Smear Campaign against Lokpal committe

Off late seeing these different channels my blood boils as how these channels are trying to sabotage the process of formulating Lokpal bill. Not sure how much money the channels are paid by different segments of influential people who doesn't want the Lokpal bill or the channels themselves are voluntarily doing this as they have vested interests.

 One such telecast by NDTV is here and the show was done by our famous tainted Barkha Dutt. The entire show has only one agenda that Bhushans should quit the committee. Following are my reasons that Bhusans shouldn't quit:

1. The timing at which these controversies are being released. Those who have released def have vested interests. They don't want the committee to run smoothly.
2. The explanation given by Bhusan's is convincing at least in the CD case. I haven't followed the new land allotment controversy yet.
3. Let us assume Bhushan's have committed crime. What are they going to gain or lose if they are part of this Lokpal committee. They aren't benefited by passing or not passing of this bill.
4. News channels claim that civil society should follow the same conduct that they expect from politicians i.e., if tainted should quit. In this scenario both cannot be compared because in case of politicians they are tainted because they are misusing their power for their personal benefit, they cannot continue in their role. Also, they can further sabotage the investigation process if they continue using their power. But in this case Bhushan's doesn't have any power to influence or get personal benefit. They are there in the committee to provide their legal opinion.

Most of the educated lot should come together and educate as many people as possible that the Lokpal bill formulation isn't obstructed.


PS: I hope with this blog I would make my contribution this Lokpal bill.

CD Controversy regarding Shanti Bhushan and Amar Singh - Lokpal

I had a look at the transcript and the explanation that Prashant Bhushan has given regarding the CD.

 Explanation given by Prashant seems to be quite convincing.On top of it how can we trust a person like Mr. Amar Singh. Also, the timing at which the CD is released just before the first committee meeting of Jan lokpal bill.

   It is unfortunate to what extent our politicians go for getting things done in their favor. As said in some movies if half the effort is put in people's welfare we would be in better situation. Very unfortunate that media houses like Times of India are giving false reports. This clearly shows how much our media itself is corrupt and doesn't want the lokpal bill to be formulated.
  
Corruption has reached to such a level that almost all the influential people in this country be it politicians, media, bureaucrats, business men doesn't want to eliminate it. Looks like only common man wants it to be eliminated.

  At least now a person like Anna Hazare has come forward to fight against it. Everyone shouldn't be selfish and just think about themselves but have a bigger picture, think about future of India. This is one opportunity where we all can unite and fight against this menace. Hope this bill becomes a reality.

Continuation of Road Tax payment

In continuation of my yesterday's road tax payment agony, today went to RTO office at 9:30AM as requested. Office was empty. My concerned fellow came there by 10:00AM. It took less than 5 minutes to enter the details. This fellow could have done this job yesterday. After this one more approval required(typical bureaucracy) and this guy came by 10:40.
   Finally I paid my road tax.

Magical potion to deal with Govt offices

One should need a bottle full of magical drink which gives them enormous amount of patience to get things done.

First phase of my agony:
As I moved from Bangalore to Hyderabad I took my old car to office and an RTO official caught me asking me for Road tax documents. I said I will pay the road tax now. He asked me to visit Khairatabad RTO office, I asked should I go to Toli Chowki as I stay in Shantinagar. His reply was "Come to Kairatabad RTO".

Second Phase of my agony:
I went to Khairatabad RTO asking almost at 4 counters each one re-directing to another counter, final counter guy asked me to talk to Administrative Officer. When I reached his desk as expected the seat was empty(Btw time is 11:00 AM). After 15 minutes an attender comes there, places files on the desk, pulls out water bottle from a bag and puts on the table, switches on the fan and leaves. In another 15 minutes Administrative Officer arrives all the people waiting there surrounded him (You should see the scene, it was like a king passing by and everyone trying to get a glimpse). This guy in his typical style "Fan ko idar gumao" and starts attending one by one. When my turn came he said without NOC you can't pay road tax. By the time I was terribly pissed of and called up the RTO official who caught me(Of course I can't show any anger). He said wait I will come I need to give check report(What the hell why didn't he give me when he caught me today morning?) I waited for the king(he is king of another kingdom). Finally after 20 minutes Lord arrives, he gives me check report. Now the twist - as you stay in Shantinagar you must go to Toli Chowki to pay road tax.(WTF didn't I ask the same question in the morning when he caught me?).

Third phase of agony:
Next phase I reached Toli Chowki, here after inquiring in three counters finally reached the destination counter.(All these guys would be working for several years why don't they know who works in which area) Guy sitting over there was a young fellow around 30 years. I felt things would be smooth at least the younger lot are smart. But it turned out to be completely opposite. Once I asked him how much should I pay as road tax - I cannot calculate now, I am busy, come tomorrow. WTF he cannot compute x% of y? After little bit of persuasion he asked his assistant to compute the tax. Only DD is accepted(Why can't cash be taken? Beyond my understanding). After getting DD(Some banks still work in same old style. It took almost an hour to get DD) I came back to meet the king(How lucky I am I could meet three kings in one day). He went for lunch, waited for 30 minutes. Finally king arrives - when I showed him the DD and documents his reply was "it cannot be done today". I tried to persuade him I need to apply for leave again tomorrow. This guy says "Cheyyali vere state registration kada"(Yeah you have to apply for leave this is different state registered vehicle). I had to obey the kings order and came back.

In my one day visit I could see what all can be improved to make things smooth. Who has the intention to make things smooth? We can take analogy to products, if there is no proper product management team in place software developed by developer will not be user friendly. Working of govt offices is the same, but unfortunately there isn't a product management team to fix these issues.