Dr.C.Murukada, Business Line, 31, 2012
Friday, August 31, 2012
Rat bite of baby in Hospital, Chennai
Not long ago, the government hospitals all over the country catered to the requirements of all sections of the society -- the rich, the middle-class and the downtrodden. This type of hospital provides medical care free of charge, the cost of which is covered by the funding the hospital receives from the government. Even ministers, politicians and high ranking officials also had to depend upon the facilities in the government hospitals. As a result, care was taken to proper up keep of these hospitals and the overall environment was not awful as at present. Over the years, with the growth of hi-tech private hospitals the politicians and officials migrated to them. The government hospitals became the abode of the downtrodden. Due to the growth of population and inadequate improvement of facilities, the existing government hospitals became overcrowded. Each of these hospitals has been forced to treat thousands of patients – as outpatients as well as inpatients. For instance, the Government General Hospital in Chennai treats about 8,000 to 10,000 outpatients every day, besides more than a thousand in-patients. But the facilities in these hospitals have not been expanded to meet the growing requirements. Moreover, no effective steps have been to improve the administrative set-up in tune with the increase in the volume of patients and visitors. As the administration turned a blind eye, the government hospital premises began to be littered with all kinds of waste materials, including waste of food materials. Moreover, due to improper administration the hospital buildings remain without proper cleaning, sometimes for days together. The hospital toilets are not properly cleaned and subjected to treatment with disinfectants. The general picture of most of the hospitals is one of dirt, filth and appalling ugliness. As a result dogs, cats, rodents, rats, flies and mosquitoes have a field day. The doctors are supposed to teach others the value of hygiene. It is rather incomprehensible that keep a blind eye to the sorry state of affairs in these hospitals. However, it is rather heartening to know that the Chief Minister of Tamilnadu has reacted immediately on the news about the death of a female infant at the Government Kasturba Gandhi Hospital for Women and Children and stains found on the face of the baby due to rat bite. She has in fact ordered the cleanup of all hospitals immediately and free them from the menace of dogs, cats, rodents, rats, flies and mosquitoes, besides ordering to remove mobile food stalls. This process should be continued with the same vigor.
Dr. C. Murukadas, NDTV, AUG.31, 2012
Thursday, August 30, 2012
World food prices surge
The latest data indicate that the situation with the world food supply continues to be worrisome phenomenon. The situation in Africa and the Middle East are particularly vulnerable; so also people in other countries where the prices of grains have gone up abruptly. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations report suggest that World food prices will increase in the coming months Moreover the World Bank has urged governments to shore up programmes that protect their most vulnerable populations. The report showed that producers are responding to high prices by trying to raise output but are having a hard time catching up with rising demand. However, the current crisis serves as a timely wake up call for governments, multilateral organizations, and donors to refocus on agriculture. Various national and international bodies have called for a second Green Revolution to feed the world in the face of a growing population and shrinking land base for agricultural uses.
Dr.C.Murukadas, The Economic Times, 31 August, 2012
Dr.C.Murukadas, The Economic Times, 31 August, 2012
Malnutrition in Gujarat
Narendra Modi’s claim that malnutrition in Gujarat is a sign of prosperity, vegetarianism and figure-conscious girls is strange and illogical. Despite India’s notable achievement in increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the past decades, a greater proportion of increase income has gone to a small proportion of the population, say to the top 20 percent. As a result today more than one third of the world’s malnourished children live in India. The 2011 Global Hunger Index (GHI) Report has ranked India 15th amongst leading countries with hunger situation. It also places India amongst the three countries where the GHI between 1996 and 2011 went up from 22.9 to 23.7, while 78 out of the 81 developing countries studied, including Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Kenya, Nigeria, Myanmar, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Malawi, succeeded in improving hunger condition. The prevalence of underweight children in India is among the highest in the world with dire consequences for mobility, mortality, productivity and economic growth. According to recent UN estimates 2.1 million children in India die before reaching the age of 5 every year – four every minute – mostly from preventable illnesses such as diarrhea, typhoid, malaria, measles and pneumonia. There are, however, substantial inter-state differences in child malnutrition and also in the (generally meager) progress made since the early 1990s. A look at the state-wise data for underweight children shows that highest malnutrition is in the Eastern and Central parts of India along with Uttar Pradesh. Child malnutrition is highest in Madhya Pradesh (60.3%), followed by Jharkhand (59.2), Bihar (59%), Chhattisgarh (52%), Uttar Pradesh (47.3), and West Bengal (43%). All these states are relatively agriculturally backward as compared to other regions. In the case of other states Gujarat is having 44% in spite of higher growth. Kerala is still having 29% in spite of education and low poverty. The latest National Family Health Survey projected that almost 50 per cent of Indian’s children had stunted growth. At the same time as a large number of people, nearly 100 million people (11% of Indian population) in India are over-nourished. Over-nutrition can be defined as consuming either too much calories or the wrong types of calories such as saturated fat, trans fat or highly refined sugar which leads to obesity and many other chronic diseases. For example, there are over 30 million people with diabetics in 1985 and by 2011 their number increased to more than 50 million diabetics. India is hence considered as the country with the largest population of diabetics. This diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is one of the diseases closely associated with overweight. The direct cause of overweight in India is largely due to lack of physical activity because of to sedentary life style, loss of traditional diet, faulty diet, high stress etc.
Dr.C.Murukadas, The Times of India, Aug.30,2012
Dr.C.Murukadas, The Times of India, Aug.30,2012
Manmohan Singh Government is at the lowest ebb
The public image of the Manmohan Singh Government is at the lowest ebb. As long as the Communist Parties were supporting UPA I from outside, they were balancing the function of the government. The number of scams, scandals and frauds were very low and the looting of public money was not on a massive scale witnessed today during UPA II, bereft of Communist Parties. Dr.Manmohan Singh has proved to be very weak in ensuring good governance by the present government. The number of mind-boggling scandals and scams such as “Spectrum scandal” and Coalgate scam” involving the loss of lakhs of crores of rupees to the exchequer and bribe of thousands of crores of rupees to the politicians, bureaucrats and middlemen, have shattered the faith of people on Dr. Manmohan Singh Government and the government headed by him (UPA II). Moreover, Dr.Singh seems to have fallen into the trap of lobbying by the multinational corporations, especially of USA, either directly or under pressure from his mentor, the Congress President. His continued maneuvering for FDI in retail is a case in point that he has yielded to pressure form the vested interests. The general perception is that the UPA government should go out sooner than later.
Dr.C.Murukadas, NDTV, Aug.30,2012
Narenra Modi's statement on malnutrition condemneded
Dr.C.Murukadas (Chennai)
Narendra Modi’s claim that malnutrition in Gujarat is a sign of prosperity, vegetarianism and figure-conscious girls is strange and illogical. Despite India’s notable achievement in increase in Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in the past decades, a greater proportion of increase income has gone to a small proportion of the population, say to the top 20 percent. As a result today more than one third of the world’s malnourished children live in India. The 2011 Global Hunger Index (GHI) Report has ranked India 15th amongst leading countries with hunger situation. It also places India amongst the three countries where the GHI between 1996 and 2011 went up from 22.9 to 23.7, while 78 out of the 81 developing countries studied, including Pakistan, Nepal, Bangladesh, Vietnam, Kenya, Nigeria, Myanmar, Uganda, Zimbabwe and Malawi, succeeded in improving hunger condition. The prevalence of underweight children in India is among the highest in the world with dire consequences for mobility, mortality, productivity and economic growth. According to recent UN estimates 2.1 million children in India die before reaching the age of 5 every year – four every minute – mostly from preventable illnesses such as diarrhea, typhoid, malaria, measles and pneumonia. There are, however, substantial inter-state differences in child malnutrition and also in the (generally meager) progress made since the early 1990s. A look at the state-wise data for underweight children shows that highest malnutrition is in the Eastern and Central parts of India along with Uttar Pradesh. Child malnutrition is highest in Madhya Pradesh (60.3%), followed by Jharkhand (59.2), Bihar (59%), Chhattisgarh (52%), Uttar Pradesh (47.3), and West Bengal (43%). All these states are relatively agriculturally backward as compared to other regions. In the case of other states Gujarat is having 44% in spite of higher growth. Kerala is still having 29% in spite of education and low poverty. The latest National Family Health Survey projected that almost 50 per cent of Indian’s children had stunted growth. At the same time as a large number of people, nearly 100 million people (11% of Indian population) in India are over-nourished. Over-nutrition can be defined as consuming either too much calories or the wrong types of calories such as saturated fat, trans fat or highly refined sugar which leads to obesity and many other chronic diseases. For example, there are over 30 million people with diabetics in 1985 and by 2011 their number increased to more than 50 million diabetics. India is hence considered as the country with the largest population of diabetics. This diabetes (diabetes mellitus) is one of the diseases closely associated with overweight. The direct cause of overweight in India is largely due to lack of physical activity because of to sedentary life style, loss of traditional diet, faulty diet, high stress etc.
Banking activities paralysed
The two days strike by one million employees of all 27 public sector banks, 12 private banks and 8 foreign banks is a bad augury.It must be borne in mind that India was largely insulated against the world financial crisis mainly because of the stability of our public sector banks. As these banks have stood away from unorthodox and unlawful banking practices followed by the multinational banks, it helped India to avoid financial crisis. But instead of strengthening of these banks, the government seems to ruin them by outsourcing some of the functions of the banks. By avoiding timely recruitment to the vacant positions due to retirement and branch expansion, the government is doing dis-service to the banking sector.Of course these banks have to be more efficient in rendering services to the people. Of late, corruption and malpractices by a small section of the officers have affected the efficiency of these banks. The government should take steps to root out corruption.
Dr.C.Murukadas, The Hindu, 23, 2012
Tuesday, August 28, 2012
Sharp fall in household savings
The sharp fall in household savings to 10.9% of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) in 2011-12 from 17.8% of GDP in 2004-05 is really worrisome phenomenon. Obviously, inflation is the main cause of such a deep fall in domestic household savings. But there other reasons too. There is enormous change the consumption pattern leading to increase in consumerism. In fact, there is a kind of craving among the people for the possession of various modern gadgets and equipments which have been exposed due to globalisation and liberalisation. In fact, there is an insatiable desire to possess them. Many households resort to borrowing indiscriminately in their attempt to possess more and modern items such as television, stereo, video, grinder, fridge, microwave owen, mixie, washing machine, cleaning machine, air conditioner, cell phone, and other such electronic items, besides rise in demand motor cycle, car and so on. Many people in order to meet their cravings resort to borrowings at exorbitantly high rates of interest. More and more households are falling into debt trap. Moreover, in past decade or so after liberalisation millions of people all over the country have lost their savings by investing in fraudulent schemes, which offer exceedingly abnormal return on investment. Therefore, the there is decline in the propensity to save, whereas the propensity to consume has gone up due to rise in consumerism. Moreover, may households seem to have abandoned risky and low return financial instruments in favour of stable instruments with assured returns. Despite low returns the people have turned to bank deposits as the most preferred financial saving instrument in recent years. Nevertheless as consumerism is sweeping in the minds of the people due to globalisation and liberalisation, which may be strong constraint to increase the savings level of the people, i.e. household savings. Dr.C.Murukadas, The Times of India, 24 August, 2012.
Monday, August 27, 2012
Friday, August 24, 2012
RBI bats for more FDI in retail, insurance and aviation
The Reserve Bank of India is echoing the stand of the government. There is absolutely no need to further improve foreign direct investment (FDI) inflows in sectors such as insurance, retail, and aviation. Even in the case of urban infrastructure, the country can afford to find resources, if proper efforts are made to realise real value of natural resources allocated. If corruption is plugged in the allotment of coal blocks, oil/gas blocks, spectrum, land, and other mineral resources, lakhs of crores of rupees can be realised. The amount so realised can be used for infrastructural development and welfare services. A book by this commentator entitled, “FDI in Multi-brand Retail Trade: A Retrograde Step,” is going to be published within the next fortnight by M/s RAC Publications, Chennai. It is the outcome of deep research. The study concludes by stating as follows: “ FDI in retail trade will not serve any purpose. It will do more harm than benefit the people."
More parks in Chennai
While people generally are happy with the Chennai Corporation's announcement of 100 new parks, they are worried about improper maintenance many existing parks. According to the Corporation , t he parkks with innovative landscape, herbal garden and playground would come up on pieces of land, some of which are as big as 96 grounds in Elango Nagar of Ambattur. The new facilities would be in addition to the 260 such parks in the seven zones of the old city limits. The eight zones in the newly added areas have as many as 265 pieces of land that are suitable for development of parks.The seven zones of the old Corporation limits has about 260 public parks, 154 traffic islands and 103 centre median parks, maintained by the parks department of the Corporation of Chennai, many of which suffer poor maintenance. The largest among the parks in the city is the 358-acre Tholkappia Poonga, developed to restore the fragile ecosystem of the Adyar estuary.Chennai's green space is further augmented by a network of open spaces containing forests, prairies, wetlands, canals, streams, and lakes that are set aside as natural areas along the city's periphery. But Chennai is having fewer parks (260 parks) compared to many other cities like New Delhi15,000 parks, Mumbai (1,300) Bangalore (721) and Hyderabad (709). Per capita park space in Chennai is very low, at 0.41 sq.m. (recreational green spaces maintained by the Chennai Corporation) which is less than other metros. While Chennai has green cover of 4.54%, it is 19% in Delhi, 6.8% in Bangalore and 9.48% in Hyderabad. However,the share of Chennai's green space is dominated by the Guindy National Park, with an area of 2.71 sq km, which covers a vast area south of the Adyar River.Some of the major parks spread around the city are Anna Park in Royapuram, Secretariat Park in Rajaji Salai, Murasoli Maran Flyover Park in Perambur, My Lady's Park in Periamet, Dr.Visweshwariah Tower Park in Anna Nagar, Jai Nagar Park in Koyambedu,Thiru Vi Ka Park in Shenoy Nagar and Nehru Park in Egmore, May Day Park in Centripetal, Independence Day Park in Nungambakkam, Mayor Sundararao Park in Egmore, Panagal Park,Natesan Park, Jeeva park in T.Nagar, Erikarai park in Nesapakkam, Sivan .Park( Dr.MGR Park) in K.K.Nagar , Dr.Nageshwara Rao Park in Mylapore.and ,Indira Nagar park in Adyar.
But members of residents welfare associations and civic activists say that many parks in Chennai are not properly maintained. They demand better maintenance of Chennai parks. Official apathy is said to be the main reason for lack of proper maintenance of the parks. Lack of a proper system to monitor park maintenance has resulted in decay of some parks , which have turned into vice dens. So the Corporation should take steps to properly maintain the parks.Dr.C.Murukadas , The Times of India, Aug 24, 2012
But members of residents welfare associations and civic activists say that many parks in Chennai are not properly maintained. They demand better maintenance of Chennai parks. Official apathy is said to be the main reason for lack of proper maintenance of the parks. Lack of a proper system to monitor park maintenance has resulted in decay of some parks , which have turned into vice dens. So the Corporation should take steps to properly maintain the parks.Dr.C.Murukadas , The Times of India, Aug 24, 2012
Thursday, August 23, 2012
The kill pills: Lab test in Tamil Nadu rates 7 % drugs as 'substandard'''
| '' It is shocking to know that a variety of drugs are found to be substandard all over the country. Manufacture and sale of spurious drugs is primarily a clandestine activity. To this extent, it is difficult to detect the manufacture or movement of spurious drugs. Any effective action against this activity would require continuous surveillance by the regulators and active co-operation from the Law and Order Enforcement machinery in the States. Circulation of spurious drug can lead to grave, adverse consequences on both consumers (patients) and genuine manufacturers. State drugs controller's findings that his office has found drugs for diabetes, high blood pressure and heart diseases to be of inferior quality. Vitamin tablets, steroids and cough syrups have also been found to be useless. At least one-third of cases filed under the Drugs and Cosmetics Act deals with substandard and spurious drugs, sharply reflecting the public health hazards posed by a network of unscrupulous pharmaceutical companies, distributors and retailers. National TB Control program is a centrally sponsored scheme with MDT or multi-drug therapy. Under the scheme large quantities of medicines are procured on rate contract and in such cases adequate quality control system is expected to be in vogue. Under the provisions of Drugs and Cosmetics Act and Rules there under, it is the joint responsibility of Central and State Governments through their respective Drug Control organizations to regulate manufacture and sale of drugs as well as to keep surveillance over possible movement of spurious drugs .But in practice no quality control is being done mainly because of corruption in procurement.Any effective action against this activity would require continuous surveillance by the regulators and active co-operation from the Law and Order Enforcement machinery in the States.Moreover, the government officials do not monitor if expired drugs are safely disposed. These despicable people who are found manufacture and sell substandard medicines are causing death of our loved ones, driven by sheer greed. Despite reports of cases of fraudulent and spurious manufacturing of drugs, supply of low quality medicines and negligence towards disposal of expired medicines, no effective steps have been taken by the administration to change the Act to impose stringent punishment to the perpetrators such heinous crime. At present only penalty imposed is fine of maximum one lakh rupees. Cases of imprisonment have been rare. The heinous crime of providing spurious or sub standard medicines should be treated at par with mass murder and punished as it would be mass murderer. There can be no mercy and it should be the top priority of the governments to ensure quality drugs including those supplied 'free' from government hospitals/ dispensaries on which the poor and needy people depend for the life and well being. Dr.C.Murukadas, Times of India, August 23,2012 |
Wednesday, August 22, 2012
Govt firm on raising FDI cap to 49% in insurance
The proposal to hike FDI in the insurance sector to 49 per cent from the existing26 per cent is suicidal. Standing Committee on Finance has rejected the Government’s
proposal to raise the FDI cap. Foreign multinational insurance giants are waiting in their
wings to capture India's vast and rapidly growing insurance market. Experiences of other
developing countries have shown that increased role of foreign capital would lead to
the possibility of exposing the economy to the vulnerabilities of the global market, which
would cause flight of capital besides endangering the interest of policy holders.
Moreover, the decision to raise the FDI cap on pension to 49 per cent is unwarranted.
It is not wise to throw open the huge pension funds to the foreign investors.It will lead
to tying the pension funds to vulnerabilities of the global market.
Dr.C.Murukadas, Business Line, Aug 23, 2012
FDI in multi-brand retail to harm Indian workers: Global report
It is absolutely true that FDI in multi-brand retail without adequate safeguards will lead to widespread displacement and poor treatment of Indian workers in logistics, agriculture and manufacturing. Moreover, it will be impossible to implement the safeguards because once allowed to set up multibrand retail shops the multinational retail giants will have scant respect for law. Wall-Mart and other global retail giants are waiting for Government node to enter India’s retail market. In fact they are relentlessly pressurizing the Indian Government to open up FDI in Multi-brand retail. They want to reach the Indian retail market not due to concern for the welfare of the people, but because of sheer greed; i.e. the desire to expand their empire and to earn extra profits. In fact, it is the brazen self-interest that drives western mega retail corporations to look for gullible markets in developing countries. Wall-Mart already has a joint venture with Bharti. Once the permission is given for 51 percent FDI in multi-brand retail trade, Wall-Mart and other global retail giants will swamp the Indian retail market and within a few years much of the unorganised retail traders will be forced to quit business and thereby lose their livelihood. It is alleged that Bharti-Walmart is illegally carrying out multi-brand retail trade despite being permitted only to carry out wholesale cash-and-carry or wholesale trade in the country. On the basis of the suit filed by environmental activist Vandana Shiva, the Delhi High Court sought replies of the Centre, Bharti-Walmart and Bharti Retail on a plea for a probe against the firms for allegedly carrying out retail trading in the multi-brand sector in violation of India's existing FDI policy. Thus, even before getting permission to operate multi-brand retail stores, Wall-Mart has violated Indian rules and regulations unlawfully involved in multi-brand retail trading. Now the question is, will Wall-Mart and other multinational retail giants respect Indian laws once permission is granted to operate multi- brand retail stores?Dr.C.Murukadas, The Times of India, August 22, 2012
Thursday, August 16, 2012
Mosquitoes Continue to Bite the City
Mosquito borne diseases are
prevalent all over the country. Mosquito borne diseases are malaria, filaria,
dengue, brain fever and yellow fever. The deadliest and one of the most endemic diseases
in the world today is Malaria. This disease is actually caused by a mosquito
bite. In Chennai, in addition to malaria, dengue
and is the most prevalent diseases
spread by mosquitoes. Certain parts of the city are also prone to filaria.
Reports form various parts of the city show that there is an increase in
mosquito borne diseases due to tremendous increase in mosquitoes. There are
various reasons for the increase in mosquito menace. Of course, the polluted waterways and canals
such as Coum, Adyar river, Buckingham
Canal, Otteri Nullah and others which cruise
around the city are the main cause
for the spread of mosquito .The mosquito borne diseases are also the
result of low hygiene and sanitation, particularly in the slums and low income settlement
areas, and poor insect control in the high income settlement areas. It is
distressing to note that poor quality of recently constructed/renovated storm
water drains is an added cause for the spread of mosquitoes. Everybody knows
that the quality of construction by the Chennai Corporation is abysmally poor.
There is now worthwhile quality control for the construction undertaken by the
Corporation as well as Metro Water. Widespread corruption and gross
inefficiency are the reasons for the poor standard of construction. Stagnation
of water in unoccupied plots is also a reason, besides improperly maintained
overhead tanks, accumulated garbage, etc. Of course inadequate mosquito control
and paucity of staff are also reasons for growing mosquito menace in the city.
Unless the Corporation initiates definite steps control malaria
and other mosquito borne diseases will continue to cause sufferings to the
people.
Dr.C.Murukadas, The Hindu, August 16, 2012
Unhealthy at 65: India has 76% shortfall in government doctors
“Health is wealth;” it s an old adage. Somehow our politicians and the planners failed to realise the value of health. It is a naked truth that majority Indians lack proper health and the number of maydays lost due to sickness runs to millions. Reports suggest that at any time one or more members of a family are afflicted by ill –health. The situation is worse in the case of the poor, both in the urban and rural areas. A recent study of slums in the million plus cities of Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai) supervised by this commentator, serious health problem exist in slums everywhere. According to this study, “58.6 percent of the households had one or more members suffering from some kind of diseases or other during one month prior to the investigation. Malaria, dysentery, diarrhea, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, chicken guinea etc. were among the most common diseases that affected them. The incidence of disease was also relatively high in their case and the frequent occurrence of diseases had affected their families. The respondents reported that in case of common illness like cold, fever, dysentery, etc., they did their own treatment or they approached nearby medical practitioners. They stated that they had to depend upon government and corporation hospitals and dispensaries for illness requiring medical attention. However, they were quite unhappy about the cumbersome procedures, long waits and poor medical attention in the government hospitals and corporations dispensaries. Quite a few respondents opined that the general rush in the outpatient departments of the hospitals was so heavy that the doctors found no sufficient time to attend all the patients with due care. The availability of doctors, medicines and chances of treatment were erratic. Seldom are the doctors or medicines available. Moreover, many respondents stated that they had to grease somebody’s palm to get proper treatment.” The situation is not different among the poor in rural areas. The reason is meager investment in public health. India's spending on health care continues to be very low. Not enough public health centers are there. Where there are hospitals, doctors and nurses are available, particularly in rural areas because of their shortage. Where doctors and nurses are available medicines will not be there. Government should take a bold decision on the issue and find ways to spend more money for public health. All the more, care should be taken to spend money spend in a proper way without any misuse. Medical education should be made easy and affordable for all sections of the community. Dr.C.Murukadas, The Times of India, August16, 2012.Wednesday, August 15, 2012
Black money
Black money is one of the serious scourges facing India, which is acting as a stumbling block to unsure inclusive growth and development of the country. It is the root cause of growing inequality and deprivation. Any body who takes up the issue genuinely should be supported by all. It is interesting to note that Baba Ramdev's protest against black money found supporters across political parties, with many of them including Nitin Gadkari, Sharad Yadav, Mayawati, Nitish Kumar and Mulayam Singh Yadav backing the movement. Estimates about black money are largely conjectural. The estimate of black (unaccounted) money held by Indians, both in India and abroad is estimated to be around $1000 to $ 3000 billion. The estimated black money stashed abroad by Indians and Indian entities varies between $500 and $1,500 billion. This huge amount has been appropriated from the people of India by exploiting and betraying them. If this huge amount of black money and property comes back to India, the entire foreign debt can be liquidated. And after paying the entire foreign debt, India will have huge resources to invest in development programmes and welfare measures. Dependence on FDI can be substantially reduced. If corruption is controlled, generation of black money can be controlled to a large extent. Of course, for significant dent on corruption and black money there should be change in the mind set of politicians, bureaucrats and the public. Dr.C. Murukadas,The Economic Times (Chennai), 13Aug,2012
Monday, August 13, 2012
The collapse of auditorium in Jeppiaar Institute of Technology
leading to death of 10 migrant workers and arrest of J. Jeppiaar has
exposed the violation of law by the managements of self financing
engineering colleges and the extent of corruption in AICTE and Anna
University. As per reports building plan was not obtained for not only
the collapsed auditorium but also for other buildings already completed
or under construction. Jeppiaar has indeed taken law unto himself and
grossly violated rules and regulations in seeking permission to start
the college. It is rather intriguing to note that the Panchayat admn.
had kept a blind eye to illegal construction activities in the College.
How that is the AICTE granted approval for the college without adequate
approved buildings? On what basis Anna University has granted
affiliation to the college, which did not have adequate approved
buildings and reclassification of land? Action should be taken against
the culprits.
Dr.C.Murukadas, The Hindu, Aug 13, 2012
Chennai homes, a tall order
The rise in demand for high-end housing in the city is not the effect of increase in overall development of the city; it is rather an indication of growing inequality. In Chennai Metropolis, like other big cities in India, economic growth has not resulted in prosperity for all. This has led to wealth being overtly concentrated in a few hands.That is greater part growth has gone to proportion of the people. But majority of them have access disproportionately higher income mainly through illegal means such as tax evasion, corruption, money laundering, mis-invoicing, capitation fees, smuggling, profiteering,capitation fees,etc. These high net-worth individual are prepared to pay any price for a higher end dwelling unit in a posh locality. The pity is that low income people are completely left out, particularly in the past decade or so when the government has withdrawn form the construction of dwellings for the poor (low income)As a result majority of the urban poor are forced to live in slums and squatter settlements in poverty and destitution without access to basic amenities and essential services. Business Line
Sunday, August 12, 2012
PM concerned over Moody's forecast on economy
Many of the economies
around the world are in an unstable situation. It is feared that continued recession in Europe and other parts
of the world would be felt around the world. India can’t completely insulate
its economy from the crisis in other economies because of the integration of its economy
with the rest of the world due to liberalisation and globalisation. Therefore,
the reports that growth rate of the country may be below the anticipated level
is not surprising. Nevertheless it has to be borne in mind that the impact of
world economic crisis is not severe in our country compared to European
nations. That is not to sate that we can be complacent. However, we have to
move cautiously with neo-liberal economic reform. That is, there is a strong case
for India to abandon neo-liberal policies and for continuing an interventionist
policy, which would insulate the country to a larger extent from external
shocks. It has to be noted that for the
common people, who form the bulk of the population, growth rates have no
meaning or any relevance because they are seldom benefited by higher growth
rates. It is a fact that a greater proportion of the benefits of higher growth goes
to only the upper strata of the society. But what is a worrisome phenomenon is
the possibility of widespread drought, which will not only bring down the
growth rate but also affect severely the downtrodden sections of society,
especially the farmers and landless agricultural workers. Widespread drought will affect the industrial
sector also because fall in rural incomes will have a negative impact on
effective demand, especially for consumer durables. Therefore, the government
has to concentrate on drought relief measures by ensuring income generation activates
in drought affected areas. More over corruption and black money are the
serious scourges facing India, which are acting as a road block to ensure
inclusive growth and development of the country. Corruption and black money are
also the root cause of growing inequality and deprivation. Huge amount has been
appropriated from the people of India by exploiting and betraying them
through corrupting and money laundering. If this huge amount of black money
and property comes back to India, the entire foreign debt can be liquidated.
And after paying the entire foreign debt, India will have huge resources
to invest in development programmes and welfare measures. Dependence on FDI can
be substantially reduced. If corruption is controlled, generation of black
money can be controlled to a large extent. Of course, for significant dent on
corruption and black money there should be change in the mind set of
politicians, bureaucrats and the public.The government has take determined efforts to root out
corruption and black money, besides taking steps to reinvigorating the economy.
Dr.C.Murukadas, Hindustan Times, 12 Aug, 2012
Measures to curb graft, seize black money in place
Black money is one of the serious scourges facing India, which is acting as a stumbling block to unsure inclusive growth and development of the country. It is the root cause of growing inequality and deprivation. Black money refers to funds earned through shadow activities (income generated through illegal means), on which income and other taxes has not been paid. In common parlance the term is used to refer to money that is not legitimately earned and possessed by the individuals or households. This could be primarily for two possible reasons: 1) the money may have been generated through illegitimate activities not permissible under the law, like corruption, smuggling, mis-invoicing (under-invoicing and over-invoicing counterfeiting, illegal mining and quarrying, profiteering, capitation fees, prostitution, crime, drug trade, terrorism, all of which are liable to be punished under the legal framework of the state; and 2) income and wealth generated and accumulated by failing to pay the dues to the public exchequer in one form or other. In the latter case the activities undertaken by the perpetrator could be legitimate and otherwise permissible under the law of the land but s/he has failed to account the income so generated, comply with the tax requirements, or pay the dues to the public exchequer, leading to the generation accumulation wealth may have been generated and accumulated by failing to pay the dues to the public exchequer in one form or other. Part of the black money, which is generated by small perpetrators, is stashed in the country in the form of cash, gold and silver, in real estate etc. But a major part of the black money in the hands of big sharks are such as industrialists, businessmen, bureaucrats politicians, smugglers, drug peddlers, and so on is stashed in foreign banks situated in various studies on tax havens ,which are typically small countries/ jurisdictions, with low or nil taxation for foreigners who decide to come and settle there. Estimates about black money are largely conjectural. The estimate of black (unaccounted) money held by Indians, both in India and abroad is estimated to be around $1000 to $ 3000 billion. The estimated black money stashed abroad by Indians and Indian entities varies between $500 and $1,500 billion. This huge amount has been appropriated from the people of India by exploiting and betraying them. If this huge amount of black money and property comes back to India, the entire foreign debt can be liquidated. And after paying the entire foreign debt, India will have huge resources to invest in development programmes and welfare measures. Dependence on FDI can be substantially reduced. If corruption is controlled, generation of black money can be controlled to a large extent. Of course, for significant dent on corruption and black money there should be change in the mind set of politicians, bureaucrats and the public.D r. C.Murukadas, The Times of India, Aug. 11, 2012
There is no truth in Mr. Anand Sharma's statement that allowing FDI
in retail will usher in huge benefits and create jobs; will help build
the supply chain, cold storages and benefit the farm sector; and will
help in efforts to reduce wastage of fruits, vegetables and other
products and tame inflation. The truth is that allowing FDI in the
sector will hurt small stores, kirana shops and the hawkers and lead to
massive job losses. A book by this commentator entitled, 'FDI in
Multi-brand Retail Trade: A Retrograde Step' is going to be published
within the next fortnight by M/s RAC Publications, Chennai. It is the
outcome of deep research. The study concludes: Evidences from various
parts of the world indicate that widespread emergence of big format
retail super stores have led to extensive ruin of retail stores/shops
thereby resulting in the loss of employment and livelihood to millions
of persons involved in retail trade.
Dr.C.Murukadas, Business Line, Aug 9, 2012
Arrest of "Jeppiaar” in connection with the death of 10
Arrest of "Jeppiaar” in connection with the death of 10 migrant workers on the premises of Jeppiaar Institute of Technology indicates that the Tamilnadu government is letting the law to have its own course. He is one of those responsible for commercialisation engineering education. At present, he owns over a dozen engineering colleges, and many polytechnic colleges and some institutes of Management studies, besides a deemed university. Most of these institutions run by him are built without proper plan permits. He has in fact encroached upon land belonging to government, religious bodies and even the public by using his political clout and started so many institutions. He is also one of those responsible for making AICTE and UGC into corrupt bodies. It is unfortunate that the AICTE has granted permission to this college even before the construction of adequate buildings with sufficient class rooms, labs and other facilities. Corruption is the root cause for AICTE granting the permission. When so many engineering institutions are not able to fill the sanctioned strength, what is the necessity for him to open another ill-equipped college? It is incomprehensible to note that how AICTE grant permission to start so many colleges by one individual/family under one trust or different trusts. Moreover he is running these institutions in an undemocratic manner using muscle power. Most of the students in these institutions are from outside Tamilnadu. He has developed a network of agents all over the country, who are paid substantial amount as commission. But after admission these innocent students are fleeced, intimidated and ill-treated. Money is the only criteria in all his institutions. The government should appoint a committee to review the functioning of these institutions and find out the extent encroachment of public and private land and take suitable action.Dr. C. Murukadas, The Times of India, 11 Aug, 2012
Friday, August 10, 2012
FDI in retail
There is no truth in Mr. Anand Sharma's statement that allowing FDI in retail will usher in huge benefits and create jobs; will help build the supply chain, cold storages and benefit the farm sector; and will help in efforts to reduce wastage of fruits, vegetables and other products and tame inflation. The truth is that allowing FDI in the sector will hurt small stores, kirana shops and the hawkers and lead to massive job losses. A book by this commentator entitled, 'FDI in Multi-brand Retail Trade: A Retrograde Step' is going to be published within the next fortnight by M/s RAC Publications, Chennai. It is the outcome of deep research. The study concludes: Evidences from various parts of the world indicate that widespread emergence of big format retail super stores have led to extensive ruin of retail stores/shops thereby resulting in the loss of employment and livelihood to millions of persons involved in retail trade.
Dr.C.Murukadas,The Hindu Business Line, Aug 9, 2012
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| Dr.C.Murukadas,The Times of India, August 9,2012 |
Wednesday, August 8, 2012
Plan panel wants govt to retreat from healthcare
The Planning Commission’s proposal to reverse the long-standing public health policy ending governments' dominant role in providing health services and transiting to greater privatization of the health sector from the 12th plan onwards in totally unwarranted and patently dangerous. It has to be noted that India, health care system is inadequate and pathetic. Proper health care and medical facilities are out of reach for a large section of the rural as well as urban poor. Poverty and degraded living environment, and other forms of social disadvantage translate into poorer health status and outcomes for the poor. The general health condition of the urban poor, primarily slum dwellers, is as worse as that of the rural poor. Slum populations, obviously, ‘face greater health hazards due to overcrowding, poor sanitation, lack of access to safe drinking water. A recent study of slums in the million plus cities of Tamil Nadu (Chennai, Coimbatore and Madurai) by FSD (under the guidance of this commentator) found that serious health problem exist in slums everywhere. This study revealed that: “The information provided by the respondents, 58.6 percent of the households had one or more members suffering from some kind of diseases or other during one month prior to the inv stigation. Malaria, dysentery, diarrhea, asthma, bronchitis, tuberculosis, chicken guinea,dengue, etc. were among the most common diseases that affected them. The incidence of disease was also relatively high in their case and the frequent occurrence of diseases had affected their families. The respondents reported that in case of common illness like cold, fever, dysentery, etc., they did their own treatment or they approached nearby medical practitioners. They stated that they had to depend upon government and corporation hospitals and dispensaries for illness requiring medical attention. However, they were quite unhappy about the cumbersome procedures, long waits and poor medical attention in the government hospitals and corporations dispensaries. Quite a few respondents opined that the general rush in the outpatient departments of the hospitals was so heavy that the doctors found no sufficient time to attend all the patients with due care. The availability of doctors, medicines and chances of treatment were erratic. Seldom are the doctors or medicines available. Moreover, many respondents stated that they had to grease somebody’s palm to get proper treatment.” Under the circumstances and realities, further withdrawal of the public sector from medical and health services will entail more sufferings to public in general, and poorer sections in particular. In fact the public sector accounts for less than 20 % of total healthcare spending in India. Only 1/4 of the Indian population has access to Western (allopathic) medicine, which is practiced mainly in urban areas, where two-thirds of India’s hospitals and health centers are located. Many of the rural poor have to rely on alternative forms of treatment. A widespread lack of health insurance compounds the healthcare challenges that India faces. Although some form of health protection is provided by government and major private employers, the health insurance schemes available to the Indian public are generally basic and inaccessible the vast majority of people. Therefore, there is strong case for increasing India's proportion of public expenditure to total spending on health considerably and thereby making the public health delivery system more broad based and effective.
Dr. C.Murukadas, The Times of India, August 8, 2012
Finance Minister’s proposals
Even a cursory perusal of the proposal of Mr.Chidambaram revealsthat there appears to be hidden agenda to help multinational companies
and Indian corporates. The proposal to amend tax laws tantamount to
violation principles of national justice and facilitate profit
maximization at the expense of public revenue. None of the measures
suggested by him will be beneficial to the general public. He has not
said anything about solving the the problems of unemployment, inflation,
food security. There is no mention about the likely measures to
reduce fiscal deficit. His roadmap for reversing last slide in two
growth rate does not include measures to invigorate the sagging
agricultural sector, particularly in the context of looming drought.
The neo-liberal package of measures proposed by Mr. Chidambaram
definitely lacks credibility and public support. He must reorient the
proposals so as to bring benefit to the common man rather than the
corporate sector.
Dr.C.Murukadas, The Hindu, Aug 8, 2012
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Black money is one of the serious scourges facing India, which is acting as a stumbling block to unsure inclusive growth and development of the country. It is the root cause of growing inequality and deprivation. Any body who takes up the issue genuinely should be supported by all. The estimate of black (unaccounted) money held by Indians, both in India and abroad is estimated to be around $1000 to $ 3000 billion. The estimated black money stashed abroad by Indians and Indian entities varies between $500 and $1,500 billion. This huge amount has been appropriated from the people of India by exploiting and betraying them. If this huge amount of black money and property comes back to India, the entire foreign debt can be liquidated. And after paying the entire foreign debt, India will have huge resources to invest in development programmes and welfare measures. Dependence on FDI can be substantially reduced.