Second disgusting creature!

First Bishop of Idukki thus became the second disgusting creature for politicians of Kerala. In an unwarranted Face book comment the bubbly MLA of the Congress party V T Balram called the Idukki Bishop as disgusting creature.

Actually Balram was studying for Pinarayi as it was Pinarayi on October 13, 2007, in a speech   referred Thamarassery  Bishop Mar John Chittilappally as a "disgusting creature". The abuse to the Bishop had come when he was referring to the statement that Thiruvambady MLA Mathai Chacko had received the church anointment of the sick despite his declared policy of atheism. The term ’disgusting creature’  was later repeated by Marxist leader M M Mani when  he was arrested for making a controversial statement in the Anjeri Baby case. Mani then lambasted Chief Minister Oommen Chandy, Thiruvanchoor Radhakrishnan and P T Thomas calling them ‘disgusting creatures’. However he never called a Bishop in that tone.

The matter is, there is no difference between Marxists or Congress leaders in using abusive terms against the revered. And in this case Balaram has miserably tried to elevate himself as a 'tall leader' like Pinarayi.  Polticians of course need a code of conduct.

K A Solaman

Chacko is High Command

 

People often ask who the High Command of Congress party is. Some people say it is madam Soniayaji and some others think it is her son Rahulji.  And a few others think it is Antonyji and of course K V Thomasji as madam never ignore the words of these two faithful disciples. But with the choice of P C Chacko as the candidate for Chalakkudi parliament constituency it has been convincingly proved that Chacko is the real High Command.

It is heard that when Chacko informed party leadership that he is not ready to contest from Thrissur but willing to do it from Chalakkudi the High Command soon agreed. Chacko, a sitting MP of Thrissur  leaving the constituency for trivial reasons gives the notion that High Command proposes and Chacko disposes.  Then, who is the real High Command?

For LDF, Chalakkudi is a mislaid turf where even Politburo members could not even smoothly sail over. A guest artist like cine actor Innocent could do some sort of gimmick by his hard earned money, but it is not adequate to defeat a Congress candidate there. Being a cancer returnee, the people have some sympathy towards Innocent but it is unwise to think that this kindness would turn into votes. As V M Sudheeran has rightly put it the LDF have made this election a comic exercise by fielding ‘guest artists’ in several constituencies.

K A Solaman

Believe or not( Plank in the eye)

Of late the Democratic Youth Federation of India workers of Kerala are a confused lot.  They believe  solar accused Saritha Nair when she accuses Congress MLA A.P. Abdullakutty and disbelieves her words about Aisha Potty.  How could the veteran Marxist accused notorious liar( Mahakalli) become a honest woman for DYFI?
The DYFI workers manhandling Abdullakutty is a heinous act. The DYFI should make an introspection as there is no dearth for accused in sexual harassment in their party. Abdullakutty’s case is only a matter of few days. The people will soon forget it happened in many similar cases.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express published on 15 Mar 2014

High cost

 The Election Commission had proposed to raise expenditure limits for Lok Sabha elections to a maximum of Rs 70 lakh and a minimum of Rs 54 lakh, and a maximum of Rs 28 lakh and a minimum of Rs 20 lakh for the assembly elections in the northeastern states. This would allow candidates to spend more on their poll campaigns. The EC agreed on the increased expense limits after political parties made a strong pitch in this regard at a recent meeting with top officials of the EC. Political parties had argued that the current limits were too meagre when the rise in prices on account of inflation was factored in. This seems like an unnecessary step. When the country is already in a dire situation because of high inflation, poll expenditure will put a further strain on the coffers. The EC should ensure transparency in the filing of asset details by candidates. Those found guilty of filing incorrect poll expense accounts should be brought to book.

K.A. Solaman,  Kerala

The Telegraph, Calcutta published on 4-3-2014

Death in the womb

The group of discontented elements, the Third Front, lead by the Left parties is no more. It met an unnatural death with in the womb. The two unmarried women, one from TN and other from WB squeezed the fetus to death.

Rationally speaking the left parties have lost all its relevance in the present day India. At every election they go around pleading everyone to join the third front so that they can appear to be an appropriate conglomeration before the people. But they end up as supporters of corrupt Congress leaders at critical junctures. Third front is nothing but a smoke screen and an unsolicited endeavor to save the Congress.

The attitude of Third Front leaders is very much amusing. Mulayam of UP hates English and Amma of TN hates Hindi. Mamta of WB hates CPM, and CPM lead by Karat has many factions in WB and Kerala. And most of these leaders have little or no sway in regions outside their own. It is unwise to expect a national outlook from Third Front leaders. Who is your PM?- the answer to this single question alone is sufficient to mark the death of Third Front. And this time no one got time to ask this question.

K A Solaman

Election comdey hit

Kerla politics is a mediocre circus without any value. This I say not because the chief whip P C George making all the hubub with his never to happen resignation from the UDF ministry or Kodiyeri Balakrishnanan offering chief minitster ship to K M Mani once the Lok Sabha election is over. It is because of the Marxist party cornering behind comedy cinema star and AMMA president Innocent asking to contest the Chalakudy Lok Sabha seat in Thrissur district for the party. Seemingly Marxist party is in acute dearth of able candidates, nevertheless, the women voters of Chalakkudy have to invariably use back pads to avoid the back slap of AMMA strikers who are likely to be in Chalakkudy to campaign for their president.  

Being a cancer-cured patient the people of Kerala have a little concern to Innocent and with his entry to election fray he is going to give up all the sympathy and concern he owes now. What sort of development works he is going to undertake once elected to the Parliament is any body’s guess as by this time, in his life; he has contributed not much to the public other than laughters with his foolish talks. And as an opponent to Innocent, the Congress may also, in tune with Marxist party, invite a person like Innocent, may be Jagathi Sreekuar or Suraj Venjaramood to contest making Chalakkudy election  an all-time commercial commedy hit.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express published on 7-3-2014

N D Tiwari admits Rohit is his son

Veteran politician Narayan Dutt Tiwari  has finally admitted that Rohit Shekhar is his son. I congratulate Rohit Shekhar, son of N D Tiwari and  Ujjwala Sharma  for his quest to not be called a ‘bastard’. As no one is born without a father it is highly humiliating to use the word ‘bastard’ against a man. It was not Rohit Shekhar alone in the country who has gone through such a humiliating experience. Rohit is a trailblazer to many who had undergone bitter experiences. He once said: “I am not the illegitimate son, he(Tiwari) is my illegitimate father”. This is absolutely right.

High profile Congress leader ND Tiwari misused his political position and hence he should be asked to compensate for the wrong doings he has done to a woman and her son. The wishy-washy Tiwari has hoodwinked the entire country with his political poses as minister, governor etc, but finally admitted his fault.

Once again congratulations to Rohit Shekhar for 'giving birth' to his illegitimate father. There are no illegitimate sons, only illegitimate fathers.!

K A Solaman

Hartal against Kasturirangan.

It was Mullapperiyar issue then. The Kerala Congress minister and leader P J Joseph had  made much hue and cry about the dilapidated dam. The dam is still intact and the issue went into oblivion. Now his party’s main contention is over Kasturirangan report. All the clergies and laity of the eastern ghat now play against the implementation of Kasturirangan report. The Christian party conglomeration namely Kerala Congress in tune with political clergies makes all the hullaballoo. The minister K Mani and all time nuisance P C George  say they should resign if Kasturirangan report is not withdrawn. Then why, they are waiting? All these hubbubs will end up in silence once the election is over.

Meanwhile, it is interesting to note the inaction from judicial forums which prohibited bandhs and hartals. The hilly districts of Idukki and Wayanad had observed a dawn-to-dusk shutdown a few days back called by Left Democratic Front to press for the withdrawal of Kasturirangan committee report. This is the second shutdown in these districts since November. The court has not summoned the persons responsible for the violation of its verdict..

K A Solaman 

Needed new candidates for election

Election Commission of India has given permission to Lok Sabha poll candidates to spend more by raising the expenditure limits for parliamentary elections to a maximum of Rs 70 lakh for bigger states and Rs 54 lakh for smaller states. If not implemented strictly this gesture has no meaning. It is known to all that each candidate would spend more than seven crores. The filing of asset details by candidates should also be made meaningful as many submit zero or meagre balance while they enjoy five star hospitality in all walks.

It is also a bad practice among political parties in India to field candidates for the third or fourth time. As there are many youngsters to serve the country these old gooses should be shown their way out and new faces should be given opportunity.  And in this regard proposal by Rahul Gandhi is a welcome one.

Candidates declaring their assets and poll expenses dishonestly should be brought book and for that  EC of India should show ample courage.

K A Solaman 

K A Solaman's letters in The Tribune, Chandigarh

1. The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

   5 Sep 2012 ... K A SOLAMAN, Alappuzha, Kerala. What justice? It brings solace that the culprits responsible for the Naroda Patiya riots have been awarded ... www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120905/letters.htm - Cached - Similar

2. The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

   23 Sep 2010 ... K.A. SOLAMAN, Kaithakkal, Alappuzha, Kerala. Step up vigil. I read the editorial, “Security concerns in Delhi” (Sept 21). The countdown for the ... www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100923/letters.htm - Cached - Similar

3. The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

   20 Apr 2013 ... KA SOLAMAN, Kerala. Disputes with Dhaka. The bomb attack on the official car of the Indian High Commissioner in Dhaka is a grim reminder ... www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130420/letters.htm - Cached - Similar

4. The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

   23 Mar 2013 ... KA Solaman,via email. Move court to get Guru's body. I am surprised to see the uproar in Jammu and Kashmir over returning the body of Afzal ... www.tribuneindia.com/2013/20130323/letters.htm - Cached - Similar

5. The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

   18 Feb 2010 ... They queued up in thousands to watch the movie. The Shiv Sena must learn its lessons from its successive failures. K A SOLAMAN, Alappuzha ... www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100218/letters.htm - Cached - Similar

6. The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

   3 Mar 2012 ... K A SOLAMAN, Alappuzha. Jat protest. The Jat protestors have been sitting on a dharna on the Bhiwani- Hisar rail track for the past 10 days ... www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20120303/letters.htm - Cached - Similar

7. The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

   21 Dec 2012... in temples and other places of worship. It should be diverted to feeding thepoor and educating them. KA SOLAMAN, Alappuzha, Kerala ... www.tribuneindia.com/2012/20121221/letters.htm - Cached - Similar

8. The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

   20 Nov 2009 ... By denouncing Sachin's statement, Mr Thackeray is playing petty politics andneeds to be condemned by one and all. K A SOLAMAN ... www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091120/letters.htm - Cached - Similar

9. The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

   30 Jun 2010... prices because it will result in increase in the prices of all essentialcommodities and public transport. K.A. SOLAMAN,Kaithakkal, Kerala ... www.tribuneindia.com/2010/20100630/letters.htm - Cached - Similar

10. The Tribune, Chandigarh, India - Letters to the Editor

    17 Dec 2009 ... Mr Rao's demand for Telangana and Ms Mayawati's demand to trifurcate UP are only ploys for personal benefit. K A SOLAMAN, Alappuzha. www.tribuneindia.com/2009/20091217/letters.htm - Cached - Similar

NSS Pontiff touches the new low.

 A friendly visit by KPCC President to Perunna turned into a farce. Though the KPCC President lost nothing that much gravely, the Pontiff of the NSS touched a new low.  Presumably the Nair Supremo has developed a gist against all Ezhavas after his spat with Yogam Secretary Vellappally Natesan. All the ill words of Sukumaran Nair reveal that he is dead against the appointment of Sudheeran as KPCC President. .

Nair knows Congress leaders like P J Kurian and Chennithala kneel before him and he expects such a drivel act from Sudheeran too. His calculation misfired and that is why all these hullaballoo from Nair. Nair’s latest revelation that Mannam statue is superior to Gandhi statue at Thirunakkara is a wacky comment and an insult to the nation. None thinks that the tribute of the sort offered to Gandhiji is needed to a communal leader like Mannam. It is high time for all political parties to show the place where Nair should sit.

K A Solaman 

Maadambi cult of Nair Secretary.

Though general secretary G Sukumaran Nair says KPCC chief V M Sudheeran has insulted the NSS, it is Nair who insulted V M Sudheeran.  Nair’s comment that, “Sudheeran tried to disrupt the function in Perunna.  NSS did not invite anybody here.  Sudheeran had earlier waited for hours at the NSS headquarters. He didn’t have the time now to wait for ten minutes”, is unwarranted.  Telling the history of Sudheeran is like telling Nair was once a ‘tea server’ to NSS leaders.

Mannam Samadhi may be a worshipful place, but not a private property as Sukumaran Nair thinks. It should not be used for political insult. Nair, who was at the Samadhi Mandapam, going to his office on Sudheeran’s arrival, is an insult recalling the ‘Maadambi cult’ of erstwhile Nair heads.

Nevertheless, it is a matter of relief to see that there is no Mandapam for floral tribute by Sudheeran and get insulted at Kanichukulangara where another incompatible general secretary dwells.

K A Solaman

Antony’s joke

Union Defence Minister A K Antony is presumably a cautious man and corruption less, even Kejriwal would admit. But there are two things which adversely affects Antony’s image. One is, he works with all corrupt ministers in the Union Cabinet. Secondly he jokes saying injudicious matters while in Kerala.  

For instance, just see his comment that there need not be any doubt for anyone that the UDF is going to improve its tally in the Lok Sabha polls in the state by at least one seat over and above the 16 scored in the last polls. In fact the solar eclipsed UDF is unlikely to get more than four seats in the next election.

If Antony has no doubt of UDF securing seventeen seats in the next election it means Antony lives in the fool’s paradise. The recent revamp in the party by placing Sudheeran in the KPCC chair would find only a scapegoat to bear the brunt of Congress debacle in the next election. And it is unreasonable to say that Marxist avant-garde Achuthanandan would save Antony’s party.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express published on 25-2-2014

Horrendous ad by State Bank of India.

In separate channel advertisements by State Bank of India for their life insurance scheme, a son and a daughter ask their respective fathers that if their fathers die what would they do, continue studies or do some work to care for their mothers. I wonder there is none level-headed in the SBI to make a sensible advertisement other than this horrendous ad. The SBI Life scheme is like this advertisement; its growth is upside down. Have any doubt; seek the opinion of investors in SBI Life.

K A Solaman

From jail on bail.

Seasoned criminal Saritha Nair is out.  After spending about eight months in prison in connection with the solar panel scam case, the key accused Saritha S Nair has been released from jail on bail. It made media men a tough time for getting breaking news.  They are running after her for seeing her mouth opened.

She walked out of the Attakulagara sub-jail after she was granted bail in all the 33 cases registered and said to the reporters that she is in a hurry and would meet them soon. However media men are in confusion to meet her when and where. Some consider it will be at Alappuzha, others think at Thiruvnanathapuram  and for some others it will be Kollam. It is thus clear that all important towns in Kerala are her husband’s land. It is a matter of wonder the way in which she collected money for availing bail. In Attakkulangara jail too she had a beautician, otherwise, she would not have appeared before the lens men with such an allure.

 By giving prominence to a woman crook, the media men are hoodwinking the gullible people of the state.

K A Solaman 

Slow death

Stamp collection is no longer a meaningful hobby. The Indian postal services have deteriorated too. Letters and other articles are not delivered on time. Complaints sent to postal authorities remain unattended. It may be true that the internet has killed the habit of writing letters. But a postal service still has its many uses. After all, one cannot send a package via email. It is a pity that at a time when courier companies are making profits, the Indian postal department refuses to move with the times.

Yours faithfully,
K.A. Solaman,  Kerala

The Telegraph, Calcutta, Published on 22-2-2014

K A Solaman Blog: Mani Congress has no dignity.

K A Solaman Blog: Mani Congress has no dignity.: The invitation by V S Achuthanandan to Kerala Congress Supremo K M Mani to join the LDF is an act of throwing stone ahead a running dog...

Wily move (Mani Congress has no dignity).

The invitation by V S Achuthanandan to Kerala Congress Supremo K M Mani to join the LDF is an act of throwing stone ahead a running dog. The cool-clever octogenarian leader knows how to bring matters in his tune. K M Mani is a leader in the good book of the official faction of the Marxist party and often bows before them and not before Achuthanandan. It is K M Mani’s hither to stance to turn a deaf year to VS and in this case also as Achuthanandan invited him first, Mani has no choice other than to disobey VS. And that is what the veteran comrade needs.  VS has thus spoiled the insatiability of the official faction of his party..

It is not Congress but the Kerala Congress is insulting other parties in the UDF. If Marxist party join hand with Kerala Congress in the next election it will be an insult to the people of the state.

K A Solaman 
The New Indian Express published on 22-2-2014

K A Solaman Blog: Seemandhra-not a part of India?

K A Solaman Blog: Seemandhra-not a part of India?: It is a hurried action to take such a major decision of dividing Andhra Pradesh into two just before the Union election. No doubt that the...

Seemandhra-not a part of India?

It is a hurried action to take such a major decision of dividing Andhra Pradesh into two just before the Union election. No doubt that the Congress party is following the same divide and rule policy that the British adopted in India. Dividing states for petty political gains is unwarranted. The Andhra division should invoke such demand from other states and it would turn out to be permanent head-ache for the Central Government. Even from one of the smallest states like Kerala also demand in this direction will surface to divide it into Travancore and Malabar.

All states in India have some parts developed and some others undeveloped. The solution is not the bifurcation instead concerted effort to develop all areas by starting better educational institutions and infrastructure. No doubt injustice has done to Seemandhra, at least in financial terms. There is revenue deficit for Seemandhra and there are no guaranteed commitments from Central Government. Congress way of handling of Telangana issue was awful.

The present way of passing the bill without the consent of Andhra leaders is a corroboration that Seemandhra is not part of India.

K A Solaman

Like scheme, likeSBI ad.

In a recent channel advertisement by State Bank of India for their life insurance scheme, a son asks his father that if his daddy dies what he would do, continue studies or do some work to care for his mother. I wonder there is none in the SBI to make a sensible advertisement other than this. The SBI Life scheme is like this advertisement; its growth is upside down. Have any doubt; seek the opinion of investors in SBI Life.

K A Solaman

My stamp- a futile attempt

Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, Rabindranath Tagore, MothereTeresa, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi etc  are among the greats whose portraits are used as stamps by India Post. The stamp collection was a meaningful hobby then.  Now, by permitting even a crook to picture him on Indian postal stamp for a price, stamp collection hobby has become a damp squib. The sanctity of Indian  postal stamp is lost.

Of late, the service of Indian postal department is unpromising. The letters and other articles are  not delivered in time. The efficiency of delivering letter on the very next day in any part of the country has become a past story. The complaints sent to postal authorities are unattended or little attended. The adalaths in this regard by postal department have become a hollow gesture as the turn out for these athalaths  is meagre. It is not because of the lack of complaints from consumers but of the wastage of time and money. No complaint is attended and rectified with client’s satisfaction.

The postal boxes installed here and there have disappeared one by one. There is no clearance of letters in the FN and AN.  Thus in all respects the postal department has distanced from the general public. The staff in this department alone could not be blamed for this. It is the wrong policy of the central government that lead the department to such a appalling state. So, in that context the personalised stamp system is a futile gesture as takers for this is only a little.

It is may be true that the internet has reduced the habit of writing letters. But it doesn’t mean that the number of postal articles are reduced. One cannot send a hard copy ofa  communication or a parcel through e-mail. It can be done only through post. In an era of  online trading couriers are making a huge profit by delivering articles in any part of the world whereas the Indian postal department, instead of attracting people with good service, resorts  to vain gesticulations like ‘my stamp’.

K A Solaman

Secretary knows how to make people laugh.

SNDP Yogam general secretary Vellappally Natesan always wanted to have an Ezhava as KPCC president and now claims that the Congress High Command has honoured his demand by making V M Sudheeran as KPCC President. This announcement makes not only others but Ezhava to laugh as he had always refused to express his preference for V.M. Sudheeran. His preference was prominent Ezhava like Mullappally or the vociferous K Sudhakaran

Truly,  if Vellappally revealed that he liked Sudheeran more, Sudheeran would have said he didn’t require his certificate. Any way it would be a tough time for Vellappally with the Congress as V M Sudheeran and K C Venugopal are two stalwarts in the party not to opt Kanichukulangara hospitality.

K A Solaman

Sudheeran to bear the disgrace.

Though a delayed move it is a welcome gesture from the Congress High Command to appoint V M Sudheeran as KPCC president. Sudheeran's setting up as President can be seen as an indication showing that the High Command thinks above petty group politics run by  both chief minister Oommen Chandy and home minister Ramesh Chennithala. With Sudheeran becoming the KPCC president, there will be a thorough discussion in the party forums before implementing any plan which directly affects the people.

Though Chandy and Chennithala keep a distance from  Sudheeran, his appointment is a matter of solace for them as there is a  person to bear all the disgrace which would likely to surface after the next Parliament election. With actions of Oommen Chandy government against the wishes of the common people, the UDF is unlikely to get any seat in the next election. Though not personally responsible, being the KPCC President Sudheeran has  to bear the humiliation.


K A Solaman

A government against youth

The major argument for pension age hike is, at 58 or 60 an employee is fully healthy and he/she is able to perform well for another ten years in service. As well, the unemployed youths have ample opportunities outside government service and that is why scores of people from Orissa and Bengal migrate to Kerala for job. My argument is, why the employees in government service could not take Orissa men’s job after retiring at 56 and give opportunity to educated youths with PG and professional degrees to serve as clerk or peon in government departments. 

It is time to trash the suggestions of Expenditure Review Committee who recommended pension age hike. A government that aims to put off the payment of retirement benefits to its employees is against the youth and against the civic.

K A Solaman

Kitchen securities of K M Mani.

The recommendation of the Kerala Public Expenditure Review Committee for 2011-'12  to raise the retirement age of state government employees from 56 years to 58 years is obnoxious. The committee has out rightly neglected the aspirations of the educated youth of the state. What is actually needed is the restoration of the previous retirement age of 55.  

If there is any water in the finding of the committee that the state government and autonomous bodies like KSRTC and universities are heading towards a pension payment crisis, it is due to the mismanagement of higher-ups of these bodies. The minister and directors in charge of these bodies should be held responsible for the dismal condition of these institutions. While KSRTC faces a pension payment crisis there is no dearth of fund for constructing new buildings and for buying worthless gadgets like ticket vending machines. For instance in Cherthala bus station a new building is under construction when the retirees of the corporation are in sit-in-strike for their monthly pension.

The committee’s suggestion to collect an amount equivalent to 10% of the basic pay of all pensionable staff every month for five years is utopian as none would care to payback this amount after five years or at the time of retirement. The present denial of paying pension in time, is an astute example of going back from the assurance given by previous governments. What the committee should have suggested is the action for immediate collection of money from defaulters There are a number public and private companies which are defaulters in tune with crores of rupees to the government.

.

And while receiving this report the finance minister K  M Mani said, before implementing the suggestion of the committee about pension age hike, he would take in faith and of course think of the fate of unemployed youths.  If one has no loss of memory this is an adequate gesture from Mani for an immediate laughter. Seemingly the Expenditure Review Committee members are kitchen securities of K M Mani.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express published on 6-2-2014

Reliable notes.

The Reserve Bank of India’s decision to withdraw from circulation all currency notes issued prior to 2005 is a welcome move. The decision would help to cleanse our currencies from the attack of Pakistan made counterfeit notes. For cash transactions, the giver and the receiver would take a little patience to verify the notes so that our money matter becomes more meaningful and trustworthy. The delay if any in transaction is not a serious matter as the benefits out of this decision outweighs the hitches.

K A Solaman

Illiterate kids of India.

Illiteracy among poor kids, even after 4 years of Education in some Indian states is an alarming factor, according to  a Unesco Report. The case is not different in Kerala. The report says pace in achieving universal primary education, lower secondary education and youth literacy is woefully low in the country, especially for the disadvantaged. Poverty and poor living conditions are not alone the factors for illiteracy. There are more reasons.

We have illiterate politicians and leaders, so who is going to lay emphasis on literacy when our leaders are themselves illiterate is a big question.  If there is no minimum qualification criteria for those contesting elections there will be no improvement in the level of literacy in the country. Another reason for learning predicament is the teacher governance. The report says that there is absenteeism of teachers who are bound to teach students. So no teacher should be permitted to work in politics as teachers’ absence from school adversely affect the teaching-learning process. Not only that, many teaching staff members are not up to the mark. Many fail in the teacher eligibility tests.  If kids do not become literate in a specified time the teachers in charge of them should be held responsible. Separate norms should be fixed for it.

Indian politicians are more responsible for the illiteracy of children as they do not wish children to get educated.  If children are educated, politicians will lose their vote banks.  Tenth or twelfth passing with no serious board examination is also a reason for illiteracy.  No one learns properly and no one teaches properly. The reason for illiteracy among kids is thus evident.

K A Solaman

Who will India vote for?

Black Hole!

No to FDI by Kejriwal

The Arvind Kejriwal-led Delhi government decision to disallow foreign direct investment (FDI) in multi-brand retail, reversing the previous Sheila Dikshit regime's policy is a welcome step.  It is certain that FDI leads to loss of jobs to a very large extent and future exploitation of people by big business houses.  Most of the people in the lower and middle income group are living out of small time retail trade in vegetables, fruits, groceries, textiles, fish etc. No governmental agency helps them for their existence.

 Foreign Investment into the retail trade would wipe out  livelihood of these people. Hence Kejriwal should be congratulated for this people friendly decision.  The country should not stand for the growth of a few multinationals but cater  the needs of poor millions.

K A Solaman
The New Indian Express published on 29 Jan 2014

Needed CBI probe in TP case

CPM state secretary Pinarayi Vijayan is seen thrilled over TP  case verdict  and said the verdict had acquitted CPM leaders in the case. The allegation that CPM leaders conspired in the murder of T P Chandrashekaran has been busted with the freeing of Mohanan Master, according to him. Is Mohanan the only accused  Marxist leader in the case? The role of CPM has become clear as two in the convicted are district level CPM leaders. P K Kunhanandan, one of the convicted, is a Kannur district committee member.  

So, whatever be the top claim, evidently the murder was committedwith knowledge of the CPM leadership. A CBI probe is, therefore, needed to establish the conspiracy and the part played by CPM leaders in the TP murder.

K A Solaman

Poignant shock by Sunanda

Whether the controversy between Tharoor and his wife is true or not, this writer-politician has miserably failed in analyzing the human mind. Sunanda Pushker’s sudden demise is a matter of total upset for Tharoor for not maintaining the moral values needed for a minister and a gentle man. He himself went in despair and has put Congress party in trouble at the time of oncoming election to the Parliament. He was always busy in nonsense affairs using his position as minister ignoring the dignity of an Indian citizen. Married thrice and eyeing for the fourth one is not at all a decorous act.

Sunanda’s death may be the outcome of the huge despair originated form sheer negligence from Tharoor who cornered at the Pakistan columnist Mehr Tarar. Shashi Tharoor lacks the maturity of a responsible citizen. It is a shame for our nation to bear such ministers who are short of moral values and principles in personal life. India has a culture and heritage, which is deeply rooted in the transparency of married life. Tharoor has spoiled everything and with her sudden withdrawal from life Sunanda gave him a poignant shock.

K A Solaman

Gold rush

The women’s commission in Kerala is trying to limit the amount of gold given at weddings to no more than 80 grams. This step is taken to reduce the burden on families and help ease India’s trade deficit. In Indian weddings, gifts of gold, mostly jewellery, are common. The bride’s family gifts gold to the groom to ensure financial stability and this is seen as an auspicious gesture. It is part of the fabric of the Indian belief system. The chairperson of the KWC, K.C. Rosakutty, said that the demand for gold has given rise to a dangerous trend as parents “sell residential property to buy gold for marriages and go for rented houses”. Kerala now uses up to 400 grams of gold per wedding, which was about a tenth of India’s total demand in 2012. The commission has sought a meeting with the chief minister of Kerala, Oommen Chandy, to fix the upper limit at 80 grams. The proposal is unlikely to find many takers in political circles ahead of the general elections in May. It is likely to remain only on paper because the gold industry is a big money spinner for political parties during elections.

However, it would be good news for the finance minister, P. Chidambaram, if the proposal is accepted. Apart from raising gold import duties to a record 10 per cent last year, he has also been vocal about the need to end Indians’ fascination with the yellow metal. It is heartening to know that gold and silver imports have declined by almost 70 per cent in December 2013, after the government imposed restrictions on the import of gold to narrow the current account deficit. The KWC should also educate the people to check their fondness for gold.

K.A. Solaman,  Kerala

The Telegraph, Calcutta published on 14-1-14

Limit on gold at weddings

Finally the Kerala Women’s Commission has identified the crisis. It seeks to limit the amount of gold given at weddings to no more than 80 grams to reduce the burden on families and help ease India's trade deficit. The decision is unparalleled but I am not certain that the gold merchants in the state permit the political bosses to take a decision in this direction.

The money handed over to political parties by the gold merchants in the State is far beyond any reckon and hence the rulers would never take a decision harming the prospects of gold dealers. Or else ask the government to take action against obnoxious advertisements in TV channels by unscrupulous gold merchants. For instance, in a gold ad the ‘chatta’ cladded Boby Chemmannur plays football fouls with Argentinean player Diego Maradonna. His intention is not to sell only 80 grams. 

The gold merchants with their prime time ads have become a total nuisance to channel viewers especially the poor. If an ordinary man  so thinks to sell his belongings to find money for buying gold ornaments he cannot be blamed. So, there should be awareness campaigns against the tendency of groom’s parents seeking increasing amounts of gold at marriage. The propensity among parents to sell residential property to buy gold for marriages should also be checked.

The Kerala women’s fascination for gold is limitless and this can be proscribed only by societal interference. Meanwhile, the gold merchants should be restricted from their dishonest advertisement and subsequent bamboozle.

K A Solaman

Thought for the Day

Blessed are the hearts that can bend; they shall never be broken. — Albert Camus

Kerala fiscal squeeze.

The best finance minister of Kerala has turned into worst finance minister. There is not enough equipment in Mani’s kitty to save the State from financial crunge. The State is in the verge of financial blackout as its employees even denied salary before the X’mas, which is a phenomenon never seen in the history of Kerala.

The veteran finance minister doesn’t know how to mobilize fund in a systematic way. What he knows is a prayer in the Palayam church before the State Budget and installing more Kerala lotteries inviting more people for a state wide begging campaign. Can anyone say this unproductive, unscientific Kerala lottery is something more than public begging. Of course there are many people earn their livelihood by way of selling lottery but this is not the way for a democratic state to protect the unprivileged. Mani has an eye on pension benefits of employees also.

If the revenues have not increased as envisaged in the budget and the expenditure is far above estimates, it is due to the folly of the ministers of the state. Mani now asks to implement tax and non-tax augmenting measures that have already been approved. But before that Mani and other ministers should withdraw ministerial stay given to big defaulters. There are many corporate and abkaris as defaulters to state exchequer and it is the duty of the ministers to take immediate action to collect the dues.

Who knows it is not a ploy of finance minister to enhance to retirement age of state employees in the setting of fiscal squeeze and thereby to withhold the pension benefits of employees. The collection from staff unions in this direction has been made last year itself, it is told.

K A Solaman   
The New Indian Express published on 9-1-14

Playing with gas

Playing with fire is dangerous to little ones. Likewise, playing with gas is dangerous to UPA ones. The passing away of the Congress party in the next election depends solely on their foul play with LPG distribution. Hike in LPG prices sparked protests across political divide in Kerala and elsewhere and supply of cooking gas cylinders to domestic consumers disrupted in many parts. There is confusion regarding the price of LPG and Adhaar linking for getting subsidy.

The Kerala CM Oommen Chandy and Congress leader V M Sudheeran have expressed their resentment for giving free hand to oil companies to determine price of LPG and petroleum products. The oil companies running a parallel government in the country is not at all desirable. It will definitely harm the prospects of Congress party in the next election. The minister in charge of petroleum ministry Moily sticking on the present fixed number of cylinders is amusing.

 He could have stuck on to ‘single cylinder' to single person!

K A Solaman