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Sample Copy. Not For Distribution.

i

Over The Years: A Compilation

of My Commentaries On

Contemporary Issues


ii

Publishing-in-support-of,

EDUCREATION PUBLISHING

RZ 94, Sector - 6, Dwarka, New Delhi - 110075

Shubham Vihar, Mangla, Bilaspur, Chhattisgarh - 495001

Website: www.educreation.in __________________________________________________

© 2015, Sudip Bhattacharyya

All rights reserved. No part of this book may be reproduced, stored in a

retrieval system, or transmitted, in anys form by any means, electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, chemical, manual, photocopying, recording or otherwise, without the prior written consent of its writer.

ISBN: 978-93-8524-738-5

Price: ` 965.00

The opinions/ contents expressed in this book are solely of the author

and do not represent the opinions/ standings/ thoughts of Educreation.

Printed in India


iii

Over The Years

A Compilation of My Commentaries

on Contemporary Issues

(Updated till Mid May, 2017)

Sudip Bhattacharyya

EDUCREATION PUBLISHING (Since 2011)

www.educreation.in


iv


v

About The Book

It is a compilation of 107 articles, (105 of these articles

have been published) on contemporary issues in society,

politics and economy by Sudip Bhattacharyya over the years 1987 to 2017. The eight articles (written during a

six years‟ span-1987 to 1992) were mainly on economics

and finance focusing on financial liberalization, export market analyses and the new instruments of finance.

The author resumed writing in 2010 with the

publication of four essays on ethics, decision making

and challenges in industry, trade and banking. From end-2010, he diversified into politics, sociology and

management, while, retaining his first love in economics

and finance. In the two sections on politics and sociology, some principal themes, apart from other

contemporary happenings like recent assembly

elections,were pursued namely Left liberal arrogance,

Brexit, the rise of Trump, the rise of Mamata, Kejriwal and Modi; federalism in approach to states and regional

languages, Bangla in particular; declining ethos and

ethics in India especially West Bengal, Singur movement and his pet theme and hope in politics, carried

in 4 articles, was Mamata-Modi and other CMs-Modi

working jointly for development despite and inspite of ideological differences. In the section on economics and

finance, themes were widened to include emerging

problems and prospects and ideal directions in the

development path of India and West Bengal, Black


vi

Money, Digital economy, Demonetization, corporate

governance and the need for an enabling entrepreneurship ecosystem.

The basic thrust remained to capture the issues

and likely solutions in the opening up of the Indian

economy in the period 1987-92 and in Indian society, economy and politics, since 2010.

X


vii

Book Review

By South Asia Monitor

Over the Years, a collection of 107 short articles,

offers us interesting sidelights on the currents and

cross- currents in the public life of India during two

distinctive periods: (I) 1987 to 1991 and (II ) 2010

to the present.

The author Sudip Bhattacharya by training and

profession is an economist with specialization in

merchant banking and international trade; It is

therefore natural that the major focus of the book is

economic issues: policy decisions and their

implications. From this angle the two periods the

book covers, even though separated by two decades,

should be seen as twins. The first showing distinct

signs of the dissolution of Nehruvian model of

economics, the country getting ready, and being

pushed, to opt for its dismantling and choose

liberalization ( Narsimha Rao- Manmohan duo)

and the second representing the last phase of the

degeneration into which liberalization fell during

Manmohan's second term as PM and its subsequent

recovery and reorientation (Modi) including

contemporary action areas like skill development,

digitization, black money and demonetization.

Sudip of course doesn't spell out these in a

sledgehammer manner; he is subtler than that; he


viii

only leaves pointed hints for the reader. He is,

however, more explicit about the seamy side of

globalization and the evils of crony capitalism that

threatened to undo the salubrious impacts of

liberalization. He suggests measures to negate them.

The book is not limited to economic issues

alone; it is in fact divided into three sections namely

„Society and Related‟, „Politics and Governance‟

and „Economy, Trade and Related‟. Sudip's interest

range over a truly wide area. The rise of Mamata,

Kejriwal and Modi, tangled issue of language and

language politics,, the dissipation of liberal values

from our private and public life, the growing

disconnect with our own roots, the hollowness of

our education system and recent assembly polls

may be cited as some random examples.

The book is avowedly not a history of a given

period nor the enunciation of a or a set of specific

themes; it is rather a collage. And, that to the

reviewer is one of its major virtues. Moreover, it is

refreshingly free from ideological baggage. The

author's style is straightforward and simple and not

overloaded by verbiage. This greatly adds to the

pleasure of reading.

30/03/2017

X


ix

About The Author

SUDIP BHATTCHARYYA

Sudip Bhattacharyya is a Post-Graduate in

Economics from Calcutta University. He has been a

banker for 34 years, the first 11 years with State

Bank of India (mostly in Merchant Banking) and

the subsequent 23 years with Exim Bank of India.

He retired as Chief General Manager in 2007. Since

then, he has been a freelance journalist and a writer

for many years.


x

Preface to The Update

Reception of my book, „Over the Years’, encourages me

to present an updated version. Over the Years contained

73 articles written between 1989 and 2015. It has now

been updated by including 28 new articles written in the

year 2016 and 6 article in , 2017. The book has now 107

essays and out of these 105 are published

In the 34 essays added, the economic issues covered are

current problems of Indian economy, revival of North-

East and East, happenings in Tatas, Infosys, black

money and demonetization. Political issues discussed are

Mamata, her handling of Singur, success of NDA,

Kashmir problem, Brexit, attitude of left liberal and

USA election and Trump and recent assembly elections.

Social issues include inter regional mistrust, divided

history of partition in 1947, special patronage of Hindi

and negligence of Bangla and skill development

Warmest thanks to all members of my family for their

continuous inspirations and putting up with my tantrums.

Sudip Bhattacharyya

10th May, 2017

X


xi

Preface Before Updation

I started writing while working with the Exim bank of

India in its formative first ten years. The eight articles

(written during a six years‟ span-1987 to 1992) were

mainly on economics and finance focusing on financial liberalization, export market analyses and the new

instruments of finance.

My professional work kept me preoccupied until

2009 and I resumed writing in 2010 with the publication

of four essays on ethics, decision making and challenges in industry, trade and banking. From end-2010, I

diversified into politics, sociology and management,

while, retaining my first love in economics and finance. In the two sections on politics and sociology, 4 principal

themes, apart from other contemporary happenings, were

pursued namely the rise of Mamata, Kejriwal and Modi;

federalism in approach to states and regional languages, Bangla in particular; declining ethos and ethics in India

especially West Bengal and my pet theme and hope in

politics, carried in 4 articles, was Mamata-Modi and other CMs-Modi working jointly for development

despite and inspite of ideological differences. In the

section on economics and finance, themes were widened to include emerging problems and prospects and ideal

directions in the development path of India and West

Bengal and the need for an enabling entrepreneurship

ecosystem.

The basic thrust remained to capture the issues and likely solutions in the opening up of the Indian economy


xii

in the period 1987-92 and in Indian society, economy

and politics, since 2010.

Some of the articles in this compilation were

written jointly with Prof. Sibesh Bhattacharya, my brother-in-law, an eminent historian and prolific writer,

and Sujit Bhattacharjee, my elder brother, who is a

retired UK Civil servant and a writer and speaker on many cultural and socio-political issues. My sister

Sumita Bhattacharya (former journalist) has also joined

me in writing our tribute to Tagore and our review of the

'Saregamapa' program on Zee Bangla TV channel. I feel privileged, and, deficiencies in these articles, if any, are

entirely mine.

I must acknowledge the unflinching support

provided by my wife Ambalika. She enriched my

writings through many discussions we had and suggestions she made while stoically putting up with all

my shortcomings on the domestic front. Finally, this

book would not have been possible but for the youthful support from my daughter-in-law Radhika and my two

sons, Shubhadeep and Sayandip. Shubhadeep & Radhika

also did the super-excellent design on the cover page.

Sudip Bhattacharyya

1st January, 2016

X


xiii

Forewords and Reviews Before

Updation

1. By T. C. Venkat Subramanian, Non-Executive

Chairman, Indian Bank

Former Chairman & Managing Director, Export-

Import Bank of India.

It is my great pleasure and privilege to write a Foreword

for my friend and former colleague, Mr. Sudip

Bhattacharyya for his forthcoming publication “Over the

Years - A Compilation of my Commentaries on Contemporary Issues” which is a collection of various

articles written by him and published in various reputed

journals, magazines and newspapers in India over last three decades. I have known Sudip ever since he had

joined Exim Bank in 1983 as a banking professional.

Like most people from eastern India (West Bengal), Sudip has a higher level of intellectual quotient, an

analytical bent of mind and a flair for writing.

Even as a relatively junior officer during his initial

days in Exim Bank, he ventured to write articles in

newspapers and magazines on contemporary economic subjects which normally were not looked at kindly by

senior officers. After few years of writing, Sudip

concentrated in his career development and discharge of

his professional responsibilities. Hence, there was a long gap till he resumed his passion after his retirement from

Exim Bank in 2007. Sudip is a soft spoken and straight

forward person, always concerned about others‟ feelings and sensitivity. That is the reason, his articles even if


xiv

they were critical on issues and personalities rarely hurt

or offended anyone concerned.

Sudip‟s interests are diverse and covers a wide

spectrum of subjects: politics, economy, finance, governance, social and civic issues as could be seen

from the subjects of his various articles. He has interest

even in psephology. In one of his articles written in the first week of May, 2014 just few days before the official

results, he had predicted that BJP would secure 275 seats

when most of the renowned psephologists had not given

more than 220 seats. Unfortunately this article never got published in any newspapers. Sudip is objective and not

biased in his opinion and that is a major reason for many

of his predictions and analyses come true over a period of time.

In this compilation, he has divided the articles into three major headings viz. Society and Governance,

Politics and Governance, Economy and Governance to

facilitate ease of reading for the readers depending on their interest. Some of the articles have been co-authored

with his brother and brother in law who are equally

erudite and knowledgeable. The articles are highly informative, analytical, incisive and attempt to give the

readers a dispassionate and neutral view.

I wish to congratulate Sudip for having thought of

bringing out all his articles in the form of a compilation

so that the new readers and those who had not been able

to read all his past articles could benefit. One could also see the contrast in the economy and governance of the

eighties as compared to the present days when one reads

his early articles and the current. I wish Sudip continues to pen his thoughts which will be a source of well-

informed reference material for the younger generation

as well as inspiration for aspiring writers.


xv

2. By B. D. Banerjee, Director, Rallis India and

Tata-AIG General Ins Co. Former CMD Oriental

and National Ins Co and Insurance Ombudsman,

Mumbai.

My first introduction with Sudip was in early 90‟s on an opportunity provided by Prangan, a noted school of

Tagore music in Mumbai. Regular meetings thereafter,

brought us close to each other and we enjoyed discussing many topics of interest – politics, finance,

economics and of course, contemporary burning issues

of a varied nature. Soon we could experience the sharp edges of Sudip‟s intellect in articulating his arguments in

such a way that would be convincing and captivating.

Little did I know that by that time Sudip was into writing

impressive articles in outside Journals and in-house magazines as a freelancer. Still later, on specific requests

from many of us, Sudip used to mail a copy of his

writings for our viewing and suitable comments without any qualms.

I have enjoyed reading Sudip‟s critical articles characterized by freshness in thinking and his

fearlessness in espousing the cause pointedly to its

focus. Many such articles commanded respect not only in the so-called „primary market‟ but in the „secondary‟

as well. The diverse fields he navigated with ease were

testimony to his versatility in handling the most

engaging issues to be equal to the task.

Listing out Sudip‟s important and commendable work would itself be a task, yet naming a few should be

spontaneous. In hindsight I feel his prophetic writing

was on “Steps towards Integration - International

Banking” written as back as 1987! Or when you come across “Financial SWAPS - International Banking

Techniques‟” read in conjunction with “Indian JVs

overseas” or “Indian Exports” in 1987-88, perhaps you


xvi

get a premonition of an impending reformism angle to

set the market right. More forth-right was his “Financial liberalization” and come to think of it, written in

1989(!), well before the Malhotra Committee on

„Insurance Sector Reforms in India‟ was structured as a

blue print in a critical and serious way. His „Technology- an enabler for Financial inclusion‟ and „Changing trends

in Business‟ is a timely warning to set the house in

order. On a broader perspective “Challenge before India Inc” or “Engines of growth” would be a straightforward

approach to send out a prescription for the path to

succeed in our modest venture. Almost unfailingly his observations on “MNCs &Tax avoidance” or on a more

serious note when we take his comments on “Mallya

responsible for KF mess” we realize how the thoughts

flowed in tandem to synchronize with the latest updates on the same issues. His scathing criticism of Chit fund

operation and management sarcastically as „cheat‟ fund

should go down well and must be giving insights into the hotly debated topic not only in Bengal but everywhere.

Contrary to this, his comments on “AAP vs BJP–

prospects and some issues” or “Why this Halla about the status and duration of AAP Govt in Delhi?” take us to a

level where you tend to side with his presentation of

facts mixed with an „agenda‟ of „powers-that-be‟ more,

than anything else. All in all, his compilations should be an insightful and thought provoking read intertwined

with sarcastic witticisms that would keep the readers

engrossed.

I send my best wishes to Sudip for his grand

initiative to publish his articles spanning more than a decade and feel convinced about its roaring success.

3. By Siddhartha Roy, Economic Advisor, Tata

Group


xvii

„Over the years‟ is not a post retirement musing or

reminiscence, it is a sharp intellectual commentary on the socio political, economic and governance issues

confronting the country. The author is an economist by

training and a banker by profession, these two must have

contributed to his analytical approach, perceptive yet critical appreciation of issues. However, what makes the

compilation standout is its rare degree of sensitivity and

the emotional connect that the author has with the common citizen‟s interest. It has brought out the pitfalls

in the system without being acerbic about it.

Undoubtedly, the author has his own viewpoint on governance and socio-political developments which

makes the book eminently readable. The candour with

which the commentaries are presented is indeed

commendable. People may be aware of some of the issues taken up in the book, what the author provides is a

new perspective without being trite. His observations are

direct and based on deep introspection, they can be provoking at times.

Finally, it is indeed a privilege to be asked to write the foreword for a book like this. The present collection

has raised our expectations. We‟ll be early waiting for

the next set of commentaries.

X


xviii

Content List

Part I.

Society and Related

1. Who's to govern the Media?

2. Education should cultivate civilized mind

3. Calling out to civil society

4. Marginalization of Bangali Bhadrolok in

India

5. A Tribute to the Film Industry in India

6. War of the words: Bangla withers, Hindi

gains in WB

7. Giving Banglabhasha its rightful place in

West Bengal and India

8. Duties and Obligations of Groups of

Citizens in a Democratic Set-up

9. Banglabhasa in the context of National

language

10. All pervasive decline in ethos


xix

11. Imprisonment and Basic Rights

12. Vanishing Bangla wordings

13. Judgments and Victims

14. Of Balance and Harmony

15. Tagore - A Complete and Universal Person

16. Popular perception is not reflected in

intellectual debates

17. Oh, to be seeing and hearing Sa Re Ga Ma

Pa!

18. Isolated violence does not reflect on the

whole Community

19. Towards Harmony / Power, Money And

Social Order: How Badly Mismanaged Are

They In Our Society?

20. Pointless Youth Anthem in HIndi

21. Divided Histories

22. Education in India: Skill development is the

key

23. Apathy for Bangla Bhasa

Part II.

Politics and Governance

24. 'Error of judgment' plagues India


xx

25. Learning from contemporary events

26. Don‟t wait for an Occupy Dalal Street

27. Aap vs Bjp -Prospects and Some Issues

28. Cameras Can Lie

29. Shahbag - The Longest Peoples‟ Movement

30. AAP is here to stay

31. Why this Halla about the status and the

durability of AAP Govt. in Delhi

32. A Post-Election National Political Scenario-

Far Fetched?

33. Learnings for Politicians

34. A Charter of demand for a truly Federal

India

35. In Focus: Better days ahead for the nation

36. The Four AAP Issues– An Analysis

37. A Forecast of Election Result

38. Outcome and Issues: Post National Election

39. Better Days Ahead for the Nation - Future

Political Scenario

40. Changing Political Wind Cracks The Mirror/

Time to Expect Better Things.

41. Justice for Linguistic Minorities.


xxi

42. Need for re-evaluation of recent Indian

history

43. Power and career without responsibility

44. Free Speech or Ideological Divides

45. TMC is all set to come back in West Bengal

46. Creating Level Playing Fields

47. Unlocking Secret to Mamata's Success

48. What Trump, Brexit Have In Common

49. Brexit, Trump And India

50. Kashmir Issue: Avenues for Conflict

Resolution

51. Dialogue is the only answer to solution of

Kashmir problem

52. When Words Match Action In The NDA

53. A Last Min Twist

54. Lost hegemony of left narrative

55. Donald Trump: The future of America /Why

Donald Trump is considered as future of

America / The future of Donald Trump‟s

America

56. What led to the SuNamo effect in Assembly

Polls / The Wave that Led to Sunamo Effect.


xxii

57. Kashmir's: Problem and Resolution / What

measures can government take to tackle

Kashmir issue?

Part III.

Economy, Trade and Related

58. Steps towards Integration

59. Financial Swap: Some Aspects

60. Indian joint ventures overseas

61. India‟s Exports – Problems & Prospects

62. India‟s Exports - Indicative Approach

63. Venture Capital Financing

64. Financial Liberalization

65. Trade and Investment: Global Environment

and Signals

66. India Inc.- Time for Introspection

67. No objectivity in lending and Investment

Decisions

68. Professional Ethics is The Key

69. Challenges before India Inc.

70. Mallya Responsible for Kingfisher Mess


xxiii

71. Export of Capital by India Inc.

72. Technology as Enabler for Financial

Inclusion

73. The Need for and Structure of Regulatory

and Supervisory Integration in Financial

Markets

74. Is Providing Debt- Relief to West Bengal So

Difficult?

75. MNCs and Tax Avoidance

76. Cheat Funds of West Bengal

77. Our Institutions Should Boot-Up to Propel

the Economy

78. 10 Steps Needed to Revive the Economy

79. Has Capitalism Failed?

80. CAD, Inflation and Corporate profitability

81. Way Forward for Kolkata

82. Engines of Growth …

83. How to Put India on the Path of Growth

84. How to Steer the Economy to Industrial

Growth and Revival of Investment?

85. Would Mamata see reason?/ Whither

Bengal?

86. Cracking down on crony capitalism


xxiv

87. Is it a new chapter?/ Much redounds to

Didi‟s credit

88. Emergence of On-demand Economy and its

Implications for India

89. Factors for Industrial Development in a

Dynamic World

90. An Analysis of Current Economic Condition

in India

91. Integrated Quality Management

92. Higher Educational Institute – A Model

Organization

93. Inept Governance to Apt Governance

94. Digitization and Start-up for Economic

Growth

95. The Troika Of India‟s Economic Troubles

96. Govt. Financial Intervention in Market

Economy especially in India/ Intervention in

Free Market

97. Setting Priorities for Job Creation in India

98. Thinking Of Last Man In The Line

99. Connecting Northeast: Key to Asian sub-

regional linkages

100. Black Money in India and its current status


xxv

101. Eastern Region will have a Major Presence

in Future India

102. Combating non-competitiveness and

demand deficit in Indian economy

103. Mistry‟s Fall From Grace A Mystery

104. India: Betrayal by opposition at time of

national unity/ Liberals‟ Arrogance and

Snobbery

105. A Forceful and Positive

Thrust/Demonetisation: Transforming India

into a Honest and Virtuous Society

106. The Two Stalwart Indian Companies and

Corporate Governance / : Indian bellwethers

found lacking in accountability-/BEYOND THE

FUTURE OF TECH GIANTS.

107. Black Economy in India: Where Do We

Stand Now?

X


http://www.dailypioneer.com/columnists/guest-column/beyond-the-future-of-tech-giants.html


xxvi

Table of Publications

(In chronological order)

1. Steps towards Integration-International Banking: Business Standard, Dec. 31, 1987

2.

Financial Swaps-International

Banking Techniques: Economic Times,

Dec. 10, 1988

3. Indian J/Vs Overseas- Problems & Remedies:

Financial Express, Sept. 19, 1989

4. India‟s Exports – Problems &

Prospects: Economic Times. Sept. 29, 1989

5. India‟s Exports - Indicative Approach:

Economic Times. Sept. 30, 1989

6. Venture Capital Financing: Economic and

Political Weekly, Nov. 25, 1989

7. Financial Liberalization: Economic Times.

Dec. 18, 1989

8. Trade and Environment: Indian Institute of

Public Opinion, Jan. 1992

9. India Inc.- Time for Introspection: Free

Press India, 02/06/2010

10. No objectivity in lending and

Investment Decisions: Do, 09/06/2010

11.

Professional Ethics is the Key/ Peoblem of

Ethics: Presented at AIMS International

Conference on Value-based Management on

Aug.11-13, 2010 at Haridwar. Published in Governancenow.com.


xxvii

12.

Challenges before India Inc. : Presented at

SIMARC 10, an International Conference, held on 17th December 2010 at Pune

and published in Symbiosis Institute

of Management Studies‟ Myths and Realities

India Advantage.

13.

Who‟s to govern the media- The fourth

estate needs a regulatory body:

Governancenow.com, 24th Dec. 2010 issue

14. Education should cultivate Civilized Mind: Do, 17th Jan.2011 issue

15. Error of Judgment: Do,

13th April 2011 issue

16. Calling upon Civil Society in West Bengal: Do, 28th April 2011 issue

17. Marginalization of Bengali Bhadrolok: Do,

17th May 2011 issue

18. Learning from contemporary events: Do, 11th July 2011 issue

19. Don‟t Wait for an Occupy Dalal Street: Do,

November 1, 2011 issue

20. Mallya Responsible for Kingfisher Mess: Do, November 18, 2011 issue

21. Export of Capital by India Inc.- Is it all

Justifiable?: Do December 16, 2011

22.

Technology as Enabler for Financial Inclusion: In-absentia presentation

at International Conference on Financial

Inclusion on 3rd February, 2012 at ITM Business School, Kharghar, Mumbai

23.

Integrated Quality Management:Presented in

seminar on “Changing trends in Business”

and Published in SASMIRA,s Annual Compendium “Sasmira‟s Business Review”

on “Changing trends in Business”


xxviii

24.

The Need for and Structure of Regulatory

& Supervisory Integration in Financial Markets: Presented at the

National Symposium on Money, Banking and

Finance organized by Institute of

Management Studies and Research of SASMIRA and published in the

relative Compendium of Papers.

25. Is Providing Debt-Relief to West Bengal

so Difficult?: Economic Times 15/2/2013

26. MNCs & Tax Avoidance:

Governancenow.com 19th March 2013

27.

Higher Educational Institute- A Model Organization: Presented in National

Conference „Utkarsh‟ on 13th-15th

April, 2013 on „Challenges and Opportunities

in Business Management and Information Technology‟ and published in the

relative compendium.

28. Cheat Funds of West Bengal: Governancenow.com 1/6/2013

29. What makes Shahbagh a unique movement?:

Governancenow.com 6/6/2013

30. War of the words- Bangla Withers Hindi gains: Governancenow.com 19/6/2013

31.

Our institutions should boot up to propel

the economy: Governancenow.com

10/8/2013

32.

Cameras Can Lie- jtly with Sibesh

Bhattacharya: Outlook magazine:

Issue 2/9/2013

33. 10 Steps Needed to Revive Growth: Governancenow.com on 2/9/2013

34.

Has Capitalism Failed?- jtly with

Sujit Bhattacharjya: Governancenow.com

23/9/2013


xxix

35. A Tribute to the Film Industry in India:

The Statesman- 26/11/2013

36.

AAP vs BJP: Prospects and Some Issues: Governancenow.com

on 23/12/2013, Millennium Post-25/12/2013

37.

Why this Halla about the Status and the Duration of AAP Govt in Delhi:

Governancenow.com on 1/1/.2014.

38. A Post-Election National Political Scenario:

Governancenow.com on 13/1/2014

39. CAD, Inflation and Corporate Profitability:

Do on 16/1/2014

40. Lessons for Politicians: Do on

10/02/2014, Millennium Post- 12/02/2014

41.

AAP is here to stay.-jtly with Sibesh

Bhattacharya: Indian Currents Weekly-

3/3/2014

42. Way forward for Kolkata: Millennium Post- 25/03/2014

43. A Charter of Demand for a Truly Federal

India: Countercurrents.org- 3/4/2014

44.

Better Days Ahead for the Nation- jtly with Sibesh Bhattacharya: Milleneum Post

4/4/2014

45. Four Topical Issues-An Analysis.- jtly with

Sibesh Bhattacharya: Do 18/4/2014

46. Engines of Growth: Do- 28/4//2014

47. A forecast of election results: Written on

10/5/2014, not published

48.

Giving Banglabhasa its rightful place in West

Bengal and India: Statesman-

30th June, 2014

49. Outcomes and Issues: Post National Election: Frontier – 09/07/2014


xxx

50. How to Put India on the Path of Growth:

The Pioneer – 10/07/2014

51.

Duties and Obligations of Groups of Citizens in a Democratic Set-up: The Statesman

03/08/2014, Frontier Weekly – 03/08/2014

52. Banglabhasa in the Context of National Language: Frontier - 3/9/2014, 29/11/2014

53. All pervasive decline in ethos:

Do 21/9/2014

54.

Better Days Ahead for the Nation-Future Political Scenario: Do

25/11/2014, print 47/27

55.

How to steer the economy to industrial growth

and revival of investment?: Published by Merc Global for their international

management journal for social science and

management vol 2 issue 1

56. Would Mamata see reason?: Frontier – 21/4/2015, print 47/31

57.

Time to expect better things/Changing

Political Wind Cracks The Mirror : Statesman: 19/02/2015

58.

Imprisonment and their basic rights:

Frontier Print,

15-21 March, 2015 Vol 47, No 36

59. Crony capitalism in India and how to break

it?: Free Press Journal: 09/04/2015

60.

Is it a new chapter for Mamata/ Much

Redounds to Didi's Credit: FPJ, 21/4/2015 & Frontier, 47/41, 19-25 April

61.

Emergence of On-Demand-Economy and its

Implications for India: International Journal

for Social Science and Management of Merc Global, vol 2, issue 1. Jan. 2015

62. How wordings change in Bengal: Frontier

Print 47/42, 26 April- 2 May, 2015


xxxi

63.

Justice for Linguistic Minority:

Frontier : 15/05/2015, Print 47/50, 21-27 June, 2015

64.

Factors for industrial development in a

dynamic world: International Journal

in Management & Social Science - June, 2015, issue 6, Vol 3

65. Judgements and Verdicts: Frontier Print

Vol. 47, No. 52, July 5 - 11, 2015

66. Of Balance and Harmony: Frontier Print Vol. 48, No. 2, July 19 - 25, 2015

67.

An Analysis of Current Economic Condition

in India: International Journal

of Multidimentional Research - July, 2015, issue 7, vol 3

68.

Re-evaluation of Recent Indian History:

Sanskriti - August 2, 2015, Frontier - 48/7, August 23-29, 2015

69.

Tagore- A Complete and Universal Person:

Jointly with Sumita Bhattacharyya:

Sanskriti -August 31,2015, Frontier-vol 48, no. 51, June 26- July 2,2016

70. Power and Career without Responsibility:

Sanskriti - September 10, 2015,

71. Popular perception is not reflected in intellectual debates: academia.edu - 16907627

72. Inept Governance to Apt Governance:

academia.edu - 25798992

73. Oh, to be seeing and hearing Sa Re Ga Ma Pa!: Sanskriti: 20/02/2016

74. Isolated violence does not reflect on the

whole Community---Sanskriti, 5/3/2016

75. Free Speech or Ideological Divides ---Sanskriti, 7/3/2016

76. TMC is all set to come back in West Bengal --

-DNA, 25/4/2016


xxxii

77.

Towards harmony and progress/ Power,

Money and Social Order... How Badly Mismanaged Are They in our Society---Rise

For India, 27/4/2016

78. Creating Level Playing Fields: The Pioneer ,

20 May 2016

79. Unlocking Secrets to Mamata‟s Success---The

Pioneer:1/6/2016

80. To harness digitisation and start-ups for economic

growth, : DNA - 5/7/2016

81. Pointless Youth Anthem in Hindi: The

Pioneer - 6/7/2016.

82. What Trump, Brexit have in Common?:The

Pioneer, 15/07/2016

83. Brexit, Trump and India:FPJ, 20/7/2016

84.

The Troika Of India‟s Economic Troubles:

The Pioneer, 26/07/2016. South Asia Monitor,

25/07/2016

85.

Govt. Financial Intervention in Market

Economy especially in India/Intervention in

Free Market:DNA, 29/7/2016, 4/8/2016

86. Setting Priorities for Job Creation: The

Pioneer, 12/8/2016

87. Kashmir Issue: Avenues for Conflict

Resolution: DNA, 18/8/2016

88. Divided Histories: The Telegraph, 31st

August, 2016.

89. Thinking Of Last Man In The Line: The

Pioneer, 16/09/2016

90.

Connecting Northeast: Key to Asian sub-

regional linkages: South Asia Monitor,

27/09/2016/-IDR, 30/9/2016


xxxiii

91.

Dialogue is the only answer to solution of

Kashmir problem:South Asia Monitor,

05/10/2016

92. When words match action in the NDA: The

Pioneer, 17/10/2016, SAM, 16/10/2016

93.

Black Money in India and Current Status:

South Asia Monitor, 19/10/2016/-The Global

eye, 19/10/2016

94. Eastern Region will have a major presence in

future India: DNA, 29/10/2016

95.

How to combat the non-competitiveness and

the demand deficit in Indian economy.:SAM,

29/10/2016

96. Education in India: Skill development is the

key: South Asia Monitor, 03/11/2016

97. Mistry‟s Fall From Grace A

Mystery:Tuesday, 08 November 2016

98. A last min twist: written on 8th November,

2016 but not published

99. Apathy for Bangla Bhasa: Frontier Vol. 49,

No.20, Nov 20 - 26, 2016

100.

India: Betrayal by opposition at time of

national unity/ Liberals‟ Arrogance and

Snobbery- South Asia Monitor:

27/11/2016/The Global eye, 28/11/2016/-The

Pioneer, 29/11/2016

101.

A Forceful and Positive Thrust/

Demonetisation:Transforming India into a

Honest and Virtuous Society- merinews.com,

06/12/2016/

SAM, 06/12/2016


xxxiv

102. lost hegemony of left narrative: The Pioneer,

16/01/2017

103.

The Two Stalwart Indian Companies and

Corporate Governance, Merinews-

22/2/2017/ Corporate governance: Indian

bellwethers found lacking in accountability-

SAM, 24/2/2017/ BEYOND THE FUTURE OF

TECH GIANTS 28 Feb 2017 | The Pioneer

104. Black Economy in India: Where Do We Stand

Now?, Merinews – 24/2/017

105.

Donald Trump: The future of America –

Merinews, 06/03/2017/Why Donald Trump is

considered as future of America: Postcard

News, 07/03/2017 / The future of Donald

Trump‟s America: SAM, 08/03/2017

106.

What led to the SuNamo effect in Assembly

Polls: South Asia Monitor, 13/03/2017 /The

Wave that Led to Sunamo Effect: The

Pioneer, 28 /03/2017.

107.

Kashmir's: Problem and Resolution: The

Pioneer, 10/05/2017 / What measures can

government take to tackle Kashmir issue?:

Postcard news, 10/05/2017.

X


http://www.htsyndication.com/htsportal/article/Corporate-governance%3A-Indian-bellwethers-found-lacking-in-accountability/19217204

http://www.htsyndication.com/htsportal/article/Corporate-governance%3A-Indian-bellwethers-found-lacking-in-accountability/19217204




Of My Commentaries On Contemporary Issues

1

PART I

Society And

Related




2

Who's To Govern

The Media?

X Who’s to govern the Media?

The fourth estate needs a regulatory body. Media, since a

long time, has contributed immensely to independence

and development of the nation state and continues to do

so. In recent times, it has, interalia, tirelessly focused on and succeeded in introducing corporate governance and

regulatory body in banking, security and insurance,

company affairs, science and technology, health, education, competition and right to information.

Knowledge Commission and Yash Pal committee have

recommended for overhauling, (including setting up of

01




3

CHRM) of education and research. In executive,

legislature and judiciary, we have the President, the Speaker and the Chief Justice respectively. But, there is

no regulatory body or even any governance norms in the

fourth estate. Media has been recently playing a proactive role in uncovering and goading investigation

into crimes and corruption in high places. But has it all

been fairly done? Has not there been bias, witch-hunting

and violation of privacy? The reputation of eminent journalists like Barkha Datta and Vir Sangvi has come

under cloud. Moreover there are new entrants

continuously and an increasingly intense competitive pressure. Transparency, objectivity and accountability in

evaluation of news and views and their communication

to customers are of paramount importance now. There

are charges of plagiarism too. Santosh Desai has in TOI, June 10, 2010, satirically given „10 easy tips to

manipulate media‟. This is mainly for TV, but largely

valid for print media also. In both print and electronic media, objectivity and transparency in evaluation of

news and views are not very obvious. Not much is

known on the existence of any structured approach to or system of corporate governance for evaluation,

objectivity, transparency and accountability in customer

service and other such operations in media. As a result

media is losing credibility.

As early as on 27th June, 2009 in a discussion program in NDTV, almost all the eminent journalists

present agreed and cried against declining morality

(immoral or amoral–there was a debate) in journalism,

package sales and corruption in visual/electronic and print media. They were, ironically, celebrating the „finest

in Indian journalism‟. There have been so many cases of

investigative journalism in medical, education and political/bureaucratic corruption but the same in

corporate/financial sector and media has been practically




4

absent. Further, there are reports of a nexus between

media and corporate sector/finance sector companies. Where does the aggrieved one approach in such cases in

media, for justice? In view of all these there is a crying

need for Governance norms and a regulatory body in Media also.

X




5

Education Should Cultivate Civilized Mind

X Education should cultivate civilized mind Without which Lalgarh and Nandigram will resurface.

Truth and existence may not be always coterminous, but

at the same time truth cannot be conceived outside and

away from existence. In that sense it is all pervasive in

the universe; it pervades all forms, dimensions and entities. These multifarious forms and entities often

provide accommodation to contradictions: void and

content, zero and infinity, static and dynamic, etc. What seems to hold these conflicting things together is the

principle of harmony and balance. This guards peace and

02




6

order. It may even be argued that it is nature‟s ordinance

that the principle of balance be maintained.

A violation of this ordinance brings in its train

conflict and suffering. Humanity has at long last appears to have realized the importance of adopting this principle

in co-existence with environment. But, alas it is not

applied in co-existence within humanity. If one dominates over/subjugates other, then it amounts to

going against nature and violating the principle of co-

existence.

The urge to dominate, which is the other name of

aggression, gives rise to what may appear in the initial stage merely as ambition, is likely to become

increasingly inhuman, oppressive and brutal. This is the

consequence that waits for the subject; and for the object

it leads to frustration, humiliation and servility. Thus aggression and the urge to dominate dehumanize both

the perpetrator and the victim. And the reaction from an

utterly frustrated and humiliated victim, when it eventually comes, becomes equally brutal.

Adler had argued that aggression is embedded in the human nature itself. Even if it is so, there is no

reason that this undesirable appetite should been

couraged by gratification. The philosophy of Yoga, unlike the modern Western psychology, puts emphasis

more on the need to control the baser appetite so human

nature rather than on giving into their demands.

Liberty has to be livened with equality and

fraternity. This has been accepted since the days of the French Revolution. Dominance leading to subjugation is

at the root of all evils. When it operates in groups it

breeds riot, ethnic cleansing, battles and war. Casteism, communalism, racism, and even the slogans of

nationalism and socialism, often become, wittingly or

unwittingly, catalysts and vehicles of dominance




7

hungering for subjugation. Hence, the need for

cultivation of civilized mind through proper education.

Ragging is one form of subjugation. One recalls

that in Kolkata ragging started in engineering and medical colleges in late 60s or early 70s. American

competitive culture which is only a euphemism for

aggression and domination was introduced in these institutions. (The current collapse of institutional

infrastructure in financial sector in US has been the

result of malpractices the financial institutions found

necessary to recourse to for subjugating competitors.) Some of such students in our educational institutions

exposed to this culture over a year or two would develop

the sadistic tendency to dominate and subjugate others. Some like minded „senior‟ students would then form

groups for this purpose and fresher would provide an

obvious soft target. This is the way ragging began in our educational institutions. Initially it was mental

subjugation, but gradually it turned physical, violent and

sadistic. Similarly, communal/casteist clashes, bandhs

and rampant vandalism on any pretext are the latest manifestations of ugly domineering tendencies leading

to a state of utter anarchy. Biswajit Roy, an eminent

educationist had written in the Anandabazar Patrika an article headlined “Mushal Parba” depicting the

phenomenon of Jadubangsha Dhangsha looking at the

happenings at West Bengal. Lalgarh, Nandigram, Singur, Keshpur, Ramgarh, Jangal mahal and elsewhere

it is same everywhere: this relentless attempt at

subjugation at individual, group and party level. In

Times Of India, M J Akbar had said in his column on June 21, 2009, “No one is communal, except in that brief

moment of madness when the civilized mind crumbles.”




8

My humble attempt is devoted to explaining

why it is of paramount importance today to encourage

the cultivation of „the civilized mind‟ through proper education.

X




9

Calling Out To Civil

Society

X Calling out to civil society West Bengal is a fit case for agitation against political

violence.

West Bengal is under terror. It is the Maoists in

western districts and the GJM in the north, unleashing violence and anarchy simultaneously harming the causes

of ethnic cultural identities and greater autonomy. The

present government in the state has become defunct and cannot combat this terror. Unfortunately, here

intelligentsia/civil society and social activists are

03




10

keeping mum. The reasons behind the agitation are lack

of local economic growth and development, reckless and selfish plundering of forest resources and severe

unemployment. This is compounded by blatant

corruption in economic and developmental measures. One way to redress the situation would be to strengthen

the ongoing local developmental work.

Can local civil society play a positive role here?

The centre, with or without participation of the states,

has many worthwhile schemes for rural development.

National Rural Employment Generation Act (NREGA), Pradhan Mantri Gram Sadak Yojana (PMGSY), Drought

Prone Area Programme (DPAP), Integrated Water-land

Development Programme (IWDP), Hariyali and Sajald hara, ARWSP are some among many addressing

unemployment, self-employment, village development,

roads, housing, drought, land-reform, greening, sanitation and water supply.

But these programmes can succeed only with peoples‟ participation and they need to be organised and

motivated. Further, most of these schemes are now

sought to be implemented through Panchayti Raj institutions. The plan panel is working on a planned

expenditure of Rs 14,000 crore for three years for

development of infrastructure in 35 districts of red zone.

All this needs monitoring by independent agencies. Even on land pricing, there is need for mediation and

education by uninterested entities.

Thus there is lot of scope for independent social

activists to form NGO to supplement state development

efforts. We can learn from what some NGOs like Disha and Eklavya Sangathan are doing, as reported in the

Times of India newspaper on May 31, 2010. They work

in rural Gujarat, UP and Rajasthan and not only expose all irregularities but also work for the successful honest




11

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