POLITICS PERCEPTION and THE REAL ISSUES

POLITICS PERCEPTION and THE REAL ISSUES

Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE

As I watch with hapless amusement the LPG fiasco which is causing tremendous negative sentiment among most of the citizens, I am quite surprised as to why seasoned politicians are allowing bureaucratic bungling to proliferate and letting the situation worsen day by day.

Bureaucrats do not have to win elections. Their jobs and career progression are guaranteed. That is why bureaucrats do not have to bother about public perception.

Politicians have to be sensitive to public perception. They have to win elections every five years and cannot afford negative public sentiment.

Of course, there are two types of politicians in India:

1. Those who have to go to the people and get their votes to win elections and get elected to the Lok Sabha and State Legislative Assemblies.

2. Those who are nominated by their parties to the Rajya Sabha and State Legislative Councils. This second category of politicians don’t have to go to the people every five years to get elected and, like bureaucrats, they have an assured tenure, and if they remain in the good books of the party leadership then they can hope for a second or third tenure as well. Hence, like bureaucrats, they do not have to bother about public perception and they need not be sensitive to the problems of the common man.

Therefore, it is only from the first category of “elected” politicians that a common man can seek hope and redress of his grievances.

And I feel that a common man will certainly vote for the person who is sensitive to his problems.

You may say that most people vote as per “vote banks” based on caste, creed, religion, language, region etc, but sometimes an emotive issue can turn the tables and history bears testimony to this fact as there have been many occasions when even big leaders were defeated in the elections. 

An issue like price rice is certainly an emotive issue which affects every citizen and can cause immense negative sentiment which can turn the tide. The recent inept political handling of the LPG Domestic Cooking Gas issue, further exacerbated by the bureaucratic bungling (of removing subsidy, capping cylinders, blocking connections, confusion created by distributors and oil companies regarding procedures for KYC, rumours of artificial shortage and potential for black-marketing of cylinders, perpetual fear of price rise of unsubsidized cylinders, etc) is causing great harassment and anxiety to the consumers, especially housewives, and the common perception is that the government is acting in an insensitive and clueless manner, as far as this LPG issue is concerned. 

There is adage in “systems theory” – DO NOT DISTURB A SYSTEM WHICH IS RUNNING WELL.

The LPG Domestic Gas Supply System was running smoothly so it was best not to disturb it. Hence, it will be advisable for the powers-that-be to restore status quo ante.

Sometimes reversing a decision can pay dividends and in this LPG case, reverting back to the old tried-and-tested “subsidized” system will certainly undo the damage in perception and also prove that politicians are sensitive to the needs of the common man.

Many politicians and the media feels that corruption is the main issue for a common man. Yes, corruption may be an important issue but it is not the cardinal issue. As far as the common man is concerned the main issue is PRICE RISE since price rise affects each and every individual – man or woman, rich, poor or middle class.

Yes, corruption may have contributed to price rise but again the main issue is Price Rise which you experience every day as you buy things from the market for your daily use.

Of course, the bureaucrats and “nominated” politicians need not be sensitive about price rise since they don’t have to fight the next election, but I feel that those seeking election must give due consideration to this aspect. I will certainly vote for those who take tangible and visible steps to contain price rise.

Meanwhile, it may be interesting to see if there is any difference in the attitudes and actions of:

1. The Ministers from the Lok Sabha who are aspiring to fight the next election in 2014 and hence they have to be sensitive to the needs and concerns of the common man

vis-à-vis

2. The Ministers from the Rajya Sabha who can afford to be insensitive, bureaucratic and complacent since they do not have to fight elections and their tenures are assured irrespective of whether their party wins or loses in the next elections.

It is the same with the opposition parties too. Only those political leaders who have to face the electorate need to be sensitive about real ground-level issues like price rise which affect the common man (rather than engage in political one-upmanship which does not alleviate the distress of the aam aadmi).

In conclusion, I request all politicians to please take steps to contain inflation and tackle the issue of price rise. To start with please reverse the decision of capping LPG cylinders as the new system is not only causing distress to the common man but also seems to be practically difficult to implement and is likely to lead to more corruption, confusion and cause harassment to the aam aadmi.

I also hope that the opposition parties will constructively take up such practical day-to-day tangible issues which affect common citizens.

It is sad to see opposition parties wasting their energies by indulging in futile political one-upmanship on intangible matters.

It is demoralizing to see politicians create disharmony in inter-personal relationships by engaging in political duels in the media which produce no results on the ground, as far as the aam aadmi is concerned.

These negative vibes created by politics of conflict are avoidable and it will be good to see politicians synergize together and tackle the problems facing the country and alleviate the distress of the common man. I hope they focus on taking up the issues of Inflation and Price Rise. To start with, let us see all politicians get together and resolve the LPG fiasco.

VIKRAM KARVE

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012

Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work. 

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like reading this blog post? 
I am sure you will like all the 27 stories in my recently published book of short stories COCKTAIL
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
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http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html
COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer and blogger. Educated at IIT Delhi, IIT (BHU) Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a large number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals and magazines for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing and blogging. Vikram Karve lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramwamankarve@gmail.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

  

ALWAYS PAY THE RIGHT PRICE

ALWAYS PAY THE RIGHT PRICE

A Teaching Story

By

VIKRAM KARVE

A renowned King once decided to travel throughout  the length and breadth of his vast empire.

One day the King and his entourage reached a remote uninhabited area in the back of beyond in the dense forests deep in the mountains near an awe-inspiring waterfall.

The King was enamoured by the sheer pristine beauty of breathtaking place that he decided to camp there for a few days to relax and enjoy the sylvan surroundings.

A few days later the Royal Cook came to King and he pleaded before the King, “Your Highness, there is a small problem. Our stock of salt has finished. I know that you like tasty food, but what can I do – without salt the food will taste so bland that you will get angry and I am scared. Please tell me what I should do?”

“That’s a small problem,” the King said, “you do one thing. On our way up here I noticed a small village in the foothills. Take a good horse and go down to that village. I am sure you will find a shop selling salt there.”

“Yes, your Majesty,” the Cook said, and started to leave.

“Wait,” the King said, looking at the Cook, “Wear normal clothes and don’t tell them that you are the Royal Cook. Go like a commoner, bargain properly, find out the usual rate at which salt in being sold in the market and make sure that you pay the right price for the salt. Be careful that you do not pay even a paisa more than the prevailing correct price.’

The Royal Cook was a bit bewildered and asked the King, “Your Highness, you are the King Emperor of such a huge and prosperous kingdom. You possess so much wealth, so many treasures, you have more money than anyone else in the world, and yet you tell me to bargain and not to pay even one paisa more than the right price for the salt. What difference will it make to you if we paid a little bit more for the salt?”

The King gave the Cook a profound look and answered, “It is precisely the little things that grow into the injustices of the world. Little things are like drops of water that eventually fill an entire lake. The great injustices of the world begin as little things. So you must take care of the little things in life. Now go and buy the salt at the right price.”    

Well, I am quite confused.

What is the exact moral of this story?

Does the story tell us that if we pay attention to small details, the big picture will take care of itself?

Well, I can’t fathom the precise message in this story.

So, Dear Reader, you tell me what you think is the moral of this story.

Meanwhile, I am going to tell this story to all those overly-paid nouveau riche young “Techies” who have no qualms in spending lavish amounts of money to buy houses. This hype in demand has sent the real estate market in a tizzy and caused property prices to skyrocket to unrealistic levels in places like Pune, where the poor infrastructure does not justify the high prices.

And suppose the real estate “bubble” bursts – like it almost happened a few years ago.

Well, a real estate downturn does not seem an impossibility, in the near future, if you look at the current gloomy economic situation, the slowdown in growth, the industrial downturn, the global meltdown, the volatile stock markets, the unstable political situation and the possibility of a looming recession.

You may have lots of money in your pocket, but when you buy something it may be worthwhile to ponder and ask yourself: “Am I getting value for my money?”

Maybe you can take a cue from the King’s advice to his Cook – that you must always pay the proper price for a commodity.

That’s why there was no “inflation” in that King’s Kingdom and prices remained in control and the commoners in the Kingdom were a happy lot.

History has taught us that extravagance and profligacy do not pay long term dividends.

That was the “materialistic” moral of the story. Now, you, Dear Reader, please tell us the “philosophical” or “spiritual” moral of the story.

Have a Happy Monday and a Great Week ahead.

VIKRAM KARVE 

Copyright © Vikram Karve 2012
Vikram Karve has asserted his right under the Copyright, Designs and Patents Act 1988 to be identified as the author of this work.
© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

Did you like this story?
I am sure you will like the 27 fiction short stories from my recently published anthology of Short Fiction COCKTAIL 
To order your COCKTAIL please click any of the links below:
http://www.flipkart.com/cocktail-vikram-karve-short-stories-book-8191091844?affid=nme
http://www.indiaplaza.in/cocktail-vikram-karve/books/9788191091847.htm
http://www.apkpublishers.com/books/short-stories/cocktail-by-vikram-karve.html

COCKTAIL ebook
If you prefer reading ebooks on Kindle or your ebook reader, please order Cocktail E-book by clicking the links below:
AMAZON
http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005MGERZ6
SMASHWORDS
http://www.smashwords.com/books/view/87925

Foodie Book:  Appetite for a Stroll
If your are a Foodie you will like my book of Food Adventures APPETITE FOR A STROLL. Do order a copy from FLIPKART:
http://www.flipkart.com/appetite-stroll-vikram-karve/8190690094-gw23f9mr2o

About Vikram Karve

A creative person with a zest for life, Vikram Karve is a retired Naval Officer turned full time writer. Educated at IIT Delhi, ITBHU Varanasi, The Lawrence School Lovedale and Bishops School Pune, Vikram has published two books: COCKTAIL a collection of fiction short stories about relationships (2011) and APPETITE FOR A STROLL a book of Foodie Adventures (2008) and is currently working on his novel and a book of vignettes and short fiction. An avid blogger, he has written a number of fiction short stories, creative non-fiction articles on a variety of topics including food, travel, philosophy, academics, technology, management, health, pet parenting, teaching stories and self help in magazines and published a large number of professional research papers in journals and edited in-house journals for many years, before the advent of blogging. Vikram has taught at a University as a Professor for almost 15 years and now teaches as a visiting faculty and devotes most of his time to creative writing. Vikram lives in Pune India with his family and muse - his pet dog Sherry with whom he takes long walks thinking creative thoughts.

Vikram Karve Academic and Creative Writing Journal: http://karvediat.blogspot.com
Professional Profile Vikram Karve: http://www.linkedin.com/in/karve
Vikram Karve Facebook Page:  https://www.facebook.com/vikramkarve
Vikram Karve Creative Writing Blog: http://vikramkarve.sulekha.com/blog/posts.htm
Email: vikramkarve@sify.com

© vikram karve., all rights reserved.

    

AAM AADMI and KHAAS AADMI - आम आदमी और ख़ास आदमी -

AAM AADMI and KHAAS AADMI

आम आदमी और ख़ास आदमी 

The TAXPAYER and The FREELOADER

Musings

By

VIKRAM KARVE

There are two types of citizens – the aam aadmi and the khaas aadmi.

How do you find out who is an aam aadmi and who is a khaas aadmi?

It is simple. Take the recent example of petrol price rise. If you are affected by the petrol price rise then you are an aam aadmi. If you are not affected by the petrol price rise, or for that matter a diesel price rise or any price rise, then you are a khaas aadmi.

The aam aadmi pays taxes. The khaas aadmi freeloads on those taxes.

The khaas aadmi enjoys the privilege of freeloading on the aam aadmi.

Remember, it is not the middle class alone who pays taxes. Do not think that those who pay income tax are the only ones who are being taxed. Even the poorest of the poor pays taxes because you have to pay all types of taxes (central, state, excise, duties, sales tax , service tax, cess, VAT, octroi) – yes, you are taxed for anything you buy or use, even items of daily living.

A portion these taxes paid by the TAXPAYERS are used to finance the opulent lifestyles of the FREELOADERS.

Since the fuel price rise is the topic of the day, let me give some examples of freeloaders in this context.

I remember a few years ago when petrol and diesel prices were raised, a friend of mine was unperturbed. He said that he couldn’t be bothered about fuel prices since he had an official car at this disposal. Of course, official cars are meant for official duties only, but then you know what goes on and how these vehicles are misused for personal and family use. In fact, I know of another guy who sold off his personal car the moment he was promoted and he proudly stated that since he would be entitled to an official car till the end of his service career he won’t need a personal car till he retired.

A vehicle is only one thing – you will be amazed at the number of things provided free or at subsidized rates to these freeloaders. Some smart freeloaders manage to continue enjoying largesse even after retirement. Some never retire.

Before Independence, the British were the rulers and we were the ruled. The British may have gone away long back but the “Raj” continues to flourish – only now there are new sets of rulers and, despite the so-called modernisation and liberalisation, the “feudal” structure continues to burgeon. In this set-up, the aam aadmi is taxed in order to finance the khaas aadmi. In fact the numbers and types of freeloaders have proliferated at an amazing rate and their “on-the-house” lifestyles have become even more lavish and profligate.

And don’t think that freeloaders exist only in the political class and bureaucracy. If you look at the corporate sector you will be amazed to see the fantastic compensation packages and mind-boggling “on-the-house” perks and facilities given to some of the top management.

You will be even more surprised when you see this happening even in those companies which are making losses and, maybe, even are on the verge of bankruptcy.  Some types of industries “freeload” too as they have been given huge tax exemptions and concessions and the common taxpayer has to bear the burden.

Freeloading has become a way of life, a part of our culture – each and everyone wants to freeload and, given an opportunity, everyone tries to freeload. There are many who think that once they have attained a certain position it becomes their birthright to freeload. It is mind-blowing how the sheer numbers and types of freeloaders are increasing and snowballing at an alarming rate. India is a poor country and can ill-afford such profligacy and extravagance by these freeloaders.

I once told a freeloader colleague: “If you consume something, someone has to pay for it. There is no free lunch. So if you have a meal – either you pay for it or someone else has to pay for it.”

In the same way, what the khaas aadmi or freeloaders “consume”, the hapless aam aadmi or taxpayer has to pay for. Has anyone computed the CTC (“cost to company”) being incurred on these freeloaders?

I think one of the ways to resuscitate the economy is to eliminate freeloading and inculcate a sense of thrift and frugality and enforce financial prudence in the powers-that-be. This has got to start from the top since it is best to lead by example. Yes, good leadership implements a top-down approach for change management.

Can we hope to see the crème-de-la-crème freeloaders eschew freeloading and start walking or cycling down to office or travelling by public transport. Can we hope to see the powers-that-be reduce their perks and privileges and learn to more parsimonious and financially honest. Will they pay for what they consume? Will they adopt a High Thinking and Simple Living lifestyle? Will they follow the example set by some of our earlier leaders, freedom fighters who gave up everything for the nation. Will they search their conscience and keep national interest above self interest?

But tell me, why should the freeloaders bother? Things like price rise and corruption will not be important issues during elections as long as we cast our votes based on factors like caste, religion, community and as “vote banks”. So in the end it is we, the aam aadmi, who have only ourselves to blame for the proliferation and extravagance of the khaas aadmi, the thriving freeloaders who will continue to flourish at the aam aadmi’s expense and all we can do is endure in silence and watch on helplessly. 

Whether you are a आम आदमी (aam aadmi) or a ख़ास आदमी (khaas aadmi) - please comment and let us know your views.

PRICE RISE The Most Important Issue For The Common Man

PRICE RISE

The Most Important Issue For The Common Man

While Scams, Political Slugfests and the Anti-Corruption Movement continue to hog the headlines, both on TV and in the print media, no one seems to be concerned about the huge price rise in the last few months. During the last one year the price of milk has almost doubled. Today in Pune a litre of milk costs Rs. 40 (which was unimaginable a few years ago). They quietly continue to raise the price of milk by a rupee or two every few days and no one seems to be bothered about it. Every single item of food required for daily living has gone up. Whether it is vegetables, fruits, medicines, transportation, in fact, all essential items for daily living, the unprecedented price rise seems to be irreversible – once the price goes up it never comes down. The price of petrol has also almost doubled during the last one year and though international crude prices have fallen petrol prices are not being reduced. Even an unpretentious cup of tea has reached double digit figures and it has become very costly to eat a simple meal in modest restaurants and roadside eateries.

It is sad that no one seems be doing anything to control inflation and stop the unprecedented price rise which is affecting every citizen of this country.   

Of course, a few things like Electronic Goods (Laptops, for example) have become cheaper, but then these are exceptions and are due to global trends as most of these items are imported. Some things like diesel and gas are subsidised. I wonder why they don’t subsidise milk and other essential commodities and food items.

And there is another curious thing I observe during my walks in Pune. Seeing the ever-increasing crowds in liquor shops and bars, it seems that booze has not been affected by this unprecedented price rise, maybe a peg of liquor is more affordable than a glass of milk, or maybe drowning one’s sorrows in drink is the best way to beat inflation by remaining oblivious about it. You get so drunk that you don’t feel hungry – of course, your health be dammed. The consumption of tobacco, smoking cigarettes and eating gutka, also continues to increase day by day. I feel it would be a good idea to introduce a special tax on these intoxicants, like liquor and tobacco, and use this amount to subsidise Milk – maybe you can call it “Milk Cess” so that every time you consume things detrimental to your health, like tobacco or alcohol, whenever you drink booze, you think of a glass of healthy Milk.   

Seriously, I hope they do something to contain, and reverse, this unprecedented price rise and alleviate the distress of the common citizen.