FM must own responsibility; resign to save face
Entrepreneur Vijay Mallya has blasted quite a few bombs sitting in his abode abroad. While the water crossed the danger mark, Mallya has pushed union minister Arun Jaitley and tried to perch over the minister’s back to save his life. He has informed the media that he tried meeting the finance minister before he left India, and had even expressed his inclination to clear the dues up to the tune of Rs 9000 crore that he owes to various banks.
Finance minister Jaitley has also broken his long silence and said Mallya only met him in the central hall in the parliament and that it was an informal meeting. Many people like Mallya have played a big role in the economic distress the country is facing today. Demonetisation was done to save big corporate loan sharks like Mallya, and the poor had to push themselves to cough up money to make good for the bad loans that the government had given to the barons.
Now things are coming to light about what aspect of the government helped Mallya escape the legal framework of this country. Reserve Bank former governor Raghuram Rajan has brought a few facts to light in the recent times. He said when he left office upon completion of his term, he had submitted a list of risky loans that could cause problems in the future. Government could have initiated action against the likes of Mallya immediately thereafter. At least, caution could have been exercised to ensure he and his ilk didn’t leave the country.
Rajan had specifically sent a report on NPA (Non Performing Assets) and that it was imperative to initiate action against such loans. Bad loans had caused problems to banks during UPA-I. This response has somehow made the Modi government somewhat happy. But the other statements of Rajan has got the government very worried because they are direct jibes at the NDA. Rajan has precisely said the central government has failed to take action against default loaners and has not shown due diligence in probing the bank irregularities.
NDA government is projecting that it is busy creating a policy to deal with dormant assets/properties since the last few years. Among the policies that were brought into force, amendment to banks and financial institutions loan recovery act 1993, and the Enforcement of Security Interest and Recovery of Debts Laws and Miscellaneous Provisions (Amendment) Bill.
Through this, loan recovery tribunals have been established and code on bankruptcy and financial distress has been included.
Despite this, banks have not shown great progress in loan recovery, says Rajan. Reasons for this are quite clear. The corporates who get big loans are clearly on the side of the government. The government may pretend to initiate action on them, but in reality would protect them. Now this statement by Mallya is proving the apprehension right.
Within a few days after Rajan’s statement, Mallya said he had shown interest in clearing the loan during his conversation with the finance minister. Even the minister has concurred to this, partially. So, for the precarious situation that country is facing financially, the finance minister is solely responsible. And yet, he does not deem it fit to resign accepting his responsibility. This shows the insensitivity of the person. The current situation has failed to reprimand even a single defaulter. While Rajan had sent a letter with the list of those who had taken big loans, he had even mentioned that he’d help file a case against at least a few high profile cases to recover the loans. But since this was not met with any or positive response, Rajan moved on. Mehul Choksi and Nirav Modi’s names also figure in the list Rajan submitted to the PM’s office.
So the escape route for loan sharks has become easy under NDA government since the biggies can bribe the higher ups. Mallya’s escape is dubbed as ‘escape with help’ from the government as per the current higher officers.
Weapons dealer Sanjay Bhandari had left the country under the most watchful period by the government. Former IPL chief Lalit Modi was helped by Sushma Swaraj to obtain papers to leave the country. The defaulters are grabbing the headlines everyday with their cleverly executed plans. But some of them are still living in the country. Though the union government may say it is not responsible for the escape of Mallya, it is indeed answerable about why no action has been initiated regarding the others.
Let the Truth be known. If you read VB and like VB, please be a VB Supporter and Help us deliver the Truth to one and all.
Inappropriate for MLAs seeking free IPL tickets, says D.K. Suresh
Bengaluru: Bengaluru Milk Union Ltd President D.K. Suresh on Monday said it is inappropriate for MLAs to seek free IPL tickets, adding that those interested in watching matches should pay for them personally.
Speaking to reporters near his residence in Sadashivanagar, he said, “IPL is a commercial tournament and does not represent the country. It is not right for public representatives to focus too much on such matters.”
Referring to the recent controversy during the RCB celebrations, he said, “let us find out who benefited the most from the statements made during the incident.” He also pointed out that BJP MLAs had received IPL tickets as well.
Responding to discussions about relocating the Chinnaswamy Stadium, Suresh said the government has already approved the construction of a new stadium at a location he had proposed.
“I had suggested building a stadium in Surya City and submitted a proposal for it. Bengaluru needs four stadiums in four directions to cater to its growing population and encourage youth participation in sports,” he said.
He noted that apart from Kanteerava Stadium, KSCA, and the Football Stadium, there are limited facilities in the city.
“When I was a Lok Sabha member, I had proposed allocating 100 acres in my constituency at Surya City. The land was later earmarked and the plan approved,” he added.
Suresh said he has discussed the project with Minister Zameer Ahmed Khan, Rajiv Gandhi Housing Corporation Chairman Shivalingegowda, and Anekal MLA Shivanna.
“The Cabinet has now approved the project, and a stadium will be developed on around 50–60 acres,” he said.
He further added that he has requested the Deputy Chief Minister to build another stadium at Shivarama Karanth Layout through the BDA, where 40 acres have been allocated. Plans are also being discussed to develop a well-equipped stadium in Bidadi.
Commending state government's recent bilingual policy move, Suresh said forcing children to learn three languages could affect their comprehension.
“It is a good decision to make two languages compulsory. Learning a third language should be left to the choice of students and parents,” he said.
Responding to criticism from BJP leaders, he said their tendency is to oppose every decision of the government.
“To please their central leadership, they take a pro-Hindi stance. Instead, they should advocate for the adoption of Kannada in all states,” he said.
When asked about the earlier three-language policy under Congress, he said, “the situation is different now. Today, the focus should be on quality learning. Kannada should remain the primary language, while students and parents can choose an additional language.”
