KARNATAKA CONGRESS'S GUARANTEES AND GROANING OF COMMON MAN - BY VISMAHI

 

Poll promises in Karnataka by Congress party in the name of 'Guarantees' and unprecedented victory over the most popular party, BJP based on Guarantees in assembly election is new to Karnataka. A question arises on the larger interest of the country and the state, that these freebies complimenting the growth or just poll gimmicks by putting the economy in danger? The question is larger and I am not going to dig in to that, let’s look at the confusions and common man's groaning because of the poll promise of free electricity alone and its implementation.

 The five Promises are:

1. 200 units of free power to all households (Gruha Jyoti)
2. Rs 2,000 monthly assistance to the woman head of every family (Gruha Lakshmi)
3. 10 kilograms of rice free to every member of a below poverty line (BPL) household (Anna Bhagya)
4. Rs 3,000 every month for unemployed graduate youth and Rs 1,500 for unemployed diploma holders aged 18-25 for two years (YuvaNidhi)
5. Free travel for women in public transport buses (Shakti)

Conditions on Guarantees and Confusions:

 All these poll promises made before the election without any pre-conditions. However, recently several conditions and procedures are laid down in order to avail the benefit. The confusion arose over the conditions by the government. As per the news reports the below calculation and charges will be claimed in the month of June-2023.

 “A tariff order, which was passed on May 12, stated that the approved 70 paise per unit hike had to be claimed in June. Along with this, arrears of 70 paise for April will also be added to the bill for June. Hence, there will be a tariff increase of ₹2.89 per unit this month”

 “Due to many technical reasons, the FPPCA could not be recovered in March and the rules had provided the power to do the same. It cannot be deferred anymore now as the rules do not allow. Hence it will be collected,” said Ravikumar P., chairman, Karnataka Electricity Regulatory Commission (KERC)” - From thehindu.Com (04^th June, 2023)

 The confusion No.1, increase in Cost of Living:

 June month electricity bill is not yet generated and already 100 to 500 or more arrears are reflecting in the bill for the  month of April and May. Some of the households got the electricity bill for the month of June, there is increase of electricity bill almost 100% compared to last month bill. One of my neighbors got the electricity bill of Rs.1700 against the last month and previous month bills of Rs. 700. It is a shocking adjustment to pave way for the 'Griha Jyothi' 200 free unit scheme. The increase may have ripple effect on all services, goods and several end-products. The living cost is suddenly increased to almost double without giving a time to adjust or cope-up. A poor guy may get 200 units free electricity, however for other services and goods he will land up in paying more than he is saving.  The consumer goods, other household and food items which production is dependent on electricity will be hit by the tariff change. The cost of all these goods will obviously increase. How the government will manage this challenge is a big question.

 The confusion No.2, Increase in cost of paying Guest (PG)/Hotels/Lodges:

 In Bangalore most of the students, Single Women/Men reside in PG accommodation. The services in PG managed on electricity. For example the facilities like Water heater, washing machine, cooking food, ironing, etc. Due to increase in electricity tariff the cost of PG accommodation may increase and it could be a burden on these category people who are mostly dependent on PG. It is also an unavoidable business decision for these owners and it may affect their ROI. It applies to even hotels and lodges, the tariff of food and accommodation may increase.

 The confusion No.3, Leisure and Entertainment will be dearer :

 Today's generation, it may be poor or rich the people prefer to shop in malls. After the electricity bill tariff the dazzling malls, movie halls may face lesser crowd as the tariff change in electricity bills may reflect in the products and service they offer. It will not be a surprise if people stay away from shopping and malls which may affect Karnataka economy adversely.

 The confusion No.4, transportation and electric vehicles :

 Already there is a displeasure in the taxi and auto drivers; because of free bus for women they are now facing 50 to 60 percent decrease in their income. Because of increase in electricity tariff EV vehicle owners are in dilemma as the charging cost may increase enormously. Karnataka freebies and increase in electricity tariff may not complement to India's commitment to decrease carbon footprint. The freebies should be provided to the citizens, no doubt about it. However, on what cost? People pay taxes from their own earning which adds up to 40 to 50 percent including GST, Road tax, entertainment tax, service tax, innumerable taxes, it is inevitable even if one comes under income tax radar or not.

 Freebies should be provided with substantial, self sustained plans rather than burdening the taxpaying common man. At the end of the day government considers the taxpaying crowd as well-off and don't consider or include them in state sponsored schemes. The people who pay tax promptly feel left out, neither here nor there.

 The confusion No.5 : How about metro trains which run on electricity?

 People are worried even the metro trains in Bengaluru run on electricity, because of increased tariff the metro ride may also be dearer. The freebies of the government should not be a burden on the people while implementing them. In one hand it looks helpful and in another it is a burden.

 What can be done:

 The governments must facilitate people who are contributing to revenue, economy and growth of the state with some basic facilities. The faculties in any form should be self sustainable and not a burden on state's exchequer.

 Free Electricity:

When it comes to providing free electricity, the government can freely or in a subsidized form provide wind or solar power generation installations to households. It helps people reduce their burden of electricity bill as well as contributing to green energy. No need to increase power tariff and saving lot of power which can be used for other bigger projects like Metro trains.

 Free Food or Food items:

If government wants to provide free food, there are many ways to provide food instead of providing free ration. Free ration may reach them or may not. Or it can be used in a different way than utilizing for the family.

 - Use Akshaya Patra or any other NGO area wise, provide minimum fund support as these are NGOs already working for social cause. Can provide food to lakhs of people and it can continue the work no matter what party is in power. 

Lets hope these freebies may help the people of Karnataka and not a burden on our pockets.

 By

Vismahi- Vijay G

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar: A super human, still relevant in all aspects of society

 

Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar a personality truly stands separate among all the freedom fighters of India. By his futuristic vision about society, economy, politics and religion the world looked up to him not as a person, but a force. His impeccable hunger for knowledge to serve and uplift the underprivileged and discriminated people driven him to acquire greater qualifications. His vision is to build India socially, economically and politically strong.  Dr. Ambedkar's argument to uplift the discriminated people and society is relevant even now in the 21^st century. It is not only relevant to India, but the continents like Africa, Asia and America. The discrimination is still persistent in one or the other way across the world. The basic idea about nation of Dr. Ambedkar is the culmination of various socio-economic measures in building a great nation. Further taking his idea of a nation, we can understand that the nations are nothing but the human establishments through various societies, in fact it is not wrong to say that a nation is nothing but a huge society.  The nations prosper only when the societies prosper.  After all, the nations are formed to take care of the human beings belong to it. These ideas, thoughts and visions of Dr. Ambedkar inspire us, the ideas were such futuristic in the era where people could not even imagine and were suffering under the atrocities of other nations on them.  By these acts Dr B.R. Ambedkar stands tall as one of the eminent intellectual figures of modern India.

  

His quest for knowledge:

Ambedkar born in to a poor low (Dalit) caste family, who were treated as untouchables in India, they were subjected to socio-economic discrimination. Ambedkar, attended schooling with great difficulty as the social atmosphere was not so favouring for the lower caste people to educate themselves. He was the only person to complete higher secondary school in his community. In 1907 he passed matriculation and got the admission in Elphinstone College Mumbai.  Obtained the degree in economics and political science in 1912, from Bombay University. His quest for knowledge did not stop here, instead of taking up government job he decided to study further. In 1913 moved to United States to study further by the help of a scholarship. Acquired master’s degree in Economics, Sociology, anthropology, History and Philosophy from Columbia University, NY. Presented a theses on “Ancient Indian Commerce” and second theses “National Dividend of India” for another MA. In 1927 he was awarded PhD in Economics for the third theses.

The urge to acquire knowledge was so high that most of the eminent people of that era could not imagine what Dr. Ambedkar achieved. His vision was to serve the people of his country to help the underprivileged. His study and knowledge yielded and a better social structure was developed by him. He was the key scholar in building our nation socially and economically. Culminating all his knowledge in to building a democratic nation after independence, was a tremendous work.  His enormous contribution in drafting our constitution with vision of making India progressive was undisputed.  His constant efforts to acquire the knowledge was the force behind making him the legendary Dr. B.R. Ambedkar.

His envisioned social equality is as relevant even now as it was in 1950s, not only in India, across the world. His ideas are the pillars of Super power India. Today, if a tea seller become Prime Minister of India was the vision Dr. Ambedkar had.  Today, if a Dalit become President of India  was the vision Dr. Ambedkar had. That’s why I call

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, a Super Human.

Champion of social equality in India:

Ambedkar, as a child faced the social stigma, untouchability in every phase of his childhood, student life and even in early job as lecturer. Ambedkar opposed the social system which allowed untouchability. The era had social structure which alienated certain people socially based on the caste they belonged. India needed a champion like him to get rid of the evil tradition. He advocated, that if India needs to achieve higher goals then the system like untouchability in society to be eradicated. A society can only grow if the members of the society get accessibility to education, the society should not be deprived of the education on the basis of caste. Social equality plays a major role in nations' social and economic development, hence Dr. Ambedkar fought for the rights of the discriminated people of the society.

In Southborough Committee, which was preparing the Government of India Act 1919, Ambedkar argued for creating separate electorate and reservations for untouchables and other castes. He continued his social reformation activities, started a weekly “Mooknayak” (Leader of the silent) in Mumbai. His determination to uplift the discriminated was notable and appreciated across the world.  In 1927 he launched active movements against Untouchability. He began public movements and marches to open up public drinking water resources, which were accessible only to the upper caste people. Also right to enter the Hindu temples.

Started Satyagraha to allow the untouchables to draw water from the main tank of the town.

The result the strong movement by Dr. Ambedkar against the untouchability, the Poona Pact took place. M.R. Jayakar, Tej Bahadur Sapru and Ambedkar at Yerwada jail, in Poona, on 24 September 1932, the day the Poona Pact was signed. Instead of separate electorate announcement by British in 1932 for depressed classes; as a result of Mahatma Gandhi's reluctance to the division of people on the bases caste, the representation was given to the discriminated castes in the legislature. The “depressed class” to denote untouchables among Hindus referred by the British, later called “scheduled castes” and “scheduled tribes”.

The inclusive development of the society lead to a greater nation. Dr. Ambedkar's reformative measures are included in Indian Constitution. Reservation system in government jobs for the discriminated scheduled castes and scheduled tribes was the topic majorly discussed. Even now also the privileges given for SC/ST in government schemes and jobs are undisputed and contributing to the growth of India. However, we cannot deny that there are arguments in favour and against of the reservation system in jobs, it is debatable. 

Social Equality in modern India and its success story:

India is one of the fastest growing economies in the world. It is the result of the well informed citizens of India. Buying capacity of the huge 130 crore people. Ability to interact with world and understand the economy. All these were possible because of the government measures of equality and accessibility of education and doctrine of Dr. Ambedkar's socio-economic equality among the discriminated societies.

Today, India is among the top performing country in IT/BPO/BT industries in the world. Entire India is contributing to the growth of the Indian success story. This all was possible because the movement of social equality in Indian continent. Dr. Ambedkar’s vision and his dream of great India is realised now and that's why he is seen as a Super Human, who could think a 100 years ahead.

Chairman of Constitution Drafting Committe:

Became first law minister of Independent India on 29^th August 1947.  He was appointed Chairman of Constitution Drafting Committee.  Was appointed by assembly to write India's new Constitution.

 

Members of the constitution Committee: Alladi Krishnaswami Ayyar, N. Gopalaswami, B.R. Ambedkar, K.M Munshi, Mohammad Saadulla, B.L. Mitter and D.P. Khaitan.

Dr. B.R Ambedkar elected as Chairman of the Drafting Committee in its first meeting on 30th August 1947.

 

His work on Constitution was commendable and got appreciations from across the world for far versioned and inclusive constitution. The guarantees and protection from the Constitution for the citizens, wide range of civil liberties, freedom of religion, abolition of untouchability and discrimination on the bases of caste and creed, etc. The vision to provide economic and social freedom for women was revolutionary thought of the era where women coming out was seen as a stigma. Dr. Ambedkar made the Constitution an acclaimed master piece in the world by its unique, pro developmental and socio-economic clarity. Today, India is beaming with the success through the fundamental platform provided by the Constitution. Dr. B.R. Ambedakar's vision and clarity of though made India a possibility and a great nation.

Article 370: His Views:

In India, today the most discussed topic is abolition of Article 370, which had given a special status to the state of Jammu and Kashmir. It was NDA government abolished the same on 5^th August 2019 and integrated the state with the Nation.

While introducing article 370 in the Constitution of India, the nationalist Dr. B.R. Ambedkar opposed the same and that was included against his wish.

Ambedkar had clearly told the Kashmiri leader, Sheikh Abdullah: "You wish India should protect your borders, she should build roads in your area, she should supply you food grains, and Kashmir should get equal status as India. But Government of India should have only limited powers and Indian people should have no rights in Kashmir. To give consent to this proposal, would be a treacherous thing against the interests of India and I, as the Law Minister of India, will never do it."

 

The article came up for a discussion in the absence of Nehru, however Dr. Ambedkar did not reply to question on it. All arguments are done by Krishna Swami Ayyangar. By the above statement it was very clear that Dr. Ambedkar did not want to include article 370 which was a weak link to the sovereignty of India. His vision was so clear for Kashmir and opposed article 370. Whole world knows about the terrorism and atrocities on Kashmiri Hindus because of the article 370. Until 2019 Kashmir was a burning issue of India and was used as weapon against India by enemies. Finally his vision was realised by the NDA government through abrogation of article 370 on 5^th August 2019.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and Uniform Civil Code:

No doubt that a scholar who proved himself in academics in most acclaimed universities of the world. Be it Economics, Anthropology, Sociology, History, Philosophy, etc. He was a true son of India, always fought for betterment of India and her people. His vision for India was an unbiased society, economically strong and politically mature country. To reform Indian society he wanted to recommend adoption of Uniform Civil Code. However he could not succeed. He was very well aware of the future of India and he wanted a better solution for it through uniform civil code. It was the sad day that his recommendation was stalled and even now India is suffering because of the different law for each religion.

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar and his vision for India’s economy:

As an acclaimed economic scholar, Dr. Ambedkar served the nation to make it economically stronger. His fundamental argument to develop people and nation socio-economically was the strength in building independent India. He had presented several papers on economy and got doctorate from abroad. He advocated to invest in Agriculture as a primary industry of India. From thousands of years the agriculture is not only a primary source of economy but a religion for India. India has always been an agricultural land. Encashing the same, Dr. Ambedkar wanted to develop as an industry and be world leader in the food industry. Any one can imagine his vision which is still relevant, even now also India is majorly an agricultural land. Till today agriculture is a most neglected sector. He advocated the socio-economic development, public hygiene, community health, basic amenities to the citizens are still relevant to India even after 60 years. Establishing Finance Commission, income tax regulations, Land revenue tax, excise duty policies, etc., are the tremendous contribution to stabilise Indian economy. 

Dr. B.R. Ambedkar, always remembered as a visionary, scholar, economist, social reformer, leader and a great nationalist. I salute to the great soul and submit this article as a tribute to the super human. Jai Hind.

By Vijay Guruswami Gaddigimath (Vijay Gadag)

References:

THE STRUGGLE FOR HUMAN DIGNITY: DR. B.R. AMBEDKAR’S PERSPECTIVE

By Jayadev Sahoo, Wikipedia,

https://www.constitutionofindia.net/constitution_making_process/drafting_commitee