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Dear readers,
The year 2011 draws to a close. As I write this communication there is a mention in the media of the third anniversary of the dastardly attack by terrorists in Mumbai popularly known as 26 /11. Have things changed. For those who lost their near and dear ones on that day life would never be the same again. However for others that day has merely remained a memory. For some time individuals, organisations kept up the pressure on the government to take serious look at security concerns. Gradually the public went back to its daily struggle for existence and 26/11 was forgotten. Like many other events we now remember the event on anniversary days. There will be a number of reasons for this but the fact leaves one sad. Most of the much-publicised security measures have remained only on paper. As long as this attitude continues we will always be soft targets waiting for another attack to occur.
While the attack in Mumbai is now history, the attack on an eminent leader of Mr. Sharad Pawar brought to light many facets of those whom we term as leaders in public life. While the attack needed to be denounced in the strongest terms and it was, the events thereafter were avoidable. The comment on the attack by a person who is today considered an icon of the movement against corruption brought forth his serious limitations. I believe that the comment was an off-the-cuff remark and a clear mistake. After all every leader is human and is prone to make errors. The best thing to do was to accept the mistake unreservedly. This does not appear to have been done with ego probably being the obstacle. Many may perceive this to be a very harsh assessment but for me the comment is the culmination of the instrangient attitude of the person and those who surround him. It is absolutely essential that the persons leading this movement against corruption do a serious introspection for if they fail to frame a proper strategy, the energy that the movement has been able to galvanise will be frittered away. I hope those in charge of the movement make the necessary changes so that it does not lose focus.
It is now clear that the Direct tax code and GST will not meet their appointed dates. Though there could be substantial debate about the necessity of the Direct tax code itself the delay in implementing it as well as much other legislation is puts a question mark on the sincerity of the government. Innumerable man-hours of bureaucrats, professionals and others have been spent in drafting discussing and suggesting amendments to these proposed legislations. If they do not become law all this effort will go down the drain.
For the past year or so the government seems to be in a deep slumber. None of the decisions regarding policy initiatives which were a part of the UPA manifesto have been taken. One reason for this lack of decision making is said to be the fear of bureaucrats who are afraid of their decision being subject to public scrutiny and malafide intent being attributed to them. To an extent this is on account of the media glare on any event. Anything that goes wrong is attributed to an erroneous decision and an investigation is promptly ordered. We must also accept that it is only those who act will make mistakes. It is often easy to find fault with decisions in hindsight. As long as an action is taken bona fide and with due care the person must not be held responsible if the decision turns out be erroneous. People must understand the distinction between error and fraud.
One way of avoiding this inaction on account of fear is to make the decision making process as transparent as possible. If the rationale behind decisions is made known to the public much before the consequences of the decision occur this may help all concerned. One of our past Presidents always says that change is the only constant thing in life. For nearly two decades Mr.Ratan Tata has been the leader of one of the largest industrial house is in our country. His actions have taken the Tata Empire to new heights. One was therefore curious to know as who would take his place. What one liked most about that change in the leadership of this group was the manner in which it will take place. Mr. Ratan Tata had announced his date of retirement well in advance and his successor has been named a year before Mr. Tata calls it a day. This is the manner in which the baton should be passed. Our political class and others need to take a leaf out of Mr. Tata’s book. If there is an age of retirement for industrialists there ought to be one for those who run this country. We hope that Mr Cyrus Mistry who will now head the group will maintain the standards of ethics, integrity and excellence which his predecessor has set.
The year 2011 has seen turmoil and turbulence in public life. However without churning there is no Amrut. Though there are dark clouds on the economic horizon I am sure that they will pass. I am an optimist. The nation was disappointed when the little master was unable to complete his century of centuries on his home ground. However while achieving that milestone on his own turf would have gladdened hearts, to achieve it overseas and against a challenging side will give him greater satisfaction. Let us wish him all success and hope that his achievement will enable us to begin 2012 on a high note. I take this opportunity to wish all readers a very happy and prosperous 2012!
