Non-sense behind academic excellence

One wonders why the LDF government so decided to hold further talks regarding the hike of retirement age of college teachers when thousands of qualified youngsters are waiting for job outside. Are the teachers, the second class Master’s degree holders of the colleges who entered into service by tonguing the feet of some unscrupulous College managers, are going to make academic excellence of Private Colleges in Kerala? There is no need to open talks again to hold these guys in colleges. Give their pension dues soon and throw them out of the colleges. If the present government is unable to find money for the same then exit from State Governance and hand over the power to persons who able to pay back the benefits of retiring teachers.

The CPI, the RSP and their youth wings should be congratulated for their bold steps in this regard; nevertheless, the senior leaders of both parties have the dubious history backtracking from the original stance in many issues. The unemployed youngsters still keep firm faith in the walk and talk of the youth wings.

Mr. Baby, the Education minister, seeks the LDF committee approval for enhancing the retirement age of college teachers to 58 years and that of university teachers to 62 years. How he could argue like this when the UGC proposal is for 65 years? He may then say about a particular situation prevailing in the State. This situation had been there in 1995 too and that was why the retirement age was fixed 55 then. The same unemployment situation has much augmented now and hence the argument for 58 years of age is unwarranted and baseless. The fear of losing Rs 2000 core UGC assistance for not taking decision before March 31 is not a matter of concern of unemployed youths when they are in complete desolation.

It is wonderful to see why Kerala alone must go in for hike in the retirement age of college teachers when States such as Tamil Nadu had implemented the UGC scheme without doing so. Are there no college teachers in TN who are able to make academic excellence like their counterparts in Kerala? One hopes that the panel discussing the matter should never take a decision curtailing the aspirations of qualified youngsters.

K A Solaman

Don’t go the Kerala way

The Council for Board of Secondary Education’s decision to have a core curriculum in science and mathematics for classes XI-XII across all boards in the country from 2011 and to introduce a single national-level entrance examination for students from all streams for entry into higher education from 2013 will ensure a level playing field for students to compete and save them the trouble of giving multiple entrance tests.

Union Human Resource Development Minster Kapil Sibal’s restructuring of entrance examinations is a good beginning but I do not endorse his diluting of the education process by abandoning the examination system at class X level. A little dose of occasional stress is very necessary for every individual to excel in life.

Mr Sibal has taken a bold step but it should not be a meagre replication of the Kerala education model which has abjectly failed.

KA Solaman,Alappuzha
The Pioneer, New Delhi, dated 19 Feb 2010

Single entrance test is a good beginning

Multiplicity of entrance tests is a heavy load to students and their parents. The testing agencies levy a huge sum from them by way of conducting different tests at various centres in India. . Union HRD Minster Kapil Sibal’s restructuring of entrance examination is a good beginning but I could not endorse his diluting of education process by abandoning examination system. Class X and class XII examinations are must for students to take their study seriously. A small dose of occasional stress is very necessary for every individual to excel in life. What is the fun in promoting all the students to class XII and put them in utter despair by not allowing them to qualify in the entrance test for Engineering or medical degree?

The proposal to make uniform science and mathematics curriculum is not a new one as in CBSE and in many of the State Curriculum NCERT pattern is accepted. Truly speaking ISC texts and course materials are seen more good than NCERT study materials. Though the NCERT claim that their study materials are of the same standard as that followed in institutions in western countries, I would say these materials rather make revulsion in most of the Indian students. If the decision is for a core curriculum, then it should be suited to the Indian students and not for westerners.

While welcoming the new single entrance test ensuring admission to all engineering and medical courses, what I have to suggest is the need for single admission test for all jobs of the same category. For instance, in all management schools and colleges in the country the job admission test or interview is done erratically causing financial loss and stress to candidates. For instance, consider the case of candidate with Net and PhD seeking a job opportunity in private or government colleges in Kerala. Application fee is alone around Rs500 and a candidate has to pay Rs 100000 to attend the interviews alone in 200 odd colleges in addition to travel and stay expense. Is there any possible solution for this never-ending misery? A common entrance test for job aspirants is also a must in this circumstance.

Serious effort to improve the study atmosphere in schools and colleges is also very significant. The laboratory works should be given due recognition and the valuation should be done seriously. The Kerala model of 100 percent marks for non-sense writing in the examination should be stopped. When a study material is given and asked to study question should be within that study material. No examination should be conducted to exhibit the ‘vast’ knowledge of the question setter. The reasoning and other abilities will be gained by students in their future life. Moreover, in the proposed syllabus science symbols and terms should be given in English itself. The students should not be strained to study all the translations of science subject in their later classes.
Really, what Mr Kapil Sibal has taken is a bold decision but it should not be a meager replication of the Kerala crafted education model.

K A Solaman

Taste for trouble-the Telegrph

Jairam Ramesh’s decision to stall the commercial release of Bt brinjal is prudent. But when researchers endorse the use of this crop, the minister will be left with no option but to allow its cultivation. The present reaction is possibly a stopgap arrangement before anything certain can be said. If the damage done to consumers by Bt brinjal is the main reason for the agitation against it, then it is better to start campaigning against all the food items since most of them are adulterated.

Yours faithfully,
K.A. Solaman, Alappuzha, Kerala
The Telegraph, Calcutta dated 17 Feb 2010

Shiv Sena’s failure-the Tribune

The public response to Shah Rukh Khan’s film My Name Is Khan has proved categorically that Thackerays are worn-out tigers. With the newly released Khan film Mumbaikars thumbed their nose at the Shiv Sena’s ominous threats. They queued up in thousands to watch the movie. The Shiv Sena must learn its lessons from its successive failures.

K A SOLAMAN, Alappuzha

The Tribune, Chandigarh Dated 18 Feb2010

Don’t ignore unemployed youths

The proposal by Kerala State Government to hike retirement age of government employees by one year is appalling, particularly because of thousands of young educated youths are searching desperately for job. The much advertised, government sponsored lottery vending job is not an alternative for of the mounting need for job among youths. The media should identify don’t -care attitude of the State Government towards jobless thousands in the state. The ruling political parties are only concerned with withholding the pension benefits of the staff for one year and they turned a deaf year to the rising demand from unemployed youths.

As the future of the State mainly depends on the hands of youths it is unfortunate that the government conveniently ignore the grim situation of joblessness. I request the government to give their dues to youngsters and save them from utter despair. Regarding retirement age the government should seek a humanitarian approach by not rising the retirement age.

K A Solaman

Newspaper technology for road repair

It is one’s hard luck to run a vehicle on all the roads including highways in Kerala. The State is spending a huge sum for road repair work and only 40 percent of the amount so spent reflect in the work. Rest of the sum goes directly to the pockets of persons ranging from minister to his office peon.

Recently in Kerala a newspaper technology has been developed in road repair work. What the repairers do is; fill the potholes with metals or sands and then cover them with newspapers smeared in coal tar. This repair work hardly last for one week and the team is ready for another repair work at the same spot with a fresh bundle of old news papers. The road repair has thus become a never ending process with no minimum guarantee, siphoning a huge chunk of money from State exchequer. The Government then announces that the all the repair work has been carried out and a new cess will be imposed for road safety. The people are then get satisfied, nevertheless, the fear of the drivers persist because of the ever miserable condition of the road.

So in this context I want to know whether this newspaper technology of road repair is an approved one. Have we applied for patent? Is there any prospect for countries like US and Japan to copy down from our latest technology of road repair?

K A Solaman

Sena’s pompous threat.

SRK’s MNIK has proved categorically that Thackerays are worn-out tigers incapable of initiating any further terror act in Mumabai. With the newly released Khan film Mumbaikars thumbed their nose at the Shiv Sena’s portentous threats. They impulsively queued up in thousands to watch ‘My Name is Khan’. The Sena Supremo is not able obstruct the light from all cinema projectors of Mumbai theatres with his lean, bare and twisted hands.
The successive failures of Siv Sena, first before Rahul Gandhi and the next with Shah Rukh Khan are good lessons for them to learn and could hope every failure is a path to success. However, this success should depend on the way they approach the people.

K A Solaman

Bt brinjal will return

Minister Jairam Ramesh’s choice not to allow bt brinjal is a good gesture for the time being, however, when researchers endorse the use the bt brinjal, the minister would be left with no option other than to allow it. So the present decision is possibly a stop gap arrangement.

In Mararikulam constituency, the Finance minister of Kerala with the people of his party there carried out campaign against bt brihjal by spending rupees in tune with 10 lakh from state exchequer but the net result of the campaign is seemingly little. In future it will be difficult for one to differentiate between bt brinjal and ordinary brinjal as there is every chance for mixing up of both as it had happened to certain fish variety in Kuttanadu water bodies and in that case all the campaign done against bt brinjal would become futile. It is quite difficult for the state to keep vigil on the spread of bt brinjal.

If damages done by bt brinjal to consumer health is the main reason for agitation against it, then it is better to start campaigning against all the food items as most of them are adulterated. Can anyone say the vegetable and fruit now used all over India are unadulterated and harmless?

K A Solaman

Christian Brothers

Yet to be released cinema “Christian Brothers" has become a big hit by the allegation levelled by the thespian Thilakan against the makers of the film in general and the Superstars of the Malayalam film industry in particular. Thilakan is seen furious with the two film organizations and a superstar for denying him an opportunity to act in the film. His allegation that the film industry is under the control of a few, seems significant when the super stars conspicuously abscond from comments. ‘Let the dogs bark, foxes yowl, we belong to other planet’ is the attitude of super stars.

Whatever is the fight between Thilakan and his adversaries we film viewers are mainly interested in the excellence of the film. There should be no compromise in the film regarding quality and what we actually need is to see is; sixty plus superstars still cornering around cute teen girls through out the film singing and dancing. This repulsive feature is now an addiction for us and hence this request is placed before the producer of the film.

And regarding the name’ Christian Brothers’ I remember my experience about a liquor brand manufactured by a leading manufacturer in the country. They named their product as ‘Christain Brothers’ and when it was launched in the market there was an uproar from a few faithful and clergies against the misuse of the term ‘Christain”. I too shared my apprehension with my friend in the Federal bank, who is a manager now and he then enlightened me with a practical know-how. He said: “I tasted the stuff and was seen well. The clergies would soon recognize this and their agitation would subside afterward”. And that had come true later. If the film “Christian Brothers” is good, the quarrel between Thilakan and Mammootty would make no impact in Malayalam film industry.

The “Amma” should never consider to cut the Rs 2500 pension to Thilakan whatever be his approach in the present cinema row.

K A Solaman

Dirty NH 47 of Kerala

I live in Kerala for the last several years and have a close watch on the NH 47.
This high way and its sides have changed a lot and it is now a place for commuters and vendors and not for vehicles. This is especially evident when we have a look at the innumerable fish vendors one either side of this highway. The vendors cut fish, meat and sell them to commuters and thus road sides have become very busy. The waste material is put on road side itself and stray dogs gathering there make the situation worse. In every day a dog is killed at one selling spot on an average and the upheaval created is beyond any reckon. Vehicle drivers often meet with accident because of the hit and miss running of the stray dogs. These are all happening because of the State’s neglect of protecting market places for selling fish, vegetables and essential commodities. The NH 47 sides are very busy with sellers and buyers and the whole area smell of decayed fish and meat waste..

A huge amount of digging work for Japan water supply scheme and optical fibre cables carried out at highway side made the road more dangerous. The owners of crans and JCB make a good profit by undertaking the work of lifting heavy vehicles trapped in huge potholes created by water pipe workers. When one drives on this busy highway of potholes, he could see the filth in the sides, scattered garbage, open drains, muddled traffic, dirty vendor spots and Beverages corporation outlets with queues extending to several metres into the road. I could not understand why the indifference from the Panchayat/ Municipality/City Corporation in providing basic facilities in what should be the most significant part State’s development.


By and large, I think the Local Self Government of Kerala is interested only in impractical matters like plastic ban, mosquito census and other silly matters and they are unable to see the terrible state of uncleanness of State Highways. . They are obviously incapable of comprehending the vision of our forefathers who kept the street clean by marking separate spots of selling, buying, playing and other activities. And for them highways are meant not for dwelling but for vehicle traffic only.

K A Solaman

Thackeray’s hate talk needs to be stopped

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Feb.04 : Sir, Hitting out at Rahul Gandhi for his statements on the role of north Indians in protecting Mumbai during the 26/11 terror attacks, Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray spewed venom. Mr Thackeray said that “frustration sets in when a person doesn’t get married despite advancing age” and that Mr Gandhi “is a victim of this disease”. It seems that criticising is Mr Thackeray’s favourite pastime. He attacked Sachin Tendulkar, Shah Rukh Khan, Aamir Khan and now Rahul Gandhi. Shiv Sena mouthpiece Saamna has turned into a medium for mudslinging. When Mr Gandhi says, “every part of India belongs to every Indian and all Indians have every right to go and work anywhere in the country”, people will listen to him rather than to Mr Thackeray. It is time to impose restrictions on Saamna and contain Mr Thackeray’s hate speeches.
K.A. Solaman
Via email, The Asian Age,Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, London
Dated 3 Feb 2010

Australians can thus be taught.

It is interesting to read that the HLL Lifecare, India, will soon begin exporting its Moods brand of condoms to Australia. Since Indians are at the receiving end at Australia, of late, it is a wise decision by an Indian company to check the act of indiscretion on the back of Indian students by the bubbly Australians. More and more companies should come forward to teach the Australians a lesson as liaison work at Secretarial level between the two countries had not yielded any fruitful result yet. The Australians attracted by the prestigious product of the Indian company get little time to manhandle the Indian students there.

K A Solaman

Mumbai for all-The Hindu

Does old age take a man to hate speech as one finds in the case of Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray? Of late, Mr. Thackeray attacks everyone as his daily Samna has turned into a medium for mudslinging. It is time to impose some check on such hate speech.

K.A. Solaman, Alappuzha
The Hindu dated 4 Jan 2010

College teachers want to retire never?

Though Kerala Finance Minister Dr T M Thomas Isaac is known as an economist he is not a good Finance Minister. All the ‘innovative’ schemes worked out by him during last three years turned into utter slumps. For instance, look at the VAT lottery invented by him. A gold merchant asked me ‘what is it’ when I demanded the same after purchasing eight gram of gold.? Except the initial takers of VAT lottery none is bothered about it now. . The VAT lottery met with a natural death. His modernizing of check posts did not yield any good result instead the price of many essential commodities sky rocketed in the state due the deadlock in check posts. His plan for selling river sand from some places did not materialize despite huge loss as initial investment. His unification of retirement age has brought utter confusion among state employees and many employees are in a desperate bid to retrieve their lost benefit and promotion. His plan to invite educated youths sell Kerala daily lotteries is a damp squib as it as an unproductive and unscientific scheme invented to hoodwink them and against the true spirit of the State. How could a reasonable person equate educated youths to those helpless ones who are in frantic submission to meet the both ends by selling lottery? Remember, lottery ticket is purchased often not because of urgency but of mercy to the seller. An educated youth does not demand such a pity.

The most excruciating is his anxious proposition to get Rs 2000 Crore of central fund for implementing the UGC package for college teachers in Kerala. He confuses people with argument that this money would be lost if it is not being implemented before 31st March. This is quite absurd as there is no such stipulation in UGC package and it has been proved by the TN Government. Mr Isaac pretends to be unaware of the fact that thousands of unemployed youths with qualification like NET and Ph D are wandering in and around the State in search of a job. They have decided to hold a sit-in strike in front of the State Secretariat. The report of Malayalee youths committed suicide in Hyderabad and elsewhere are not a matter of deliberation for Isaac and coterie. Instead they resort to ulterior means beat those sensible people who agitate for the cause of unemployed youths.
The deportment by the Youth Congress and AIYF against the obstinate attitude of Isaac and his well wishers is praiseworthy as they realized the unemployment situation in the State and at the same the posture of DYFI towards educated youths comes out quite dubious.

The remark of Youth Congress President that a few Marxist leaders have to protect some of their relatives who retires on 31st March, 2010 seems significant. UGC says it is at 65 for college teachers to retire then how could the Finance minister say to about 60? If he identifies any special circumstance that exists in the state then why he opts 60? The particular situation prevailing in the state urgently needs to implement the UGC package without extending the pension age from 55. If so it is highly helpful not only to the family of the retiree but also to the family of a new recruit of better knowledge and better qualification. The financial package to a pensioner is no too bad under UGC scheme. Then why the College teachers refuse to retire at 55?

K A Solaman

Thackeray’s hate speech.

Old age takes man to hate speech. And that is what one could find with Shiv Sena chief Bal Thackeray. Really it is a nasty personal attack on Rahul Gandhi when Thackeray said “Despite advancing age, if a person does not get married, he becomes frustrated, even Rahul seems to be a victim of this disease and makes stupid remarks.”

Of late, Thackeray attacks every one whether it is Sachin, Sharukh or Amir Khan. His daily ‘Samna’ has turned into a medium for mudslinging. When Thackeray speaks wide mouth about Maharashtrians’ contribution to rest of the country, one is tempted to ask why the ‘Red light street in Mumbai? Whose contribution is it?

When Rahul says, 'every part of India belongs to every Indian and all Indians have every right to go and work anywhere in the country,' people would listen him rather than to hear the cooked up story of any old fox. It is time to impose some restriction on Samna to contain Thackeray hate speech.

K A Solaman

Lesser people of Haiti!

Thousands of people were killed in Haiti by the ‘catastrophe of major proportions'. The earthquake was of 7.3magnitude in Rictor scale. Now there is no electricity, no water and nothing. Only a very few have survived the calamity. Nevertheless, the Indian visual media did not give much importance to Haiti tragedy. They continued cheering people by screening their usual soap opera when Haiti was in utter dismay. If the calamity of such a monstrous proportion was in any of the developed countries this would not be the attitude of the media. For them the people of any impoverished country are lesser men.

Haiti is the poorest country with eighty per cent of its population living below the poverty line. Media documented it by their shunning approach.

K A Solaman

Awful practice in Indian Stock Market

Awful practice in Indian Stock Market

Sir,

United States President Obama’ words about the fiscal condition of his country have triggered a huge slide down in entire stick market of the world. In India too, it is the consecutive sixth day fall in Sensex on Wednesday with about 500 points down. Unlike the previous Finance Minister Chidambaram, the present Minister Pranab Mukherji did not come with a clarification in this direction. All investors wooed by the previous gestures of the India Ministers burned their fingers in the last six days.

Other than the hollow words from the Ministers the investors get nothing from stock market as the instability is beyond any prediction. The tax benefits or interest hike and concessions to education and health sectors are inadequate to encourage the stock market. And that is why the PM or FM are not coming with any promise during bloodbath in stock market.

Setbacks in the market will be high if the authorities keep don’t care approach to the awful practice of the Indian stock market.

K A Solaman

Togadia spits venom

Hate speech is the born habit of VHP international secretary general Pravin Kumar Togadia. And that is why the Kerala State Government has once forbidden him from entering into the State. This time, however, he experienced no resistance from the State Government and so he entered into the State and said in Kozhikode that that Kerala has become Jihadis’ land. He also said that the State had transformed into a breeding ground for terror modules in the region. For him Kerala is the Kashmir of South India. This is rather a non-sense comment of a non-sense leader
It is true that CPI(M)-led Left Democratic Front (LDF) had some alliance with communal outfits in the near past but it does not amount to the extent of any alliance with jihadi’s group. His remark, that main backwardness of the country was due to population growth as people of a particular community were able to have multiple wives and many children, is out of the ordinary and intended to abuse the Muslims
It is better for the State Government to keep a further surveillance when Togadia visits the State for the next time.

K A Solaman

Recurring custodial deaths in Kerala

The recurring reports of custodial deaths in Kerala police stations are highly disturbing. Latest in this respect is the death of K. Nasar of Muzhappilangad. The police version that he was found hanging from the grille of the station bathroom is not easily digestable. Nasar was taken into custody on Sunday in connection with a cheque case.

A person examining the history custodial deaths in Kerala would see that reports of such deaths gather no significance of late. Workers of Human Rights have experienced a tough time in Kerala to frame complaints against the police criminals. The Home Department is seen least interested in putting an end to this ever increasing danger. Political bosses are least interested in custodial killing. I don’t know how long could the people in Kerala tolerate this indifference of the State Home Department?. The police unkindness and political insensitivity together have worsened the situation of custodial deaths.

It is time for those honest human rights activists to start a direct fight against frequent human rights violation in the state

K A Solaman

Mani’s desperate move

It is quite unbecoming of a district secretary of the party to ridicule its Chief Minister for his speech against Munnar encroachment. Mani, the district secretary of the CPM has stooped himself by ridiculing the Chief Minister, without referring his name, saying the New Munnar concept was nothing but eye-wash. In fact Mani’s move is a factual attempt to save big land-grabbers including his brother. Mani’s say that he and his group would break the knees of anyone attempting to retrieve land in Munnar, even if it is the Chief Minister, is a direct insult to the High Court. What Achthanandan said in Punnapra is his determination to put into practice the court orders.

Further, Mani has no right to criticise Niveditha P Haran for doing her duty and to drag in the name of Suresh Kumar IPS, now not in picture, who had done yeoman’s service service for the State of Kerala.

K A Solaman

Parting shot- The telegraph

The government’s decision to withdraw the deemed university status of 44 institutions across the country should be welcomed. These institutions are meant for the rich, where students from poor families have no place. Syllabi are prepared and examinations conducted independently by these colleges. There are several other such institutes whose performance should also be evaluated and if found wanting, their autonomy should be withdrawn.


K.A. Solaman,
The Telgraph, Calcutta dated 23 Jan 2010

Doctors’ protest against BRMS is unwarranted

A sudden love by doctors towards rural folks emerged as the Union Government made an attempt to start Bachelor of Rural Medicine and Surgery (BRMS) course to resolve the problem of health care in rural areas. Doctors belonging to IMA and KGMCTA say that the move for short-duration medical course would lead to a situation where the rural folks would be getting only low quality medical treatment. On hearing this one may feel to think that now the rural folks are getting better treatment from them. In fact not even a single doctor in Kerala finds pleasure in treating the rural and the poor people. They often try to get transfer to Trivandrum or Kozhikkode medical colleges where income is much higher than Alappuzha and other places.

The doctors’ argument that the move would create two kinds of healthcare systems is unfounded. It is good for people to get even a second rate treatment than denying them any treatment.

Actual reason for the fright of agitating doctors is that they would lose a little of their income if rural people get treatment at their own place. Moreover doctors’ brute force to paralyze the entire medical system will slightly be lessened. Government decision to come out with BRMS course is, therefore, a welcome move and all sensible persons, especially the villagers, should welcome it whole-heartedly.

K A Solaman

Kerala to debt trap?

By unification of the retirement time and the subsequent raising of retirement age the State of Kerala is going to a debt trap. The money temporarily acquired by withholding the payout of retiring staff, was spent for other use. Now there is no money with the government to meet the pay out of retiring college teachers and the Government employees this year. And hence the Finance Minister contemplates to enhance the retirement age for further five to ten years. What will he do then after? Obviously it is not his head-ache to meet the requirement after five years.
The inability to understand this imbroglio by the staff about to retire this year is questioning. Why can’t they identify the fact that they will get no money from this debt trapped State when they retire after five years? Are they prepared to commit suicide when their benefits are out rightly denied at retirement? This dismal scenario prevails in the whole State. Sincere efforts needed to avert this dismal future situation.
More curious is the stance by youth and student organizations. Except the AIYF no youth outfit is seen acquainted with miserable future of unemployed educated youths. Do the party outfits need youths only for street fighting on stupid matters? Educated youths are unorganized and appear gloomy. Their words not attended by the rulers. Who is responsible for this depressing situation? Yes, the present government is to be blamed. The need of the hour is to take appropriate remedial measures to secure jobs for the youths. Don’t allow the State to run to debt trap and to total despair by the thoughtless action of some of the ministers and a few sneaky bureaucrats.

K A Solaman

Thomas and Thomas inc.

One Thomas is an ardent believer while the other Thomas is an agnostic, nevertheless both are Christians. The first one kisses the hands of any Bishop on his way but the other scratches his designer beard at the sight of a holy man. The believer Thomas is a Minster in the Central Cabinet dealing with people’s food and has particular interest in the eating habit of Keralites, the people of his own State. The other Thomas, though dealing the State Finance, is very much interested in all affairs and wields an upper hand in the Cabinet. The two Thomas’, of late, entered in a war of words on the food grain supply to Kerala.

The people of Kerala were seen overjoyed by seeing the histrionic talents of both accusing each other on TV screens. People doubted a direct onslaught if they meet in person. Nevertheless, it was a surprise for people to see them at a programme at Thanneermukkom when the doubting Thomas presented a bottle of Mararikulam pickles to believer Thomas. And then it was the turn of believer Thomas to invite his partner for a body massage to his own village Kumbalangi, but this news was not seen sensed by the media men. It was the body massage scene of Thomas aired on TV during election times brought him a huge margin over beautiful Sindu Joy.

When one Thomas kicks up a controversy other Thomas will refute it and that is politics. They are out and out friends all the time and if any follower annoyed over the war between leaders, kills his opponent in a barber shop that is his folly, an act of sheer ignorance!

K A Solaman

Firm Faith (in Telegraph, Calcutta)

The Communist Party of India (Marxist) seems to have no space for those who believe in god. Innocent believers who happen to have strayed into the party have been surprised by this ideology. K.S. Manoj belongs to this category. Manoj has now given up his party membership, and thereby escaped this dogma. In recent times, Marxist leaders have been silent on whether the cadre should essentially consist of non-believers. This is perhaps because they know that if the party were to strictly adhere to its agnostic stance, it would have no sympathizers left.

The church does not ask its followers not to work with a particular political party. So, why should a political outfit specify whether its members are to believe in the church or not?



K.A. Solaman, The Telegraph, Calcutta Dated 16 Jan 2010

Allow Kerala doctors to retire at 55

In a nasty craft the LDF Cabinet in Kerala resolved to make the retirement age of doctors at the government medical colleges in the state 60 instead of the present 55. The cash crusty Finance Department has thus saved a good sum for next five years by withholding the retirement pay out to doctors. The next shot will be in the case of teachers in Government and Affiliated colleges and there too the Government can withhold a good sum for next five years. And after that hike of age will be extended to Government employees and aided school teachers. The sum so saved could be profitably used for ‘so called’ development work for deceiving the public. And after five years it is not the business of present minister to look into affair of State Finance. Let the State go to the dogs then.

I wonder why Chief Minister VS Achuthanandan is allowing this professor doctor Finance Minister to spoil the State Finance in this way. Why he is not thinking about the sad plight unemployed educated youths searching for job? Is there no passed out doctors in the State suited for fresh recruitment?

The report that a large section of the doctors were favoring early retirement is cooked up one as it is intended to pressurise the Government. If they have better opening in private hospitals they may be allowed to choose it. Voluntary retirement should be allowed to practicing doctors. Most of the doctors now in government hospitals enjoy private practice as a part time job. What is the harm then in allowing them to do that job as full time after 55?

K A Solaman

Miserable landline phone service of BSNL

I would like to draw your attention towards the non-serving BSNL authorities of Alappuzha. They are least bothered about rectifying fault of their gadget-the phone(04782863483) at my residence despite my repeated reminders. My complaint to the Consumer Forum, Alappuzha has been rejected as BSNL has special orders from Supreme Court that case against them is not maintainable in CDRFs.

If BSNL can’t work satisfactorily, why they cheat people by collecting advance money? They should show the guts to say that their Land line service is loss making and hence on the way abandoning it.

K A Solaman

Tharoor’s comments

Minister of state for foreign affairs, Shashi Tharoor's remarks on diverse topics often attract criticism. Latest in this direction is one on Jawaharlal Nehru's foreign policy and for someone it is highly intolerable. Poor perception of the persons who hear him or high intellect of the minister who often tweets may be the reason for this undesirable situation. The Congress party has seemingly opened a media room for decrypting Tharoor. This is obviously an embarrassing stipulation for Manmohan Singh and the Congress party.

An amicable solution to put an end to this thwarting situation is: Manmohan Singh should remove Tharoor from the Cabinet and he may be allowed to tweet profusely. Or Tharoor himself so decide to comment on Sonia Gandhi about her connection with Ottavio Quattrocchi. And therein after, necessarily no need for Tharoor to check his lexis.

K A Solaman

Let there be more democracy and more light in the CPM.

The CPM in Kerala and elsewhere in India have drawn a greater circle where the faithful have no entry. And innocentbeleivers by mistake or chance entered into this circle have gasped a lot. Dr K S Manoj is one in that category; nevertheless he escaped out of the circle. He will paste his surname ‘kurisinkal’ along with his name soon. The name ‘kurisinkal’ was for some time in cold storage because higher ups in Marxist party are explicitly against such symbols even though some of them visit Kadampuzha for flower offering tributes. Still hypocritically there are a few in the party with belief in both God and Marx.

The silence of CPM leaders on whether its cadres essentially have to be non-believers is conspicuous. If they are strict in implementing disbelief in God they would have no followers from Muslims and Christians. Many Hindus now working in Marxist party conduct Sapthaham and Navaham and if the party is adamant in the agnostic stance it will lose some them too. There will be only little buyers for the document inscribing “members and elected representatives of the party shall neither organise religious functions nor observe religious rituals”.

It is quite awful in Kerala that the Church and the CPM come face to face on many occasions. When the CPM is inside the circle drawn the Church is outside it and occupies a wider area. The Church never asks its faithful to work or not work with a particular political party. Then why the party puts stipulations on believers of Church? Since this question is very relevant in the present context the party should stop playing hide and seek on the issue of religion and clarify whether members can go to Church or organize Sapthaham or Punyaham.
Let there be democracy and more light in the CPM.

K A Solaman

Blue-eyed boy is out from CPM

The blue-eyed boy of Latin Catholic Community is out from the party. The former Lok Sabha member from Alappuzha Dr K.S. Manoj has quit the CPM following a clash of political ideology and religious belief. Dr Manoj could take a sigh of relief and regain his original name Manoj Kurisinkal. The clergies too in and around Alappuzha can hereinafter talk with Manoj without doubtfulness.

Nevertheless, the assertion of Dr Manoj that he was forced to take the decision to leave the party because his religious belief stood above party ideology is unwarranted as it has lesser buyers. The present decision would not have been taken if K C Venugopal was the loser in the election.

One feels that Dr Manoj is a good man and his service as a practicing medical doctor is more valuable than an MP. In India many criminals perform the duties of MP but no criminal as a good doctor. Presumably the Marxist party will come soon with a further correction that party members could pursue their religious beliefs.

K A Solaman

Political mistakes

Though the people of Jharkhand have endorsed Shibu Soren for one more term, his adversaries are in no mood to accept him. The BJP's support for Soren is terrible to many. Value-based politics is a distant reverie. Only when there is strict implementation of rules will corruption by politicians be avoided. Political leaders misusing the system is common in all states. Soren's case is not an isolated one. In that regard, the BJP has not made a mistake as big as the Congress might think. Nevertheless, one hopes that the BJP coalition will restrain Soren from corrupt practices.

K.A. Solaman

Via email
The Asian Age Daily, Delhi, London dated Dated 7 Jan 2010

LDF Govt’s Islamic bank

The Kerala High Court daunting a stay on the measures for the establishment of country’s first Islamic bank for attracting investments needed for the development works from Gulf-based NRIs is a remarkable action to be much valued. The former Union law minister Subramanian Swamy desertves a clap for his action. No doubt the interest-free system of the planned Islamic bank is at odds to the banking laws of the country and out rightly against the secularist fabric of the nation.

The trick in the proposed plan could be understood on checking the share of State-owned Kerala State Industrial Development Corporation (KSIDC), which is only 11 percent. The remaining 89 percent is owned by private investors presumably the binamis of the politicians and communal outfits. If allowed to function, the Islamic bank will run as a parallel economic system damaging the financial prospects of the state. The Islamic bank would make the present banking system of the country precarious.

At present in Kerala a parallel economy runs by way of havala money and backings to terrorists. The recent boom in realty is the result of this huge unaccounted money. As the dubious hands in these fake money deals are at present under scanner, the idea of Thomas Isaac and Elamaram Kareem to start Islamic bank is a premeditated way to legitimize the black money. CPM led Government favoring the idea of starting an Islamic bank is resulted from the greed for money by the neo-liberalistic politicians of the party. The installation of the Islamic bank is a blatant corruption in the State to torpedo the economic sustainability of the State.

The People of Kerala must implore our government, and if necessary protest in the streets, until those do not respect our constitution are removed from public office. The people of Kerala are to be on the hook to do whatever is needed to ensure that our elected ministers to perform their jobs with honesty, and accountability. It is very imperative to support the endeavor of Subramanian Swamy.

K A Solaman

Deal the bus operators strike with an iron hand.

The so-called promise to bus owners association by the government to hike ticket charge is a ploy and is intended to dupe the people. Seemingly the present strike by the bus operators is a calculated one, which has been resulted from the mutual understanding between the minister and the union. Upset the people first and then make advantage out of it- is the attitude of the bus owners union and the Government.

The bus owners union has recognized that Mr Thettayil is a new recruit in the Cabinet and he could be brought under their dictate by a strike. And it is wrong notion of the bus owners. The strike of unions of the KSRTC along with private bus owners is an act of coarseness and they are in fact cutting the branch they sit. The people of the state should decide to boycott these mucky bus owners when return after strike.

The student concession is an age old decision and that cannot be averted by the threat of bus operators. However, use of speed governor and intimidation by police can be checked. Never allow tariff hike as it would further rise the price of essential commodities. Deal the bus operators strike with an iron hand.

K A Solaman

Sheer vote bank politics.

As the Kerala State Assembly election is about to get nearer the communal outfits have started their foul play. The latest in this direction is all Kerala Nairs wagering their claim for reservation for the economically backward sections in the community. The band of Congress leaders cornering all Panickers, Nairs, Pillais and Kurups and the CPM leader Paloli who keeps scant regard to his Chief Minster VS instantly supporting Nairs saying that the LDF Government would seriously discuss the matter, are indications of sheer vote-bank politics.

The NSS’s opinion that the Nair community had been facing neglect in the fields of employment and education for the past sixty years is an outright attempt to hide the facts. Have they got the details of the employees working in AIR, FACT, VSSC and similar establishments? The Christians, Muslims and the Ezhava are scant in these institutions. Would they appoint anyone out side Nair community in their Arts and Science colleges after collecting a huge sum as application money from all?

It is a pity that the political parties whether LDF or UDF which speak volumes about secularism, run after communal outfits for sheer vote bank politics.

K A Solaman

What 2010 for Keralites.

What 2010 for Keralites.

My mind by its naughty ways has sensed just what 2010 has in store for the Keralaites. My findings are: All roads including the National Highways will be of potholes twenty percent higher than 2009 and there will be no periodic maintenance.
More areas of SEZ will be identified and people now staying there will be thrown away to street and their land will be confiscated at a throwaway price by the Government or its agencies. JCBs have a major role for the demolition of the household in SEZs

The Government sponsored Education up to plus 12 will be free for all but the takers will be 20 percent less as the quality of education will be too poor. The students will take their study as blearily pastime as the examinations will have no significance in the next year. More and more students will engage in extracurricular activities such as cow farming and brinjal cultivation and that too will be supervised by their teachers. Intake of letters and numerals by students will be less and teachers with doctoral and post doctoral degrees will engage in profit making businesses like wayside ‘thattukada’ where all sorts of ‘ada’(pudding) and ‘nadan oonu’( country meals) will be sold at a subsidized rate. The class room of these teachers can be advantageously used for cattle feeding.

All hospitals owned by the Government will be 20 percent privatized. Labor room work and pediatrics will cost more. More cases will be referred to Private Hospitals and doctors in Government Hospitals will get an opening to collect some commission for their periodic references. The aged ones will find comfort in old age homes.

Water and electricity supply will be in short supply and what the people will get profusely is the press releases of ministers in charge of these departments.
Lottery vending will be a major source of income for the Government and for majority of unemployed educated youths as the government has no plan to recruit people to the existing vacancies. The employees presently in service by hook or crook try to stick to their posts until the inevitable comes about.

More police men will be recruited and their main job is to escort the ministers and intimidate the common people. No criminal cases will be enquired by them as they are not interested in warranting the displeasure of their higher-ups.
State sponsored consumerism will be big event. More and more Grand Kerala Festival will be organized and the people will be cheated by offering 40, 60, 80etc kgs of gold. As there is no way to check the chunk of prize distributed there is no harm in declaring 10000kgs of gold as prize. The suicide rate will be alarming because of state sponsored consumerism.
The Beverages corporation outlets will witness long queues and the political leaders will so decide to hold their meeting in front of these outlets. The income from liquor trade will be 30-40 percent higher in 2010.

And more likely a more corrupt government will be in action in 2010.
A Happy 2010 for all Keralites!
K A Solaman

Solving Mullapperiyar issue

The Mullapperiyar dam has become a matter of life and death for TN and Kerala. The dam water is major source income from agriculture for TN and hence it is a matter of life for them. On the other hand the dilapidated dam is a matter of death for Kerala. If the dam collapses many families will be washed away from a few districts of Kerala. However, the two State leaders have not yet reached a consensus in making an amicable solution. Instead some of the leaders like Vaiko make unwarranted statements.

In this context I invite the attention of Union Home Minister Chidambaram in to this issue. He may invite leaders of TN and Kerala for discussions to solve the ongoing entanglement in the right direction. The TN Chief Minister Karunanidhi and his counterpart V S Achuthanandan of Kerala cannot shy away from their responsibility to restore peace in the two states. And in this context it is imperative that the two leaders or their agents should behave responsibly to defuse the situation. Indulging in hate speech by outfit leaders like Vaiko should be checked. As the life and sustainability of the people of TN and Kerala are interlinked careful approach is needed in dealing with problems related to the two sates.

The two states have indeed suffered some damage by this time on Mullapperiyar issue and sincerely speaking it is the sensible approach by the two leaders that blocked further unseemly incidents. This attitude they can extend a little further to resolve the Mullapperiyar imbroglio. The parleying skill of P Chidambaram could do a lot to bring harmonious settlement on the long pending issue between TN and Kerala.

K A Solaman

Nation in fragments-The Telegraph

The government at the Centre seem to be succumbing to political pressure to divide a state into two. This certainly does not augur well. The division of Andhra Pradesh would entail unnecessary expenditure from the state exchequer. The development of all parts of a state can be achieved if the rulers are committed to their duty. Underdevelopment cannot be considered a valid reason for creating a new state. If the Centre responds to the call for Telangana, then it may unleash demands for new states from all over the country. There is already a lot of dispute among different states on various matters. For instance, control of the Mullaperiyar dam is a bone of contention between Tamil Nadu and Kerala for many years. Such a tussle would not had arisen if the two were parts of a single state.

Local leaders usually come up with clever ploys to further their political interests. Leaders at the Centre, on the contrary, should act wisely.

K.A. Solaman, The Telegraph, Calcutta Dated 29 Dec 2009

More offices for NIA in Kerala

Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri’s antagonism against the National Investigation Agency for snooping terror cases is seen clicked. NIA has decided to open own offices in Kochi and Kozhikode and more offices will likely to be opened in the immediate future. The possible question then is: what is the need of Kerala police?

Yes, they have loads of job. At first they have to escort the very sociable ministers to all parts of the State. And they have a tough job in offending two wheel owners to collect revenue for the payout of monthly salary to the employed class as the money colleted from everyday public begging (lottery) is too inadequate to meet the requirement. In addition they have to do homework for cooking up murder cases and to capture sex rackets which are in abundance in the state.

On the other hand NIA will enquire sensational cases like bomb blast and other terrorist attacks where Kerala police is supposed to have little partaking.

K A Solaman

Do not fume at NIA.

In is incomprehensible for one regarding the fuming of Kodyeri, the Kerala Home Minister, against the Centre for the takeover of the probe into Kalamassery bus-burning by the National Investigation Agency. When the Kerala Police have dejectedly failed in similar investigations, the Centre’s decision should be taken as a boon so that further humiliation caused by the local investigation can be passed up. Kodiyeri’s allegation that NIA investigation is a violation by the Centre upon the powers of the State Government is unfounded. The Centre is rather helping the State Government for its investigation process. And if NIA decide to take over other terror cases in the State it should be also measured as a helping hand by the Centre.


In many cases the State has the dubious history of handing over serious cases to CBI when local police had failed and that too happened with the request of the State Government or order by the High Court. With NIA’s direct intervention such paraphernalia have been avoided and the State could take a sigh of relief if probe goes in the right direction. The State Government, therefore, should welcome the NIA rather than resisting the decision.

K A Solaman

Nero fiddles while Rome burns.

Nero fiddled while Rome burned. Nero's reputation is such that the people believe the worst of him, even when the evidence is inconclusive. And that story runs parallel with that of Andhra Governor N D Tiwari. When Andhra fumed on Telengana issue Tiwari fiddled on not one but three women in the nude. Is this old goose so sex parched? Yes, the veterans in the Congress party did not rule out it. If any doubt ask Mr K Karunakaran. Possibly Karunakaran, as he claims, preferred Narasimha Rao as Prime Minister because he was aware of the act sex monger Tiwari, who was also a contestant then. The self-esteem of the high constitutional office of Governor was disgraced by the act of Tiwari.
It is not the first time there were allegations against Tiwari in sex cases. He once remained missing for two days while was on his way from New Delhi to Uttarakand and he gave some strange stories for his disappearance. Even then people suspected that he had disappeared with a woman.
Now in India sex scandal is a part and parcel of most politicians of diverse parties. There should be some law making with in the frame work of our constitution to put an end of this disgraceful tradition. The eighty plus politicians should be administered with some medicine so that they should never look on the face of young women.

K A Solaman

No need to divide Home department

Home Minister Chidambaram strongly supporting a vertical division of the Home Ministry is unwarranted as it gives the intuition that his department is not able combat the present day challenges. Of late, it is the custom of delegating works to others and put the blame on them in failures. An able Home Department could easily look into the subject of internal security without causing unnecessary financial expenditure to state exchequer. If Chidambaram feels he is not able to co-ordinate the system by himself, then he mustresign from the post. There are able men in his party too to mange single handily and efficiently Home Department.

Even Marxist leaders in Kerala and elsewhere think the governace is good for them if state coffers are full and there are sufficient number of police men. Recruitment to police force has no ban when there were no recruitment in other departments. The profusion of police force is the mark of good rule according to them.

Mumabi terror attacks and related incidents are the outcome of the foolishness of the rulers and intelligence agencies. In Kerala too agents of ISC of Pakistan wander freely and they occasionally scold the government on a variety of counts. In courts too the Government prosecutors take a frosty stance and there by cold blooded killers get bail and come out from jails.

The NIA, NTRO, JIC, NCRB, NSG, NCTC and CBI are birds of same feather and outwardly meaningless if the employees of these agencies are uncommitted and the minister in charge of these wings incapable. If the Head master is strict teachers too. Otherwise there is no use of various departments and related bifurcations.

K A Solaman

White lies-Read the Telegraph

Magic cannot stand up to the scrutiny of reason. Thus, the ‘magical’ performance of Lalu Prasad as the railways minister and his claims of being a “management guru” have now been proven to be nothing but a sham by Mamata Banerjee. Her white paper has clearly proved that under Prasad, the railways had made an improbable claim. At the time Prasad was taking credit for a turnaround in the railways’ fortunes, he was criticized for his inaction in Bihar. Prasad actually did very little to uplift the state during the time he was in power. These criticisms would probably grow stronger, now that the “white paper” about his performance in the railways has been made public.

K.A. Solaman,
The Telegraph dated 24-12-09

Let him be the first to throw a stone…..

There are only saints and no sinners at Manjeri, Malappuram district to stone Rajmohan Unnithan, the general secretary of Congress in Kerala and senior AICC member. If the Judicial First Class Magistrate of Manjeri court was not active in discharging duties Unnithan might have been stoned down to death as there was none to utter the famous saying:"If any one of you is without sin, let him be the first to throw a stone at…. (NT John 8:7). One now fears to travel with his grown-up daughter if this is the condition elsewhere in this horror state.

All know that Unnithan is a firebrand leader and his outright remarks often irk his opponents. CPM State Secretary and the PDP Chairman are the latest targets of Unnithan for reasons known to all and hence Unnithan is the target of the duo . The Congress leaders too enjoy Unnithan’s channel discussions and rather envious to him for his lexis. And instead of enquiring the episode the State Congress is seen in a hurry for stringent action against Unnithan. The women leaders of the Congress and other parties started preaching sermons from the mountain against degradation of moral values. Outfits like DYFI which sees no lapse on the part of the government in denying jobs to educated youths were seen fast to depict Unnithan episode as a symbol of the moral erosion of the entire Congress party. Everything about ethical values is intact in ruling parties!

One hopes that with Unnithan’s manhandling by local people and subsequent tarnishing by his own men and the opponents, it would be all right in the state on matters relating flesh trade. The State of Kerala will hereafter witness only good governance by leaders of moral ideals!

K A Solaman

State sponsored consumerism

Good governace by a State mainly depends on its abilty to persuade people to limit their spending habit. Most of the debt traps and consequential suicides are the end result of spendingspree mind-set of the common man. Payments afar one’s income make the life misrerable and all sensible people know this but not the state government of Kerala. Moreover mounting consumerism has taken a heavy tax on the upbringingof the State.

All the ministers of Kerala, cine artists and writers are in queue to campaign for the Grand Kerala Shopping Festival. Forty kilograms of gold and fabulous gifts are reserved for the buyers! The newspapers and channels are thrilled by the profit they get from the advetisements of the festival. The feeling of consumerism created by festival sponsors persuades people to replace the available TV in good working condtion by a flat LCD one. Women are seen in a hurry to replace their old fasioned ornaments by new ones. Poor people are seen more discontented by watching the spending of elite class. The price of consumer products has increased at an incredible rate. The excessive consumerism has thus become detrimental and waste has been accumulted with loss of money. Use of more TV and other electronic goods leads waste of electrical power in addition.

The State Government is seemingly promoting consumer festivals instead of making people responsive about the demerits of excessive spendimg.

K A Solaman

Madhani to fast unto death

PDP chairman Abdul Nasser Madhani is a person doing five namaskar a day and I think he won’t get adequate time for an effective fast in front of Secretariat. Fasting is a brand Indian form of strike for which Madhani has all the right. However he has no right to call his adolescent children for the same. Killing children or forcefully making them fast until death is a crime for which the parents have no special defence.

K A Solaman

Lalu’s magic

Magic is something that stands against scientific reality. And this is applicable to former Railway Minister Lalu Prasad. The former Management Guru’s magical revelation about the financial status of Indian Railway and his classes in IIMs thus became a damp squib.

The present Railway Minister Mamta Banerjee put facts before the people. The white paper published on railways revealed that Lalu was wrong and his account of huge profit of the Railways during his tenure was only a cooked up mathematics. When Lalu was in the lime-light with his exaggerated profit of railways there were criticism about his inaction in Bihar. Lalu had done nothing for the uplift of Bihar during 15 years of his and his wife’s regime-it was criticized. And this criticism can be taken for granted with the latest white paper published by Indian Railways.

K A Solaman

History repeats.

After much ordeal Soofiya Madhani has been arrested by the Kerala Police. The three women in burqua escorted by the police in black Scorpio with tinted wind shields sent channel viewers to wild guess to identify whether the arrested one is Soofiya or not. Burqua is a good apparel for all women offenders to escape from the eyes of lens men!

And now it is the turn for Abdul Nasser Madhani to fight the case politically and legally. His predecessor is this respect is Pinarayi Vijayan. History repeats first as a tragedy and then as a comedy.

K A Solaman

Madani should not fume

"Every day we should hear at least one little song, read one good poem, see one exquisite picture, and, if possible, speak a few sensible words” Johann Wolfgang Von Goethe said.

PDP chairman Abdul Nasser Madani put out of his mind all these good things. He discarded with insensible words the compassion received for the inhuman torture he met with at Coimbatore jail. His fuming words against the law of the land pressed his takers to think in the reverse. He should control his words and deeds until the tumult subsides. Why should Madani and his wife fear if they are innocent?

K A Solaman

No need to divide Andhra

The Centre has succumbed to political pressure. There is no need to divide Andhra Pradesh as it would entail unnecessary expenditure. Already there is a great divide among different states on various matters. Local leaders “enact” clever dramas for narrow political gains. Mr Rao’s demand for Telangana and Ms Mayawati’s demand to trifurcate UP are only ploys for personal benefit.

K A SOLAMAN, Alappuzha
The Tribune, Chandigarh Dated 17 Dec 2009

Do not be misled

In the 70's the Catholic Church used to encourage Sunday weddings because Sunday is a holiday. No working hours are lost and more guests could participate in the ceremony. However, the church now stopped allowing that practice, may be because there are less priests around and it is unfair to ask one priest say four regular Sunday Masses and a wedding too. Moreover, children would miss their Sunday religious classes if they attend marriages.

Whatever it may be my suggestion is: marriages are like funerals and they point to beginnings of unique kinds of lives-one is in this mortal world and other is in the eternal world. Man has little control over them at least in the latter. So it would be rather better for clergies not to impose rules on man’s fate according to the convenience of them. Better service would attract more faithful. Remember there is Satan, I mean disbeliever, everywhere around the church to corrupt the innocent.
The Bible says, “Do not be misled: ‘Bad company corrupts good character’ (1 Corinthians 15:33).

K A solaman

No bifurcation please

The Central Government succumbing to political pressure to divide a state to two or three is not in the right direction. The need to divide Andhra into two is not at all essential as it would bring unnecessary expenditure from the State exchequer. The development of all parts of a state could be done by rulers if they are committed to do their duty. The lack of development could not be considered as a valid reason for dividing a state. If the Central Government favors creation of new states there would be obviously call from very small states like Kerala too where the erstwhile Travancore and Malabar claim different culture and class.

Already there is a great divide among different states on various matters. For instance I would wish draw one’s attention to the Mullapperiyar dam issue. Mullapperiyar is a bone of contention between the two states for many years. If TN and Kerala are parts of a single state no such quarrel would surface. Even Thackeray would not denounce Sachin if Maharashtra is non-existent.

Local leaders with patent yearning would work out clever dramas for their political accomplishment. Leaders of the Centre having vision should understand the slyness of these chaps and act wisely. Rao’s demand for Telangana or Mayawati’s demand to trifurcate UP is only ploys for personal benefit. The local leaders in Maharashtra, Uttar Pradesh, Bihar and elsewhere may disturb the public with bandh or hartal when their ploy is failed. The Central Government should then show the courage to send these local leaders to corners.

K A Solaman

Hyundai car-look before you leap

Do you want to buy a Hyundai car?

Dear friend,

Do you want to buy a Hyundai car? If yes, patiently spend one minute to read what I wrote here under;

With much belief I purchased a Santro LP car from M/s Hyundai dealer at Alappuzha, Kerala, M/s MGF Motors. And this belief I build up not through the channel ads of actor Sharukh Khan. I collected information from my friend who owned a Santro car and later he admitted that he was mistaken.

The date of purchase is 13-2-2002 with registration number KL 04K 3955. The car has run only about 36000km. Nevertheless, by this time I had to pay a good amount as service charge and cost of repair. The first noticeable payment was just after 4 years and that was for replacing the corroded silencer. The next one is the leakage of A/C and for which I have to pay Rs 7000 plus. Yet another major fault now noticed is the rusting of the base or support of the engine for which I have to pay Rs 9000 plus.

My question is: Why did M/s Hyundai make cars of such a low quality with substandard materials?
My colleagues who purchased cars on my recommendation by paying Rs 4 lakh or above have the same complaints. M/s Hyundai have no say in this regard. When I contacted them they send me a dozen mobile numbers and none attended my complaint till this time. A few of the phone numbers are below. The Santro owners along with prospective buyers can contact over these numbers and get your queries answered. And I am not sure that they would reply you properly.

HMIL North Regional Office Service Support Ms. Neetu 0172-6605000
Sales Support Ms. Harpreet 0172-6605029
HMIL South Regional Office Service Support Ms. Latha 044-42204623
Sales Support Mr. Sivakumar 044-42204674
HMIL Central Regional Office Service Support Ms. Jayshree 011-66241100
Sales Support Ms.Aparna 011-66241100
HMIL West Regional Office Service Support Mr. Swapna 022-40969028
Sales SupportMs. Juanita 022-40969035
HMIL East Regional Office Service Support Mr. Chaitanya 033-40060047
Sales Support Ms. Subhadra 033-40060047
They have a Toll Free Number too : 1800-11-4645 (From MTNL/BSNL) or 9873564645 from others.
So before you purchase a Hyndai car remember the famous saying "Look before you leap". The spare parts of Hyundai cars cost more and service charges are exorbitant.
So my recommendation is: give up the idea of purchasing Hyndai car. Switch over to Maruthi or others. They have good service conditions, reasonably durable materials,and moderate prices.
K A Solaman

For me this Christmas

For me this Christmas like the previous ones is very significant. Though it is an occasion for many to spend cheerfully the time with family and friends, most imperative of all is celebrating the birth of Christ and for me predominantly it is an occasion of noble memoirs. It is in this occasion my mother brought me new clothes when I was a kid. It is the occasion when my mother prepared the tastiest food in a year. It is the occasion for me to not recall those ghastly feelings I might have about someone. I love Christmas not just for getting presents butfor other things too.

I teach my children about the factual gist of Christmas. It is very cheerful for me to see my kids decorating the inside of the house and putting up a Christmas tree. Christmas is not a celebration of free enterprise as many think. It is not an occasion to spend all the money for Grand Kerala Shopping Festival. It is a fiesta of elation for all counting those who live in cattle sheds. It is not the time to play that my good behaviour for the day will carry over to the rest of the year. Christmas is the juncture for tranquility and love. It is the day of tribute to the great teacher who enlightened me with greatest motto: “Forgive and be kind”
Christmas is a time to thank the lord for everything he has done, to keep me on my feet.

Christmas is the occurrence that brings out the very best in me. I am kinder, believe so, more obliging, more caring, and more uncomplaining. I believe Christmas is the way to keep my mind sparking with love, delight, calm, and hope.

K A Solaman

Government should give up the move to raise the retirement age of college teachers.

It has been reported that State committee of the Left Democratic Front is likely to raise the retirement age of teachers in arts and science, medical and engineering colleges in Kerala. The decision, if taken, would bring serious repercussion in the society. The losing around Rs.500 crore in assistance from the University Grants Commission seems more serious for the LDF than killing the hope of unemployed educated youths in the state waiting for job.

The State government’s plan is to raise the retirement age to 60 years as against the 65 years stipulated by the UGC. However, the LDF government does not wish to hook the retirement age beyond 60 years in view of the political implications. What are those political implications? The same political proposition exists when age is raised to 60 from 55. Those people who once fixed retirement age at 55 were not fools. They did know the unemployment situation in the state and seemingly it augmented now. It is unwise for the government to take consolation from the fact that Maharashtra and a few other State governments, which have already implemented the UGC scheme, have chosen to peg the retirement age of their college teachers at 60 years. The situation in Maharashtra is entirely different from Kerala. It is from Kerala people go to Maharashrtra for a job and not from there to Kerala.

It is mainly Finance Minister Isaac’s move to please his friends now in colleges.
The teachers at present in Government and aided colleges in Kerala are, I say, of low profile and they were recruited in 1980-83 period when shift system was introduced in colleges. Most of them with left political orientation for knowing themselves as ‘intellectuals’ corner the minister Thomas Isaac and in that respect Education Minister M A Baby comes only next to him. The move to enhance retirement age hike thus gathered momentum.


The Economic survey conducted in last March revealed that the unemployment rate in the state is high and a few millions of people of the State have been working outside it for many years. Had they remained in Kerala, the unemployment rate would have been much higher than what was quoted in the survey. It is not the education system that make people frustrated but the inefficiency of the rulers of the state. The educated youths with Ph D and other degrees are disturbed and that dissatisfaction will be augmented by the thoughtless decision of Kerala ministers.

It is a fact in Kerala no industrialist wants to set up any industry due to labour problems. The State is bankrupt, besides being corrupt and largely politicized. The main source of income for the state is the infamous public begging –the Kerala lottery and by coluorful ads in dailies and channels the Government invites educated youths to join the lottery market. They have no job to offer for teaching in colleges or elsewhere. It is reserved for the handful of luckiest paltry chaps with PG second class. The Left trade unionism among college teachers brought them luck but misery to educated youths.

The ministers of Kerala have a thought that though they are 60 plus or eighty, still are able to walk, jump and exercise. So why can’t the existing college teachers do the same? Dear ministers, ask the college teachers to retire and try a hand in politics to serve the society further. There are many with service in aided colleges doing work at college and also doing societal both yielding no result.

The monthly salary that may be given to a college teacher for the extended period of time can be used for giving monthly pension of the pensioner and also the salary of two new recruits. The new one, being better educated and skilled, could make better results in colleges than those old folks who never want to retire. Time has reached for youths to demand their chunk of job. The Youth Congress, The AISF, Youth Front etc are seen coming against the proposed draconian decision of the LDF and it is good for them. Instead of migrating to other States for jobs, the youth should use their might tom make the government understanding their need. Retirement age hike does not save any one but saves two families if a person is given an employment. Why the “poor man’s government” is not thinking in that direction?

It is a pity for the government to allow research degree holders to take the job of lottery ticker seller or Electronics and Communication engineering post graduate to accept the job of a last grade to earn a living. While thousands of students in colleges and universities suffer because of the shortage and inefficiency of the existing teaching staff it is very callous on the part of the government to not appoint any fresh candidate from existing nine PSC lists and other four that are short listed.
So the government should give up the move to raise the retirement age of college teachers including those in medical colleges.

K A Solaman

‘Pollice’-Second L stands for lying

What is the full form of police? A job aspirant will soon say: P means Polite, O-Obedient, L-Loyal, I-Intelligent, C-Courageous, and E-Eager to help. A more meaningful and present day full form is: P-Power Mad, O-Official Criminal, L-Lustful, I-Illegal, C-Corrupt, and E-Encounter Specialist.

Seemingly Kerala Home Minister Kodiyeri Balakrishnana knows all these. I, therefore, think that he intentionally wrote the spelling as ‘pollice’ instead of ‘police’ when inaugurated the Cyber Forensics and Digital Analysis Centre at the Police Headquarters campus, Thiruvananthapuram on Saturday. His second ‘l’ presumably stands for ‘lying’. And this addition is very obvious in the context Paul Muthoot Murder case and related police anecdotes.

K A Solaman

When e-court start functioning

Welcome for the first e-court of Kerala to start functioning at Kochi. The fully computerized lower courts coming under the District Court will enhance speedy disposal of the cases, it is presumed.

Nevertheless, one the major handicaps of our judicial system is its huge delay in settling the cases. The famous adage ‘justice delayed is justice denied’ is amplified by our judicial forums. When judicial officers complain that they are troubled with heavy load, the counsels make it an opportunity to tax more from clients. When cases go indefinitely it is the counsels that earn money. Still, a junior practicing advocates did not even get a sum of Rs 1000 per month for their work if their seniors are not caring that much.

Let our government and judicial forums evolve more new systems for speedy disposal of cases in courts and thereby to regain people’s faith in them.

K A Solaman

Onion price shocks Keralites

The price of onion is as high as Rs 45 in Kerala and in all probability it shocked the entire populace of Kerala. The panic is in such a high level that entire people are supposed to eat onion all the time and they could not keep going without onion. (Onion is pronounced as ‘aniyan’ and I keep in mind an instance of one of my collegues having quarrel with his son’s UKG teacher for she having taught the kid with a wrong intonation ‘onian’).

The interesting fact is that though there is no shortage of onion in the wholesale depots still prices keep on rising by day. So as an alternative solution, what I have to suggest is: abandon onion for the time being. And this suggestion may be ridiculous for someone but not as ridiculous as one given by Kerala Food minister C Divakaran asking people to go to hotels for better food.

I know onion is a taste maker for food and possess some medicinal value. But what are other food items without values. Drunkards eat onion profusely under the presumption that it would save them from all drug hazards. If drunkards along with ordinary citizens so decide to abandon or reduce the use of onion then price of this commodity come down soon. Tons of onions now stocked in storages soon decay and the greed of hoarders will come to a tragic end.

K A Solaman

Not enough smart

The Government should, hereinafter, not run after M/s Teecom, for establishing the Smart City at Kochi. M/s Tecom may be not financially smart enough to undertake the project as there is sufficient reason to believe that the present 28000 crore Dubai crisis has affected them too. Even if Tecom chooses to stick to Government stipulations, it is the better for the state to hand over the project to some other agency who is capable to undertake the project, other than Tecom. There are several other companies, in and around the state, interested in the Smart City project.
The endorsement of Kerala Chief Minister about the financial condition of Tecom seems relevant and there is no need for the CM to visit Dubai to see the financial might of Tecom in the wake of Dubai crisis. The Tecom demand for the portion of the land outside the area which is to be defined as special economic zone (SEZ) is unfair.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express Dated 1 Dec 2009

Unity in Kerala ministry!

The harmonisation of Kerala LDF ministers is highly perceptible of late. The Finance Minister Isaac’s commercial tax men are about to step in all co-operative banks in Kerala and the minister in charge of these banks G Sudhakaran has hinted breaking of the knees of these tax men at the front gate of the banks if they do so. At the same time Sudhakaran’s own men are making hubbub at the Medical College hospital, Alappuzha as a circuitous attack on Health Minister P K Sreemathi for her inept exertion in improving the hospital performance. And for the CM, his colleagues’ scuffle is not at all a problem as he is otherwise interested in putting Central Force in barrack and busy with organizational matters of his party.

K A Solaman

Leave Mullappally and focus to Mullapperiyar

Thrilled with victory over the Left Front in the three Assembly seats in Kerala, the khadi- cladded Congress men are in busy schedule with internal insurgence. The war this time is over the issue of re-entry of K Muraleedharan , the former KPCC President into the party. The youth congress men came out in the open in Malappuram against Union Minister of State for Home Mullappally Ramachandran, for his stance in favour of K Muraleedharan. In fact Mullappally, unlike Ramesh Chennithala, is a man who keeps an extensive regard to the past.

I wonder why these Youth Congress workers protest against Mullappally. If Madam at New Delhi endorses Muraleedharan’s entry to the party, the protesting youths and its leaders in camouflage have to swallow without water all the abusive words hurled against Mullappally. Moreover K Muraleedharan is an able leader, approved even by veteran communist leader K R Gouri, competent enough to give fitting reply to his opponents. So dear youths, stop protesting against Mullapally and start a campaign against Mullaperiyar. This suggestion I place because one hundred and thirteen year old Mullaperiyar dam has undoubtedly become a matter of great havoc to people living on the banks of River Periyar. As water level of the reservoir has reached 136 feet people realized the imminent dangers associated with the dam. Vast amount of water in the doubly expired dam made the people panic in Kerala, but Kalainger Karuna shows no ‘karuna’(kindness) to the 3.5 million innocent people who might have severely affected if the leaking dam collapses. So if youths are in search of insurgence let them focus their attention to Mullapperiyar dam safety and it would then receive more acceptances. Leave Mullappally and focus to Mullapperiyar.

K A Solaman

PublishAlettercom Dated Nov 23 2009

Fright of people rises with Mullaperiyar water.

One hundred and thirteen year old Mullaperiyar dam has undoubtedly become a matter of great havoc to people living on the banks of River Periyar. Not only the heavy rain water flow to the dam, heated exchange by the political heads of Kerala and TN has made the situation highly tense. People on the bank of river Periyar are panic. The permitted maximum water level of the reservoir is 136 feet and when it reached near that level, water started to flow to the Idukki reservoir through the spillway. As this was a rare phenomenon for past many years, people realized about the vast amount of water in the dam and that also made them more panic.
More interesting is the difference of opinion among TN Engineers and their Kerala counter parts. The Chief Engineer of the Tamil Nadu Public Works Department had inspected the dam and reached the conclusion that there was no leak in the dam and what he found out only is rain water flowing down through the gap in the joint. However, Kerala engineers keep a diverse opinion and pointed out that there were signs of water pushing out from beneath, and it is a serious matter according to them. As engineers are not politicians one wonders how these engineers reached at contradictory inference when they had studied the same syllabus for their engineering degree. Actually, the new leaks and the escalation of the old leaks could be very risky allowing for the age of the masonry dam built of surki, a technology available at the time of construction of the dam. The flaw of the dam is a matter of unending concern to people of Kerala as any danger to it could affect about 35 lakh people living in five districts of Kerala.

It is to be stressed that normal life time of any dam oratomic power plant is about 50 years. And in that case Mullaperiyar dam is a doubly expired one. So, the concern about safety of this dam is not mislaid. It should be abandoned on war-footing basis and new dam should be constructed. But Tamil Nadu is seen neglecting this aspect and not thinking about the dam safety. They are interested only with water they get from the dam and keeps scant regard to lives of 3.5 million people of Kerala.

So it is time for Karunanidhi and his colleagues to stand favorably for the construction of new dam as there are all chances for the breaking of existing one causing huge human causality. If dam breaks and that too due to the negligence of the leaders of both states no human endeavor could be able to repair the damage. So MK and VS, the two chief ministers of the states come together for an immediate discussion to reach a settlement over the Mullaperiyar imbroglio. TN should abandon its stance of strengthening of the dam. Instead the dam should be decommissioned first. Any disaster in the worst would certainly make political bosses of the states redundant and more worse is the loss of innocent human lives

K A Solaman

Delhi chalo

Left with no option K Muraleedharan runs with begging bowl behind the low profile leaders of the Congress in Kerala for his re-entry into the party. And it seems a replication of his earlier attempt for a coalition of his group with Left parties in Kerala. This is quite unfortunate a leader like Muraleedharan who once occupied the chair of KPCC president. As there are no many saints in the Congress party in Kerala, refusal of his entry into the party looks conspicuous.
So it is time for Muraleedaharan to throw away his begging bowl and to shift his course action to New Delhi. If so the present Kerala leaders will queue before him later for a better fortune.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express, Saturday 21 Nov 09

India is one with Sachin, not Thackerays

What Sachin Tendulkar said about Mumbai is absolutely correct. Mr Bal Thackeray’s comment is unwarranted. Every Indian is proud of Sachin and of Mumbai. By denouncing Sachin's statement, Mr Thackeray is playing petty politics and needs to be condemned by one and all.

K A SOLAMAN
The Tribune, Chandigarh, 20 Nov 2009

Sachin vs Thackeray

What Sachin said about Mumbai — that it belongs to all Indians — is absolutely right. Mr. Thackeray’s remarks are unwarranted. Every Indian is proud of Sachin and Mumbai. Mr. Thackeray is a spent force, desperately playing the regional card.

K.A. Solaman,

The Hindu, Dated 19 Nov 2009

Mumbai belongs to all

Mr Bal Thackeray’s objection to Sachin Tendulkar’s comment is unwarranted. Every Indian feels proud of Tendulkar and of Mumbai for its industrial growth. Mumbaikars and the local politicians of Maharashtra alone cannot have monopoly over Mumbai. The financial capital’s recognition in the global market is a result of everyone’s hardwork, irrespective of his or her regional identity. Like Kerala, Tamil Nadu, Andhra Pradesh, etc, are parts of India, Maharashtra too is a part of the country. By denouncing the most celebrated cricketer’s statement, Mr Thackeray is just playing petty politics. He is only a regional leader who cannot speak on behalf of all Indians.

K A Solaman

The Pioneer Daily, New Delhi, Dated 19-11-09

All for money

It is exciting to see that in the film 'Paa', Amitabh plays Abhishek’s son. And in the next film 'Maa' Jaya Bachchan will play as Aishwarya’s daughter!

K A Solaman

Shashi Tharoor cracks jokes again

After his ‘cattle class’ joke Union Minister of State for External Affairs, Shashi Tharoor started cracking jokes again. This time after meeting ailing Karunakaran who was in a critical condition on just the other day, Tharoor said that Karunakaran spoke to him about Jawaharlal Nehru and on National and international issues. He asked Tharoor to install a TV in his ICU for watching live cricket! Is ICU a place for watching live cricket?

K A Solaman

Comic gestures

Kerala Congress (M) leader K M Mani and secular leader P C George are seen with flower crowns on their heads. Are there more comic scenes in the offing? K M Mani should not have forgotten the help rendered by R Balakrishna Pillai and T M Jacob in sending his son Jose K Manii to the Parliament from Kottayam seat.

K A Solamam

Stunning kiss!

The ‘wonder kid’ A P Abdullakutty kissing K Sudhakaran MP to share his joy of victory at Kannur Assembly seat seems marvelous. Possibly Dr VN Rosinaya would not have had such a highly treasured moment in life with her husband Kutty.

K A Solaman

Mulakkacha sells well in 'Pazhassi Raja'

Recently I viewed the film 'Pazhassi Raja' in a theatre and later at home in a local channel the old film 'Oru Vadakkan Veera Gaadha', by the same team-MT, Hariharan and Mammootty. To my surprise I realized that whether they were women of Aromal Chekavar or Adivasi, all have the same dress code, the Mundu and Mulakkacha. And no ‘paalathaar’ was used by anyone. The producer of ‘Pazhassi Raja’ Gokulam Gopalan might have procured all the colorful mundu and mulakkacha from Hariharan and profusely used in Pazhassi with less colour The huge success of the film tells that Mulakkacha still sells well in Kerala. So don’t waste all the dresses used in Pazhassi as it can be advantageously used in another adivasi or vadakkan paattu cinema.

K A Solaman

The mighty fallen

The former KPCC President is in a desperate bid to join the Congress. And for that he has to submit an application to Congress high command and get endorsed by his erstwhile subordinates Oommen Chandy and Remesh Chennithala. The situation rather resembles former ‘peon’ approving the application for admission of the former principal. “ Malikappuratheriya mannente tholil marappu kayatunnathum Bhavan”

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express, Dated 11 October 2009

China in inimical race.

Seemingly China is going beyond Pakistan in the inimical race with India. The report that China is issuing weapons to Maoists in India is an indication in that direction. China’ claim to the border town of Tawang in Arunachal Pradesh is a stupid one and the Tibetan spiritual Leader Dalai Lama has pointed out it.

It is known to all that Nobel Laureate Lama is person of universal brotherhood and Beijing’s charge that he is supporting separatist movement is unwarranted. It is Beijing that encourages separatism by giving arms and ammunitions to outfits in India and elsewhere.

K A Solaman

Peaceful poll in Kannur.

Kannur poll was smooth and calm. The credit goes to the Election Commission of India, the Army and the District Collector. The police force was a mute spectator throughout the election and it is time for the top brasses of the police to dig up on such a fate in the state. Blind adherence to the dictate of ruling front is likely to bring further disgrace in future. Election Commission’s act to deploy 3000 security personnel, including three companies of the Central Industrial Security Force (CUSF) was an apt security measure. Whatin no doubt is that the presence of the Central forces had ensured smooth and calm polling in Kannur


K A Solaman

The New Indian Express, November 9, 2009

A timely move

This refers to the report, “Tighter security arrangements for Kannur bypoll: Collector” (October 26). The newly-appointed District Collector for Kannur, Mr P B Salim, has rightly understood the need for tight security measures in the Kannur Assembly constituency bypoll. Doubling the number of security personnel on duty this time and making arrangements for keeping a close watch on voters trying to reach the polling stations indicate Mr Salim’s sincerity to ensure a fair election. When voters will be photographed and have their thumb impressions recorded at the polling booth, no one will be able to rig the election.

KA Solaman

27 Oct 2009, The Pioneer New Delhi

High prices of essential commodities

The sky-rocketing price of essential supplies and vegetables has crippled the common people of Kerala at present. Even a single cup of costs Rs 5 at a way-side tea vendor which was Rs 3 two months back. The tea shop owner could not be blamed as he is not able to sell below this price as the cost of milk, sugar and tea has soared up. The rice and even tapioca cost high. The disorder in the current market created by traders and hoarders are a sufficient reason for this high price. The failure of the government to arrest the price rise of essential commodities is very much visible. Certainly prices have an uptrend all over India, but the local government finds it time to abuse the Central Government instead of taking action to control the high level price. There is not even a single instance of police raid at hoarders’ premises to locate the illegal storage of food items aimed at increasing price of commodities. Locally produced vegetables in Kerala too costs high because of flood or draught elsewhere in the country.

To arrest the price hike of essential commodities and vegetables steps such as vigilance raid may be conducted at selected destinations. . A refusal of highly priced commodities can be also practiced by common people for the time being. When sardine fish costs only Rs 30 per kg why people run for code fish that costs Rs 300 per kg? The unauthorized tax collection on commodities by some corrupt persons should be regularly cracked down by the government with iron hand. The Food and Civil Supplies department should keep a watch on the price of essential commodities and verify the traders’ justification of price hike. The so called ‘corruption free’ paraphernalia introduced by the Finance Minister of Kerala at border sales tax check posts should be overviewed by the Chief Minister and an amicable way out for the present imbroglio at check posts should be sorted out. As corruption and inefficiency of the bureaucracy are the main reasons for all mishaps in the State, with strict implementation of rules corruption can be checked and price rise could be effectively controlled.

Chief Minister VS, though not an economist, is able to understand the misery of the common people. Nevertheless, his econometrical and realty- business friendly colleagues do not allow him to perform. One hopes his next step is to cut short the failure of his government and to contain the price rise and the bureaucracy as well.

K A Solaman

Bogus votes in Kannur

It is a surprise to see the huge number of additions of names in the Kannur Assembly constituency in the updating process in just five months since the last Lok Sabha elections. The total number of new name additions in the list is 9,357 voters. Where were these voters at the time of last Lok Sabha election? The list seems to be rather controversial and would invoke several litigations after the election. So, it would be better for Election Commission to conduct voting based on the last Lok Sabha poll voters’ list about which the leading political parties have no conflict.

No doubt the rigging in the voters’ list is a new invention especially in the by-election. The Election should also take decision to put an end to namesakes of the prominent candidates contesting in the election.

K A Solaman

A fitting reply

The high turnout of voters in the recently-concluded Assembly election in Arunachal Pradesh is a befitting reply to China’s bogus claim on the State. The Government of India should use this opportunity to strengthen its case against China’s illegitimate claim and its audacity to object to the Prime Minister’s visit to the State.

K A Solaman

The Pioneer, New Delhi Dated 21 Oct 2009

Apt respond by Arunachal voters.

The just concluded Assembly elections in Arunachal went without much notice in the rest of India. The large-scale partaking of the electorate in the Assembly polls there is an apt respond to China's bogus claim on the state. The Government of India needs to be more diplomatic in dealing with the annoyance created by China. China has no right speak against Indian Prime Minister and other leaders visiting the state.

Arunachal Pradesh, the largest state in the North-East, is five times bigger than the Kashmir Valley. It is a very rich state with profuse natural resources and China’s eagle eye is on this reserve. Patriotism is embedded in the blood of every people of Arunachal Pradesh and there is no need to rekindle it. It is our effort to take action to make every person of Arunachal Pradesh to feel as Indian Citizen with valid identity proof. Lobbying within the country for China by some political outfits should be seriously viewed and checked.
K A Solaman

For ephemeral pecuniary benefits.

More and more people coming to sell lottery tickets and unemployed youths resorting to self immolation are indications of the present scenario of persistent unemployment in Kerala. The present LDF Government does little for creating fresh employment. The ludicrous pension unification scheme and the subsequent ban on employment made the fate of educated youths miserable. The youth organizations crying wide mouth for silly matters have no concern about the future of youths. On the other hand those employees in service make all gimmicks to lure the ministers and legislators for taking decision for enhancing their retirement age.

Many youths with high qualifications are working as commission agents of banks and financial institutions with little financial benefits. There is absolute insecurity in the minds these youngsters because of the callousness shown by the government in giving them jobs. Asking highly educated youngsters to plough field , and to do manual jobs like catching stray dogs for getting unemployment wage is a cruel joke. The Kerala Government should do something to provide jobs and thereby to remove frustration of youngsters. I really hope that the government should not introduce retirement age hike just for ephemeral pecuniary benefits of the State. Though the honorable H C endorsed the retirement age unification act of the Government it was a foul play for getting a short-lived fiscal advantage for the government

K A Solaman
PublishaLetter.com Oct 16,2009

Madani-not a party this time.

Just after six months the Parliament Election the CPM of Kerala found that Madani’s PDP is untouchable. It endorses V S Achuthanadan’s stance towards Madani’s party and at the same time disapproves Pinarayi Vijayan’s appearance with Madani on the stage of a Lok Sabha election convention at Malappuram. PDP is now destined to plays a hide and seek game. They oppose openly the CPI candidate at Alappuzha whereas there stance at Kannur and Ernakulam is doubtful. The CPM approach towards PDP indicates that there is no enduring policy in politics. It can change from time to time and that too with no reason.

K A Solaman

Who is responsible for Thekkadey boat tragedy?

The Thekkadey boat tragedy was worst in the history of Kerala. Along with lives of 44 people the state has lost crores of rupees as future revenue from tourism.
Evidently the reasons for the Thekkadey tragedy are the following.
1)The boat was faultily made with inferior plastic fibre and other items.
2) The boat was made with an inbuilt slant.
3)The boat was over-crowded.
4There were plastic chairs added on the boat in order to accommodate extra passengers.
5)The boat tilted on one side while turning and all those sitting on the chairs slid on one side, leading the boat to capsize.
6)The passengers were not given any life jackets.

The Department and the KTDC are equally responsible for the tragedy. Punishing boat driver and his assistant alone is a way to hoodwink the people. The Minister and KTDC Chairman should take responsibility and resign in order to avoid future recurrence such incidents.

K A Solaman

Personally public comment

Obviously RSP general secretary TJ Chandrachoodan is playing an Achuthanandan in his party whereas state secretary V P Ramakrishna Pillai, the Pinarayi.
Chandrachoodan said: “The Government here doesn’t know what is happening in the State, where people are afraid even to go out for morning walks”. His comment is observably true; however, Ramakrihana Pillai said in retort, “It is only a personal opinion of Chandrachoodan”. Is then Pillai’s statement a public opinion?

K A Solaman

Land of tragedies-The Pioneer

The Bhoothathankettu reservoir boat accident in February 2007, which claimed the lives of 18 school children and three teachers in Kerala, is still fresh in the minds of the people. According to media reports, makeshift boats carried the schoolchildren for sightseeing well past the permitted hours. A similar negligence was the cause of the tragedy at Thekkady Lake in Idukki district of Kerala. A complete disregard for rules was behind the death of 42 tourists at Thekkady Lake. If modern fibre boats are unfit for use on water bodies like this lake, they should have not been allowed for use in the first place. It proves that there is no proper regulatory body for ensuring the safety of tourists. To avoid recurrence of such tragedies in future, boating in all reservoirs in the State should be banned.

K A Solaman
The Pioneer, New Delhi, 3 Oct 2009

Cost of the experiment

Modern fibre boats are light. They are unfit for service on water bodies like Thekkadi Lake. The Government of Kerala experimented and arrived at this result. The cost of the experiment is the life of 42 innocent people!

K A Solaman

Shocking boat tragedy

It is not too late to forget the shocking boat accident in Feb 2007 which took place near Thattekadu at Bhootathankettu reservoir, killing about 22 persons, most of them school children. The people of the state then had left with no words to console the heartbroken parents. Reports of that accident specifed that the boat was overcrowded and was well past sight-seeing hours.

Though the government of Kerala brought in strict time schedule for sight seeing it was ignored at Thekkadi. The time of accident was the same as that of Thattekadu tragedy and it marred effective rescue operations. The divers of the Indian Navy had to suspend the search operations because of darkness. In Thekkadi rules were not respected and rulers did not ensure that they were properly enforced and that was the reason for the death of 42 people. The KTDC chairman Cheriyan Philip owning up the moral responsibility for the tragedy is a gimmick of imitation. If modern fibre boats, which were light, were not fit for service on water bodies like Thekkady Lake, then who permitted fibre-boat service in Thekkadi lake?

To avoid recurrence of such tragedies in future boating in all reservoirs in the state should be banned. The Government should enquire the reason for not implementing commission recommendations relating accidents at Thattekkadu and Kumarkom?

K A Solaman