Mussoorie - Chamba Apple Orchard Belt Scheme Requires A Mid Course Correction

DO NOT BURN THE PICTURE FOR THE FRAME

It was way back in 1965, when the present state of Uttarakhand (UK) had not as yet been carved out from the geographical boundaries of Uttar Pradesh (UP) that, its political leadership spurred and pushed by some right thinking bureaucrats in the government, conceived and implemented a progressive socio economic scheme for the development of horticulture in the Mussoorie – Chamba forest belt. The then Chief Minister of UP, Shrimati Sucheta Kripalani dedicated the Mussoorie – Chamba Phal Patta scheme to the people of this region of Tehri Garhwal with extremely noble and well meaning intentions, wherein forest land under the Forest Department was given on lease to local and other people for cultivation of apples. The lease was given under the Government Grants Act, on the basis of draws which were held in the collectorate at Tehri and an Agreement signed between the government and the individual. In the Agreement, the government is represented by the District Magistrate of Tehri, who is termed as the Pattadata and the lessee, called the Pattedar. The forest land comprised Banj, Kookat and Mouru trees with thick wild undergrowth and clearing these for preparing the land for planting of apple saplings, was a very challenging and uphill task for all those who were the beneficiaries of the scheme. Moreover, the terms of the Agreement exclusively catered for the land to be used for cultivation of apple trees only and without any provision for the construction of any dwelling unit for the pattedar/servant/chowkidar/ to stay in and develop and maintain the orchard. The penalty for any transgression of the terms is very severe and invites cancellation/termination of the lease by the pattadata. Such leases are then given to persons who had earlier applied and are in the long waiting list, on the basis of seniority as determined by the concerned authorities.

The Mussoorie – Chamba Phal Patta scheme has been in place for about more than 40 years, given the gestation period of about seven years for an apple plant to bear fruit, but there has been no perceptible change / improvement in the socio economic development/ growth of the area as also the standard of living of its people, which the scheme was supposed to contribute to. The reasons for this are many and varied. Prime among these is the weather, wherein hail takes a very heavy toll on the appearance / looks of the ripe fruit and makes it a loser in the competitive market, which is flush with apples from Kashmir and Himachal as also Harsil and Nowgaon in Uttarakhand. Hail during the fruit bearing season, pits the outside of the apple and makes it appear less attractive, a very important aspect of buyer psyche, which adversely affects the pricing of the product. This alone is a huge factor in making apple farming in this area an unviable commercial economic activity. Most orchards have been economically impacted by this reality obtaining in the area and have thus made apple cultivation a non sustainable financial activity, which only eats into ones resources without a commensurate return. While, the use of nets to prevent hail from damaging the looks of the fruit is an option that is available to farmers, it is again very prohibitive in terms of costs. Most farmers have lost their investments, which they made in their orchards, because of the abysmally low pricing of apples grown in this belt. The annual sale hardly compensates the cost and is an enduring drain on ones financial reserves. Then there is the problem of wild animals and langurs, which live in the adjoining forests and are detrimental to the growth and health of the apple trees. Barking deer and langurs, eat the bark of the trees, thus killing it permanently. The district government Horticulture Department, which is supposed to provide assistance to the farmers in terms of making available good quality saplings, fertilizers, chemicals, spray medicines, implements, knowledge, support and guidance, has been very mediocre and lackluster in its delivery of responsibility. Other than issuing to all pattedars  an ‘Udhyan Card’ , which entitles one to buy what is available with the department on 50% subsidy, there is nothing else which is worth mentioning in praise of the district Horticulture Department , having its offices in various places along the entire  Mussoorie – Chamba belt. The District Horticulture Officer (DHO), Tehri who has the delegated authority and responsibility to regulate and manage the lease of these pattas on behalf of the pattedar ie District Magistrate, Tehri is woefully ill equipped and understaffed to perform his duties. His Phal Patta Amin, who has virtually wrested complete control and authority in the matter, functions more as the de facto DHO than the official incumbent. This is most undesirable in an organization, because then it allows unrestrained authority to vest with a subordinate officer who exploits this reality to corrupt the system. The Amin has earned for himself in the area, the sobriquet Director Horticulture, owing to his absolute control in all matters related with the regulation and management of the pattas. The existing state of affairs is pathetic to say the least.

  Also, it defies logic and understanding that, while clause 2 of the Agreement accepts the reality of either the pattedar or else his agents/servants staying on the said land, yet they are expected to stay here throughout the year under the open blue/ clouded/rainy/ snowing sky with wind velocity of 50 to 60 kmph creating ambient conditions of extreme low temperature during the winters. Construction of a permanent dwelling for either the pattedar or else the servant/agent is not permitted in accordance with government orders and is a cause for immediate termination of the lease. Thatched huts/ tin sheds are inadequate to withstand the uncongenial weather conditions and more so should one have his/her patta on North facing slopes, which receive winds at great velocity, making  the situation still worse to brave the inhospitable climatic conditions. Many a pattas have been cancelled /terminated for this very reason, making it well nay impossible for anyone to continue using these phal pattas for the very purpose these were leased for.  Frustrated and disgusted with the government’s apathy towards this partnership model of the phal pattas, hundreds of people who were allotted these have transferred (sold) their lease rights to others for a financial consideration and which is in blatant transgression of the terms of the Agreement. There were as many as 69 pattas which were cancelled / terminated on 12 Feb 2009 for reasons of transfer of patta, not paying the annual lease rent, construction of a permanent structure on the lease land etc, vide a public notice published in a vernacular news paper, but yet these continue to remain in the names of the defaulters. Some of these pattedars or their heirs have made their property into commercial ventures, in direct violation of the terms of the Agreement and they continue to prosper and flourish under the patronage enjoyed by them in a quid pro quo with the subordinate revenue officials. One such pattedar has even dared the pattadata, by allowing a sizeable chunk of his land to be converted into a motor road running through his patta, which allows access to a hotel in Kanatal. Needless to say the hotel is doing roaring business, kind courtesy the pattedar who has taken a stay from the District court in the matter and presumably good sums of money have changed hands between the hotelier and his accomplice in the deal. The pattadata, possibly under political pressure and an indifferent government response to the challenge of resurrecting a derailed scheme, which had tremendous potential to deliver for the purpose it was launched, can only remain a mute spectator in this entire drama being played under the phal patta scheme, which has become a cover up for making money under the guise of commercial activity other than apple cultivation.

The government of Uttarakhand will be well advised to revisit the phal patta scheme in the Mussoorie – Chamba belt and carry out a constructive review of its purpose and the reality which obtains here. It is an irony that, while so many apple orchards exist in this belt wherein pattedars are trying their level best to break even, the government has not thought about opening a cold storage and a small scale industrial project, which can use the cosmetically low grade local apple for making juice, jams/jelly/chutney, cider, vinegar etc and profit the growers/farmers by consuming their apples locally at a fair price and without the exploitative chain of the contractor/ transporter/stockist and retailer. The co-operative business model must be given a try here to rejuvenate the phal patta scheme. The success stories of many such schemes in villages around the country are a living testimony to this proposal. Also, the Mussoorie -  Dhanaulti – Chamba – New Tehri – Bhagirathipuram – Tehri Dam Reservoir route has become popular with tourists for its scenic beauty and pristine climate. The drive is on a beautifully laid out mountain road, which is a pleasure to drive on amidst the pine and deodar forests. There is a great demand for accommodation to lodge the tourists at an affordable price, which compares very competitively with the high end Mahindra Resort, Kanatal Terrace, Hermitage etc. Should the government of Uttarakhand carry out some midcourse correction to its rigid policy of not allowing any permanent construction on the patta land for use by the pattedars, then these dwelling units could also double up as accommodation for back packing tourists on a shoe string budget. This will not only provide additional rooms for tourists at affordable prices but will also generate some income for the pattedars, so as to sustain their respective orchards.

We need the bureaucrats who crowd the Secretariat in Dehra Dun to become more aggressive in their thought process and evolve as administrators who can also think out of the box, to inject new life into the phal patta scheme launched as a brilliant initiative of the Uttar Pradesh Government in 1965. Presently, lower revenue officials involved in the scheme are exploiting the pattedars, who continue to play ball in the hope that someday the State government may in a populist move make the lease land into free hold property under official notification. If that happens then large swathes of mountain slopes and land will become a haven for the real estate mafia who will then move in with their JCBs, Dozers, Cranes, Trucks laden with iron and steel and volumes of building material to completely destroy the environment and the ecology of the hills, which has already suffered in the making of the Tehri Dam. Can someone who feels dearly for his ancestral place, plead with the politicians and the bureaucracy to shake out of their indifference and make a difference?  Do not burn the picture for the frame.

Brig S D Dangwal

A Viewpoint

 YOGA - A POSSIBLE WINDOW TO MANAGE A PRIMORDIAL NEED

It was in June 1973 that Senator Percy, his wife, daughter and her boy friend stopped for lunch at our unit officer’s mess in Budh Kharbu, while on their way to Leh from Kargil. We officers were, of course a vigorous grouping of bachelors and forced bachelors, who were living a life of abnegation in the Ladhak Himalayas, in the call of duty. The Senator’s wife was quite taken aback when she learnt early on in her conversation with us hosts, that women and wives were not a part of our lives during the years that we had spent and would be spending here. It distressed her and she wondered how we managed to live by ourselves, for such long spells, sans the company of women. This was equally true for all our soldiers, about 800, who were a part of the unit. This is generally the condition obtaining in most field areas, where troops are employed and deployed on ground along the vast and diverse land borders, which the country shares with its neighbors. Tenures here on an average are between two to three years and thus bring to bear great emotional, social and psycho somatic stress on all those who serve in these areas. The soldiers are put to great anxiety on account of household problems which are on the increase, keeping in mind the transformation that has besieged Indian society. With nuclear families being a reality and the earlier joint family system more or less defunct, throws up a new challenge for all military leaders, who command troops in these field areas. Moreover, unit and organizational resources and operational responsibilities are stretched to breaking point at places and on occasions, which compound the existing anguish and push it to threshold levels of tolerance. The absence of a family and a woman to give company to and provide comfort, for long periods at such times, is rather agonizing. Therefore, among other reasons that are there, which adversely impact the situation and result in cases of indiscipline, insubordination, fragging and suicides among troops – the absence of a worthy outlet for testosterone causes havoc in the male psyche and evokes inconsistent behavior, resulting in the above stated aberrations.

With the deployment of the Rashtriya Rifles in the Srinagar valley, there has been a visible and incremental trend among soldiers to take the life of their superiors, comrades and self. The trend is disturbing and does not augur well for the Army. Both, the Defense Ministry and the Army Head Quarters are seized of this trend and have charged the Defense Institute of Physiology and Allied Sciences (DIPAS) in consultation with the Operational Command ( Northern ), Army Training Command (ARTRAC) and the Directorate General of Military Training ( Dte Gen of MT), to address the matter and find solutions to the problem. While, the Defense Minister answers questions related to this matter on the floor of the House and every time gives an assurance to the concerned members about its being in check, the truth is somewhere in between and the problem continues to remain. I think, we have to look for answers to the problem in the manner we handle and manage “testosterone among our soldiers”, who are deployed in conditions of privation and away from their families.

Indian society continues to remain closed and orthodox in its attitude and approach towards matters, which address sex related issues and have undertones of sexual bias in its content. The thinking within the army is similar and is visibly content to keep the subject under covers, lest it invite public opprobrium and sully the organizational image. The army’s attitude in this regard is equally hypocritical and in keeping with the National view.

Given the reality obtaining within the army, where soldiers are largely deployed in field areas, which does not allow families to live along with, paucity of married accommodation in family stations and the socio economic compulsions or else the prevailing social practice in rural India of leaving one’s spouse with one’s parents, need an examination of the psycho – physical impact of these circumstances upon the soldiers profile. This becomes increasingly relevant in the context of the evident stress related incidents, which have occurred with regularity and statistical significance in the past. While, various reasons have been assigned for these instances none has as yet mentioned sexual deprivation as a possible contributory factor, no matter what its scale.

Sex being a natural, human and primordial urge, is an emotion which is capable of drawing people to great heights of achievement. Therefore, within the boundaries of our social reality and cultural upbringing, we must endeavour to undertake the “testosterone management” of our soldiers. It is well understood and known that, the emotion of sex is a virtue only when used intelligently and with discrimination. When it is misused and often is to such an extent that, it debases instead of enriches both body and mind. As such, the desire of sexual expression, which is inborn, should be given an outlet through acts or impulses, which enrich the body, mind, intellect and spirit. While it may be submerged and controlled for a time, but its very nature causes it to be ever seeking means of expression. Therefore, if it is not transmuted into some creative effort it will find a less worthy outlet.

The means and method of transmuting sexual energy is available in the practice of HathaYoga, Pranayam and Meditation, wherein sublimation is recommended over resistance. With the technique being available to us, we must use it to advantage and optimize the potential of our human resource by educating and training our personnel to practice it.

Can we give it a whole hearted try and see the outcome?.

Brig S D Dangwal

Payback to society, for what it has provided you

CAN THE TWO RAWATS IN UTTARAKHAND MAKE IT HAPPEN

The ex servicemen (esm) of Uttarakhand are a valuable human resource and are spread over the 13 districts of the State. The districts of Dehra Dun, Haridwar, Kotdwar and Haldwani have the largest concentration of this community and are organized into various esm organizations, prominent among which is the Uttarakhand Ex Servicemen League (uesl). The uesl, in its recently held election for the President, unanimously elected Brig (retd) R S Rawat to the office. Rawat, a fourth generation officer of the Garhwal Rifles and the illustrious son of the centenarian Lt Col Inder S Rawat, KC has been involved with uesl  for the past six to seven years and has been tirelessly and selflessly working to alleviate the sufferings and problems which consume veterans. Particularly, in addressing and settling pension related discrepancies of war widows, the old and those who are ignorant of their entitlements. This involves visiting the remote areas in the upper reaches of Garhwal and Kumaon, with farthest first as a working principle, writing to the Adjutant General’s branch in Army HQ, CDA pension in Allahabad, Record offices, Head office of SBI in Mumbai and making many a personal visits to the local branches of SBI; all aimed at resolving discrepancies and discordances. Many have benefited from the effort and many continue to reach out to him for help and support. Notwithstanding this, the devastation that visited Uttarakhand in Jun 2013 struck an empathetic chord in his heart and mind, which became his inspiration to work for the afflicted people of our society. With a view to enter the process of helping out the needy in the second stage of the collective effort to rescue, provide relief, rehabilitate and restore; the uesl launched itself into a fund raising campaign from its own veterans, some corporate houses and NGOs. Which, it did in quick time. But then, aware of the extremely low credibility of the State government apparatus in delivering relief to the needy from funds donated by individuals and institutions / organizations, Brig Rawat decided to transport food and materials through the uesl network. It was a job well done and without any publicity or else making a show for the public to lap up and applaud.

But, then, the uesl must understand that in these times of media dominance and influence in public life, it is equally important for one’s work to be picked up and showcased, essentially to mobilize people’s opinion, which is the sine qua non of work involving social causes that survive on goodwill, fiscal and material contributions. The uesl, which was able to collect about Rs 13 lacs of money and material, both inclusive, spent every single rupee in providing the much wanted aid to the unfortunate people. Therefore, when Brig Rawat in his acceptance speech to the august gathering of veterans, on the occasion of his being unanimously elected as President of uesl, reiterated his commitment to work for society at large, it was heartwarming and welcomed by one and all. However, the uesl must get wizened by its experience of the recent past and while working indefatigably for those who are impacted by the vicissitudes of life and living, not yield its turf to the expedient political leadership of the State and its impudent bureaucracy. Given the presence of the valuable human resource of esm, which abounds in almost all districts, tehsils and villages of Garhwal and Kumaon, it will be in the fitness of things for the uesl to better organize itself in all 13 districts and expand its membership. Thereafter, infuse a greater sense of involvement among the esm and enthuse them to work towards not only its own brotherhood of veterans, but also act as a social watchdog and balm for the pain of the local people. Keeping in mind the geographical, geological and weather conditions obtaining in Uttarakhand, which make it into a highly vulnerable region for natural disasters to occur, the esm can be effectively and intelligently used to further people interests. Having said that, the uesl should work towards preparing a road map for working as an adjunct to the district and local government, in a spirit of stake holder ship with the State government. With a view to integrate the various district organizations of the uesl into the mainstream of public life at local levels, the uesl needs to evolve and work on a business model which will provide an inflow of fiscal support on an annual basis from the State government. This essentially to cater for the remuneration of such esm as are identified and appointed as subordinate Nodal officers, through the various district and uesl HQ. The modalities for selection and the charter of duties for these appointees will be codified and formalized, with a view to assign responsibility and fix accountability. It will be well worth the effort on the part of the uesl to arrange for a meeting with the Chief Minister, Shri Harish Rawat and make a presentation to him about this initiative, which can gainfully utilize the abilities, skills, innate discipline and commitment of the esm, who reside in the State, to work in tandem with the government and thus create a readily available pool of man power, which can support the State effort in times of such crisis, as visited Uttarakhand in Jun 2013.

Brig S D Dangwal 

Clean the System, For Good of Sports in India

A KNOCK OUT PUNCH TO INDIAN BOXING

It was in the 2000 Sydney Olympic Games that, India came closest till then, to win a Bronze medal in boxing in the Light Heavy weight category, when Gurcharan Singh of the Indian Army, who in the quarter finals and in the last round was leading his Russian opponent by 1 point, with just about 30 seconds left for the bout to end, but gave away his lead and lost. He was heartbroken as was the Indian contingent and sports lovers back home in India. But, the positive which came from this defeat was the hope, which discarded the thought of sporting performance being majorly dependent on genetic endowment alone and Indians by and large not up to it at the World and Olympics level, in power sports and games. It was in the reality of this national disappointment and pain of winning just one Bronze medal by Karnam Malleswari in women’s weight lifting that, the then Chief of Army Staff, General S Padmanabham, who was pleaded with and goaded by none other than Lt Gen H B Kala, who was then the General Officer Commanding in Chief, Army Training Command with its HQ in Simla, tasked the Army Sports Control Board in the Army HQ to launch Mission Olympics with the aim of winning medals at international levels, including World Championships and the Summer Olympics. The Army true to its character and purpose, within a challenging span of a year and by mid 2002, established the Army Sports Institute at Pune, as also four Nodal Centers of Competitive Sports in the disciplines of Shooting, Sailing, Rowing and Equestrian. Colonel Rajyavardhan Rathore, who was honed as an international Double Trap shooter as part of Mission Olympics, did the country proud by winning an individual Silver medal in his event at Athens in 2004. It was indeed a very long wait of 100 years, since the commencement of the modern Olympics, that an individual Silver medal had been won by an Indian athlete. This validated the belief of Paddy (as the Chief is fondly known in the Army and Hira Kala) in our sportspersons having it in them to make it big, even if it is the Olympics. This achievement was bettered by Abhinav Bindra in the Beijing Olympics, by winning Gold in Air Rifle Shooting and Vijender Singh and Shushil Kumar a Bronze each, for the first time ever in Boxing and only the second time after a more than 60 years wait in Wrestling, respectively. The myth of the Indian sportsmen not having the ability to win individual medals in the Olympics was thus dumped forever and the past forgotten in the emerging horizon of the glorious future, which sports in India was looking at.

The Army, as part of its sporting culture and professional demands of aggressiveness, courage and marksmanship, has a history of exposing its trainees, soldiers and officers to boxing and shooting, not only as mandatory activities but also as part of its recreational physical training. Therefore, the army and the forces have not only contributed sportsmen in handsome measure to these sports, but also provided the management and administrative bulwark for the running of the National Federations, which govern and control these sports. In recent years, Brig Desmond Devine Jones, Capt Adjania and Brig P K Murlidharan Raja had given a vision, solidity and momentum to amateur boxing and all those pugilists who actualized their potential at the Asian, Commonwealth, World and Olympics levels. These aficionados, by their dedication, commitment, diligence and love for the sport had done all the spade work, which today provides the platform for our established and budding pugilists to perform at the apex level of competitive sport. Many army achievers at the Asian, Commonwealth and World level after they hung their gloves took to coaching and training of sub juniors and juniors and eased them into Opens competition. It was a consequence of the tireless efforts and visionary direction given towards developing elite boxing in the past, that in the recently concluded London Games of 2012, India fielded a very rich crop of about 8 boxers in the men’s and the celebrated Mary Kom in the women’s category respectively, in which she won a Bronze medal. The credit for this to a very large extent goes to Brig P K Murlidharan Raja, who like an ant worked for the winter when it was summer and for the summer when it was winter. Single minded devotion for the ten years that, he was the Secretary General of the Indian Amateur Boxing Federation (IABF). Raja and I served together in the Army HQ for three years and he was like a devil possessed who was bowling from both ends, to borrow from a cricketing analogy, for advancing the standard of Boxing, which was aimed at getting as many qualifiers for the Olympics. His effort did yield the desired results with the unprecedented number of qualifiers in the London Olympics and the first individual Bronze medal in the women’s category.

While Brig Raja’s motivation and inspiration was excellence, the President of the IABF Abhay Chautala, whom he served as his Secretary General, was the chair of the President Indian Olympic Association (IOA). This, after another scamster and self proclaimed sports aficionado Suresh Kalmadi, who as the then reigning President of the IOA, had cooked his chips by being charged with huge corruption in the Delhi Commonwealth Games 2010 and was incarcerated in the Tihar jail. Thus, this was the window of opportunity for Abhay Chautala to give finality to his life’s yearning ambition of becoming the President IOA. Be that as it may, Chautala also wanted to continue calling the shots in the IABF and in an unprecedented move amended the Federation’s Constitution, to have him installed as its Patron and only yielded his vacant slot of President, to his brother in law in a sham process of elections. The rules were brazenly flouted and the minions of the IABF fell in line, to accommodate the diktat and desire of Abhay Chautala. After all, with him certain to become the President IOA, who had the courage or else the stupidity to challenge his writ? But, sadly for Chautala and the good of Indian sport, the International Olympic Committee (IOC) did not play ball with him and arm twisted the IOA to hold fresh elections, precluding tainted and corrupt people from contesting for offices in the IOA. The axe of the IOC fell on Chautala and his election as President IOA was quashed.

By now, the World Body of Boxing, the Amateur International Boxing Federation (AIBF), which was watching all the wrong doings happening in the IABF, took stock of the situation and issued a fiat demanding transparency and equity in the election process of office bearers. It gave a firm and resolute warning to the IABF to amend its Constitution and make it to conform to international best practices, as obtain the world over. When, the IABF hesitated in complying with the AIBA direction, it was threatened with de recognition from the World Body. More feet dragging by IABF, finally resulted in its recent expulsion from AIBA and de recognition. A very sad day for Indian boxing and all those pugilists who were looking forward to a Golden period, wherein their aspirations would fructify into a personal sense of achievement, sporting glory and National pride and honor. The desire to control and manipulate the National Sports Federation turfs, by the likes of Chautala and the disgraced and ousted erstwhile President of IOA, Kalmadi have not only disgraced the country among the brotherhood of World Sports Federations, but also hurt the interests and ambitions of all those sportspersons who train with their sweat and blood for the pursuit of excellence. The politicians and their cronies have done irreparable damage to the management and administration of National Sports Federations, wherein achievers have won despite the System and not because of it. One feels immensely pained and hurt at what Kalmadi and Chautala have done to the untiring efforts of all those sports administrators, trainers, sportspersons,  sports scientists, corporate houses, institutions etc who have continued to chip in with their abilities, organizational capacity, funds, skills and commitment to enhance National pride through sports achievements at the World and Olympics levels.

The AIBA has indeed given a knockout punch to IABF, only because of the greed and avarice of our politicians, who use their position as Heads of various National Sports Federations, to further their self serving interests only and nothing more. While Modi screams and rants from every dais, which he occupies while making his pre election speeches by saying “India First”, Chautala believes in only ‘I first’. I think, with the way things are in the National Sports Federations, eminent sportspersons and genuine sports administrators /managers need to come together and provide a viable option to the expedient shenanigans of the politicians, who have done to sports what they have to the country. The sense is conveyed by a monosyllable and which is ‘Pathetic’.

Brig S D Dangwal                 

Chief Minister, Are You Listening

RESPECT THE CHALLENGE BEFORE OVERCOMING IT

The change in the political leadership in the State on 01 Feb 2014, with the grass roots Congress worker and subsequent leader Harish Rawat, who was rightfully deserving of the position immediately after the Party had gone ‘first past the post’ in the Assembly elections, has rung in frenetic governmental activity comprising essential, much needed and overdue, and some populous schemes aimed at the restoration, growth, development and administrative gingering up of the bureaucracy in Uttarakhand. All of which is welcome and necessary, more so in the wake of the devastation that visited the upper reaches of the hill districts, from which the affected districts are still limping back to normalcy. Rawat, was anointed as the leader of the executive by the Party authorities, primarily to give the requisite impetus and momentum to the snail paced relief and restoration work, that has punctured the Congress image here and is likely to adversely impact its chances of returning the four Members of Parliament that it presently has in the 15^th Lok Sabha. With the reins of the Congress having been handed over to Rahul Gandhi, who as its Vice President and the youthful leader charged to take the Party to electoral victory in the coming General Elections, the challenge is more than Herculean and probably beyond the realm of possibility. But, political astuteness demands putting up a brave front, be imbued with hope and bank on an advantageous cross voting pattern, imposed by the national and regional parties, which are in the electoral fray. In a worst case scenario, should victory not be in sight then the endeavor is to threaten and stop the Modi juggernaut from coming into power and staking claim for the formation of a government in the Centre. When winning is not an option, then be a spoil sport and ruin the other’s chance. The CM is considered to be the best that the Congress has in its fold in Uttarakhand, to deliver on this political strategy. The change of guard, with just three months before the process of going into elections is a calculated and desperate attempt to operationalize this stratagem and win all five Lok Sabha seats in Uttarakhand.

Harish Rawat, is a long standing politician who has made a niche for himself in the State by the sheer dint of his hard work, Party allegiance and loyalty to the Gandhi family. Therefore, while he has a very appreciable understanding of the social, cultural, geographical, economic and local issues which abound and exist in the 13 districts of Uttarakhand; he also has the administrative acumen to lead his cabinet ministers and the bureaucracy towards meaningful governance. The same cannot be said about his predecessor, who wasted much of the time he had in the interregnum between the devastation in Jun 2013 and up to Jan 2014, to provide the much promised relief, restoration and re building required to bring normalcy to the affected regions. Aware as we are, that the lines of communication as these exist in the hills are solely road bound, therefore their state and condition is imperative for the desired connectivity, which these provide to the people for their sustenance and survival. The roads are the lifeline of the people and their access to food, health, education, agriculture, water, social demands, provisioning etc. Moreover, with religious tourism being a major source of earning and commercial activity of the local people here, they are hugely dependent on the successful conduct of the ‘Yatra Season’. The roads leading to Kedarnath, Badrinath, Hemkund, Gangotri and Yamunotri have all been severely damaged and washed away at places. The bridges, where these were earlier are no more there and the road alignment at places has changed all together. With the timeline for the portals of the Kedarnath temple to open at 6 AM on 04 May 2014 is a huge challenge which the CM faces, to open the road axis for the pilgrims. Similarly, the other shrines are equally affected and access to these is far from ready. Harish Rawat has made the building of those roads and bridges, which serve these shrines as a matter of prestige and honor for his Government, with an eye on the coming elections. He realizes that the political spinoff of this achievement will be huge and will boost his governance ability among his colleagues, as none other. But sadly, what is important for him is also to understand that the mountains have become extremely fragile and any attempt to undertake reconstruction activity, without the use of adequate modern technology, which goes into the making of roads here is pregnant with danger and waste of time, money and effort. Mr Rawat, it will be well worth it “should you first respect the challenge, before you try and overcome it”. It is rather surprising that now the CM has tasked the PWD, DIG Martolia and Col Ajai Kothiyal, Principal NIM, Uttarkashi to work towards this objective. To me it seems a disastrous decision, which will be replete with construction flaws, inconsistencies, leadership failure and foolhardiness to challenge nature and discard commonsense. With the weather being erratic and the ecology being extremely sensitive and delicate, it is any bodies’ guess that what will be constructed and made will be sub standard and vulnerable. The government may have to pay a huge price in their eagerness to push through their ambitious agenda, of challenging nature and its several ramifications in attempting to do something which should not be done at all. The desperation of the CM is evident in the fact that, the PWD has been tasked with the job in the absence of the DGBRO and a police and an army officer from the infantry, have been co opted in a civil engineering specialized road building undertaking, even if as task force commanders. I, wonder if it is the right thing to do in the existing circumstances. Rather, the CM should have the courage to take a political decision in the matter and not rush things up to meet the astrological deadline of making the roads accessible to the pilgrims, when the portals of the various shrines are ordained to open.

Brig S D Dangwal       

THE HAND THAT GIVES

UTTARAKHAND EX SERVICEMAN LEAGUE – A JEWEL IN THE CROWN OF THE STATE

The people of the hill districts of Uttarkashi and Karanprayag who suffered great loss of life, animals and property in the devastating deluge that gripped the geographical territory of these regions, swear by the trust that they have in “the hand that gives” and is officially designated as the Uttarakhand Ex Serviceman League (UESL). The outstanding work done during the crisis by the troops of Garhwal Scouts, 9 Independent Mountain Brigade, 6 Mountain Divison, Uttarakhand Sub Area, Para Military Forces, Central Armed Police, Uttarakhand Police, Indian Air Force and staff of Nehru Institiute of Mountaineering (NIM) Uttarkashi, under the daring and inspiring leadership of its Principal Col Ajay Kothiyal, SC, KC, VSM has been etched into the hearts of the hill folks, who consider them to be their saviors. It was in the aftermath of the rescue operations and in the second phase of the effort of rehabilitation, that the UESL under the stewardship of its core group and the “go ahead” given by its President Lt Gen H B Kala, PVSM, SC, AVSM seized the initiative to reach out to the ill fated people, who were consumed by the unfortunate tragedy and calamity. Driven by an enduring passion to help and provide succor to those members of our society who are distressed by circumstances and natural catastrophe, Brig R S Rawat, VSM and his dedicated band of a handful of officers, mobilized funds and resources through voluntary donations from the Ex Servicemen Community (ESM), Corporate Houses, NGOs, Charitable and Welfare Organizations etc and provided relief material to include composite rations, blankets, lanterns, stoves, water filters, sweaters, balaclava caps, socks, mittens and copies and writing material for students. These stores and materials were transported to the afflicted areas, which had been identified earlier by a network of deputed ESM who live there and distributed through the conduit of the Gram Pradhans and Block Pramukhs. The UESL continues to remain committed to garner more funds through its dedicated fraternity of ESMs and provide more and more relief to those who are in need, in the upper reaches of this Himalayan region.

It was very heartening to notice during the Annual General Body Meeting (AGM) of the UESL held at Regent Hotel on 25^th Feb 2014, the resolve of the House to complement and support all efforts of the State and Central Government machinery, to alleviate the sufferings of the people who constitute the indigenous population of the Hill State. While there is no gainsaying about the Armed Forces being the last bastion of the Nation’s integrity and security, it is a truism that the veterans who abound Uttarakhand and elsewhere are equally up to the challenges which civil society faces, in times of natural disasters and manmade tragedies. This is not done as part of a financial compensation received for any and all services rendered, but instead exclusively done as an intrinsic self less commitment, as a payback to society and its less fortunate people. There is character written all over this dedication, without an ounce of expectation or else reward. Nation building is a process in which the ESM is always willing to contribute and enhance, because of their inherent sense of patriotism, discipline and having a sound mind in a healthy body. It was in such an emotionally elevated and surcharged atmosphere of patriotic fervor, that the House was subsumed by the narration of the scant respect and regard, which the bureaucracy and the political leadership of the State have for the veterans. The hurt and pain which flowed from the voices of many representatives who had come from far and wide in Uttarakhand, was an apt testimony of this sentiment. The Secretary to the Chief Minister (CM) did not do himself proud when he had the impudence to tell the President of the UESL, that he did not have time to arrange for a meeting of the latter with the former. Neither did the previous CM show any sense of punctuality, dignity or courtesy as is his wont, when he arrived 25 minutes late for a Vijay Diwas function, to celebrate the victory of the Indian Armed Forces in the 1971 Indo - Pak War and did not even greet the senior most officer who was present there, the President of UESL, Lt Gen Hira Ballabh Kala (retd), PVSM, SC, AVSM. How sick and pathetic can the bureaucracy and the political leadership of the State get? There were others who expounded on the ongoing controversy regarding the unauthorized sale of army lease land in Pattharchatta Farm, in which the State Government and its executives are in cahoots with the real estate mafia to make a financial kill, aimed at lining their deep pockets from the sale of this swathe of land. The spirit and motivation of those who are in the know of this subterfuge and manipulation and are firm in their stand to prevent the authorities from this willful loot and plunder, are none other than ESM who live there about. It was by and large a very sad commentary which unfolded itself in the House and evoked some very passionate and strong responses. Nonetheless, it goes to the credit of the UESL that, notwithstanding the scurrilous manner in which the bureaucracy and political leadership of the State exposes itself and treats one of its most valued human resource, the ESM that, there was an unanimous consensus on putting our shoulders together and contribute in whatsoever manner we can, to come to the aid of the lackluster political leadership and confused and arrogant bureaucracy, in times of a State crisis. This is what we are and will always be, without pretensions.

It was also heartening to see Brig R S Rawat, VSM the force behind the relief operations to those afflicted in the recent tragedy that visited Uttarakhand, to be unanimously elected as the President of the UESL. It is he who has reiterated that, in the event of something unfortunate happening in the future also, we will not hesitate to seize the initiative and do all that we can to mitigate the sufferings of the people, to which we remain committed. The ESM fraternity does sincerely hope that, with the new Chief Minister in office, who has the reputation of being more rooted in the hill culture of humility and modesty, will give due consideration and just hearing to all such matters as impact and assail its dignity and interests. It is to remind the indifferent political leadership and pompous bureaucracy of Uttarakhand that, when the veterans are not respected and given their just place in society, which they are entitled to, then it is the State that is shamed and insulted and not just it’s ESM. We would definitely not want this to happen and are more than reassured that with Brig R S Rawat, VSM at the helm of the UESL, such a situation will not arise.

Brig S D Dangwal, VSM   

How Should AAP Play It in The Centre

AN IDEA WHOSE TIME HAS COME – PARTICIPATORY DEMOCRACY

The manner and intensity with which the enthusiasm of the youth and others is evident in support of the Arvind Kejriwal lead AAP in the urban and semi urban spread of the country, it is most likely that there will be an extremely fractured mandate given to the national and regional political parties in the coming 2014 General Elections. This, though a welcome indication, of the people of the country having at last found their spine by identifying with the most people friendly and honest political option, which the AAP has given to the near moribund and desperate Indian society, must be understood in the context of ‘ who should form the government in the Centre’? The outcome of the Delhi assembly elections and the formation of the state government with Mr Arvind Kejriwal as its hon’ble chief minister, has become the driver of the national upsurge of support for and identifying with the ideals and philosophy of an anti corruption AAP, in an enduring spirit of participatory democracy. This people’s wave and political movement in support of AAP, which could definitively impact the outcome in the share of seats in the Lok Sabha, which the two major national political parties will get, will pose a problem for the BJP and its allies in the NDA to form the government, with Narendra Modi as its Prime Minister. It is very unlikely that the BJP and its pre poll allies will be in a position to make a claim for the formation of a stable government, even while they may emerge as the largest alliance. There is a likelihood of a déjà vu at the Centre, as it happened in Delhi in the assembly elections, where BJP despite being the single largest party was unable to get a simple majority and prevent Arvind from becoming the chief minister.

In the event of this most expected likelihood in the outcome of results of the General Elections, which could force another election on the country, it will be in the best interests of all stakeholders that AAP extend support to the NDA, from within or without. The choice of this could well be left to the situation as it stands real time, then. The presence of elected AAP members who could well be first time parliamentarians in the Lok Sabha, will not only bring in fresh faces but a vibrancy that rejoices in the splendor of probity and an endearing spirit of selflessness and servant hood. This attitude will emphatically rub off on others in the treasury and opposition benches of the House, who are cynical about honesty and simplicity in public life and will therefore usher in a much awaited change, whose time has come. Given Mr Narendra Modi’s credentials and experience in governance as also his ability to establish a connect with the masses, who are influenced by his rhetorical oratory and loaded innuendos on the ruling government and its ministers including the Prime Minister, is a Hobson’s choice which must get exercised. It is too early for the AAP to be burdened with the onus of forming the government in the Centre, consequent to the 2014 elections. The opportunity should instead be used by the AAP parliamentarians to evolve and learn the nuances and the nuts and bolts of governance from the council of ministers and the craft and wiles of Mr Narendra Modi. This learning curve would stand the AAP members in good stead in the years to come and for the coming elections. Moreover, the seats which are won by the AAP candidates will engender the performance and chances of the party in the state elections, as and when and where these are held in the coming years. The Lok Sabha elections should be used by AAP not only for ushering in a climate of probity in governance but also to enhance their chances of forming

governments in those states where elections are due. It is the credibility of AAP and its acceptability across the length and breadth of the country, which will get substantially influenced and impacted by the outcome of the results of the Lok Sabha elections.

With the governments in the states being from political parties other than AAP, with the exception of Delhi, the thumb rule for the prospective candidates who contest the elections for the Lok Sabha should be to trumpet the ‘mantra’ of cleaning the system of the virus and cancer of corruption in most walks of public life in their respective constituencies. This is the most cogent and desirable slogan pronounced with conviction and sincerity, which the people are waiting to hear from their representatives. This is not the time to factor in local issues in their pronouncements and speeches, because these are actually quite beyond their control and ambit in a substantial manner, given the presence of existing legislators not willing to yield their turf to anyone. Any sign or show of exaggerated enthusiasm to address local issues and make a promise to resolve these, which essentially are not within their charge, will tantamount to making false and motivated claims, that when not delivered as promised will snowball into distrust and a loss of faith and be detrimental to the interests of AAP. The AAP candidates must maintain their exclusivity to address the issue of corruption as it obtains within the tiers of both the polity and the bureaucracy, in their respective parliamentary constituency. Because, it is the virus of corruption, which has essentially derailed the system of governance in most walks of public life and is the biggest affliction that irks, frustrates, angers and disgusts the people.

With a view to put a premium on our National interests, it will be best for AAP to support the NDA in the formation of a government at the Centre and use this opportunity to not only rein in corruption but also make its views, opinions and statements in stopping of Corporate Funding to  Political Parties, the Economic Development and Agricultural Growth of the Country, Investing in Infrastructure Development, Water Management, Energy Security, Poverty- Human Deprivation and its Alleviation, Fighting Terrorism, National Security, Centre – State Relations, Relations with Neighboring Countries etc. India is poised at the intersection of hope and despair, which participatory democracy and a tight leash on rampant corruption can slowly transform into a situation, which actualizes its potential and capacity.

Brig S D Dangwal  

Sena Bahulya Pradesh - Shashan Mein Bhagidari

WHEN THE GOING GETS TOUGH THE TOUGH GET GOING - LOK SABHA ELECTIONS IN UTTARAKHAND

It was some time back that, in my correspondences with Arvind Kejriwal about the state of things as these obtained in the country and the pathetic rhetoric and acts of realpolitik, which had besieged and overtaken any meaningful and visionary politics in the national domain, that he was confident and optimistic about a revolution and a change happening. My disgust and cynicism was premised on my understanding of the helplessness,  which had taken a bone crushing grip on the people of the country who were ensnared by the political system, that had embedded and entrenched itself in the past 64 years since independence and become a precursor of doom than hope. The only way, which gave hope to me was the outbreak of anarchy and a revolution, which settled with a military takeover or a dictatorship. But, Arvind and his courage to take the political satraps of the two national political parties in the elections for the assembly in the National Capital Region ( NCR) of Delhi, was the revolution and change that he was confident about. He, when challenged to enter politics and bring about the change, which he and his supporters were demanding from the political leadership of the country from the outside as citizens, took the dare and launched his own party, AAP. His gumption was steeped in the support and will of the people of an inclusive society comprising the poor, the underprivileged, the marginalized minority, and the burgeoning middle class as also the well heeled and rich who were equally suffering from the arrogance, political subterfuge and callousness of the government. That, the AAP has formed the government in Delhi with Arvind as its chief minister is a political miracle, which none had ever expected but is now history.

The success of AAP and the belief in participatory democracy, which it has brought into the heart and minds of the people, is the bigger narrative that is slowly and surely playing out in the country. With the coming general elections to the Lok Sabha scheduled in phases from April to May 2014, the youth and most other hapless and desperate people who have lost hope in the democratic system as it exists in the country, are simply gung ho on the likelihood of candidates of the AAP contesting from as many parliamentary constituencies and eating into the huge pie of 543 seats, that will be contested. The AAP being an embryonic political outfit must keep it simple and in keeping with what its national leader professes, servant hood with courage, humility and individual dignity. It is important that members and elected representatives of AAP do not get embroiled and inveigled into pontificating on various important, critical and sundry national issues and debates, which are aired in the public domain and are the electronic media’s oxygen, now. But instead wait, be patient with themselves and assert their integrity and intentions with solidarity and celebrate and share the belief of participative democracy, as best they can. After all it is not as if the country is going to come to a grinding halt in the absence of inputs from the AAP. The bureaucracy, technocrats, corporate houses and service providers who essentially are charged to run the affairs of the State and the Nation and do business, respectively will give adequate time and space to the new political dispensation to embed itself, grasp the nuances of governance, reflect upon policy making and take stock of the gaps which impact National interests and articulate effective measures to bridge these.

Uttarakhand returns five MPs to the Lok Sabha and it is an excellent opportunity for the AAP to contest all these seats in the coming elections. The massive and unfortunate disaster which befell the State in Jun 2013 and the suffering it has brought to the people of the hills, is a telling tale of the misgovernance and corruption, that the people of Uttarakhand have suffered at the hands of the two political parties which have steered its fortunes ever since its formation. None can come clear on this charge of lack of vision and humongous corruption at various levels of its political leadership and tiers of its supplicant bureaucracy. It is an open secret that, the previous and present governments have illegitimately profited from the coffers of the State and also from the dubious deals in real estate. The Disaster Relief Management Organization, which was to spontaneously act and help restore the situation during the devastation which struck Kedarnath, Rambara, Gaurikund, Guptkashi, Rudraprayag, Srinagar, Pithoragarh and Uttarkashi was more of a disaster itself and has been taken to the cleaners by many an informed persons.  Had it not been for the derring-do acts of the personnel of the army, air force, para military forces and the state police to some extent, the tragedy in loss of human lives could have been manifold more. When it came to the relief and rehabilitation work subsequently, many NGOs and civil society organizations and corporate houses as part of their responsibility towards society, put their best foot forward and are continuing to provide what best relief these can in terms of resources and material to those affected in the disaster. The Uttarakhand Ex Servicemen League (UESL) is one such organization, which is registered under the Societies Registration Act of 1860 and has done, and continues to do yeoman service for the afflicted people of the areas, which were struck by the unfortunate tragedy. The guiding spirit of this effort and initiative has been Brig (retd) Rajender Singh Rawat, Vishisht Seva Medal who is the secretary of UESL. There are many more such ex servicemen in the towns, villages and interior regions of Uttarakhand who have selflessly committed themselves to public service, without any obligation, expectation, monetary compensation or else favor. This is the spirit which identifies with the philosophy and thought process of the AAP and with which these veterans have performed for the good of their people. Therefore, it is people like these who risked their lives and who dug deep into their pockets which has only their pension to draw from, who should now participate in the political resurgence of Uttarakhand and make it fulfill the aspirations and ambitions of its people. The opportunity is huge and must be availed of, not for position, power or else status but simply service and providing a corruption free government. The State which is considered to be a ‘Sena Bahulya Pradesh’ must have a commensurate stake in its governance by these veterans, who are its shining glory. The outcome and the success of those who contest the coming Lok Sabha elections from the ex servicemen fraternity, will usher in a wave of desirable change and success in the Vidhan Sabha elections, as and when these are held. The AAP has a huge ground swell of support in the cities and upper reaches of Garhwal and Kumaon and all that is awaited is a deserving candidate from each of the five constituencies of Uttarakhand. Victory is assured, provided the AAP considers extending the date for the filing of candidature of those who are keen to contest and make it 30^th instead of 15^th Jan 2014.

The Ex Servicemen community of Uttarakhand is proud of the game changer in Indian politics, that Arvind Kejriwal and his team have turned out to be and put a huge premium on the participation of as many ex servicemen in the ranks of General, Brigadier, Colonel, Major, Captain and Personal Below Officer Rank (PBOR).

Brigadier (retd) S D Dangwal

  

Voices from Uttarakhand

CAN WE RUN THE CLOCK BACK FOR UTTARAKHAND AND SAVE IT

The editorial team of Satish Sharma and Ashok Misra of Garhwal Post have done a yeoman service to the State by compiling and writing, Voices of Uttarakhand, a journal which comprises some excellently researched articles, penned by those who know and feel for the Himalayan regions of Garhwal and Kumaon. The articles essentially focus on the humongous tragedy that engulfed the State in the wake of the fury of nature unleashed upon it by the unprecedented rains, the argument over whether it was a human tragedy caused by man’s neglect or else God’s intervention, the ill preparedness of the State Government administration to cope with the situation, the fiasco of the Disaster Management Organization to address the emergency and the ubiquitous presence and sacrifice of the Armed Forces and the Para Military personnel, to prevent the mayhem from further escalating and exacerbating the tragedy.  Anyone, who is genuinely interested to learn about the circumstances, which actually brought about this situation and what can be done by the various stakeholders in the matter, to prevent a reoccurrence or else substantially mitigate the adverse consequences should it happen - then this is a must read. Unfortunately, what has undeniably emerged from the print of all the pages of the journal, without exception, is the callous, inefficient, incompetent, laidback, avaricious, apathetic and loathsome attitude of the Politico - Bureaucrat - Corporate nexus, which is loudly evident in the makings of the tragedy. The people too, to an extent were lured by the opportunity to make a quick buck by getting sucked into the quagmire of corruption, by being a party to it and seeking favours, which were illegitimate and in transgression of the rules which regulate real estate in Uttarakhand. The experts, who have written herein, are very apprehensive of the situation playing itself out yet again and again and the authorities, which should and must be responsible and accountable to the people; do not seem to be serious about the matter at all. 

The mistake that happened in respect of the ill-fated State of Uttarakhand was its statehood as and when it happened. The NDA government, which midwifed the birth of Uttarakhand in 1999, committed a grave error of judgement by granting full statehood to it. Rather, it should have been on the lines of being made a Union Territory, governed and administered by a Lt Governor and his advisors. It was and is the politics of Uttarakhand, which has brought the State to such a pass, where hope is the only constant that enthuses belief in governance. With the bounty of nature, the presence of the four places of Hindu pilgrimage, the rivers and the adventure tourism potential it offers, Uttarakhand is a blessed land that awaits world recognition. The incisive and brilliantly researched and presented articles of Dr Raghunandan Tolia, Sanjeev Chopra, Dhirendra Sharma, Prof B K Joshi, Pawan Jain, Dr V K Bahuguna, Avdhash Kaushal and others is a valuable treasury of ideas for policy formulation and adoption, which should be given continuity, irrespective of the political party which forms the Government. The problem is not that there is a dearth of good and implementable ideas, but instead of realpolitik hijacking these in the political reality which obtains in our democratic system. It is the politics of this State which is its worst enemy and the bête noire of its indigenous people for whom the State was supposedly formed and created. By plunging into statehood right away, instead of travelling the path of a development curve, sustained by the aspirations and interests of its people, which were futuristically hand held by the continuity of a dispensation in a Union Territory, has become our nemesis. If the ideas of people like Dr Raghunandan Tolia and Sanjeev Chopra, who illumine the Indian bureaucracy and have a comprehensive understanding of the ‘Nuts and Bolts’ of the culture, topography, weather and climatic conditions, agriculture and cropping patterns, problems of connectivity etc could only be implemented, the story of Uttarakhand would have been different and its people much better, healthier and happier.     

The challenge, which we face today, can be overcome should there be a consensus among its leaders at a grass roots level to ask for a referendum on reversing the decision of state hood and instead demand the status of a Union Territory, for Uttarakhand. It is only then that some good can come from what is left, because otherwise time is running out fast and furious for this Himalayan Region and the next few monsoons could as well spell a disaster, which will be beyond the capacity and capability of even the Armed Forces and the Para Military Organizations. While I may not be an Oracle, who foretells the doom of my beloved Uttarakhand, but the in your face indications and premonitions, which one gets to see and experience, respectively are definitive and very scary in terms of the human tragedy it will invite, sooner than later. The problem of this State is its very poor polity, difficult conditions, poor economy, lack of an industrial base, scarce agriculture potential of cash crops, corruption and a very mediocre bureaucracy. This gets further compounded with a lacklustre leadership, subservient bureaucracy, growing mafia nexus of the triumvirate and migration of youth from the hills in search of jobs and life enhancing opportunities, in the developed townships of the plains.

The picking is for the people to make, who have the freedom of choice of their actions but not the consequences thereof. Choose now or be prepared to perish in the years to come. The people of the plains will continue to flourish and prosper, but those who are its indigenous habitants will pay a very heavy price for sheer survival. Can Dr R S Tolia and those of his merit and ilk, stand up for the people of the hills to make this happen. 

Brig S D Dangwal 

Pathetic, To say The Least

HOW UNFORTUNATE TO LIVE IN ARBOREA AND SUFFER ITS EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

Arborea Luxury Homes, a residential housing complex on the Mussoorie – Sahastradhara byepass road, developed and constructed by Conscient Infrastructure Pvt Ltd Gurgaon, has been in the news for all the wrong reasons, in the recent past. That, the owners and the Resident Welfare Association (RWA) have gone to the Consumer Commission, Dehra Dun and filed RTIs with the MDDA against Conscient, to redress the perceived wrongs, which they continue to live with, was reported in the print media sometime back. The owners have expressed their anguish and deserving umbrage at the litany of complaints, which they have regarding various matters of poor construction, structural defects, failure to deliver on the promises made in the sale’s brochure, maintenance issues, transparency in the accounting of interest free maintenance fund etc. Thereafter, followed two FIRs lodged with the Rajpur Poice Station and the Camp Office of the SSP, Dehra Dun by Brig and Mrs Neelam Dangwal, in the matter of an implied threat given to the veteran officer by a property dealer who lives in 9 Curzon Road and also has an apartment F – 402 in Arborea; and in the case of assault and affray with a lady by the gym attendant, on 17^th Oct 2013, in front of the complex facility.

   Notwithstanding this, what is more disturbing, shameful and a painful matter, is the poor and pathetic understanding of the latter incident of violence, which seized the understanding of the Executive Committee (EC) and made it to act in an inglorious and despicable manner by not being with and standing up for a fellow RWA member, in the horrific incident that has tarred the name of Arborea, when it happened on that unfortunate morning of 17^th Oct 2013, when a 57 years old lady, a Brigadier’s wife and a grandmother to a 9 years old grandchild was assaulted by an employee, the gymnasium attendant. Without showing any sense of due diligence and equanimity in their thinking, the President, General Secretary, Treasurer, Three Members and a Special Invitee to the EC meeting, while unanimously condemning the incident on 17 Oct, in a most strange turn around and volte face on their decision, completely alienated Mrs and Brig Dangwal by  not supporting them and refused to come together, in a show of deserving solidarity, on 18 Oct. The case was as transparent and clear as can be, assault on an elderly woman by an employee, irrespective of the circumstances which lead to it. But, unfortunately, in the stymied and facetiously loaded and prejudiced understanding of the esteemed members of the EC and the invitee member, it was opined that “It is considered to be a private matter of Brig and Mrs Dangwal and hence the EC does not wish to involve itself with the case” . It is a matter of extreme shame for the two women office bearers in the EC, who could not empathise with the pain and suffering of a fellow lady of the community, who had stood up for her self respect and dignity, in the face of extreme insolence and misbehaviour by an employee and was provoked and incited to slap him. And, at which, the gym attendant hit her back with his full force and might. The conduct, and wisdom or lack of it, of the men in this matter of assault on a lady; who comprise the EC and the special invitee to the EC meetings, is a very sad commentary on the state of the Arborea RWA, which has become so egoistic, insensitive, without moral and physical courage that, they consider a reprehensible act of violence against a lady member of the Society / Association, as a personal matter and not as a just cause to stand up for. It is most shameful that such men tenant office in the EC of the RWA of Arborea and another such man is called as an invitee to its meetings, for rendering profound and intelligent advice. Shame is a very mild and inadequate word to describe this act of such people, who have shamed the RWA and Indian Society at large.

 Mrs Neelam Dangwal, the lady who was assaulted by the gym attendant, has in the exercise of her judicial and civil society rights,taken all necessary actions to bring the guilty to book and have him sent to jail. Surprisingly, the vacuous and harebrained EC and the invitee member, in a most bizarre and ludicrous manner of becoming the investigating authority and the judge, a right which they never had and most gratuitously donned upon themselves, found Mrs Dangwal to be the errant party and hence completely disassociated itself from the matter. These men and women must understand that ‘Truth is its own Defense’ and does not require any evidence to either support it or else establish it. This is the travesty of justice at the routine and mundane level, when unintelligible, incompetent and mediocre people who do not understand the meaning of character and are without the requisite moral fibre to be just and wise, masquerade as self appointed adjudicators and conflict resolvers. The Indian society today is passing through a very precarious stage, wherein the ‘Khap’ style of justice prevails in the bucolic heartland of the country, in which they operate outside the boundaries and constraints of ‘Law of the Land’. The EC and its special invitee are no better or worse than the ‘Khap’. In fact, in the understanding of most people who respect women and show regards for their self worth and dignity; the despicable action of the EC and the special invitee is much worse than the self styled ‘Khap’ kangaroo courts, which are a disgrace to a civilized society in the 21^st century of a modern India.

One wonders, what has happened to the sense and understanding of all those who are literate but continue to remain uneducated. These are the upwardly mobile members of our society who are a stigma to its culture and heritage. We must surely protect ourselves from their shenanigans and not be carried away by their trappings of wealth and material indicators, which while providing them with superficial recognition, are no surety of their having the most rare of sense and which is ‘Common Sense”.

It is for the honourable members of the General Body of the RWA, to bring this matter in its next meeting and ask each and every member of the EC as also the special invitee, to render an unconditional apology to the House, for bringing it to disrepute and grave dishonour. I am certain and sure that given our culture and heritage, which idolises womanhood and respects women, wherein our literature and poetry eulogises a woman’s status in our Society by saying “ Yatra Poojte Nari, Tatra Ramante Deva”( where women are respected, the Gods live there); all sensible and unprejudiced people will uphold the dignity of a woman and castigate the EC for its disgusting, immature and pitiful understanding of their stand, as resolved in its Meeting of 18 Oct 2013.

I feel extremely sorry for the warped and pathetic thinking of all those who were party to this decision and PRAY FOR BETTER SENSE TO PREVAIL IN THEIR PERSON, FOR THEIR GOOD AND WELL BEING.

Brigadier (retd) S D Dangwal

E - 102

Cry My Beloved Country

INDIAN SOCIETY IN PERIL AND PAIN

It is a sad commentary on the state of affairs in which we find the Indian Society, today. The people who comprise our society are virtually sitting on the brink of a disaster that can consume all of us, irrespective of caste, colour, religion, gender, class, rural, urban, literate, illiterate, rich, poor divide et al. The one reason which comes out clearly and emphatically for this state of things is the absence of a National Character and a very poor presence of individual character in its people. The 66 years of Independence from the yoke of British Rule, has pushed us into a situation that stares the country and its people with gloom and despair, should unusual circumstances and happenings not prevent this catastrophe from seizing the masses and metaphorically breaking their back. Of the tangible and intangible possessions which fulfil a person, character is the ‘Jewel on the Crown’ and takes the pride of place in the human personality. India’s democracy, which came to its people rather too soon, without going through the grind and cycle of anarchy, dictatorship and oligarchy, which thrust political equality without the requisite social and economic equality on its people; is the major reason for this reality. Our political class and its mediocre leadership did not make things better by exploiting illiteracy, poverty, religion, social deprivation of its backward classes, caste and an indifferent middle class; to take the people further and further away from their inherent nature that is steeped in principles and values. With the people who care about governance not participating in the process of its formation and those who do not care, alone participating in the process of government formation, meant mediocrity nay worse, in the quality of our elected representatives. Historically, the middle class which determines the values and thinking of any society, failed India by remaining exclusive and thus completely alienating the rural masses which comprise more than 60% of its population. Only when the middle class is willing to empathise with and share the travails and torments of the villagers, in an inclusive manner, thus begetting their trust and faith, will it enlarge its identity and social space. While ‘Nirbhaya’ shook the social conscience of Delhi and the metropolises, with human waves coming out on the roads and streets in a show of solidarity with and in protest against the heinous act of some barbaric men and government apathy in the matter of providing protection to its women, the many indignities, molestations, abuses and rapes which continue to happen in the villages, hamlets, settlements and townships do not create a similar reaction or response. This is the fault line, which keeps the masses away from the genuine social causes and issues, which the burgeoning middle class takes upon itself, but yet is unable to create the ripples in the hinterland and the interiors where the majority of India lives. It is a case of them versus us and a turf war is created where none exists, actually. People posture against people because of this indifference to what happens in the villages; the urban middle class cocooned in their comfort zones, while the rural people suffer. And it is this gap, which the political parties and the politicians fill with their craft and manipulations, entirely to their advantage while assuaging the problem, temporarily or not at all, but giving the requisite sound bites and making tall and unfulfilled promises. This is the space in which the political leaders, bureaucrats, village /tehsil / taluka / block administrative set up and the government agencies that are meant to deliver and provide for the masses are hand in glove, incompetent or else just not interested in resolving the problem. Governance fails and the people are marginalised. Religion, caste, sub caste, language, culture and emotions are used as best these can in an expedient manner to divide people and opinion, which is to the detriment of the community and the problem festers and becomes chronic.

Good governance today, is a dream, only because those who vote to select their representatives both in the Lok and the Vidhan Sabha, are swayed by considerations, which have little to do with calibre, competence and sense of righteousness in their candidates. But, instead, largely by a myopic and prejudiced outlook of all that, which they should not be giving any weightage to, in exercising their franchise. We are getting the type of political leaders and the government, which we deserve. There was a time, in this very same country when men and women of character were its representatives in the government and rectitude, probity, morality, ethics were traits which were evident in their person, both in private and public life. This period was unfortunately short lived.

The people, who should have understood and exercised their suffrage to select candidates of substance, were either arm twisted by the power of muscle or else cajoled by the lure of promises and money, among other considerations as already mentioned earlier. Corporate funding of the political parties, presence of unaccounted for money in the market, the earlier practice of licence permit raj in business and now the authority to grant these licenses being with the government, presence of mafia in most fields of commercial activities in which demand and supply create shortages or are essential to human life, corruption in government spending in which 85% of the money gets siphoned off through implementation leakages etc are many of the evils that we live with and suffer. While the poor and the under privileged, who are uncertain of their next morsel, are easy prey to being inveigled by sops given at the time of elections; it is the middle class and those waiting on the sidelines to join it, who are deeply entrenched in the giving and receiving of graft, which has definitively assailed their character and made it pliable on matters of principles, values and righteous living.

This failing of our middle class is very palpably evident in its attempt to evade income tax, avoid sales tax, pay facilitation fee for getting legitimate work done, bribe to get illegitimate work done, avoid punishment for willing transgressions by using money as a force multiplier, offset failings and lack of merit by paying money to overcome the reality etc and has instilled in these people a life without the virtue of character. This is a huge human tragedy for a country, which calls itself as the largest democracy in the world. It is the aggregate of the individual character which throws up a National Character and we are exceedingly challenged in this. Life without character is second nature to us, quite at variance with our innate Conscience, which is our moral and ethical compass. An Indian today is not willing to stand up against all that is wrong, unlawful, illegal, morally reprehensible and ethically deplorable, but instead is secure in the thought and feeling of being secure on the basis of money alone and not on the strength of character, which should be its never exhausting source of dignity, respect, security and power. One really wonders, in these days of the political parties preparing themselves for the General Elections 2014, will it really matter who forms the government in the Centre, because things are unlikely to change at the fundamental level at which we operate and live. The change if it does happen will probably be a short lived chimera, before we yet again get sucked into the quagmire, we have so assiduously prepared for ourselves in the country called INDIA.   

Brig S D Dangwal

9410900051

Save Uttarakhand From the Builder Lobby

A People’s Friendly Media – To Straighten The Real Estate Mess in Uttarakhand

It is most unfortunate that, Dehra Dun which was once a haven for school children, retired and peace loving people had to yield to the demands and pressures of the times we live in, ever since Uttarakhand was carved out from Uttar Pradesh, in 1999 – 2000. That, Dehra Dun, owing to its available infrastructure, proximity to New Delhi and existing communication centres, was designated as its interim capital; became the final nail in the coffin of its peace, tranquillity, small town culture, a rather laid back life style and bungalows with lichi and mango trees growing in the compound. The visionless government of the newly created state, crowded the limited infrastructure and roads of the city by establishing and locating its working and residential trappings within the municipal limits, thereby burdening the capacity of all civic amenities to the distress of its growing population. Even if Dehra Dun was all that the government of the time was able to look at for its state capital then and being cash strapped in the initial years of its formation; the political consideration to identify Gairsain as its permanent capital was a subterfuge that has pushed the city beyond the threshold of a virtual implosion. Instead of creating a new satellite city in the surrounding vicinity of Dehra Dun to develop and accommodate the requirements of a state capital, the existing city got stuffed with more and more of everything, under the pretext of it being only a temporary arrangement and therefore not prudent to overtly spend unnecessarily on, as it was only temporary.

The city was soon seized by the huge opportunity to cater to the demands of the youth, Nandan Nilekani’s demographic dividend, and exponentially developed on its existing secondary school academic ground swell and potential, in the pattern of Pune and Bangalore, with lush swathes of orchards and agricultural land getting appropriated for more residential schools, deemed universities, colleges and institutes of learning and technical skills. This necessitated extensive construction activity, which put more and more concrete and iron on ground, with buildings going both horizontal and vertical. The presence of these institutions of learning mostly built and run by those who are far removed from education and have very little understanding of anything which is mentally empowering, lured a large migrant population of students from the neighbouring state of Uttar Pradesh, in addition to what is already there. More hotels, dwelling units in multi storied buildings, shopping malls, cinema halls, restaurants, service sector establishments and ancillary facilities followed, thus putting a huge strain on the congested spaces, roads and civil amenities. River beds have been reclaimed and unauthorised permanent / temporary constructions, which house the poor who have come from far and near in search of making a living and finding work in the unorganized sector is a reality, which is both sad and resentful. Garbage and polybags spilling out from the dumping bins installed in the city, is not only a great health hazard with its stench and germs breeding on a 24 x 7 mode, but also a disgusting sight to behold. The daily traffic chaos, which continues to prevail at the crossings in commercial and residential areas alike, is most stressful and a cause of immense environmental pollution and energy wastage. Road rage and intolerance among the youth is growing and the elderly are under a constant threat of being abused, disrespected and hurt by the burgeoning fleet of vehicles moving on the narrow city roads.

Housing, the need for which is always there and the demand becoming more than what is available, has become a gold mine of sorts for all those who deal and prosper from it; by putting up structural monstrosities, which are approved and fall extremely short of the desired specifications, of both design and material. There is an unholy collusion between the authorities and the builders, which is strengthened by bribes given and received, without any sense of mortification or else compunction. While one can understand the greed for money in those who live and breathe by its motivation in business; it saddens both the heart and mind when those who must abide more by the dictates of their conscience and check corruption, with the might of their institutional authority and power vested in their office, instead stoop reprehensibly, to line their pockets with ill gotten wealth. Other than the country’s natural resources, which is being looted and plundered for profit, real estate too has become the second largest wealth generator for those who do deal in it and those who can illegally profit from it, by using the state machinery. We yet again come to the “C” word, which has pervaded the government and private sectors equally and become a ubiquitous phenomenon in all walks of life and living in India  and Uttarakhand.     

It is common knowledge that, huge sums of money change hands for according approvals and completion certificates, between the regulating authority and the builders. How do we put a stop to this, is the big question? To expect something to happen from within the administrative system is asking for the impossible and therefore putting to use the tools of RTI and the Consumer Commission / Forums is probably the answer, which can partially mitigate the sufferings of the people and the citizens. To add to this and leverage the advantage in favour of the people who continue to be cheated by the builders / developers, who work in a silent conspiracy of sorts with the authorities, for handsome considerations; the print media is a potent and effective medium, which should be prodigiously approached and used by all in a spirit of overt solidarity and community living. The print media must claim this responsibility and indulge those who knock on its doors, to open these and bring in the sunshine to cleanse the grime of corruption in real estate. It is then and only then that the huge potential of the media can be exploited to the hilt, to make the sector more transparent and accountable.

Brigadier S D Dangwal

The Ex Servicemen League of Uttarakhand is Angry

A GOON GIVES BODY TO HIS THREAT, AGAINST BRIGADIER DANGWAL

Arborea Luxury Homes, a housing complex on the Mussoorie – Shastradhara by pass road has turned into a den, in which the loutish writ of a goon, Rajesh Negi runs. Ever since this complex was commenced by a Gurgaon based company, Conscient Infrastructure Pvt Ltd and subsequently possession of apartments taken by the owners, Negi has been behaving like a yobbo who has been vandalising people with a no holds barred attitude. It is rather strange that, Conscient which makes big claims about its quality of construction and ethical business practices, has failed to rein in a person who moves in and out of Arborea in his 7 series BMW sedan and is a self appointed ‘bouncer’, who rather settle contentious matters between the owners and the company by threats, abuse and boorish conduct than acceptance and a mechanism to redress the outstanding issues.

 There have been a number of instances in Arborea, wherein the owners and residents have been left absolutely frustrated and disgusted for having made a choice to buy an apartment / live, in this housing complex. They rue that day, when they were inveigled and trapped into signing on the dotted line and make their first advance payment to Conscient, only because they believed what was published in the company’s brochure, shown in the sample apartment and parroted by its marketing executive. Nothing of this could be further from the truth and today the owners feel cheated by an out of Uttarakhand Company that is investing and building some more commercial infrastructure projects in Dehra Dun. One wonders why? A Company that has shown its dark side, in the first of its residential project which it launched in the city, Arborea Luxury Homes should be allowed to further cheat and short-change unsuspecting buyers. It was as a consequence of this poor business attitude shown by the Company, that the RWS and individual apartment owners have filed a petition with the Consumer Commission, Dehra Dun. The case is in hearing and the verdict is awaited.

 While all this is happening, Negi like a loose cannon ball has gone ballistic by giving a threat to Brigadier (retd) S D Dangwal, who is the co owner of apartment E – 102.  The brigadier has filed an FIR dated 14 Oct 2013, against the goon with the SSP, Dehra Dun and SO, Rajpur police station. The matter is under investigation with the police. It seems that, with a view to make the threat operative, Negi used a stratagem to confront and provoke the officer through a proxy of his, another Negi, who is his stooge and the gym keeper in Arborea. It was on 17 th Oct 2013 that, when the keeper misbehaved with and used impertinent language for her husband, Mrs Dangwal, 57 yrs of age and a grandmother to a 9 yrs old boy, called him an idiot and slapped him. At which, he hit her back and got into a scuffle with Brig Dangwal, who intervened to protect his wife from any further assault. This matter too was reported to the SSP and the SO, in an FIR on the same day and is also under investigation.

It is extremely unfortunate that, an incident of such a nature has happened, in which a defence services officer and a veteran has been threatened, his wife assaulted and their dignity assailed by a petty goon and a coward who dare raise his hand on a lady, old enough to be his mother. Where are we going as a society and what have we come to? it is time that the veteran community of Dehra Dun and the media condemn this shameful and reprehensible action and exhort the Chief Minister to ensure that, strict and exemplary action is taken against the culprits, who prosper because of political patronage. Otherwise, this could snowball into a huge movement which could shake the government of Uttarakhand.

Brig S D Dangwal