising this right. 

Instead of resorting to such counterproductive measures, the government should focus on improving the quality and perception of public education, so it becomes a desirable choice for all. This approach only diverts attention from the real issue—enhancing the standards of government schools.

-K A Solaman

Profit over Education

#Profit over Education

The decision of the Kerala government to allow private universities within the state is deeply flawed and misguided. At a time when thousands of undergraduate course seats in state universities remain vacant, this move appears to prioritize profit over education.

 Many students already leave Kerala to pursue education and jobs abroad due to a severe lack of local employment opportunities. The government, instead of addressing the core issue of unemployment and the declining quality of education in state universities, seems more interested in creating private institutions that will serve as money-making machines for politicians.

 These private universities, driven by profit motives, may attract students initially with deceptive advertising, but they are unlikely to offer any meaningful improvement in educational standards or job prospects. This is especially detrimental to students from lower-income families who will not be able to afford such costly education.

Rather than establishing private universities, the government should focus on strengthening the existing state universities like Kerala, MG, Calicut, and Kannur Universities. These institutions need proper funding, improved infrastructure, better faculty, and more transparent governance to ensure quality education and better employment prospects for students. 

Allowing private universities will only make inequality in education, where those who can afford it will have access to a superficial, profit-driven education while the poor are left behind. This approach, which seems to ignore the pressing needs of the student community and society, is not just harmful but deeply irresponsible.

-K A Solaman

Welfare pension

#Welfare pension

The welfare pension for elders and destitutes in Kerala has remained unchanged at Rs. 1600 since 2021, despite the rising cost of living and inflation. If the expected yearly increase of 9% were applied, the pension should now be Rs. 2176. However, this adjustment has not been implemented, leaving these vulnerable individuals in financial distress.

This is particularly harsh when, in the same budget, government employees receive increased benefits and allowances. It is only fair that the welfare pension be raised to at least Rs. 2000 per month to offer some relief and dignity to those who depend on it for their basic survival.

-K A. Solaman

വാഗ്ദാനലംഘനം

#വാഗ്ദാനലംഘനം

2025-26 കേരള ബജറ്റ്, ഭൂനികുതിയിൽ 50% വർദ്ധനവ് പ്രഖ്യാപിക്കുകയും കിഫ്ബിക്ക് വരുമാനം ഉണ്ടാക്കുന്നതിനായി റോഡ് ടോളുകൾ നിർദ്ദേശിക്കുകയും ചെയ്തിരിക്കുന്നു. ഈ നീക്കം, ബദൽ മാർഗങ്ങളിലൂടെ ഇൻഫ്രാസ്ട്രക്ചറിന് ധനസഹായം നൽകാനുള്ള പാർട്ടിയുടെ പ്രാരംഭ പ്രതിബദ്ധതയ്ക്ക് വിരുദ്ധമാണ്, ഇത് കൂടുതൽ പരമ്പരാഗത വരുമാന മാർഗ്ഗങ്ങളിലേക്കുള്ള മാറ്റത്തെ സൂചിപ്പിക്കുന്നു. 

സർക്കാരിൻ്റെ മുൻകാല ഉറപ്പുകളുടെ വിശ്വാസ്യത തകർക്കുകയും കിഫ്ബി മാതൃകയുടെ ദീർഘകാല സുസ്ഥിരതയെക്കുറിച്ചുള്ള ആശങ്കകൾ ഉയർത്തുകയും ചെയ്യുന്ന ഒരു പിന്നാമ്പുറയജ്ഞമായി വിമർശകർ ഇതിനെ വീക്ഷിച്ചേക്കാം. വർധിച്ച നികുതികളിലും ടോളുകളിലും ആശ്രയിക്കുന്നത് പൊതുജനങ്ങളുടെ എതിർപ്പിനു കാരണമാകും, പ്രത്യേകിച്ചും ഒരു ഭാരരഹിത വികസന സംരംഭമെന്ന നിലയിലുള്ള ഫണ്ടിൻ്റെ യഥാർത്ഥ കാഴ്ചപ്പാടുമായി ഇതിന് വൈരുദ്ധ്യമുള്ളതിനാൽ.

-കെ എ സോളമൻ

Departure from promise

#Departure from promise

The 2025-26 Kerala Budget, with the announcement of a 50% hike in land tax and proposed road tolls to generate revenue for KIIFB, marks a significant departure from the earlier promise. This move contradicts the party’s initial commitment to funding infrastructure through alternative means, signaling a shift towards more conventional methods of revenue generation. 

Critics may view this as a backtrack, undermining the credibility of the government’s previous assurances and raising concerns about the long-term sustainability of KIIFB’s model. The reliance on increased taxes and tolls may also trigger public backlash, especially as it conflicts with the original vision of the fund as a burden-free development initiative.

-K A Solaman

Men's Commission

#Men's Commission

The idea of a Men's Commission, as proposed, seems unnecessary and redundant in the current social landscape. Unlike women, who have historically faced systemic oppression and discrimination, men do not face the same widespread institutional challenges that would warrant a dedicated commission. 

Resources and energy should be focused on addressing issues like gender inequality, violence against women, and the systemic discrimination faced by marginalized groups. A Men's Commission risks becoming a symbolic gesture rather than a meaningful tool for justice, diverting attention from more pressing social issues and potentially reinforcing regressive narratives about gender. 

It could easily turn into a bureaucratic structure without yielding significant benefits, thereby acting as a waste of public funds.

-K A Solaman