O Dilipda,
"Village boy",in this Net, appears to be a stock phrase that has
become meaningless through endless repetition:-)

IN MY VIEW,THINGS CAN BE CHANGED BY APPLYING AN AGE-OLD ' OXOMIYA
PROBOSON ' THAT GOES " RAIZE NOKH JUKARILE NOI BOI" ( PEOPLE,
COLLECTIVELY, CAN MOVE MOUNTAINS.)

Indian electoral system or democracy is indeed flawed, but
what showcases the flaw is this -there is no real representation in
Parliament or the state houses by our elected representatives.
Practically,they don not participate in debates very much and most
importantly, voting is always on party-lines. I cannot remember a
single instance in the last 2 decades when any of our MP voted against
the majority opinion of his party, and managed not to be expelled for
doing so. What is the point of having constituency-wise elected
representatives, if they always have to vote according to the party
leadership’s expectations? Thanks to the anti-defection law, only
party leaders matter. The local MP of a particular constituency may
give the appearance of representing the people of the region but, in
fact, there is no evidence from his record of voting in Parliament to
support that.On the other hand, in countries, like the USA, one
routinely reads that when a Bill is proposed, there are senators or
House representatives who oppose it even within the ruling party, and
unless they are convinced on merit,they are free to vote against the
Bill as they see fit. In India, this is not so.The people do not elect
the judgment of an MP or MLA, only his body. Voting in legislatures is
simply a formality.

India's financial federalism is an elaborate mosaic as explained earlier.
Yes, the framers of India's Constitution had indeed done their
homework on federalism in practice.
Today, over 60 years later, it is our State politicians who refuse to do theirs.
The " autonomy virus" is based on the presumption that if full power is given
to the states,the politicians will use
them wisely and well.The sad part of all is that this trust is sadly
misplaced.Has any of these governments
done anything radical to improve the lot of the people?Very little.I
really do not see any ground at this time in issuing the call for a
 complete autonomy in the view of the fact that
none of the northeastern states have good track record in day-to-day
administration or in law-and-order or civic affairs -- subjects in
which the Centre just cannot and does not poke its nose. It is
essentially a matter of being able to walk before wanting to run

The truth is that the people cannot be excused for their
apathy,who simply stand by and watch things happening.As I always
say,only if the
citizen realise the need for them to participate more fully in their
role as citizens of the state will things really begin to improve.The
people ,as an example, should start demanding a comprehensive progress report
from each CM on what he has achieved in a particular field.This will
serve as one of the litmus tests of their competence to serve the
people.To put it politely,the people must force the government to act.

KJD




On Sun, Aug 15, 2010 at 3:33 PM, Dilip Deka <[email protected]> wrote:
> Boy, oh boy! You are burning some midnight oil in a village in Assam to stay 
> up
> with these crazies in Assamnet.
> Isn't there anything better to do at night in Assam?
> How was "Pataka Uttolan" on the 15th? Did you visit the function organized
> by Nava Thakuria?
>
>
>
> ________________________________
> From: Dhruba Jyoti Deka <[email protected]>
> To: assamnet org <[email protected]>
> Sent: Sun, August 15, 2010 2:56:09 PM
> Subject: Re: [Assam] I Loved This One---from ToI
>
>
>> Alter Ego
>
>
> Sorry Sir, I am a village boy. Kindly simplify me to understand.
>
>> Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 12:49:53 -0700
>> From: [email protected]
>> To: [email protected]
>> Subject: Re: [Assam] I Loved This One---from ToI
>>
>> Alter Ego
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ________________________________
>> From: Dhruba Jyoti Deka <[email protected]>
>> To: assamnet org <[email protected]>
>> Sent: Sun, August 15, 2010 1:56:15 PM
>> Subject: Re: [Assam] I Loved This One---from ToI
>>
>>
>> >>Dear A.E.,
>> Who?
>>
>>
>>
>> > Why only Assam MPs? I heard that several other states would like to have
>> > autonomy as well. Why wouldn't they join the Assam MPs?
>>
>>
>> Are we voting such MPs from our states? We did not vote Deben Dutta. We till
>> shout about Bhupen Hazarika, I tried to expose him thrice, but people are
>> against of it. We select dumbos like Kirip Chaliha, Golam Osmani(who till
>>enjoys
>>
>> young girls even in train journey), Ramen Barua(most dumb) etc Mps.
>>
>>
>>
>> What can we aspect from these kind of MPs?
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> > Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 11:50:47 -0700
>> > From: [email protected]
>> > To: [email protected]
>> > Subject: Re: [Assam] I Loved This One---from ToI
>> >
>> > Dear A.E.,
>> > Why only Assam MPs? I heard that several other states would like to have
>> > autonomy as well. Why wouldn't they join the Assam MPs?
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > ________________________________
>> > From: Dhruba Jyoti Deka <[email protected]>
>> > To: assamnet org <[email protected]>; Chandan Mahanta <[email protected]>
>> > Sent: Sun, August 15, 2010 1:34:14 PM
>> > Subject: Re: [Assam] I Loved This One---from ToI
>> >
>> >
>> > Either Arms power or Third Country help.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > As Assam has limited seats in Parliament, the MP voice willn't work. This
>> >should
>> >
>> > be notebale.
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> >
>> > > From: [email protected]
>> > > Date: Sun, 15 Aug 2010 13:30:58 -0500
>> > > To: [email protected]
>> > > Subject: Re: [Assam] I Loved This One---from ToI
>> > >
>> > > **** All you need to do is share YOUR notion of what the problems Assam 
>> > > has
>>
>> >and
>> >
>> > >HOW your concept of that AUTONOMY may help.
>> > >
>> > > That simple.
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > On Aug 15, 2010, at 1:23 PM, Dilip and Dil Deka wrote:
>> > >
>> > > > " Now then, how would one know what YOUR concept of AUTONOMY comes 
>> > > > with,
>>if
>>
>> >
>> > >or
>> > >
>> > > > when it does? And how could
>> > > > I or a SOVEREIGNTY partisan or anyone else could weigh, evaluate, the
>>worth
>>
>> >
>> > >of
>> > >
>> > > > os such autonomy UNLESS
>> > > > you explain, clearly and unambiguously , what YOUR concept of the
>>PROBLEMS
>>
>>
>> > >are,
>> > >
>> > > > for which your idea of
>> > > > autonomy is going to be of any use or would be yet another piece of
>>Indian
>>
>>
>> > > > make-believe, appearances-sake,
>> > > >
>> > > > deception ( note The Day of Deception mourning reported by Uttam this
>> > >morning) ?
>> > > > Again, the Devil is in the details."
>> > > > ---- This Autonomy thing has to be defined by the people who want it. 
>> > > > It
>>is
>>
>> >
>> > > > not for outsiders to prescribe it.
>> > > > If you haven't, also see my email to Kamal today on a similar subject.
>>The
>>
>>
>> > >govt.
>> > >
>> > > > definitely is not the one to define Autonomy.
>> > > >
>> > > > I agree the devil is in the details. But to get to the details, one has
>>to
>>
>>
>> > >talk
>> > >
>> > > > about the concept first. I feel strongly that the concept
>> > > > must be brought to the parliament by the hens in stead of fearing the
>>fox.
>>
>>
>> > > > Where is the hound to keep the fox away?
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > ________________________________
>> > > > From: Chan Mahanta <[email protected]>
>> > > > To: A Mailing list for people interested in Assam from around the world
>> > > > <[email protected]>
>> > > > Sent: Sun, August 15, 2010 8:55:21 AM
>> > > > Subject: Re: [Assam] I Loved This One---from ToI
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > On Aug 14, 2010, at 7:25 PM, Dilip and Dil Deka wrote:
>> > > >
>> > > >> "AUTONOMY, is the way for such redemption for some. And a true and
>> > >meaningful
>> > >
>> > > >> FEDERAL arrangement
>> > > >> could be for others.
>> > > >> That is the bottom line."
>> > > >>
>> > > >> ++++ I agree with your bottom line and I have been saying the same 
>> > > >> thing
>>
>> >in
>> >
>> > >the
>> > >
>> > > >>
>> > > >> net for a long time.
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > **** Isn't it sad, nobody seems to care :-)? But, *I* try to give 
>> > > > credit
>
>> > >where
>> > >
>> > > > credit is due'
>> > > > when I can.
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >> Now we can breathe easier, SOVEREIGNTY is not your slogan
>> > > >> anymore. :-)
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > **** I thought I could slip my 'about-face', as some of our charitable
>> > >friends
>> > >
>> > > > might characterize it,
>> > > > on the subject. But you steel-trap minded, kharkhowas caught me
>> red-handed.
>> > > >
>> > > > Iinasmuch as I wish not to drive terror into the hearts of my fellow 
>> > > > men
>
>> >with
>> >
>> > >my
>> > >
>> > > > SLOGANS or incitements
>> > > >
>> > > > or incendiary rhetoric or even undisguised calls for armed rebellion,
>>here
>>
>>
>> > >you
>> > >
>> > > > are, unfortunately, reading more
>> > > > than you should be.
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > **** WHY?
>> > > >
>> > > > For a very simple reason. All of you far-sighted ones who have waved
>>around
>>
>> >
>> > > > 'AUTONOMY' in this forum
>> > > > as A or THE solution for Assam, never, even with repeated challenges 
>> > > > from
>>
>> > >yours
>> > >
>> > > > truly, would come out
>> > > > and tell us WHAT the PROBLEM is, in your view, for which you proffer
>> >AUTONOMY
>> >
>> > >as
>> > >
>> > > > the solution.
>> > > >
>> > > > Why does that matter?
>> > > >
>> > > > As I explained a number of times before, it matters immensely, because
>>WHAT
>>
>> >
>> > >IF
>> > >
>> > > > this amazing AUTONOMY
>> > > >
>> > > > solution of your desires, does NOT include what it must , to deal with
>> > >Assam's
>> > >
>> > > > PROBLEMS ?
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > Then what?
>> > > >
>> > > > Now then, how would one know what YOUR concept of AUTONOMY comes with, 
>> > > > if
>>
>> >or
>> >
>> >
>> > > > when it does? And how could
>> > > > I or a SOVEREIGNTY partisan or anyone else could weigh, evaluate, the
>>worth
>>
>> >
>> > >of
>> > >
>> > > > os such autonomy UNLESS
>> > > > you explain, clearly and unambiguously , what YOUR concept of the
>>PROBLEMS
>>
>>
>> > >are,
>> > >
>> > > > for which your idea of
>> > > > autonomy is going to be of any use or would be yet another piece of
>>Indian
>>
>>
>> > > > make-believe, appearances-sake,
>> > > >
>> > > > deception ( note The Day of Deception mourning reported by Uttam this
>> > >morning) ?
>> > > >
>> > > > Again, the Devil is in the details.
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >> I totally support if some parliamentarians make the demand for
>> >incorporation
>> >
>> > >of
>> > >
>> > > >>
>> > > >> Autonomy into the Indian constitution. Is there someone who will risk
>> >that?
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > **** That is akin to asking the proverbial fox, if he should be the 
>> > > > right
>>
>> >one
>> >
>> > >to
>> > >
>> > > > guard the
>> > > > hen-house, wouldn't it?
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >> Someone from Assam or J&K to make some noise in Loksabha? If it fails
>> >first
>> >
>> >
>> > > >> time, try another time, then another .............? As far as I know 
>> > > >> no
>
>> >one
>> >
>> > >has
>> > >
>> > > >>
>> > > >> tried it yet.
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > **** Since the fox will never disqualify himself from hen-house 
>> > > > guarding
>
>> > >duties,
>> > >
>> > > > should the wise-ones who
>> > > >
>> > > > have taken upon themselves to be keepers and masters of the restive
>> > >populations
>> > >
>> > > > , with the fox as their proxy,
>> > > > not propose it themselves, instead of continuing to conduct the world's
>> > >longest
>> > >
>> > > > running low-intensity warfare on its
>> > > > own population ?
>> > > >
>> > > > Does it give you any clues? Should it?
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > :-)
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >> ________________________________
>> > > >> From: Chan Mahanta <[email protected]>
>> > > >> To: A Mailing list for people interested in Assam from around the 
>> > > >> world
>
>> > > >> <[email protected]>
>> > > >> Sent: Sat, August 14, 2010 11:38:21 AM
>> > > >> Subject: Re: [Assam] I Loved This One---from ToI
>> > > >>
>> > > >>> I completely agree. But you aren't trying to paint with a broad brush
>> are
>> > > >>> you ? :-).
>> > > >>
>> > > >> **** It is not a broad-brushing based on small or isolated examples. 
>> > > >> It
>>is
>>
>> >
>> > >the
>> > >
>> > > >
>> > > >> NORM, the
>> > > >> prevailing condition. Do you disagree?
>> > > >>
>> > > >>> In fact, when people demand a correction
>> > > >>> (as in CWG, or Hemanta Sarma) - things often fall in line. Such
>> > > >>> participation is paramount for a healthy democracy.
>> > > >>
>> > > >> *** So, is it something NEW? That has not been tried or done before?
>> > > >> But what has changed?
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >> Participation YES, but that is an all encompassing truism. Like the
>>truth
>>
>>
>> > >shall
>> > >
>> > > >>
>> > > >> prevail.
>> > > >> Or honesty is the best policy. Question is HOW, WHEn, WHO? The Devil
>>here
>>
>> >is
>> >
>> > >
>> > > >> in
>> > > >>
>> > > >> the details.
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >> What is OBVIOUS is that India does not have, it cannot muster the
>> >POLITICAL
>> >
>> >
>> > > >> will
>> > > >> to CHANGE things. It cannot if it tried. It is TOO fRACTURED, it is 
>> > > >> TOO
>
>> > > >> disparate.
>> > > >> It tries the one size fits all approach, and gets nowhere. It will get
>> > > > nowhere.
>> > > >>
>> > > >> That is why it is paramount that the disparate peoples organize into
>> >smaller
>> >
>> > >
>> > > >> entities and
>> > > >>
>> > > >> devise ways to manage their destinies , to be RESPONSIVE to their 
>> > > >> unique
>>
>> > >needs,
>> > >
>> > > >>
>> > > >> WITHOUT
>> > > >> being held to ransom by far-flung forces that have NO DESIRE or 
>> > > >> ABILITY
>>to
>>
>> >
>> > >deal
>> > >
>> > > >>
>> > > >> with THEIR
>> > > >> specific needs.
>> > > >>
>> > > >> AUTONOMY, is the way for such redemption for some. And a true and
>> >meaningful
>> >
>> > >
>> > > >> FEDERAL arrangement
>> > > >> could be for others.
>> > > >>
>> > > >> That is the bottom line.
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >> On Aug 14, 2010, at 10:38 AM, Ram Sarangapani wrote:
>> > > >>
>> > > >>> C'da,
>> > > >>>
>> > > >>>> What you always seem to miss, is this problem of ENFORCEMENT, of
>> > > >>> investigating, adjudicating
>> > > >>>> and punishing the corrupt, of punishing bad behavior and rewarding
> the
>> > > >>> good.
>> > > >>>
>> > > >>> Actually, I didn't miss it, just thought it is a given.
>> > > >>>
>> > > >>> Just enforcement too is not enough - the court systems are over
>> burdened,
>> > > >>> and so are the good cops.
>> > > >>>
>> > > >>>> Generations of Indian now have not seen anything different. Many 
>> > > >>>> think
>>
>> > >that
>> > > >>> is how it IS, others think
>> > > >>>> "they are like that only", yet others who know that it ought not be
>>so,
>>
>>
>> > >but
>> > > >>> have no faith at all that things
>> > > >>>> could ever be changed. Also, generations of Indians have grown up
>> > thinking
>> > > >>> and believing that
>> > > >>>> they have democracy, the best, and things will take care of itself
>> after
>> > > >>> they performed the
>> > > >>>> rituals of elekshuns.
>> > > >>>
>> > > >>> I completely agree. But you aren't trying to paint with a broad brush
>> are
>> > > >>> you ? :-). In fact, when people demand a correction
>> > > >>> (as in CWG, or Hemanta Sarma) - things often fall in line. Such
>> > > >>> participation is paramount for a healthy democracy.
>> > > >>>
>> > > >>> --Ram
>> > > >>>
>> > > >>> On Sat, Aug 14, 2010 at 9:59 AM, Chan Mahanta <[email protected]>
>> wrote:
>> > > >>>
>> > > >>>> What you always seem to miss, is this problem of ENFORCEMENT, of
>> > > >>>> investigating, adjudicating
>> > > >>>> and punishing the corrupt, of punishing bad behavior and rewarding
> the
>> > > >>>> good.
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>> Generations of Indian now have not seen anything different. Many 
>> > > >>>> think
>>
>> > >that
>> > > >>>> is how it IS, others think
>> > > >>>> "they are like that only", yet others who know that it ought not be
>>so,
>>
>>
>> > >but
>> > > >>>> have no faith at all that things
>> > > >>>> could ever be changed. Also, generations of Indians have grown up
>> > thinking
>> > > >>>> and believing that
>> > > >>>> they have democracy, the best, and things will take care of itself
>> after
>> > > >>>> they performed the
>> > > >>>> rituals of elekshuns. When it does not, they whine and moan. But 
>> > > >>>> they
>
>> > also
>> > > >>>> need to LIVE, make a living.
>> > > >>>> And they know ALL too well, that it is only ONE life to live.
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>> So what is your magic bullet for fixing thins. Is there ant y?
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>> Or could it be that a whole slew of things have to be done, over 
>> > > >>>> time,
>>
>> >to
>> > > >>>> turn things around.
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>> And WHO will do that? WHEN? Has it started. Will it ever?
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>> If it has not even started, how could it be started? If it has,
> where,
>> > > >>>> what, how?
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>> On Aug 14, 2010, at 9:48 AM, Ram Sarangapani wrote:
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>>> C'da,
>> > > >>>>>
>> > > >>>>> Thanks for fwding this. Really good - just loved it.
>> > > >>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> Only one complaint: Tiwari shoud have addressed it to the WORST of
>> >them
>> > > >>>>> all, not ALL of India. Ain't right to paint everyone with the same
>> > brush.
>> > > >>>>>
>> > > >>>>>
>> > > >>>>> But let's look at it from Tiwari's angle: Everywhere he looks, 
>> > > >>>>> there
>
>> is
>> > > >>>>> corruption - it's only a matter of degrees. While one might argue
>>that
>>
>> >a
>> > > >>>>> whole set of corrupt leaders are leading (and forcing) an easily
>> > > >>>> corruptible
>> > > >>>>> mass, such that corruption has become a way of life, and no longer
> an
>> > > >>>>> exception, but the rule - it must only be the fault of these
>> >leaders....
>> > > >>>>>
>> > > >>>>> It does take two to tango.
>> > > >>>>>
>> > > >>>>> In the end, it all boils down to : do you pay Rs. 500 extra, and
>>catch
>> > > >>>> your
>> > > >>>>> flight back to the US, or do you stand your ground, and hold on to
>> >those
>> > > >>>>> ideals, and maybe miss that flight.
>> > > >>>>> I would catch that flight :-),
>> > > >>>>> and still use the broad brush & blame all - bribers, and the 
>> > > >>>>> bribees
>
>> >:-)
>> > > >>>>>
>> > > >>>>> --Ram
>> > > >>>>>
>> > > >>>>> On Sat, Aug 14, 2010 at 8:57 AM, Chan Mahanta <[email protected]>
>> > > >>>> wrote:
>> > > >>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> I loved this one. Only one complaint: Tiwari shoud have addressed 
>> > > >>>>>> it
>>
>> >to
>> > > >>>>>> the WORST of them all, not ALL of India. Ain't right to paint
>> everyone
>> > > >>>> with
>> > > >>>>>> the same brush.
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> cm :-)
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>
>>>>http://blogs.timesofindia.indiatimes.com/bugs-eye-view/entry/mr-kalmadi-s-fake-statement
>>t
>> >t
>> > >
>> > > >>>> t
>> > > >>>> t
>> > > >>>>>> Mr Kalmadi's (fake) statementAlok Tiwari, 14 August 2010, 02:53 PM
>> IST
>> > > >>>>>> Last night I dreamt I was appointed the speechwriter and
>>propagandist
>> > > >>>> for
>> > > >>>>>> Commonwealth Games Organising Committee chief Suresh Kalmadi. The
>> > > >>>>>> appointment happened through a dubious process the details of 
>> > > >>>>>> which
>>I
>> > > >>>> shall
>> > > >>>>>> not bore you with. It was for an obscene amount of money paid into
>>my
>> > > >>>>>> numbered Swiss bank account. As one of my first assignments, I 
>> > > >>>>>> wrote
>>
>> > the
>> > > >>>>>> following statement for Mr Kalmadi:
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> My fellow citizens,
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> Over the last few weeks, I have read and watched a series of
> reports
>> > > >>>> about
>> > > >>>>>> corruption in the organizing of Commonwealth Games. It has pained 
>> > > >>>>>> me
>>
>> >no
>> > > >>>> end.
>> > > >>>>>> Some of those things I have tried to explain but what has shocked 
>> > > >>>>>> me
>>
>> >is
>> > > >>>> the
>> > > >>>>>> demand for my exit. Each day there is a new disclosure and the
>>chorus
>> > > >>>> begins
>> > > >>>>>> again. Therefore, I decided to confront the question head on.
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> Yes, corruption has taken place in holding of the games. Trails of
>> > quite
>> > > >>>> a
>> > > >>>>>> few scandals lead right up to my door. So I will not deny it. But
>> what
>> > > >>>> is so
>> > > >>>>>> surprising about it? What did I do that had not been done before? 
>> > > >>>>>> To
>>
>> > see
>> > > >>>> the
>> > > >>>>>> outpourings of outrage everywhere, it would appear Indians are
>>seeing
>> > > >>>>>> corruption happen for the first time. Come on, let us shed that 
>> > > >>>>>> garb
>>
>> >of
>> > > >>>>>> innocence.
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> Please come with me to the collectorate of any of our nearly 450
>> > > >>>> districts.
>> > > >>>>>> Each one presided over by an IAS officer, the best and the
> brightest
>> > > >>>> among
>> > > >>>>>> us. Here you find people in their thousands waiting for such
>> > commonplace
>> > > >>>>>> things as domicile and caste certificates. There are contractors
>> > waiting
>> > > >>>> for
>> > > >>>>>> permits to mine materials such as boulders and gravel. My
> contractor
>> > > >>>> friend
>> > > >>>>>> tells me it takes 18 approvals to get one permit. Please try to 
>> > > >>>>>> get
>
>> > just
>> > > >>>> one
>> > > >>>>>> of them without giving a bribe or using a big name. The same goes
>>for
>> > > >>>> each
>> > > >>>>>> certificate.
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> I could take you to the secretariat of each of our 30-odd states. 
>> > > >>>>>> Or
>>
>> >to
>> > > >>>>>> ministries in New Delhi where even bigger deals are made. The 
>> > > >>>>>> story
>
>> > will
>> > > >>>> be
>> > > >>>>>> repeated on a progressively larger scale. Let us travel to any of
>>the
>> > > >>>> RTO
>> > > >>>>>> offices. I dare you to have a vehicle registered or transferred, 
>> > > >>>>>> or
>
>> > just
>> > > >>>> pay
>> > > >>>>>> your tax without going through a tout or paying someone. Why, most
>>of
>>
>>
>> > us
>> > > >>>>>> have driving licences. I ask each one of you to keep your hand on
>> your
>> > > >>>> heart
>> > > >>>>>> and ask whether you got it by honestly appearing for a test or 
>> > > >>>>>> gave
>>a
>> > > >>>> small
>> > > >>>>>> fee to someone to get it for you.
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> I also want you remember the last time you were booked for jumping
> a
>> > > >>>>>> traffic signal or wrongly parking your car. Did you quietly pay
> your
>> > > >>>> fine or
>> > > >>>>>> tried to settle the matter with the cop for a lower amount? Please
>> get
>> > > >>>> me a
>> > > >>>>>> birth certificate from your local municipal office in a
>> >straightforward
>> > > >>>>>> manner. I could say the same about courts but for the risk of 
>> > > >>>>>> being
>> > > >>>> hauled
>> > > >>>>>> up for contempt. I shall still suggest that you spend a day in the
>> > court
>> > > >>>>>> complex of any district and check out the exemplary honesty and
>> > > >>>> integrity
>> > > >>>>>> with which everybody from peon to lawyers to judges work there. 
>> > > >>>>>> Let
>
>> us
>> > > >>>> then
>> > > >>>>>> go to a PWD or an irrigation department office of your choice and
>>try
>>
>>
>> > to
>> > > >>>>>> find a road or a dam built with complete honesty. I could go on. 
>> > > >>>>>> But
>>
>> > you
>> > > >>>> get
>> > > >>>>>> the drift, right?
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> Somebody has thrown a CAG report on my face. Poor CAG has been
>> writing
>> > > >>>> such
>> > > >>>>>> reports by the dozens about every department of every government 
>> > > >>>>>> at
>> > > >>>> every
>> > > >>>>>> level. I am yet to discover their utility other than providing
>> > > >>>> particularly
>> > > >>>>>> untalented reporters a means to live another day. The toilet paper
>>in
>>
>>
>> > my
>> > > >>>>>> bathroom finds better use than those reports. It is the same with
>> CVC.
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> And, ah, the media… How can I forget my friends there? Please ask
>> them
>> > > >>>>>> about the increasingly blurred line between advertising and
>> >commercials
>> > > >>>> so
>> > > >>>>>> that readers do not know what is paid for and what is not. What
>> > > >>>> editorial
>> > > >>>>>> integrity do we see when interviews and features on movies appear
>> > > >>>> sweetly
>> > > >>>>>> timed with their release? We had the scandal of paid political 
>> > > >>>>>> news
>> > > >>>> during
>> > > >>>>>> elections. I am yet to see an editor or an owner hauled over the
>> coals
>> > > >>>> for
>> > > >>>>>> that or being asked to demit office.
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> No, my compatriots, it is not corruption in CWG that bothers you.
> If
>> > > >>>> that
>> > > >>>>>> were the case, you would have lynched every district collector and
>> > every
>> > > >>>> RTO
>> > > >>>>>> in the country by now. You have long made peace with corruption.
> You
>> > > >>>> have
>> > > >>>>>> become part of it when you could. It is brazenness and scale of my
>> > > >>>>>> corruption that concerns you. That is the novelty element. If my
>>team
>> > > >>>> had
>> > > >>>>>> kept itself limited to taking 10 or 20 per cent cut, you would be
>> > > >>>> looking
>> > > >>>>>> the other way. The media would find it boring to report that. What
>> > > >>>> shocks
>> > > >>>>>> you is that I paid Rs 9 lakh for hiring a treadmill that could be
>>had
>> > > >>>> for Rs
>> > > >>>>>> 45,000. If I had done the deal at Rs 50,000 you would be OK with 
>> > > >>>>>> it.
>>
>> > You
>> > > >>>> do
>> > > >>>>>> not mind people crossing the line. You mind them crossing it too
>> > openly.
>> > > >>>> But
>> > > >>>>>> you forget, friends, that once you allow crossing of lines you
>>cannot
>> > > >>>> set
>> > > >>>>>> the rules for it. Also, I have only raised the bar here. Citius,
>> > Altius,
>> > > >>>>>> Fortius. Isn't that what having games is all about? Give me credit
>> for
>> > > >>>> at
>> > > >>>>>> least that (though I'd prefer cash!).
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> With all sincerity (or what is left of it amongst us),
>> > > >>>>>> Suresh Kalmadi
>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>>> Now, if only I could get Mr Kalmadi to sign it…
>> > > >>>>>> _______________________________________________
>> > > >>>>>> assam mailing list
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>> > > >>>>>>
>> > > >>>>> _______________________________________________
>> > > >>>>> assam mailing list
>> > > >>>>> [email protected]
>> > > >>>>> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>>> _______________________________________________
>> > > >>>> assam mailing list
>> > > >>>> [email protected]
>> > > >>>> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>> > > >>>>
>> > > >>> _______________________________________________
>> > > >>> assam mailing list
>> > > >>> [email protected]
>> > > >>> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>> > > >>
>> > > >>
>> > > >> _______________________________________________
>> > > >> assam mailing list
>> > > >> [email protected]
>> > > >> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>> > > >> _______________________________________________
>> > > >> assam mailing list
>> > > >> [email protected]
>> > > >> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>> > > >
>> > > >
>> > > > _______________________________________________
>> > > > assam mailing list
>> > > > [email protected]
>> > > > http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>> > > > _______________________________________________
>> > > > assam mailing list
>> > > > [email protected]
>> > > > http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>> > >
>> > >
>> > > _______________________________________________
>> > > assam mailing list
>> > > [email protected]
>> > > http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>> >
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > assam mailing list
>> > [email protected]
>> > http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>> > _______________________________________________
>> > assam mailing list
>> > [email protected]
>> > http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>>
>> _______________________________________________
>> assam mailing list
>> [email protected]
>> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>> _______________________________________________
>> assam mailing list
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>> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>
> _______________________________________________
> assam mailing list
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> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
> _______________________________________________
> assam mailing list
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> http://assamnet.org/mailman/listinfo/assam_assamnet.org
>

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