PM must break silence on note ban
Just at the time when criticism is flowing in from all corners about the currency ban that gave a massive jolt to Indian economy, Finance minister Arun Jaitley is attempting to escape from the responsibility that he should own in this. Prime Minister Narendra Modi had clearly said the intention of note ban was to unearth the black money that the illegal hoarders had in their possession. But as per the report given by the RBI, black money has not been unearthed at all through this. More than 99% currency notes have been returned into banking system.
PM Modi who addressed the nation to announce the note ban in a rather melodramatic manner, will now have to come before the same people to explain the pros and cons of his decision. Instead of explaining this, Modi is escaping from his accountability to the public on this topic. Though the finance minister did give an explanation, his words do not answer the question that’s looming large. Jaitley has come up with a whole new reasoning to demonetization. He says it was done to make sure more people came under tax bracket making India a tax-adhering nation. Then does that mean there is no black money in the country? Where did the ‘assumed’ black money go? Can this failure not be attributed to the government? PM Modi had said terrorism in Kashmir would come down with note ban, but the situation is now totally contrary to this. Extremists are now assaulting the police and army more than ever before.
Modi then jumped another goal post that digitalization of cash was the main intention behind demonetization. The app ‘BHIM’ released by Modi for this purpose has fallen flat. Does increased ‘tax collection’ mean you tie the middle class down to cough up taxes? Banks are literally fleecing the middle class with various charges now to make good for their loss suffered through this phase. Banks are trying to stay afloat by making people pay for the losses the former have incurred through non-refundable loans. Those who robbed thousands of crores from banks are leading luxurious lives abroad. Banks are now running on the bulk of ‘penalty’ charges they have collected from the poor and middle class. Is this is progress, then why are taxes being collected? A nation is its people. If financial institutions play around with their hard earned money to show their ‘collections’ how can this even be seen as progress?
Note ban dealt a heavy blow to poor and middle class people. Small and medium industries could never recover from that assault. Agriculture sector suffered massive losses too. Economic health of the nation was damaged. People could never confidently spend money like they did before. Small traders were left without help. More than 60% of this country lives through small traders. Note ban literally stifled any possibility of business in small shops. Super bazaars reaped the benefits of this. This made the rich richer and the poor poorer. Ones who bought rice in small shops were forced to get a card and buy rice at big malls.
Note ban divided the country into two nations, between the haves and have nots. The ones that could reap the benefits of ‘digital india’ thrived and the ones that couldn’t cross over this divide, fell out of Modi’s dream of ‘development’. Those who possessed costly mobiles and had pan cards and other bank cards had their lives secured through this divide of note ban that was created. Those who didn’t know any of this, were left behind. The GDP of India fell owing to less participation from grassroots level. Rupee has been losing a battle against dollar at an alarming pace. There was an unprecedented increase in unemployment. Violence increased after note ban. Jobless youths donned the guise of Gau Rakshaks and moral police. Malnutrition and poverty increased in rural areas.
The image of India was lost at global level. India entered a very precarious phase after note ban. Having ignored all this, Jaitley is speaking about improved tax collection to indicate a finance minister could well be a dangerous cop who ensures people pay their taxes. More than anything else, Modi should have the courage to speak of consequences of note ban before people. Where did the black money, as claimed by them, go? Why were the officers not able to track it? People lost lives owing to note ban but mega corporate companies have reaped its benefits. What was the benefit that was passed on to common people? Why are the oil rates continuously increasing? What are the ways to boost the affected middle level and rural industries? How can general people improve their financial stability after this?
Modi owes the people of this nation an answer as to what losses they suffered owing to note ban. This cannot be dodged by arresting activists who question the government. A broken mirror turns into multiple mirrors. Modi should never forget this truth.
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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.”
