Monthly Archives: September 2011
Two More Wins for Bihar (that’s right, BIHAR)
Bihar continues to surprise
Just when I thought it cannot get better, I find out something new that is fascinating. Trust me, if anyone told me that as an US expat in India, specifically Mumbai, I would be writing about some backward northeastern state – not once, not twice, but three times in the span of a few months, I would have said you were crazy. Bihar is not exciting. I have only been there the one time, and while that visit was a fun-filled one, it did not give me any illusions about the state.
Frankly, for me to write about it at all, you better believe that it is because of something extraordinary or innovative or unusual or amazing. That’s why, I hope you read on about what I consider Bihar’s “wins”.
Win #1: From Loot to Schools
Over the weekend, the government of Bihar seized the mansion of a government IAS officer who is accused of corruption. This has been happening in the state whenever an official’s assets are disproportionate with respect to his sources of income (as I had written earlier). Yesterday’s paper talked about this house (worth some $1.25 million) being illegally acquired through bribes; the plans are to now turn this into a school. Bold move! And what a statement-making one to all the others who might be thinking of taking a bribe. It says:
1. Don’t fool yourself, this government is very serious
2. If you take a bribe, you will pay for it dearly
3. Not just monetarily, but in full view of the public
4. Therefore, just DON’T do it.
Setting an example can’t get more sharp and resounding than that! It is expected that this would be the start of Bihar’s Chief Minister fulfilling his promise of converting illegal properties into much-needed schools in the State. Simply brilliant.
Win #2: Basic Rights. Delivered On Time.
On August 15th of this year – Independence Day for India, the government of Bihar introduced a new act – the Right to Public Services (RTPS) Act. Implemented both online as well as manual (where online is not available yet), a citizen can expect mandated services in a timely manner.
Yes, I know this would be a standard expectation from any government. But this is India, and that has never been the case. To get anything, you have to run around the block a few times, then grease some palms, and then maybe you will receive what was your due all this time – after a long wait.
The ultimate stated objective of the State: Transform governance within Bihar
The objectives of RTPS: Be transparent; deliver essential services to people efficiently.
A crucial, beneficial side-effect: Curb and/or eliminate corruption
Services – anything from getting a ration card to registering a property deed, would have to be provided in a stipulated time. For example, say getting a ration card will take 10 days (this is just an example, but specifics such as this are provided to the public). It is the responsibility of the named official to provide this service within that 10 day time period. In case this does not happen, the citizen can appeal to two different named levels both for correction and to issue penalties to the officer.
In the initial phase, RTPS covers some 50 services to citizens from 10 different departments. Just during the first two days after activation, there were some 40,000 applications received across Bihar. Within five days, as of August 20th, the number of applications swelled to 280,000! This clearly showed the pent-up demand and expectation of people. An idea whose time has obviously arrived!
RTPS – the why and how – was yet another superb brainchild of Chief Minister Extraordinaire Nitish Kumar. Since June, he has been promoting it widely through a series of advertisements across the state. Even better, check out this facebook page for Right to Public Services! The main website is here.
Undoubtedly, there will be some pain during the initial execution, but what a great move by the state government.
Could this state known for its sluggishness in the past, turn out to be a model for others across India? Indeed, it could!
Win #3 (Bonus): He’s the Man
Last month, Chief Minister Nitish Kumar stated that RTPS was another way to curb rampant corruption at the State level.
He then asked the Anna Hazare team to help draft a Lokayukta (State level ombudsman being proposed as part of Jan Lokpal) for Bihar that covers the Chief Minister as part of its scope.
I am full of admiration for this leader! All I can say is that India could use a few (!) more Chief Ministers and political leaders like Nitish Kumar. Indeed, that is what voters and political parties alike should aspire for!
Credentials for the job:
- Honesty and transparency
- Political will and savvy
- Strong beliefs about service to and uplifting of people
- Bold action and solid execution to turn these beliefs into reality
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Frankly, I believe he is really Bihar’s biggest win. Lucky Bihar.
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Map of India: By Created by user:Maverick.Mohit.Maverick.Mohit at en.wikipedia [GFDL (www.gnu.org/copyleft/fdl.html) or CC-BY-SA-3.0 (www.creativecommons.org/licenses/by-sa/3.0)], from Wikimedia Commons
Anna Hazare’s Movement: Winners and Losers (so far)
It has been but a week since Anna Hazare ended his fast and people celebrated it as a day of victory for the country (Note – see Losers below for exceptions). Since then, there have been more than their fair share of analyses, critiques and opinions of the events that spanned the 13 day period between August 16 and Aug 28. Clearly, the 74 year old man and his crusade captured the imagination of Indians around the globe.
I can think of various winners and losers that emerged. Here is strictly my (non-exhaustive) take on the subject. Who and what did I miss?
Winners
1. The People of India
The fight to end corruption rallied the nation like nothing else in recent times, and the the victory of the underdog is still being relished.
2. Anna Hazare
To this selfless man, service to the nation and its people has become his mission and way of life. Anna – who with his simplicity and plain but powerful message – took on the government and ended up winning the hearts and minds of a country. Now, we can add youth icon (the real one) to his attributes. Who would’ve thought?
3. Arvind Kejriwal, Medha Patkar and Prashant Bhushan
Standout strategists and tacticians – the core of Team Anna, working in the background and foreground to ensure that Anna’s cause would bear healthy fruit. Clever, tough, insightful, transparent, honest, credible…all these words can be used to describe them.
4. The Mobilized Youth of India
Who would have guessed that it would take a 74 year old man to mobilize India’s youth? Indeed, to make them involved, engaged, connected, passionate and committed. Yes, they won big too.
5.Pranab Mukherjee of the UPA ruling party, Arun Jaitley and Sushma Swaraj of BJP
If there is one group who were definite losers in this battle it was the politicians, but for a few standout spokespeople, negotiators and deal makers who were there as exceptions just to prove that rule. I’ve picked the three that stood out for me.
6. The Media
For unstinting coverage of what they saw as a good cause for the people and nation, while being unapologetic and non-objective about it! The media did make a difference. Take a bow.
Losers
1. The UPA Government
For fighting the wrong fire with the wrong tools and the wrong people. They lost. Of course. Specific losers from this group follow.
2. Prime Minister Manmohan Singh
For his lack of insight, leadership, communication, judgment and political savvy. Ultimately costing him his credibility across the country. For all his position and power, he looked positively diminutive next to Anna.
3. Rahul Gandhi
He missed a great opportunity to show leadership and courage – to really become the youth icon that his backers promote. Clearly, he does not have it in him. Especially when his mother is away. [On the other hand, his cousin Varun Gandhi outshone him in every way possible].
4. Kapil Sibal and P.Chidambaram
Clueless fighters who used legalese and elitism against the raw emotion and disgust of people. They’re probably still wondering why and how they could have lost.
5. Manish Tiwari
For his most famous quote: “Anna Hazare is corrupt from head to toe“. Really? Thanks for adding fuel to the fire in people’s belly, pal. Now, we can forget about you.
6. The Cynics and Critics
There are always some, and its important to have them. By existing, they showcase the power of democracy. Even if they were on the wrong side this time…;)
7. Arundhati Roy
She emerged as the poster child for nutcase critiquing. Temporarily got her what she was obviously laboring for – some attention. This post did a great job of rebutting her nonsensical tirade.
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I hate to end this post on a sour note (i.e. with losers). Therefore, here’s another great cartoon by Kureel to round it out. Guess which side won the battle? *
* Warning: The war is not over yet.
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UPA Govt Cartoon By:Thomas A. Kodenkandath, Ph.D. (Thommy); http://InnocentLines.blogspot.com
Note: All other photographs, cartoons and images used in this post are courtesy of the Facebook page for India Against Corruption.
The Yin and Yang of Life Anywhere 