As I see some of the happenings in our country over the past few days, er.... weeks, I'm slowly getting convinced that we, as a country, do not like to tackle problems that stare at us but rather make a tamasha out of them and prolong the impasse for no rhyme or reason. Why do we like to keep problems on the boil, fully realising that they can have serious repercussions if left unchecked? Not to forget that our hostile neighbours are waiting for a chance to fish in troubled waters! Let's just go over a few of these incidents.
(a) FDI in retail sector. A lasting decision on a subject like this would have been possible if every player was brought on to a negotiating table to discuss the problem threadbare. Firstly,was there a requirement to bring about such a change? If the answer is a 'yes', have definitive steps to safeguard interests of indigenous products been clearly laid down? And how do we ensure that quality does not get compromised for customers like you and me - foreign or Indian, the stuff needs to be the best, with a wider variety of choice? Result - a logjam in parliament for over a fortnight!
(b) Lokpal bill. Why can't the government bring about a bill that would be applauded by the public for its efficacy against corruption? Each passing day sees charges and countercharges being traded with one side trying to act 'smart' with the other! Result - Anna Hazare's threat of a 'jail bharo' movement!
(c) Maoists. The states where this scourge is taking its toll should be brought together by the central government for a comprehensive review of the situation on the ground and lay down lasting measures - which encompasses economical, political and social package - and begin implementing them without delay. The seemingly lack of direction gives these thugs a free run in their areas of influence. Result - innocent lives continue to get snuffed.
(d) The Mullaperiyar dam issue. There are umpteen number of 'expert' committees that have given their take on the sustainability of the 116 year old dam. Why can't the central government bring the Tamilnadu and Kerala governments on the negotiating table and take a decision on the issue? To one's horror one sees politics being played with anyone and everyone giving off vituperative statements against each other's stand! Result - increasing tension amongst ordinary people staying in the immediate border between the states and an ensuing fear psychosis!
As an ordinary citizen, I often wonder as to whether there's any pattern to this game being played?
(a) FDI in retail sector. A lasting decision on a subject like this would have been possible if every player was brought on to a negotiating table to discuss the problem threadbare. Firstly,was there a requirement to bring about such a change? If the answer is a 'yes', have definitive steps to safeguard interests of indigenous products been clearly laid down? And how do we ensure that quality does not get compromised for customers like you and me - foreign or Indian, the stuff needs to be the best, with a wider variety of choice? Result - a logjam in parliament for over a fortnight!
(b) Lokpal bill. Why can't the government bring about a bill that would be applauded by the public for its efficacy against corruption? Each passing day sees charges and countercharges being traded with one side trying to act 'smart' with the other! Result - Anna Hazare's threat of a 'jail bharo' movement!
(c) Maoists. The states where this scourge is taking its toll should be brought together by the central government for a comprehensive review of the situation on the ground and lay down lasting measures - which encompasses economical, political and social package - and begin implementing them without delay. The seemingly lack of direction gives these thugs a free run in their areas of influence. Result - innocent lives continue to get snuffed.
(d) The Mullaperiyar dam issue. There are umpteen number of 'expert' committees that have given their take on the sustainability of the 116 year old dam. Why can't the central government bring the Tamilnadu and Kerala governments on the negotiating table and take a decision on the issue? To one's horror one sees politics being played with anyone and everyone giving off vituperative statements against each other's stand! Result - increasing tension amongst ordinary people staying in the immediate border between the states and an ensuing fear psychosis!
As an ordinary citizen, I often wonder as to whether there's any pattern to this game being played?
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