The article contemplates on weather the IR would be able to pass the litmus test in the next year among the economy slowdown and prove that its turnaround story can withstand the test of time.
Recent surge in operating ratio, increase in expenditure on salaries due to Sixth Pay Commission directive and appropriation to the IR Pension Fund has lessened the gloss of Lalu Yadav’s IR turnaround story. The target of OR at 89.9% (currently 88.3%) seems unachievable among the slowdown. This also means fewer funds for track upgradation, expansion, safety equipments and passenger amenities. This has forced the Railway Minister to provide only marginal decrease in passenger fares and not at all in freight charges. No doubt, under Lalu Yadav, IR has cleared entire backlog of dividend liability with now in offering position, lessened the accidents, improved security and passenger facilities etc.
But the true litmus test of turnaround story would be done in the year 2009-10. The question is weather Lalu Yadav would be there to answer the questions or not.
Pakistan’s step forward
The article emphasizes on keeping the judicious pressure up on Pakistan even as Islamabad responds to the Indian dossier finally with questions asked. It also emphasizes on a need for Pakistani civilian help to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure especially in the North Western province.
As Pakistan responds to the dossier, India needs to keep a balance of pressure and patience with respect to Pakistan. By responding, Pakistan has shown sagacity not to get into further denial or obfuscation. For India, it would be not easy to put further blame on Pakistan’s agencies since US interests go far beyond just 26/11; that is to win the war in Afghanistan. So New Delhi has to keep this thing in mind while keeping the international pressure on over Pakistan. Far more dangerous is a failed state in Pakistan since large population of Pakistan is right now disconnected from state and do not appreciate the fact that steadily encroaching Islamic terrorism is a primary threat. This is one of the reasons for the delay in winning the Taliban war for US.
Thus, besides judicious pressure, civilian dispensation is also necessary to dismantle the terrorist infrastructure in Pakistan, especially in the North-Western Province.
The article criticizes Indian ministers for their populist approach towards Gandhiji’s ideas and to make his possessions and thoughts merely a museum piece rather then essence of life.
In the beginning, author quotes an example where, in May 1947, Gandhiji asked her grand niece-in-law how he could drink a four-mango juice of Rs.2.5 when the prices ran high and there was lot of distress in people. Recently some of precious possessions of Mahatma, namely silver pocketwatch, a pair of round, rimmed spectacles, sandals, plate and a bowl will go for an auction in New York in March at a floor price of $20k-30k. These items were collected by a collector, reportedly American, from various heirs. On this issue, one of the MPs in India objected saying that these possessions should come back to India to put up in Gandhi Smriti. The author censures minister saying that in the time of recession, none of the Indian MPs are ready to contribute a part of their salaries to create a fund to bring back those possessions.
Gandhiji had very few possessions anyway and ministers should think about the sentiments of that collector as well. Instead of trying to forcefully get the possession of Gandhiji’s valuables and remembering them only on October 2 and January 30, MPs should try to imbibe the thoughts and values of Gandhiji in their lives.
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