Tuesday, September 20, 2005

 

PM @ 25

A few days back there was an article in TOI, what if our PM was of 25 years of age, brought up due to some media related controversy with Rahul Gandhi. However, it is an interesting topic to have view points.

Please go thru the article before the reading further…
http://people.indiatimes.com/quickiearticleshow/1233497.cms

Make Dating Mandatory
I don’t really agree on the arguments provided. It is good to be on a growth path, but I still believe that India is still in a situation where in the misuse (rather abuse) of this mandate could take place … moreover, if we look out the cons of this, teenage pregnancies and rapes will be on the rise … something which is not good for the society on the whole. Instead, Military training should be mandatory to all … which will enforce some sense of discipline to the youth (something which is really required)

Jail for Littering
I fully agree with this thought… and even if not jail, a hefty fine is a must. In fact something on the similar lines should be enforced from the schools itself. However, the provision of small (utility type) dustbins and large garbage boxes (around societies /localities) is very much needed to promote and enforce it successfully.

Quash Quotas
I think this has been debated lot of times and yes, we need to do away with any quota or reservations based on castes / religion… to liberate the poorer section of the population the only quota should be on the basis of economy of the family. Also, there is no such thing as minority in India now… as if your economics is good… you’ll be always heard.

Legalize Prostitution, Gambling
Whatever the arguments are, I am personally against this. I believe the crime rate will increase with these activities. In a country like India, where people are still finding difficult to make ends meet, this is the last thing one should resort to. The opportunity for the corruption might see a wall, but on the whole it will increase the crime rate (winner will be the one who has the power / gun).

Huge source of revenue for govt! … at what cost?

Smarter, Younger Policy makers
I think the argument should be minimum education (as entry) for any political / governmental affair (MP/MLA) … basically policy makers. Keeping all young force would be as disastrous as keeping all of them as highly experienced. A balanced mix is required so that both can counter (constructively) on the long term and short term impacts of each of the policies. Also, there should be exit criteria for these positions. So far, it has been either resignation (which is very uncommon) or the death! I think there should be an age barrier after which the older council should be made as just advisors/ councilors but out of the part of the decision making body.

Get rid of moral police
Though I agree with the argument given, I also think that it is a bit biased from the Islamic religion point of view. However, with the growth, certain change is required in the thinking process and customs followed through years to adjust the existing conditions. What I counter is that why here and not in US/UK… Is customs not meant for people in other countries? I am with the game of change… and I think the argument has a valid point here. However, as mentioned a dress code in the school / colleges, I think the code of conduct is more important than the dress itself. In this respect there could be issued a code of conduct (though a very subjective issue) regarding the personal hygiene and outlook.

Quality primary education
A lot has been said regarding the mental block we have with ref to the primary education. There are multiple factors that hampers the whole process… the foremost is making available the necessary infrastructure targeted to right audience at right time and at right place. Most often we find a child goes to a non-existent school to be taught by a non-existent teacher! The child not only wastes his time but also his precious childhood – a platform of learning (It has been scientifically proved that the learning ability of children is way too high and it decreases with age).

The second factor that affects the process is parents themselves, especially those who find it difficult make ends meet. For them, bread becomes the most important thing in the life (for the survival)… education is at the farthest corner. It is not that they don’t want their children to be educated, but they are helpless with their limitations. So in effect if this limitation of theirs is taken care of… there is a good chance of improving the literacy rate. However, the above does not guarantee the education… there should be a clause that must force the parents to send their children to schools (punishment / fines to parents not sending their kids for primary education).

Prohibit Alcohol, legalize marijuana
I think this is the most ridiculous thing of all the odds. For simply, marijuana plantation ruins the soil and fields for further growth and any promotion on these lines will do nothing but harm in long term … starting within few years… If one looks back in history, the case with Indigo plantation is already evident. Instead of prohibition on alcohol, a control on alcohol is required (which is easier said than done)!

These are my opinions and comments are welcome (till the they are focused on issues)

Comments:
I've left my long rambling comments on my own blog this time :)
 
Very interesting suggestions and perspectives. Thanks for sharing the article and your thoughts.
 
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