Will Startup India work smoothly towards success?

(01-18-2016)

Will Startup India work smoothly towards success?

Introduction:
PM Narendra Modi brought in good hope for the entrepreneurs of India when he
announced the Startup India campaign and the action plans included in it are indeed
promising good future for those venturing in startups. New policies and initiatives are
being made to help these entrepreneurs invest safely and profitably in new business
ventures.
The intention of the Modi government is that of successful business and development in
India indeed but nurturing startups is no piece of cake, especially in India where business
runs from the point of view of profit generating and no risking.
There are numerous challenges that would try to curb the initiative of the government
down to nadir but the hope in PMs efforts and envisioning of a better future is generating
optimism in entrepreneurs across the country. It would be interesting to watch them strive
with perseverance towards making this campaign a success story.
Yes:
1. Funding: What actually makes startups lag behind in the beginning is lack of funds.
They begin with low investment due to which production slows down to minimal. Now
that the government has announced a fund of Rs. 10,000 crore with an initial corpus of
Rs. 2,500 crore, it should be a good news for startups to expand their venture towards
productivity and reasonable investments in their respective fields. Manufacturing,
agriculture, health and education sectors are going to benefit hugely from this. The
government will also pick ten incubators based on their worth and grant them Rs. 10
crore each as financial help to further develop their infrastructure.
2. Tax exemption: Taxation becomes a burden on startups striving to make profits. In the
action plan for Startup India, they will receive exemption from tax for a period of three
years which is more than enough for an initiative to prove its worth. The companies will
be able to retain capital gains and utilize the same towards expansion and development of
their ventures. This exempt will be subject to non-distribution of dividend by the startup.
3. Relaxed norms: The norms of prior experience/turnover will be given a relaxation
for these startups as long as they are capable of handling their own manufacturing and
other requisites for their initiative. Too many norms for qualifying also made it difficult
for wannabe entrepreneurs to get involved in opening a startup that would be registered
by the government bodies and get exempt from PSUs.
4. Ease of registration: There will be a single point registration facility for new
enterprises joining the league. It will be made easier via a mobile app that will allow

startups to get registered in a day. Other facilities like clearance, approval, and applying
for registration will also work from the same portal. These companies will be able to selfcertify compliance on nine labors and other environmental laws through the same app
along with a relaxation from inspection for three years.
5. Easing risk: Startups would be able to move out of the venture if they want to do so
within a period of three months from the registration. There will be limited liability and
the company will have the freedom of closing up within the aforementioned period if
they feel that the initiative will not prove to be worthy of all the efforts to be made in
future. Experimenting with knowledge is a good thing at least you get to keep trying
and not sit back and wait for an opportunity to present itself before you.
No:
1. Competing with Silicon Valley: Indian startups have for a long time waited for the
government to recognize the caliber of new initiatives and to provide them assistance
when needed but have been ignored for long. Now that the government is jumping
between them, they must catch up carefully and not just try to compete with Silicon
Valley since our business environment differs and the government has to cater to our
respective needs instead of leading by example of Silicon Valley.
2. Global arena: Since we are a late entry into the startup campaign and we are also
trying to be in the global competition for startup development, India has to outdo the
other countries that have been in the race for long. Brazil and many other countries have
made huge investment for their startups to prosper. Chances are that we might fund them
enough but not cater to their respective demands for growth that would let them wound
up sooner or later.
3. Recognizing our caliber: We need to work on our own key strengths instead of
jumping into anything that could create profit. Manufacturing sector is not one of our
strengths given that the global market for manufacturing is far ahead of us with their
latest technologies and approach. Agriculture is our strength but we lack proper
investment and distribution of funds for them. Heath and education needs to be
augmented but at our own required level. New initiatives in these sectors wont be much
of a success unless we bring with them a change to look up to and appreciate something
that we have been lacking.
4. Selecting the right candidate: There would be too many applicants in the race to get
approval for government assistance but selecting the worthier of them is going to be a
task of great difficulty. Funding the unworthy will only waste resources while the
deserving will keep waiting to get an approval. The selection should be based solely on
the merits of the entrepreneurs and not by what they show as their action plan. They
should have experience, rationality, skills and efficacy to lead an enterprise.
Conclusion:

Startup India could be a successful stride by the government towards promoting and
developing business ventures that would further promote Make in India and Digital
India campaigns but there are challenges that should be tactfully handled, leaving no
room for wastage of fund and ill-distribution of funds.
Once the mobile app portal opens, there will be a rush of entrepreneurs for registering
their businesses. It should be better if the government primarily decides upon a team of
successful entrepreneurs to select the worthy candidates. Any sort of biasness in this
matter would waste this earnest and praiseworthy initiative by Modi Government.
A few years from now, India could be a strong and self-sufficient nation if our deserving
startups could get the required assistance to open up new opportunities in India.

Death or life term for Kasab? (12-29-2011)

Ajmal Kasab, a lethal killing machine manufactured by Pakistan to disrupt peace in India is
on the verge of a death sentence. But is death a better option than life imprisonment?
For- Death sentence is itself a message to Pakistan that its time for them to put a stop on the
terror exports.
- It is an example of robust judiciary, creating a sense of fear amongst terrorists and a
sense of security amongst the common man.
- Its a message to all the terrorists to think twice before committing such an offence.
- If that man values life so little as to take the life of another, why should he have that
precious gift?
- Death being the ultimate and exemplary punishment sends out a strong message.
- Death is the best option considering the level of bloodshed and brutality involved.
Against- Life imprisonment is harsher than death, as he will have to deal with his guilt for the
remaining of his life, which is more excruciating than an instant death.
- Death will only make him a martyr, a warrior in the eyes of other terrorists, further
encouraging their cause not our.
- Killing Kasab wont solve the purpose; it will only act as fuel to the fire.
Death will be too soft a punishment for the costliest prisoner who broke all the hell loose in
India. Ajmal Kasab should be imprisoned for the rest of his life - without any special
treatment, so that he can suffer the same fate as the family of the deceased. He created a
hell here now let him live in it.
RE: Death or life term for Kasab? Group Discussion (12-31-2011)
Dos and Donts of participating in Group Discussion
8 things you should NOT do in a GD
10 things to succeed in GD
Preparing for GD
Just before the GD
During the Group Discussion

Prerequisites of a Group Discussion

Make in India or Invent in India- Which is more important? (01-6-2016)

Make in India or Invent in India- Which is more important?

At the 103rd Indian Science Congress, 4 out of 5 Nobel laureates indicated that Make in
India mantra should change to Invent in India for attaining greater heights. The leaders of
the academic world felt that India should focus on discovering and inventing, not just
making on its own.
So, which is a better pitch for expanding the field of the Indian growth story? Make in India
or Invent in India? When it comes to the future of the country, is the Make in India mantra
the right path for success on the road to economic evolution? Lets find out what the
knowledge pundits say and how far it makes sense for India.
Invent in India should be the mantra!
1. India should focus on discovering - Discovery and inventions enable that products can
be made within the country. This ensures that whether we want to pursue Make in India or
associated programs like Digital India and Start Up India, India must first discover
inventions that are of importance.
2. More takers for science - Invent in India will galvanise more takers for science in the
field. Science is to be taught at a young age so that talent can be caught on early. Invent in
India has the power to make brain drain into brain gain for the country, thereby paving the
way to prosperity.
3. Inventions need to be passed onto startups for growth - Inventions need to be drawn
from universities and passed on to start ups and this will encourage talent in abundance.
Engineering may be a popular choice, but it is ultimately science which drives the
engineering. The need for cultural change will only be met if science is encouraged in
schools, colleges and universities.
4. Need for thrust on indigenous innovations and inventions - Make in India should be
replaced by Discover, Invent and Make in India because in order to make in India you need
to invent first. To invent, there is need for more scientific discoveries in India so that the
nation can focus on new inventions, technologies and products which equip it to compete
on the world stage.

5. Invent in India will revive the Indian startup story - Innovating in India will pave the
way for innovations to come out of universities and research centres and form part of
entrepreneurial ventures and startups. Investment in R and D is crucial for India to develop.
Despite increase in Indias economic growth and the doubling of GDP within the last 10
years, financial allocation for R&D has not changed much in recent times. Growth is merely
a flat curve, according to the Nobel laureates, because of failure to invest in Invent in India.
6. India needs more HR in science and engineering - Encouraging more youths to take
up studies in science, the subject needs to be taught at a very early age. If taught earlier, it
will encourage a preference and deeper understanding of science which will galvanise
growth in the Indian subcontinent. Backing sustained investments by advancements in
basic science and fostering a spirit of curiosity is a sure recipe for the countrys success.
7. India can compete on the world stage - If Invent in India is adopted, the country can
have new discoveries and understanding of science which translates into applied science
and technologies. This is a necessary goal for Indias success. This is because to make
India competitive in todays world, one has to invent new products and technologies in the
nation. Basic science is the foundation for innovations and applications and challenges for
democracy in India include taking up the long term cause of science and R&D.
8. Indian R&D needs freedom - If you want to have scientific exploration and untamed
scientific curiosity, Invent in India is a must. The view should be to protect the freedom of
scientists so that future democracies like India can hold their own against emerging
economies as well as the developed world. Financial schemes are also a must for real
talent to enter science at an early age and become a world leader in due course.
Make in India can get quick results!
1. Make in India will increase number of jobs - A positive impact on employment will be
apparent once the Make in India programme is effectively implemented. Make in India will
increase the number of jobs while Invent in India will only increase the knowledge of the
country.
2. It will boost tourism -Make in India will ensure that tourism in the nation receives a
boost because more foreign travellers will be attracted to India as a destination for quality

goods. Apart from medical tourism, retail tourism is the last trend to catch on and Make in
India could really capitalise on this.
3. Infrastructure development will be possible - Make in India realises the great Indian
dream of having adequate infrastructure for a growing population. Make in India has the
capacity to create more infrastructure through massive generation of resources resulting
from increase in manufacturing.
4. Make in India will spur education - Make in India will not only generate jobs, but also
improve the state of training and education in the country. This will foster progressive
attitudes and consequent economic growth.
5. Economic growth will be possible - Make in India will ensure that growth receives a
boost and India is firmly set on the path to economic prosperity. Economic development is
possible if there is impetus for growth and Make in India provides this essential ingredient
for national success.
6. Inventing & Discoveries require time While inventions and discoveries are extremely
important, the research for them is a time consuming job. Make in India can provide the
immediate fuel to get the economy running.
Conclusion
Discover, Invent and Make in India should definitely be the new mantra because it unites
the economic growth of Make in India with the knowledge boost of Invent in India. No
discovery is complete without manufacturing growth and no invention is valuable till it finds
application in human society. The same goes for intensive increase in manufacturing
activities. If there is low domestic demand and competition from Made in China, Make in
India will face an early demise. Amalgamating Invent in India with Make in India is the cure
for this. Rather than bitter pills, scientific remedies that encourage human creativity and use
intelligence are required for India to grow into a truly progressive country. While bitter pills
are needed for short term recovery, only lasting scientific innovation can bring about desired
long term changes.
RE: Make in India or Invent in India- Which is more important? Deepa Kaushik (01-62016)

Make in India and Invent in India both have their own importance. Both of them have
different sphere of action. Comparing make in India and Invent in India is not very apt.
When one aims towards the economic development of country, the other aims towards
adding immense fame to the nation.
Make in India is a nicely designed program that is oriented for the development of the
nation. Make in India definitely requires some sort of investment to gather the basic
infrastructure, but the returns would be those that the country eagerly looks forward to. The
number of employment opportunities would increase, which would likely help in curbing the
deteriorated health condition and checking the law and order situation. The Make in India
would also pave way to export and thereby add to the revenue for the nation.
On the other hand, Invent in India is also a major project at hand. But this field limits itself to
the learned class and could not accommodate other sections of the society in helping with
their employment. Inventions and discoveries are scholarly works and requires huge
investments for their research work. Though the returns would also be huge along with
name and fame, still the return from this project is not something that we long for.
We need to analyze both the projects in all aspects. The one which could satisfy and pacify
us by fulfilling the need of the hour would be more appropriate for the present age. In these
grounds Make in India would be more important for the time being.
RE: Make in India or Invent in India- Which is more important? khanderao (01-18-2016)
I have developed following Projects : auto tilting concreat mixer saving operator. Khandoba
tractor manualy powered- ploughing acre farm in 16 work hours cost=one
Bull. etc. desire outlet to exhibit.
can you help ?.

Disinvestment of PSUs is like selling the family silver! (01-6-2016)

Disinvestment of PSUs is like selling the family silver!

Is PSU disinvestment amounting to selling the family silver or is it a mere piggy bank?
PSUs refer to government owned corporation and are owned by Union Government of India
or of state or territorial governments or both in a partnership.
Economic policy had earlier advocated Government interaction and higher ownership in
companies and industries to create balanced economic development. This was at a time
when private sector could not commit sufficient capital. But now times have changed and
the bigger debate centres around whether selling stakes in PSUs can be a way out to
compensate for structural problems and operational efficiency brought about by
Government ownership?
Let us see whether disinvestment is all about selling precious national resources or righting
the balance between government and private control?
Yes
1. Disinvesting profit making PSUs will result in losses - There will be loss of dividend
earning for governments which are disinvesting profit making public sector enterprises.
Currently, the expenditure of the government far exceeds its revenue and selling the stake
of profit making PSEs will lead to squeezing of the revenue sources for the government.
This will result in higher fiscal deficit. Loss of revenue from disinvestment will not always be
compensated by capital appreciation gains. Equity shares are sold at higher prices in the
market and only then is higher revenue generated for the government. Moreover, dividend
earning from PSUs is coupled with expenditure which nullifies the effect of dividend
earnings.
2. Benefits of disinvestment are largely appropriated by the corporate sector
-Nationwide survey by NCAER has indicated only 0.5% Aam Admi retail participation in the
equity markets. Benefits of disinvestment are mainly snared by corporate houses and large
institutional investors. A widespread contention is also that disinvestment is done for
benefiting corporates who fund political parties in return.

3. Funds received from disinvestment are used for financing fiscal deficit -This is a
move that is bad for the economy because its like selling family jewellery to finance a short
term expenditure on something small and insignificant. Disinvestment income is a one time
income to create production capacity within the economy. However, current returns on
these investments is low so it is important to use funds in social sector scheme rather than
locking capital within asset. To reduce the fiscal deficit, eventually the government has to
reduce expenditure.
Wasteful revenue expenditure is what becomes the eventual fate of this capital rather than
increasing the production capacity of an economy.
4. Tax rate in PSUs is higher - Corporate houses shell out less in terms of tax returns
while PSUs are charged with higher tax rates. Disinvestment goes one step further in
capitalising on PSUs and feting corporates at their cost.
5. Profit making PSUs are already making money - Profit making PSUs should not be
disinvested as they are performing well.
6. Job losses are an unavoidable consequence - PSU disinvestment comes with a riderjob losses are a natural consequence for the employees when privatisation sets in.
7. Disinvestment can lead to private monopolies - Monopoly after disinvestment is
apparent in many cases such as VSNL.
8. PSUs being sold at cheap prices -PSUs are being sold to preferred parties at cheap
prices and there is need to bring transparency in the disinvestment policy. Without it, selling
PSUs is like selling treasured heirlooms for cheap trinkets.
9. Disinvestment in name only - To complete the target of disinvestment, government has
sold stake of PSEs to other PSUs. The sum total result of this is that government ownership
remains which is counterproductive considering the aim of disinvestment is privatisation.
10. Loss of regular income for government - Selling stakes in profit making and dividend
paying PSUs will result in regular income loss for the government. Bulk sales of stakes lead
to lesser sale values than anticipated.

11. Right of Citizens should be protected -Citizens have every right to own part of the
share of PSUs. Big corporate houses may get this privilege instead.
No
1. Disinvestment raises valuable resources for government - This can be used to
reduce fiscal deficit and cause the government to garner more resources for infrastructure
development.
2. Lean government is clean government - Disinvestment will ensure that government
ownership is limited to only certain organisations. It will also result in reduction in number of
ministries and bureaucrats.
3. Greater efficiency - Another good point which ensures disinvestment is not about selling
precious resources is that privatising these organisations will only increase their efficiency
and effectiveness levels.
4. Government gets to spend on development - Disinvestment frees up governments
spending capacity in key areas such as military and welfare.
5. Disinvestment is part of major structural reforms - Government initiated structural
reforms in the 1990s such as liberalisation and opening of foreign trade. Disinvestment was
a welcome addition to this. It also sought to increase competitiveness of public sector
undertakings and creating investments and job opportunities.
Conclusion
Nearly 70% of the Indian banking sector is dominated by PSUs and there are as many as
250 government owned PSUs accounting for 22% of the GDP of the nation. Other key
areas where government has significant control include petroleum, coal, crude, power and
defence. These are areas where privatisation is not in national interest. Anything in excess
is bad and this includes disinvestment. Rather than selling profit making PSUs, the focus
should be on turning around sick PSUs. The cure lies in seeking a lasting remedy rather
than just a quick fix.

RE: Disinvestment of PSUs is like selling the family silver! Deepa Kaushik (01-112016)
It is understandable that some public sector undertaking should not be put under
disinvestment for ensuring public interest or national security. But this is mostly an
economic / business decision and should not be mixed with emotional decision (including
vote bank politics). Most people in our country believe in buying gold and silver on festivals
and occasions (like weddings) and in majority of cases this gold or silver becomes a
blocked asset, as it is either used as jewellery or kept under lock and key either at house or
bank; only in case of dire emergency it is sold or mortgaged. Thinking that selling a
company or its shares is like selling family silver is wrong, if the value of the asset i.e.
shares is allowed to deteriorate as has happened then how is this sensible?
When it comes to disinvestment of PSUs, one needs to understand that they will be very
low take up in the market if the PSUs subject to disinvestment is making losses and has
accumulated huge debts to pay, so the Government would need to look at profitable PSUs
to make this successful.
In any case, I believe that the efficiency of PSUs and thus the benefit for end users will
increase once the management changes hand. Private enterprises are always motivated to
work on efficiency and effectiveness to improve revenues, reduce costs and meet customer
expectations in order to survive. Given an opportunity for the market forces to act freely,
they will bring about healthy competition thus competitiveness, which at the end are good
for both customers, Industry & the economy.
There should of course be some restriction on FDI in companies/industries where public
interest or national security can be affected. Also, it is not necessary to sell 100% shares to
private sector. Where the Government wants to keep the decision making under its control it
can still do so by ensuring that it retains 51% of the shares and only releasing up to 49% for
public subscription. Also understand that this will ease budgetary constraints for the
Government in providing capital and loans to 100% Government owned PSUs, but so far
this has been mostly supported by government backed corporations (for instance LIC).

s the Chinese stock market crash a threat to the global economy? (01-8-2016)

Is the Chinese stock market crash a threat to the global economy?

China has just allowed the biggest fall in Yuan in 5 months on 7th January 2016 which will
go down in history as a time of pressurizing of regional currencies and tumbling of
international markets.
Can the fall of the Asian giant lead to widespread panic and impact on the global economy?
Chinas stock markets were suspended for a day less than half an hour agate a new circuit
breaking mechanism failed to pull through for the second time. PBOC set the official
midpoint rate on the yuan 0.5 percent weaker at 6.5 per dollar. This is the lowest value
since March 2011. The tracked losses were the biggest daily fall since August 2015 when a
near 2% devaluation of the Chinese currency also rattled the markets. Central banks
actions have driven the Yuan down not against the dollar alone. Other major currencies
have also seen a change.
Yuan has a 3.5 percent fall against the Japanese Yen and 0.8% against the euro. Concerns
are high China may be aiming for competitive devaluation to help exporters. This zero sum
game as currencies weaken in response can end in greater volatility.
Right now, what is plaguing the markets is the fear of the unknown. Let us conquer it by
examining if the Asian giants stock market crash will really hurt the world economy.
Yes
1. Fear of unknown is a massive risk - This is the largest risk for the yuan in the near
term. This is so despite the massive current account surplus that China has. Australian
dollar used by forex dealers as liquid proxy for yuan fell more than half a US cent. Koreans
are on a slightly better boat with almost all of the initial falls with banks recovered.
2. Declining reserves - Data on 7th January 2016 showed that Chinas forex reserves fell
by the most on record within the last month down USD 108 billion in December 2015.
Accelerating outflow of money from China could be a sign of opening up of its financial
markets, but it could also signal the worlds 2nd largest economy is in a jam.

3. Yuan puts pressure on emerging Asian economies - A sustained depreciation in the

yuan forces Asian currencies to become weaker to stay competitive. Chinas massive
export machine is daunting prospect to compete with.
4. Equities markets worldwide impacted -Shanghai stocks slid 7.3% to trigger a half in
trading while the Japan Nikkei shed 2.3 percent in sympathy and the Hang Seng fell down
by 2.8%. Hat mechanism intended to cool market volatility has hotness it up instead.
5. China is a key market - Therefore, the slowdown could cause consumers and
companies to buy fewer goods from foreign shores. There is also scepticism about
accuracy of Chinas official government data which could be understating the growth.
People are not believing the official data causing stock market volatility
6. Skewed Chinese economy - This is seen by some as legacy of the state planning
model which did not give importance to services. Chinas economy has lost out on double
digit annual growth rate as it has been driven by massive rise in debt and increased
expansion of industrial and real estate sectors as country expanded. To help pay up for the
expansions the Asian giant increased its borrowings. A report from McKinsey Global
Institute has found nations overall debt has quadrupled to USD 28 trillion from 2007 to
2014. While the debt is manageable, it is not easy to handle as the ratio of debt to
economic output is larger than US or EU nations.
7. Debt of local governments is unsustainable - This adds to the obstacles for the
Chinese economy and that of the world. China needs to be less dependent on exports and
more so on internal consumption. This is not happening. Policy adjustments are needed or
China (and the worlds) growth will be impacted. China is moving to market based
exchange rate policy from strict government control. Devaluation of currency could be used
to boost the economy and this in turn makes goods cheaper for international markets,
thereby influencing other markets across the globe.
No
1. Slowdown is managed properly -The slowdown has been managed well and it is
impacting the top line of numerous firms.
2. Chinas economy is too large - Given the size of Chinas economy, it is thought the

Asian giant will continue to deliver growth and concerns are ripe about being able to access
this growth.
3. Market access limits are not permanent - Foreign companies will eventually gain entry
into the Asian economy and benefit considerably from this.
4. Chinas stock market has nothing to do with its economy - The stock market crash is
dominated by small savers who have more faith in speculative investing than fundamental
analysis. While many countries see the stock market as the leading barometer of economic
health, this may not hold true for China, and consequently global implications for the world.
5. Slowdown in growth is not unexpected - Experts had known that the Chinese
economy would slow down as the nation initiated reforms designed to generate growth and
transition to an economy fuelled by consumer spending. Economists expect a growth of
6.8% in 2015 and 6.5% in 2016 as against the regular 10% GDP growth on a regular basis.
But employment levels are as important and will be maintained on the strength of reforms.
6. Slowdown is not so severe - Chinese economy will still grow at 6.5% and that is still
plenty of momentum for the global world economy.
Conclusion
Chinas slowdown will definitely impact the world economy, but there could be positive
repercussions to this as well. Excessive reliance on the strength of the Asian giant can
prove disastrous for world powers and some amount of self-sufficiency is needed for
economies to truly grow, develop and prosper. Even if the Chinese market does impact the
world economy in adverse ways. India remains a bright spot in a gloomy outlook, according
to IMF Chief Chrstine Legrand. What is Chinas loss could be Indias gain!

RE: Is the Chinese stock market crash a threat to the global economy? Deepa Kaushik
(01-12-2016)
The Chinese share market has experienced a fast pace growth in last couple of years
where in June 2015 it was at its seven-year peak, at which time also it was probably over
valued and as any economy goes China seems to have reached a saturation point in
manufacturing industry. It was inevitable for a correction to take place, but the pace at which

Chinas stock market is falling over the last few weeks is sharper than expected.
The fall after mid June to now probably taking away all gains made in 2015, should be a
shocking experience to Chinese stock holders, whilst accordingly to some estimates only
2% of the Chinese stock market is held by foreigners (quoted by The London consultancy
Capital Economics) it will impact the world economy.
A slump in Chinese market has prompted stock markets across Asia, Europe and US to fall
sharply, a China is a key player in global economy any major impact in its economy will
affect rest of the world. It is the second largest economy in the world and also the one of the
largest importers of good & services.
An impact on China means potential impact on the imports it makes and affecting the
economy of countries making money exporting these to China, it will also affect the prices
of commodities in general. This experience will also affect the trust of investors who have
been investing in Asian stocks as these emerging markets have curtained looked promising
so far but looking at the Chinese stock market, foreign investors are likely to be cautious.

Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? (11-23-2015)

Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better?

Caste based reservation has been questioned in India since its inception. The idea that
people of a minority community deserve benefits has not gone down well with many of the
majority. But the biggest question is whether caste based reservation is fair, given that the
creamy layer gets most of the benefits? Many propose that income based reservation will
solve Indias problems and turn the demographic disaster into a demographic dividend.
Reservation is a critical issue for Indian youth. Let us examine both caste and income
based reservation to see which is the more deserving one of the two.
Case for Income Based Reservation
1. Reservation should be for the poor: To provide equal opportunity as far as equity is
concerned, reservation policy should be associated with economic status and rich/poor
classification. This will prevent the privileged classes in minority communities from unduly
benefiting from caste based reservation, whether it is in government jobs or medical
admissions.
2. Income based reservation will help urban-rural population: India still lives in her
villages and instead of caste based reservation, income based reservation will be more
beneficial because people from rural areas and low income groups will benefit. Even the
urban poor need assistance and special affirmative action programs will be able to ensure
their continued upliftment
3. People from high income groups would stop getting undue benefits - Those below
the poverty line and low income groups are the ones that need help. Income based
reservation will see to it that people from high income groups are barred from advantages
given that they have already received the benefits of economic upliftment
4. This will stop the rush to get OBC/SC/ST status: Many castes are making attempts to

be classified as backward to avail the benefits. Consider the Patels or Patidars of Gujarat
who are an economically and politically dominant community. Given that the Patels have
worldwide presence as entrepreneurs and NRIs, it seems ironical that they are demanding
caste based reservation for their community.
5. Existing reservation policy has failed: Caste based reservation has failed to assimilate
SC and ST within the mainstream.
6. People from majority communities are facing unemployment too- Lack of jobs
despite a model of development that promises unparalleled growth is a reality in India,
regardless of which political party is at the helm. Over the past few decades, Indias young
working population has risen while the number of jobs have fallen. Caste based reservation
in favour of the creamy layer has proved to be discriminatory for those belonging to the
general category. General category students are being denied jobs and admissions
because of the caste based reservation system.
7. Educated youth will get better benefits: The poor, educated youth will benefit from
income based reservation and get a chance to access a brighter future.
8. Caste based reservation was only a temporary provision to start with:Reservation
policy was initiated as a temporary provision for only 10 years in the Indian constitution in
1950s and it was never meant to be a permanent feature of national policies. Vote bank
politics sustained the system rather than genuine consideration for the poor and oppressed
in society. The caste based reservation system has failed to include the people at the lower
end of mainstream society and economy.
9. Non poor seen as beneficiaries of reservation will promote caste divide:Agitations
such as the Patidar stir are just symptoms; eventually the malady will spread to promote
divisions in society based on caste and even contribute to caste conflicts.
10. Caste based reservation has not prevented ill treatment of Dalit and lower
castes: Discrimination is still rampant against members of SC and ST community
especially in rural areas. Reservation in the name of caste has done nothing to prevent this.
11. Deprived deserve a reprieve - Income based reservation will ensure that the creamy
layer does not make off with a majority of the benefits while those from poorer sections yet

belonging to minority communities are left on the sidelines.

Case for Caste Based Reservation
1. Reservation based on caste attempts to root out longstanding social
inequality: Economically weaker sections of society are also those belonging to the
minority community. Reservation will help students from backward castes to access better
opportunities, something that they have been denied for years now.
2. Reservation system opens doors of opportunities: Caste based reservation is a
positive step forward to remove social and economic disparities in society
3. Affluence should not become a criteria for reservation: This will only serve to prevent
those from socially excluded classes from accessing government jobs and education
caused by caste systems discriminatory dynamics for a long time now.
4. Caste based reservation is the best cure for the bigoted caste system:Reservation
on the basis of caste will be beneficial to undo the social dynamics of a bigoted caste
system. Including or excluding castes for reservation based on income level will only lead to
the reversion of the dominant upper caste and create imbalances in society
5. Affirmative action programs are meant to address social inequity: Even in the US,
affirmative action programmes and Equal Opportunity policies are not done away with for
the richer class because doing so will end the representation of race and people for whom
the affirmative action programme is intended. Candidates from minority communities are
currently underrepresented in education and government jobs. Preventing caste based
reservation from continuing will only come in the way of legitimate affirmative action.
6. Reservation provides social inclusion if it caste based: Caste based reservation
aims to enable education and employment representation for social groups that have even
been excluded from the same for many years.
7. Attitude change will only come about if there is caste based reservation:Caste
based reservation will serve to empower Dalits, SC, ST and OBCs and ensure that the
majority stop holding discriminatory attitudes towards them.

8. Very poor may not be educated enough for jobs: Another moot point is that people
from extremely deprived and marginalised sections of society may not have the education
to survive in a government job. Reserving jobs only for them will not solve the problem.
Unless education reaches poorer sections of society, income based reservation will remain
an incomplete solution for societys ailments
9. Economic upliftment is only possible through financial aid: Just as caste based
reservation is meant to address social inequity, subsidies are meant to help those from
economically weaker sections of society. Income based reservation will not solve the
problem of poverty. In fact, it may exacerbate it.
10. Reservation on basis of income cannot solve the problem of poverty: Only a
welfare state and pro poor policies will be able to remove the curse of poverty and free India
from its vicious cycle.
Conclusion
Caste or income based reservation?.the issue is a thorny one. There are complexities
associated with each form of reservation. In the ultimate analysis, caste based reservation
can only succeed in uplifting members of the minority community if there is an income
component to it as well. Excluding the creamy layer from benefits would be a positive step
to help those who are really marginalised and poor and from SC/ST/OBC background.
Income can be a criteria for reservation alongside caste and those facing social as well as
economic inequity can then get the upliftment they so urgently require. Till then, people will
continue to have reservations about quota system, whether it is income or caste based.

RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? Deepa Kaushik (11-24-2015)
I belong to the category who stand with the talented. Reserve seats for the true talents and
not for anything else. We are practically experiencing that the caste system has left back
the creamy layer and it has led to brain-drain. we have already got a big jerk losing much of
our cream who are working for some other country and getting good emoluments for the
same.
Now, we are talking of reservation based on income. What is the surety that the poor
income group parents have good talents in their children. and how can be just overlook a

talented individual belonging to a high income group category. If this becomes the scenario,
how are we going to get benefitted ewith such a reservation? The high income group having
good talent would very easily fly away and search a better livelihood abroad. An approach
to add to the prevailing brain-drain.
Reservation is not going to benefit the nation. We have crossed the era when people were
rejected employment due to their caste or income or anything else. If at all such a case
occurs, the victim can approach legally and justice is better in these cases so far in our
country. The country would develop onlyif the reservations are altogether abolished and the
talent gets recognition.
If at all we are so much behind reservation, then we should ideally reserve seats for noncorrupt individuals. Corruption is the root-cause of many problems prevalent in our country.
Reserve seats for non-corrupt. A ray of hope that people might leave this poison named
corruption in lieu of reservation.
Debates could be many, points could be any in favour and against; but for the country to
prosper we need to recognize and reserve seats for the true talents.
RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? Hardik Parmar (11-26-2015)
I support caste based reservations.
Reservations are neither an economic upliftment program nor poverty allivation scheme. its
a social upliftment program & given to those people who are social backward from thousand
years because of cheap mentality of upper cast people. why i dont support income based
reservations bcos its unfair with SC/ST candidate. Upper cast poor is only poor while Lower
cast poor is Poor+Lower cast Label. In election, Nobody will vote for SC/ST candidate if
reservations was not there. However, SC/ST dont want reservation if people from general
cast treat them with respect & remove cheap mentality in their mind. Reservations comes
from Discrimination, not discrimination comes from reservations. Jai Bhim.
RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? nandyhazel (11-27-2015)
i agree caste based reservation.
because of the large number of rural ares there are lot of lower caste students is there and
they are cant get any knowledge for their future plan or life. they are also study but we all
must agree one thing, that is they are rejected by when they are born in this earth .so, if we
give chance to that type of people they are growth lower into upper.

thank you, by hazel

RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? Bijaya Kumar Mohanty (121-2015)
Govt should abolish the total reservation system and provide educational help for those
financial back ward and OBC/SC/STpeople to show their ability .
RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? Venu Agarwal (12-2-2015)
I am not in favor of Cast based reservation. It should be Income based reservation. There
are many talented and educated students, who belongs to the general category but
economically poor, are not getting admissions and job too.Many casts want to get qualified
as ST/SC/OBC and it can be stopped by Income based Reservation. Non poor persons are
getting benefit of this. Uneducated person of lower category are getting jobs.Income based
Reservation will exclude creamy layer from benefits.It will help and uplift the students who
are really talented.
RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? KRANTIVEER (12-11-2015)
According to my point of view that,reservation should be on the basis of caste
system.actully resevation policy is not for making good economical condition .it is only for
making equality in the society.you can also think that why reservation system made on the
caste system .why it was need that time ,why it was essential.it was essential that time
because of presence of caste basis descimination in our socity.and it is also running
present day in our society.if u really want to remove reservation system on the basis of
caste system then first of all u remove caste system of our society,then reservation system
automatically comes to the end point.
RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? sachin bhagwat (12-132015)
I agree with the favor with income based reservation because the people who have financial
problem cannot get job in case he is belongs to general categories so cast based
reservation should be stoped now
RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? Mahesh patil (12-14-2015)
I'm in the favour of income based reservation.
Again we have a chip mentality of lower and upper class category. Looking to another

countries they not support to castism. Taking the example of American president Barack
Obama who is also belong to backward class, who get lot of respect from all over world. So
I think reservation should be only for neddy poor people.
RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? sakshi samdani (12-152015)
According to me there should be no reservation at all.neither caste nor income
based.initially Dr. B. R. Ambedkar brought this reservation system for the sack of lower
caste community get recognised as at that time they were treated as untouchables. But now
all are equal. Students of all classes whether lower or upper enjoy their life together. The
cause for what this system made is at a level done and now it should be stopped as many ill
effects of this system is in front of us. Talented students from general class due to lack of
opportunities are commuting suicides or migrating to other countries due to reservation.
This has increased the problem of brain drain.the talent of India is working for other
countries. The creamy layer is taking advantage of this system and the poorer are left
behind empty handed. It has decreased the growth of our country. On the other hand ,
income based system is also not going to work due to corruption . people having higher
salary will make use of it. So the main cause of reservation will be finished. Rather the
money spent on this should be used to make people educated. To provide them schools ,
teachers and other useful things.
RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? nahida (12-18-2015)
"why reservation had been introduced to unfold devlopment from every corner of the
country, bt what the reservation has become- a political game of leaders and the common
weapon of the social discrimination and intolerance."
why this reservation? It detects th peopl belonging to the dark community and giving them
hand to join the main progressiv stream
is reservation a solutio, as it is like a favouratism on th which basis som less deservd are
facilitated mor easily nto career.
reservation says that if a reservd candidate secures unreservd seat then he got that leaving
his reservd seat for another reservd candidate. Does that not means we are picking more
backwrds throwing mor desrvd ones in dark?
Is reservation a solution?- giving discounts in selections, suppying foods, shelters, etc. can
never contribute in improving a talent. Devlopment doesnt lie in giving alms to the needy.
Then why reservation for those also, that also and so on.. There should b no reservation for
either or also.

today we all ar awar

RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? nahida (12-18-2015)
today we are all aware of the expensivness of quality education(education determins the
quality of career) intellectuals of remote areas seek genuin education in a city bcz of lack of
good iinstitutios in that area. Then what reservation can do if she cant even living expenses
other than the considerabl fees?
bpl, khadya suraksa, indira awas, cycle or other.. Can any one of them help her? The
investmnt in these schemes should b used in vigilance of no right to education but that right
to quality education.
Undeniabl, the worth of reservation lies in "social justice". Of course, it is only the
reservation which has brought many of the social inferiors to b recognised in the society. In
our country backwards hav been always lookd beneath. Thinking of them, handing them
and placing them in the devlopment stream is the main crux of reservation. So reservation
may b a solution bt ney the prereqesite of progress
RE: Caste or Income based Reservation- Which is Better? tuhina shah (01-18-2016)
According to me ,its time to abolish the reservation system at all. First of all, let me remind
you the motive of bringing reservation system in INDIA. It was to bring into light the weaker
sections of the society so that they do not get weaker and lost in the society when the
country was already facing an upliftment phase.Well i think that reservation system worked
as a boon that time and proved to be successful ,if we see it as of now.But now the time has
come when we all have started agreeing of EQUALITY in all sense..so why are we being
partial here.Everybody has their own skills and which should get recognition
everywhere.This system of reservation is a hurdle for opportunities to many people and the
undeserving seems to take away all the benefits.
Now the society has uplifted a lot and no reservation system should be there.WE SHOULD
EITHER NOT TALK ABOUT EQUALITY AT ALL OR SHOULD STICK TO THE IDEA OF IT,
IF FOLLOWED .

Does Indian Judiciary need a health checkup? (11-24-2015)

Does Indian Judiciary need a health checkup?

Sometime back the Supreme Court struck down an Act which amended the Constitution for
the formation of an independent commission, called the National Judicial Appointments
Commission (NJAC) to replace the collegium system of appointment of judges. The Act had
received the Presidential Assent. The reason to shoot down the Act was the presence of
executive members in the NJAC which violated the independence of the judiciary. On the
face of it, the Supreme Courts response looks very justified. But few factions in the society
are mulling over the thought of whether the judiciary wants reforms or not. Many have
voiced their concerns over the fact that there needs to be reform in the judiciary but nothing
seems to be getting done. On this backdrop it would be pertinent to discuss whether Indian
Judiciary has remained strong and healthy enough throughout so many years.
Yes. It is not healthy and needs reforms
1. The judicial system is no less corrupt than any other institution of the government. There
have been many allegations of the judiciary misusing its official position for personal gain.
2. Also the legal system has no self-correcting mechanism. Judges cant judge their
colleagues objectively and in the unlikely event of any judge being found guilty, the
impeachment process is complex and difficult.
3. The number of cases is piling with no end to it. Cases are not getting disposed off quickly.
Many lawyers intentionally make use of legal loopholes to prolong the trials.
4. Many under-trials are languishing in the jails pending trials.

5. The cost of justice is rising too. The poor cannot afford to get involved in court cases.
6. The legal technicalities sometimes are baffling to the common man.
7. No reforms are taking place. Indian judiciary has a self-regulating mechanism. Thus it
should be easy to undertake changes. But nothing seems to be done. With the recent
striking down of the NJAC Act, reforms are looking distant.
8. Judges appoint other judges. This can lead to opaqueness in appointments. The
collegium system is one such example which has attracted criticisms from many.
9. Some have even criticized the power of contempt of the court as a tool to suppress public
criticism.
No, it is healthy and needs no reforms
1. Since independence till now, the only institute which has been performing consistently is
the Indian Judiciary. And that is the reason why the eyes of the people always look with awe
and respect towards it.
2. There have been allegations of corruption against personnel of the judiciary, but no
government has ever initiated any major reforms for the lower class of employees in the
judiciary. This shows that whatever concerns all have are regarding higher judiciary and that
too in the appointments of the judges.
3. In case of appointments of judges, inclusion of executive opens the process to executive
influence and possible avenues of corruption. Apart from violating the independence of
judiciary there are chances of pressure from the government and other quarters which were
till now barred from interference into the judiciary.
4. Impeachment process has been made complex and difficult so as to preserve the
independence of the judiciary. If it had not been complex, the executive and the legislature
will have a field day and judiciary would become just another puppet in the hands of them.
5. In so many years since independence, only two incidences of impeachment have been

noted and that too have not been successful. In the latest case, the judiciary to protect its
reputation made the guilty judge to resign. This shows that the judiciary takes such matters
seriously to protect the institution.
6. The courts are the ultimate dispenser of justice for the common man, barring the
President who can reverse even the Supreme Court's decision. Such a great institution has
to be respected and protected from slander and meaningless criticisms which we can
generally see in politics. The power of contempt attempts to do so. It also keeps all in line
and makes sure that its decisions are carried out. Till today not many major incidences have
been noted of misuse of the power of contempt of court.
Looking at the above points, we can say that though the points have merit, there is no doubt
that the judiciary has always been there for the people; for e.g. during the times of
emergency, the PILs, crackdown on the authoritative attitude of the executive and
legislature, etc. Indian judiciary and its independence have served the nation well. Though
there are minor areas where reforms are necessary but no step should be taken to
encroach on its independence.
RE: Does Indian Judiciary need a health checkup? Deepa Kaushik (11-26-2015)
Indian judiciary does not only mean the selection of judges, but it includes every process
from selection and employment of staff upto providing justice to those approaching the
court. Due to the latest discussions on NJAC, a change from the prevailing collegium
system, the topic of Indian judicial system has come to the limelight.
Corruption has entered every sphere and so is the judicial system of our country. Corrupt
officials and corrupt workers are placed from the ground level staff to the topmost positions.
Their post determines the level of corruption and malfunctioning of the system. Just a
reformation in the procedure of selection of judges is not going to solve the problem.
The lawyers, court staff, judges and various other assissting co-workers are involved into
the judicial set-up. A single corrupt inmdividual amongst these can cause a big trauma to
the society in some or the other way. They definitely require to be uprooted to cleanse the
system.
Such health check-ups are required in every field which could unweed the corruption out of
the sectors. The judiciary system is no different. It is the major support to the citizens of the

country. Since it has supreme power being the independent judicial set-up, the health
check-up should fasten its pace in this judicial sector. The law and order situation in the
country can improve only if the complete judicial set-up is refined and not just the selection
of judges.

Tips to Prepare for Group Discussions (11-25-2015)

Tips to Prepare for Group Discussions

Group Discussion is an activity conducted to discover the abilities of candidates on the
basis of behavioral traits in a group. GDs provide the judges an opportunity to judge the
social skills, problem solving ability & presence of mind of a candidate, while he/ she
presents the ideas in a persuasive manner.
Why are GDs conducted?
- Group discussion portrays the knowledge of the individual by expressing one's beliefs and
ideologies in the negotiations held over a topic.
- It inculcates the ability to build up the strategic views of other's opinions over the same
topic.
- Your initiative, participation and contribution for a team-work are the focused areas of GD.
It helps in finding out, how one can function better as a part of team.
5 things to step up your GD Preparation:

1) Improve your general knowledge: There is no substitute for the general knowledge
during GD. Develop the voracity for reading in order to gather and collect the copious
information on several topics.
- Make good use of sources like Newspapers, Magazines & Books, Social Media & News
Portal.
- Take notes of important things. They will help you revise the topic.
- Based on what you have read, develop your own logical views about the topic.
- If you are short of views on a given topic, prefer to listen to others rather than initiating the
discussion.
2) Improve Communication/Soft Skills: In any kind of profession, listening and speaking
are the fundamental tools of communication stage.
- Communicating doesnt mean just speaking. Good communication skills need you to
possess excellent listening skills. Develop a habit of listening to others views.
- Read and step up your vocabulary. Using right words at the right place is half the battle
won while discussing a topic.
- Discussion with friends, colleagues, family members on daily basis on social, political or
general topics will help you build up your self-confidence.
- Sequence and continuity play an important role in keeping a discussion interesting. Make
a logical sequence of points you plan to speak up.
- Also, take a short note of what others speak. This will help you support or counter them
with your arguments.
3) Work upon your inter-personal skills: A candidate's behaviour, attitude and influence
over the entire team are examined through GD. Certain things that you can include in your
behavior are -

- Disagree politely. Use of phrases like I value what you say but I beg to differ here .. or
I possess a slightly different opinion on this..
- Avoid being aggressive & rude to your fellow speakers.
4) Raise your leadership quotient:
- Help in getting others a chance to speak. A useful phrase for this could be like, Miss X
has been trying to make a point, lets listen to what she has to say about this
- Politely stop letting anyone get rude to other speakers.
5) Work upon your body language: Actions speak louder than words is a phrase which
holds very true in Group discussion. Your body language in a GD should convey
enthusiasm & interest while being polite. Here are some body gestures that can help you
succeed in a GD:
- Tapping a pen on table or shaking your legs conveys nervousness. Avoid doing that.
- While looking into the eyes communicates confidence, staring at others is impolite.
- Raising your voice, pointing fingers at fellow speakers is considered impolite.

RE: Tips to Prepare for Group Discussions Pinky (11-26-2015)

One expects a meaningful debate by respecting others voice. Fighting and dominating is
essentially not entertained. We should contribute meaningfully and help arrive at a
consensus.
RE: Tips to Prepare for Group Discussions Triptahi (11-30-2015)
Always be yourself.
Body language is utmost important. Sit with a straight and confident posture.
Assertive yet humble.

Take initiative. Grab the opportunity to speak first, but take the move only if you have
complete knowledge of the subject.
Do not repeat a point, or be lengthy or irrelevant. Also intervene, if someone else is going
on an irrelevant track.
RE: Tips to Prepare for Group Discussions Jeetu (12-1-2015)
Nice GD tips
RE: Tips to Prepare for Group Discussions asha (12-17-2015)
its really useful tips
RE: Tips to Prepare for Group Discussions Venugopal (12-28-2015)
Both students some helps in gd tips
RE: Tips to Prepare for Group Discussions sushmita singh (01-17-2016)
its was very helpful tips of us...
thanks for such post

Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers? (10-122015)

Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by

writers?
"The purpose of a writer is to keep civilization from destroying itself." - Albert
Camus.
There has been a recent spur in the writers returning Sahitya Akademi Awards in protest.
The number has reached nearly to 20. It simply reminds the time when Rabindranath
Tagore renounced his title of 'Sir' in protest to Jallianwala Bagh massacre during the British
times. Though it is not British times and we have all the freedoms which we need, the
writers still felt that they are facing hostility from some factions of the society and have
taken to protests in the form of returning the awards.
But is this protest being done in an appropriate form as Sahitya Akademi Awards are one of
the highest level literary awards in the country; or is there no truth to the allegations by the
writers?
Yes
1. It is an appropriate response to the insecurities felt by the writers.
2. It is a symbolic show of protest against what writers feel as a growing disregard for
freedom of speech.
3. The writers can use the media or their writings to bring their problems in front of the
entire nation. However, they fear that some factions in society might turn hostile if they are
criticized. Writings of the writers might provoke hostilities by those fractions.
4. Thus we can see that what remains with a writer to do, if his writings are bone of
contention. This symbolic gesture thus shows the severity of the problem.
5. The violence and murders of writers with very different point of views was another issue.
Here we see that writings and difference of opinions itself got writers killed. So there was no
other way to protest. A strike might not have the same effect as the strike of petrol pumps or

doctors strike.
6. This gesture shows that one of the highest literary honors too is insufficient if the writers
feel that all spaces of liberal values and thought, all locations of dissent and dialogue, all
attempts at sanity and mutual trust are under assault.
7. This tradition of returning awards is not new in our country and has been going on since
the British times. So frowning at the writers to use this method is not fair.
No
1. It is irrelevant to return the awards. It will not have much effect.
2. Sahitya Akademi Awards were given by the Sahitya Akademi to writers and not by the
government. If an award is returned as a protest, it does not make sense as the
government did not give the awards. Had the award been awarded by the government, it
made sense to return.
3. If the writers want to protest they can do so in their writing. Many read what writers write.
This way they reach a majority of the population with their problems. Returning awards is of
no use.
4. The writers can also use media to make sure their plights reach the appropriate authority
and even the people come to know about them.
5. The writers are feeling that their liberal space is getting reduced. To address this issue,
entire nation is with them. They just need to initiate a dialogue with appropriate authority to
resolve the problem. They need not take such steps.
6. These steps are only making such awards political. This will have ramifications in the
future too. This can make these honorable awards a political tool.
7. In India, during the British times, whenever there was pressure on the writing space
provided to the writers, the writers reacted with their articles and generated public opinion
from their side. With the growing use of internet and good communication networks, the
writers can reach every nook and corner of the country in matter of hours. Such avenues of

protests must be used.

8. Also, more than returning the awards, scathing articles and criticisms can do a better job
of generating public opinion. If a writer is afraid then to hide identity, pen names can be
used.
"No tears in the writer, no tears in the reader. No surprise in the writer, no surprise in
the reader." - Robert Frost.
Such is the importance of writers. This is how they can have an impact on the people.
Various hostilities and problems of India have provoked writers and artists to protest against
and condemn the damage done to social fabric, communal harmony and creative life of
India. Not doing so will be failing in their duty. Literature in India has been a sort of
conscience-keeper of the country. Though returning awards may not be the most
appropriate kind of protest, it is a symbolic gesture which only aims to draw attention
towards the issues raised by the writers. This protest is not damaging public life and hence
instead of arguing if the protest is appropriate or not, we must focus on addressing
concerns of the writers.
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?fresco
(10-15-2015)
I don't agree that returning awards is the correct way to protest against Dadri lynching and
attacks against rationalists, saying protests should be organised on a mass scale.
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?Deepa
Kaushik (10-15-2015)
Returning the award is the symbolic representation of intolerance against the irresponsible
governance. The more the Government is maintaining a mute mode for all the henious
crimes occuring across the country. When a party promises a series of equations on their
election manifesto, they become answerable to the failure in fulfilling their promise.Law and
order is utmost important for any country. It is a unsaid promose while coming to
Governance of a country that they become answerable to the safety and security of their
citizens. When the reluctance is pronounced enough through the silence over the matter of
mysterious death of writers, it is very obvious to observe confrontation in some or the other
form.It is understandable that Sahitya Academy is not wrong anywhere, where the awards
are being returned. Still, the returning of awards got enough air to burn through the media

and attain required attention. It is the way chosen by other writers to show their anger and
frustation and they got pretty successful in their attempt to arouse their voice.Returning the
award is also accompanied by a heavy reasoning of showing intolerance against injustice
and improper Governance. The Government is indirectly been pressurised to address this
matter to give a proper explanation. Hence, it is correct on part of the writers in returning the
award.
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?shishir
pandey (10-18-2015)
i think this is not a proper way to sow their pain against the system , they should collect all
of the people and make a leader and ask government to talk on the issue , and u guys have
a special thing to connect with people , make connect with people and media as well. do not
give another point for politics ,,,
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?
Janardan (10-20-2015)
In my point of view writters had no other option than returning sahitya academy award. If
writer goes on strike no one notice, media people had no time to writters plight than
covering bihar election, stupid debates, PMs US Visit. If they write scathing Article there is
danger from faction people. This is the only option left to the writters.
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?
KRISHNA TRIPATHI (10-20-2015)
No, i don't think so it's a right kind of protest by writes bcoz it's an award which is given to
writers not to return and protest in this way & if u hv to protest use media , collect people
get their idea, you can use your books & through that you can also protest by writing your
opinion & no need to make it a political award.
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?md
Afsar Hussain (10-22-2015)
i think frnds , returing sahitya acedmy award is done only when dis genius had talk. returing
award was a right decision as if our society is thinking that they are foul and they are not
having knowledge then writers should not keep the award if society think that they are not
deserving ...
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?

jumbish afreen (10-30-2015)

returning the awards may not create a big havoc for the govt. officials but it does shows a
mark of protest,it shows that people are against these odds going on in the country.the
writers through their silence are raising their voice that if they can return such an
hounarable award then revolting wouldnt be a big issue.since these awards are of great
importance for them n it is their lifetime achievement.may not be on big scale but it has sure
brought restlessness in the prime ministers house.bcoz india is a secular country and if any
single community or any specific profession is facing terror residing here then its a matter of
thought
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?md
irfan (11-13-2015)
yes..I think so that it is a right kind of protest by writers,because every award worth
something.Writer and people of india don't feel safety after kulkarni face being by black ink
before launching of book release by former pak union minister ,lynching in dadri and murder
of rationalism in tharwaa and also scared about who is next targeted. I think not only writer
and also other people sholud also protest against them. After returning award by writer and
filmmaker
people are trying to know what are going in india?why writers and filmmaker return their
award?.People judges itself what should we do and what we don't?.
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?nasim
(11-15-2015)
I think returning sahotya acadmey award is not an apropirate way to protest against
intolerance because this award is not given by gvt but by the sahitya acadmey .teturning
award has not much efffect . To protest writer can also use their wiriting many people will
get awarness by articles of writters
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?
Prashant Triptahi (11-17-2015)
The fact that we are discussing about this proves that the action taken by writers has
worked. In my view, a writer believes in his powers to shape the thinking of every one of
his/her readers. The ability to do so is what makes a writer feel worthy. I completely agree
with the protest shown by top writers in the form of returning their awards. This move is not
political, it concerns the basic rights of a writer. If a writer can't openly express his views
due to the fear of getting shot like Narendra Dhabholkar and Govind Pansare, then I see no

point of writing at all. The written text is meant to provide thought provoking insights and if
other people misplacing their anger into killing writers for just expressing their views on
sensitive topics like superstitions is just plain wrong.
Further, I read views from people here saying that this is not the proper method of doing it
and they could have just done it online without dishonouring the academy. I must tell you
that even now, people don't take this seriously enough and a fair share don't even bother to
understand what has led to this rage in the writers community. Your twitter would have
trended for a day or two and vanished, like #MSGreleasingtoday. Hence, even though this
is not the proper way to spread the message but alas it is the best one available for our
writers to reach the masses and not just the literary community. If I was one of them, I
would be actively involved in the same.
Lastly, for why they are making such a hype with protests, I'd like to quote the great Mr.
Mandela, "When a man is denied the right to live the life he believes in, he has no choice
but to become an outlaw."
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?aastha
dixit (11-17-2015)
i agree to the previous post .i would like to add that it might be an appropriate way to protest
, as at least the problem should come in front of those people who appreciate " a pen is
mightier than a sword" , but how can the pen be mightier in case when it is not getting the
liberty to transform the real scenario into valuable writings,even their creatorsrs are living in
the fear of loosing their lives.
since sahitya academy award is an honour, and there is no use of giving honour to
someone in form of just an award, but he should also be honoured for his creations..what is
the need of such awards and honours then when we can't even face the reality.
it's really a matter of shame for all of us that the situation has reached upto the level that
they are compelled by their conscience to disrespect the most precious earnings of their
lives.
i support it , and hope that indian government does not stay in a dilemma like if it it has lost
its senses as always.
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?Kshitij
(12-14-2015)
Sometimes even the guns could not make such impact which a pen can make on the
world.It is also known as the biggest weapon in the modern era .SAHITYAKAR'S are the
one's who have power to shake the whole world just with there pen,they are the one who

are there,indirectly,who raises the issues of need and to be improved.I don't think they
should return there awards,instead of it they should write more and more about it and be
the cause for change and should make the country better,without any loopholes,instead of
returning their awards
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?vishnu
prasad (12-16-2015)
good evening
i think this is no effect on govt because govt does not give sahitya akadmi award by this
influence
this is great honour
RE: Returning Sahitya Akademi Awards - Is it a right kind of protest by writers?tuhina
shah (01-17-2016)
i completely agree with the post of mr.prashant tripathi. very well analysed and written.
indian writers are not bringing the political isues in between but they not left with any
option.people are saying that a pen could have been used as a medium to protest, but how
can this medium give positive results when WRITING, itself has lead to the attacks on
others.although this is quite disrespecting if see it as part of sahitya academi, but saving the
kinds of their own was prime motive rather than insulting the award giving academi.

Should Hindi be the official language of India? (01-8-2015)

Should Hindi be the official language of India?

Introduction
As per the Constitution, India is a multi-lingual nation. It has 22 languages. But people in
India give their first preference to English language. It is used as a medium of
communication in most of the schools and offices.
There has been a massive uproar by the Modi government asking the ministers and officials
to use the Hindi language everywhere. Mr. Modi gave his speech in Hindi at the Bhutanese
parliament during his first official overseas trip.
All the government offices in India will have a Hindi software installed in their systems.
According to the new government, all the officials and employees should be well-versed in
Hindi. The Ministry of External Affairs (MEA) is all set to promote Hindi as the official
language.
The National Language status for Hindi is a long debated subject across the nation
today.
Yes Hindi should be the official language.
1. Indian Constitution The Indian Constitution states that Hindi should be the official
language of India. It should be in Devanagari script. Still, many regions are not ready to
accept this fact.
2. Widely spoken Though India has 22 languages, Hindi is the most widely spoken
amongst all. Hindi is the 5th most widely spoken language in the world.
3. Hindustan India was previously known as Hindustan. The word itself implies that
India is the land of Hindi speaking people. Hence, it should be the official language of the
nation.
4. Identity Even before independence, Hindi was considered to be the official language.

Today, English is a global language but it does not mean that we should adopt it. We should
try to promote our own identity.
5. Rural India Around 75% of the country resides in villages where people are aware of
Hindi mostly. It would be tough for these people to accept English as their official language.
No Hindi should not be the official language.
1. No record Gujarat High Court has passed a statement saying that Hindi is not the
language of the country. The Constitution has stated Hindi as the official language and not
the national language. Hence, it is not necessary to use Hindi as the official language.
2. Multiple languages India follows multiple languages. For example, if a Tamilian joins a
job in some other region, he might have to speak the local language. If he joins an MNC, he
might have to speak English. Hence, English can be used as the common language for the
nation.
3. Right to speak Around 22 languages exist in this nation and, thus, people have the
right to speak in any of those languages.
4. Harmony Creating a debate upon a language to be official or not disturbs the harmony
of a nation. Our country is best known for its unity in diversity.
5.Foreign relations Instead of Hindi, English should be widely practiced in our country.
Government employees should be skilled in speaking English. It will also help improve
foreign communications.
Conclusion
The debate regarding the status of the official language of India is an ongoing process. One
group of people demand Hindi to be recognized as the official language and another
demand English. The Modi government is giving stress in promoting the Hindi language
across the country. Even though this is being criticized by certain political parties in Tamil
Nadu, the effort has gained a bit of success.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Deepa Kaushik (01-8-2015)

Continuing English as the official language of India is no harm. Still, we Indians have Hindi
as one of the languages of our country. Or, as said by Gujarat High Court that Hindi is not
the national language but the official language; then yes, to go by the words, we should
have Hindi as the official language. But we fail to give due respect to this official language.
Our youth finds it awkward to converse in Hindi. Especially the metropolis culture, the
young generation feels it to be an honour to utter their English vocabulary. And much more
shameful is the instance when we see many people dont know the language which is
popularly known as national / official language so far.
To consider our country as a single entity, we need to sum up our dialect under a common
head. Our constitution actually narrates Hindi language as the official language of the
Union along with the prevailing English language. And the English language was allowed
as the official language for 15 years from the commencement of the constitution. But it is
understandable that anybody could find it highly challenging to switch to a totally new
dialect on the official documents. In the preliminary note, we can have both the languages
for the written documents viz. forms, applications etc., but gradually this can be replaced by
Hindi and slowly we can adapt to this official language. This could have been done long
before with the consent of the President under rule.
None of the schools in India have Hindi compulsory till the senior secondary level
education. Many of our states still continue to oppose Hindi. They neither know to read,
write or speak the Hindi language and nor do they prefer to put any effort to this field. It is
really discouraging that being the citizens of the country we adapt some other lingua, the
English language for our official language and stand against one of the languages of our
own country so rigidly.
We cannot discuss for the different dialects used in India to come up for the official
language, as we do have the Article 343 supporting either English or Hindi to be the official
language. (Anyone interested can check the Article 343 in this link:
http://www.constitution.org/cons/india/p17343.html). It appears weird to categorise some
states as Hindi speaking and others as non-Hindi speaking ones. On perceiving things with
an honest and unprejudiced mind, yes, Hindi should be the official language; and if not to
take over alone, atleast we should add Hindi along with English for the official
documentation giving the honour to the language of our own country.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? rahul (01-8-2015)

we all know that english is a global language..so knowing english is actually advantageous
and good..as it helps in interacting with people outside the country..but it hurts when it is
used as an interaction medium within the country in some regions of the country.
yes i know according to constitution..both hindi and english are official languages of
india..but what was considered as the official language prior to independence?It was hindi
and it is still the most spoken language in india..though the percentage has degraded.So i
think we should try to promote hindi in non-hindi spoken regions harmoniously.
with due respect to all regional languages as well as english..we should try to encourage
people towards hindi..and include it as a subject in schools and motivate the non-students
to join free hindi classes and thereby save our IDENTITY.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Arun (09-1-2015)
India was named as Hindustan, not because of the Hindi speaking people.
Please refresh your knowledge on history.
There are other languages in south India which is more rich in terms of literature and the
amount of documents that they carry.
I would suggest Sanskrit should be the national language and not Hindi.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Arun (09-1-2015)
I DISAGREE with Rahul.
Hindi Killed Sanskrit as English is killing many of our regional languages.
It should be left to people and no language should be forced upon.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Bharti Narang (09-2-2015)
I am an Engineering Student.. As a student I feel that we youth should be well taught the
value of Hindi as our National/Official language.. Forcing people or youth perhaps may not
give expected results.. Making people understand,Teaching them and giving them
opportunities to speak Hindi and English both..
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? gopal agrawal (09-3-2015)
hindi known to the national language of all indians. but indians always prefer to use english
in all the transactions and speech. even job recuriters want a well english speaking
candidates. all the receipt on net and websites of even indian goverment are by default in
english. hindi is always an option in the box and english is always by default. but hindi is
said to be the most ancient language of indians. after sanskrit the ancient well known

language is hindi. and also in many parts of the country where people seems to be refrain
from english and do not know the state locality language there hindi is always considered
best for the communication. even the foreigners who visit india always are eager to know
indian culture and learn hindi and finds peace within themselves learning the language.
but with the modernization and the social media impact people trends to conserve in
english. but being india goverment emphasizes the use of hindi language in all the
transaction as it may vindicate two things.
1) a large part of indians especially the aged people and people from the rural area do not
know english and thus for them every receipt in hindi will allow them to know the actual
matter going on.
2) all the youths today prefer english over hindi thus making hindi offical language will force
them to learn hindi by default. and infact in future a situation may arise where english
spoken classes will be replaced by the hindi speaking classes. thus in this way a neutral
balanced solution comes with the preservation of both the languages hindi and english.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Vivek poddar (09-4-2015)
hindi should be accepted as official language because about 70-75% people are just can
speak or understand hindi and offcourse our country is called as hindustan and if we
stressing more to other language then it just show our affinity towards other culture and in
own country most of people feel like stranger...,
so i think hindi must be accepted as official language and for foreign relationship it must he
flexible in way to communicate in english too..thats it.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Rajesh (09-4-2015)
Hi i am a engineering students. Yes hindi should become the official language in india.
Because i known big part of our country's people don't able to speak in English. And
therefore they can not get the jobs so this is bad for their.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? anita (09-14-2015)
I am engineering student .firstly I want Hindi becomes official language .75% peoples speak
and understand Hindi .all world know a big part of India use Hindi language . When Hindi is
become as official language then we become a different image in all world .many people
are say (Hindi mhari matr bhasa h) .
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? pankaj shama (09-15-2015)
yes hindi must b official language , its not because of constitution , its because it is widely

spoken language in India , mostly in villages people do not knows english ,if they have to
work in other region they have to face problem in official work ,hence documentation must
be done in hindi and regional language . it make no harm to regional languages contrary to
it help him to communicate in other part of India , where they hesitate to go
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Diove (09-17-2015)
for south Indians Hindi is not important.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? SWATI GUPTA (09-17-2015)
I have read over all the comments.. I found that all are in support of Hindi that Hindi should
be a official; language.. before i will start i want to ask who all have given their interviews in
Hindi and who all have competed their degree by writing papers in Hindi. what type of
newspaper you guys read.
We are well aware of the fact that we are developing country and we want global support to
compete with the world. if we will restrict our youth to stick to Sanskrit or Hindi than how we
suppose to say we support global development. i am not against to Hindi in fact being a
Citizen of India i proud on our Country that we have a capability to adopt 22 local
Languages without any discrimination. Our youth is well competent to hight within the
country and with the country and beyond the country. we are the youth who support
development. if we will restrict to one language that it will not only hampers our
development but carrier growth of the Country. today we feel so proud because Indian are
progressing all over the world, like Narinder Singh Kapany,Salman Rushdie, S.
Chandrasekhar, Amartya Sen, Rohinton Mistry,Venkatraman Ramakrishnan, Mira Nair,
Sundar Pichai and many more...
They make India Proud, they make us proud. they reflects that it is not important what
language we speaks what important is that we are Indian and making our country proud.
My point of view is we should not bother what is our national language or what is our official
language, we should worried about the short comes and hurdles which delay our country's
progress. we should save our country from crime against women, against corruption,
against lack of implementation of law and order.
we are unite, we should think of making our country proud, developed, fear free,
prosperous. its time to widen the thinking and work for country. who says if we will not

speak Hindi then we will disrespect our country. i say person who are from India and
progressing outside country they 2 make our country proud.
my perspective is that language is just a way of addressing our thoughts it does not address
once country. our acts and deeds represents our country.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Raushan singh (09-17-2015)
yes,because you know in india 70-75% people blongs to hindi and they easly understand of
hindi ,and about english it is global launguage it only know for communication by other
country not all work on english ,if we want to devlop our country so we should part of our
country and max people are more comfortable by hindi so why we not use hindi and we
also know hindi cause some problem for our south states ,so if they learnt english so why
they are not learning hindi.so i want to say that one language is very important for our
devlopment because you know other countries give priority their own laungauge such
as:china -chines,japan-japanies,germany-german etc and all are happy and more powerful
country
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Sandesh (09-20-2015)
yes, Hindi should be official language because its our national language not English. 70%
people in Indian knows Hindi. If we use English before independence I think its OK but We
got independence and now its time we should promote our language. Once Japanese
Prime Minister asked Dr. Manmohan Singh in UNO 2002 "why do you use English you have
your own language? We all talk in our own language China use Chinese, Japan use
Japanese but u don't use Hindi." Dr. Manmohan Singh replied,"If I talk in Hindi no one
understand what i am saying." and the Junichiro( Prime Minister of Japan) said,"We all
have language converter for that just be you." and I think its very embarrassing moment.
Look at country like China they only use their language, they have all their websites, books
and other things like their mobile is in Chinese language and the result it helps them to be
independent they are not depend on others for success. We also should try like this.
Promote our self and be successful.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Mridul (09-20-2015)
why should hindi be the only official language of india? Are kannada, tamil, marathi etc.,
which are older and much more original than hindi, not indian languages? is speaking
telugu or malayalam anti-national? why can't we have multiple official languages like
singapore and switzerland, both are developed countries. Why do north indians hate other

indian languages? How can you call yourself indian when you hate all indian languages
other than hindi? what is the point of diversity when you promote only hindi and kill all other
indian languages.
We can have 22 official languages easily. We can create lot of jobs for translating between
languages. North Indians should also study a second indian language, only then will other
indians learn hindi. Then every indian would know two indian languages, with hindi as
common language. But the real problem currently is the reluctance of hindi speakers to
learn another indian langauge (can be bengali, tamil, kannada or any language).
The real traitors of bharat are hindi speakers bcz they want to kill bharat mata's 21
languages, just like how muslim invaders and british killed sanskrit and prakrit.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Khushi (10-15-2015)
English is good to communicate the people of other country but what we people are doing,
we are trying to make it our native lanuage. If a person speaks english then we see that
person with a diffrent look rather than a person who speaks english. Nos of hindi medium
schools are decreasing beacause everyone wants to learn english wants to speak fluently
so that he or she can get good employment
We think only about us. Why we do not think about our nation. We should try to promote
hindi which is our native language
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? ashish mahuri (10-19-2015)
we are working with multi national companies around the world ....so if need to
communicate in english bcoz english is the most useful language and known in every
country
i am not not saying ki hidi is bad but if we try to communicate in hindi so we are saturate in
india
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Prajod (12-29-2015)
I know Hindi is spoken widely but only 41% of the Indian population speaks it. We consider
them as our brothers and sisters but they are imposing their culture upon us. Please, our
Identity lies in our Diverse Nation.
UNITY IN DIVERSITY.
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Adi Sis (01-16-2016)

Yes, Hindi should be the official language of India because first, it is understood by 80%
people of our country.Second,though English is given much importance thanHindi but we
should never forget that we are Indians not britisher.So, we should promote it rather than
treating it as second language.
we usually say that japan is very well develop country but we try to find out that why it is so
developed.the reason that japan is progressing is that the people of japan never treat their
language as "SECOND"language.
So we should accept "HINDI"as our official language totake India in the direction of
progress
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? Aditi Sharma (01-16-2016)
Yes, Hindi should be the official language of India because first, it is understood by 80%
people of our country.Second,why English is given so much importance than Hindi.?By
giving importance to english we always prove that till now we are under British rule and we
also enjoy it.
We usually say that Japan is very well develop country but we never try to find out that why
it is so developed.The reason behind its progress is that the people of Japan never treat
their language as "SECOND"language.
So we should accept "HINDI"as our official language and also respect it, to take India in the
direction of progress
RE: Should Hindi be the official language of India? sreedeep mohanta (01-17-2016)
human invented languages for easy and effective communication. as globalisation is at its
peak nowadays, in my opinion we should use the language which maximum people around
the world could understand ! as English is one of the most known and widely used language
hence it should be used as our official language .. here in India we people are very much
familiar with hindi , hence making it our national language should not face such dilemma !!
majority of people who are opposing it are south indian, my question for them , if they could
learn understand English very well , which is introduce some mere 300 years back , why
cannot they learn Hindi !!
just read a short story titled " the last lesson " - Alphonse Daudet

Marketing or Quality Whats more important to sell a product? (12-28-2015)

Marketing or Quality Whats more important to sell a product?

Marketing has become the mantra for corporate houses looking to unleash new products

and services on customers without doing their homework. Slick ads targeting users have
come about in a bid to make up for quality with quantity and tons of itat that. Vast number
of print, media and audiovisual ads are used to channelize the buyers interests and capture
his or her attention. But how far does slick marketing actually translate into record sales?
Can marketing a product well cover up its flaws? Or is a product only as good as the
promotional jingle supporting it? It is time to examine this matter from different angles and
see whether it is marketing or the quality that is more important, and what really makes a
product or service tick?
Marketing Helps Product Sales
1. You can sell flawed products with flawless ads : Marketing has become part of a
consumers life and you see so many marketing schemes across various forms of media.
They not only catch the customers attention, but sustain it as well. This ensures that
products are only as important as the marketing campaign unleashed to promote them.
After all, fairness creams promise the impossible and yet find buyers on the strength of
picture perfect ads promising the moon.
2. Marketing introduces the product : Rather than quality, the calling card of any product
has become its marketing tagline. Any product is only as good (or bad) as the strength and
appeal of its marketing campaign
3. Promoting products through celebrities helps: Studies have shown that buyers will
be more readily persuaded by well known figures and those they have a positive perception
of. No wonder celebrity endorsements are on the rise. Marketing is the art of promoting
products or services to prospects and potential customers.
4. Sans marketing, even the best products would remain unknown: Regardless of the
quality of a product, if the marketing campaign is not in place, even the best products of the
top most quality would remain unknown to consumers.
To make the customers try a new product and feel its quality, it is important to make him buy
it one time. Promotions play an important role here!
5. Without marketing, sales is impossible : If you do not market a product, how will it
sell? Without marketing, sales may fall and companies will have to face undeniable losses.

Sales is only possible if people are aware of the product or service and its various features
and advantages. Quality was never as important as the tone of the marketing product.
Thousands of flawed products or services which have health risks find takers on the
strength of marketing campaigns. Consider the destruction unleashed by caffeine high
energy drinks, consuming several of which have been linked to death and destruction of
brain cells. Yet, people are enamoured of such drinks and frequently resort to them for an
energy boost on the strength of an attractive marketing campaign.
Quality is more important
1. Maintaining customer base is only possible with quality: Only if the product has a
certain quality and meets certain standards and requirements will it attract buyers. To
maintain steady consumer demand and a customer base, quality is the prime consideration.
If your product or service is flawed in some way, no amount of marketing will help.
You can get one time sale with a promotion but repeat sales come only when the quality is
good. Word of mouth can also have a negative impact, if the quality of your product is substandard.
2. Customer satisfaction is equated with quality : Customer satisfaction is only possible
if the product or service is of a certain top quality. In the absence of quality control, a
marketing campaign may attract customer attention, but it will not attain customer
satisfaction.
3. Faulty goods have to be replaced : No matter how persuasive and interesting a
marketing campaign is, quality goods speak for themselves. If a product or service is faulty,
the customer is well within his or her rights to demand a compensation and this can cut into
sales and harm business.
4. Without quality, marketing is hollow : Customers can take companies to consumer
courts for making false promises in marketing campaigns. This can create a situation where
marketing alone will not counter the needs or demands of the customer. In the absence of
quality, marketing is just a hollow promise with no real meaning.
Conclusion

Celebrity endorsements are the flavour of the day. From sports persons to actors, everyone
worth their salt is espousing some product or service to the public. How far these products
actually meet the promises made in the marketing campaign remains questionable. Despite
this, brisk sales and customer loyalty are the result of slick ad campaigns unleashed on the
unsuspecting public. It is all very well to uphold the caveat that the buyer needs to be
beware, but with so many clever marketing slogans and ads, does he or she stand a
chance?
Quality should be the most important consideration for the success of any product or
service. Unfortunately, marketing is the real standard by which products or services
success or failure is determined.
RE: Marketing or Quality Whats more important to sell a product? Prasenjit Basak
(12-29-2015)
According to me both are inter-related with each other because marketing of a product will
grab the attention of the customer than only a customer will willing to buy that product after
that we will focus on quality of service. Maintaining the base of a customer is very important
and satisfaction of the customer is also important because if the customer will not satisfy
than he will definitely create word of mouth and he will tell to more people about the service
which will be negative impact on the product than there will be no uses of marketing
campaign of the product. So, it should be balance with each other.
RE: Marketing or Quality Whats more important to sell a product? Deepa Kaushik
(12-31-2015)
Quality itself promotes marketing. The parameters are not very much relevant to be
compared with respect to sale of any product. The marketing and quality aspect in the sale
of the products are interdependent. Better the quality, the product would catch up the
market by word of mouth.
We are living in a high-tech era of internet and online sales. Every marketing app provides
the option for the customer feedback for every product. This itself gives spark to the
marketing. Again better the quality, better would be the customer satisfaction index and the
product would get better sales output.
It is the aggressive marketing era where people have forgot all the ethics of sales and
product promotion. The marketing should be based on two factors the primary being the

quality index and the second being the product promotion. But the sales world has forgot
everything and all they remember is the enhancement in the sales output by hook or crook.
They dont care about the customer satisfaction or their ease of time. The telesales and
online sales have eaten up the privacy of the individuals and cheating through hyped
promotion of the products have become prevalent.
Though the marketing strategy is getting uglier day-by-day, still we cannot deny the
importance of quality in the product sales.
RE: Marketing or Quality Whats more important to sell a product? shriya (01-142016)
Marketing is definitely important to sell a product.Buyers can only be induced to buy a
certain product only when there is awareness and a market for the product.
Almost all the celebrities and known faces are promoting one or the other product.and
people will buy a product if it is advertised by a known face.
A quality deficient product could be sold through marketing but a good quality product
cannot be sold without marketing.
there should be emphasis on quality but marketing helps more.

Indian expenditure on defence is justified! (01-14-2016)

Indian expenditure on defence is justified!

Indian expenditure on defence is necessary. A country as large and diverse as the nation
needs to have well established systems of defence and security in place to protect national
interests. However, India also has record number of people living below poverty line and
problems such as lack of education and infrastructure.
With such a massive need for growth and development, is expenditure on defence justified?
Especially with no wars in the offing in the present future. But Indias contentious relations
with Pakistan point to the crying need for a well organised and systematic defence system
in place. Let us examine if money well spent is how one can define Indian defence
expenditure.
Yes
1. India aspires for superpower status - This can only be attained if India has well
established defence systems in place. Indias aspiration for the regional power status and
key player in international affairs can only be achieved through rising military expenditure.
2. Rising regional tensions - In light of rising regional tensions, India needs to safeguard
and protect its national interests. This is only possible through a healthy budget for defence
expenditure.
3. Increasing number of mishaps - There are rising number of numerous arms of defence
forces which provide information regarding the stock the nation currently has. But
substandard equipment has led to mishaps and only healthy defence expenditure can undo
the damage.
4. Terror threat - With increasing terror attacks such as those in Gurdaspur and Pathankot,
increasing defence expenditure is fully justified.
5. Other countries are also advancing - Defence expenditure is an area where many
other nations have advanced beyond a certain point. India needs to stay ahead in the game
or risk losing supremacy in the defence sector.

No
1. India has many sectors such as education and healthcare - There are many sectors
besides defence where expenditure is totally justified and indeed, a better way to safeguard
national interests. Fields such as education, healthcare and science as well as technology
have the capacity to revolutionise the growth of the country and protect national interests.
Moreover, quality of life for the citizen will be enhanced if less is spent on defence and more
on social welfare sectors.
2. Socioeconomic conditions also contribute to peace and welfare - Rather than
defence expenditure, spending on improving the socio-economic conditions is also a good
way to counter armed conflict.
3. Stockpiling useless military equipment is futile - Stockpiling of military equipment is
useless in the event of nearly peaceful conditions in India and its relations with most of the
neighbours.
Conclusion
Defence expenditure is important to protect the national interests of the country. So is
socioeconomic investment such as poverty alleviation programmes. India has pressing
problems such as lack of education, sanitation and infrastructure. This is why defence
expenditure should be balanced with spending of money in other sectors for progressive
advancement of the nation. At the same time, defence expenditure is necessary for
protection of regional and national interests. Defence arms, ammunitions and forces act as
a strong and powerful deterrent against future terror attacks and armed conflict both within
and outside the nation. Therefore, some amount of money needs to be sanctioned and
allocated for expenditure in the defence sector.
Also, India lacks upgraded defence equipment. Many of the Indian naval ships and
submarines follow the old model of construction and technology. They are of no use to a
progressive country. Further, defence is a sector on which there is considerable expenditure
across nations. Many other countries are advancing in the field of defence technologies and
India has to keep up. Balanced expenditure on growth and defence will sustain India and
ensure its continued growth and advancement.

Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics (08-3-2012)

Commercialization of Medical services - Good or bad?
Technology Creates Income Disparities
Celebrities should be welcomed in politics
Winning is what matters, whatever may be the cost
B-Schools should aim at creating entrepreneurs
A room without books is like a body without soul
Increasing no. of Engg. Colleges is a boon to society
Educated Indians lack national commitment
A university is what a college becomes when the faculty loses interest in teaching the students
Facebooking : A time pass actitivity

RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics Anonymous Mallu
(10-5-2013)
influence of automation in quality of a product
RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics PALAK SINHA (0817-2014)
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RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics dinesh (08-222015)
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RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics gaurav singla (0823-2015)
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RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics subhadeep Roy
(09-9-2015)
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RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics gayathri (09-112015)

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RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics Mukul (09-15-2015)
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RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics dhumal ajit (09-242015)
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RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics DIVYA DEVI
PRAVEEN KUMAR (09-30-2015)
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RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics DIVYA DEVI
PRAVEEN KUMAR (09-30-2015)
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RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics pravallika (10-52015)
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RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students - GD Topics raj (12-7-2015)
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RE: Group discussion topics for engineering students ece branch- GD Topics j
swaroopa (12-19-2015)
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Disinvestment of PSUs is like selling the family silver! (01-6-2016)

Disinvestment of PSUs is like selling the family silver!

Is PSU disinvestment amounting to selling the family silver or is it a mere piggy bank?
PSUs refer to government owned corporation and are owned by Union Government of India
or of state or territorial governments or both in a partnership.
Economic policy had earlier advocated Government interaction and higher ownership in
companies and industries to create balanced economic development. This was at a time
when private sector could not commit sufficient capital. But now times have changed and
the bigger debate centres around whether selling stakes in PSUs can be a way out to
compensate for structural problems and operational efficiency brought about by
Government ownership?
Let us see whether disinvestment is all about selling precious national resources or righting
the balance between government and private control?
Yes
1. Disinvesting profit making PSUs will result in losses - There will be loss of dividend
earning for governments which are disinvesting profit making public sector enterprises.
Currently, the expenditure of the government far exceeds its revenue and selling the stake
of profit making PSEs will lead to squeezing of the revenue sources for the government.
This will result in higher fiscal deficit. Loss of revenue from disinvestment will not always be
compensated by capital appreciation gains. Equity shares are sold at higher prices in the
market and only then is higher revenue generated for the government. Moreover, dividend
earning from PSUs is coupled with expenditure which nullifies the effect of dividend
earnings.
2. Benefits of disinvestment are largely appropriated by the corporate sector
-Nationwide survey by NCAER has indicated only 0.5% Aam Admi retail participation in the
equity markets. Benefits of disinvestment are mainly snared by corporate houses and large
institutional investors. A widespread contention is also that disinvestment is done for
benefiting corporates who fund political parties in return.

3. Funds received from disinvestment are used for financing fiscal deficit -This is a
move that is bad for the economy because its like selling family jewellery to finance a short
term expenditure on something small and insignificant. Disinvestment income is a one time
income to create production capacity within the economy. However, current returns on
these investments is low so it is important to use funds in social sector scheme rather than
locking capital within asset. To reduce the fiscal deficit, eventually the government has to
reduce expenditure.
Wasteful revenue expenditure is what becomes the eventual fate of this capital rather than
increasing the production capacity of an economy.
4. Tax rate in PSUs is higher - Corporate houses shell out less in terms of tax returns
while PSUs are charged with higher tax rates. Disinvestment goes one step further in
capitalising on PSUs and feting corporates at their cost.
5. Profit making PSUs are already making money - Profit making PSUs should not be
disinvested as they are performing well.
6. Job losses are an unavoidable consequence - PSU disinvestment comes with a riderjob losses are a natural consequence for the employees when privatisation sets in.
7. Disinvestment can lead to private monopolies - Monopoly after disinvestment is
apparent in many cases such as VSNL.
8. PSUs being sold at cheap prices -PSUs are being sold to preferred parties at cheap
prices and there is need to bring transparency in the disinvestment policy. Without it, selling
PSUs is like selling treasured heirlooms for cheap trinkets.
9. Disinvestment in name only - To complete the target of disinvestment, government has
sold stake of PSEs to other PSUs. The sum total result of this is that government ownership
remains which is counterproductive considering the aim of disinvestment is privatisation.
10. Loss of regular income for government - Selling stakes in profit making and dividend
paying PSUs will result in regular income loss for the government. Bulk sales of stakes lead
to lesser sale values than anticipated.

11. Right of Citizens should be protected -Citizens have every right to own part of the
share of PSUs. Big corporate houses may get this privilege instead.
No
1. Disinvestment raises valuable resources for government - This can be used to
reduce fiscal deficit and cause the government to garner more resources for infrastructure
development.
2. Lean government is clean government - Disinvestment will ensure that government
ownership is limited to only certain organisations. It will also result in reduction in number of
ministries and bureaucrats.
3. Greater efficiency - Another good point which ensures disinvestment is not about selling
precious resources is that privatising these organisations will only increase their efficiency
and effectiveness levels.
4. Government gets to spend on development - Disinvestment frees up governments
spending capacity in key areas such as military and welfare.
5. Disinvestment is part of major structural reforms - Government initiated structural
reforms in the 1990s such as liberalisation and opening of foreign trade. Disinvestment was
a welcome addition to this. It also sought to increase competitiveness of public sector
undertakings and creating investments and job opportunities.
Conclusion
Nearly 70% of the Indian banking sector is dominated by PSUs and there are as many as
250 government owned PSUs accounting for 22% of the GDP of the nation. Other key
areas where government has significant control include petroleum, coal, crude, power and
defence. These are areas where privatisation is not in national interest. Anything in excess
is bad and this includes disinvestment. Rather than selling profit making PSUs, the focus
should be on turning around sick PSUs. The cure lies in seeking a lasting remedy rather
than just a quick fix.
RE: Disinvestment of PSUs is like selling the family silver! Deepa Kaushik (01-11-

2016)
It is understandable that some public sector undertaking should not be put under
disinvestment for ensuring public interest or national security. But this is mostly an
economic / business decision and should not be mixed with emotional decision (including
vote bank politics). Most people in our country believe in buying gold and silver on festivals
and occasions (like weddings) and in majority of cases this gold or silver becomes a
blocked asset, as it is either used as jewellery or kept under lock and key either at house or
bank; only in case of dire emergency it is sold or mortgaged. Thinking that selling a
company or its shares is like selling family silver is wrong, if the value of the asset i.e.
shares is allowed to deteriorate as has happened then how is this sensible?
When it comes to disinvestment of PSUs, one needs to understand that they will be very
low take up in the market if the PSUs subject to disinvestment is making losses and has
accumulated huge debts to pay, so the Government would need to look at profitable PSUs
to make this successful.
In any case, I believe that the efficiency of PSUs and thus the benefit for end users will
increase once the management changes hand. Private enterprises are always motivated to
work on efficiency and effectiveness to improve revenues, reduce costs and meet customer
expectations in order to survive. Given an opportunity for the market forces to act freely,
they will bring about healthy competition thus competitiveness, which at the end are good
for both customers, Industry & the economy.
There should of course be some restriction on FDI in companies/industries where public
interest or national security can be affected. Also, it is not necessary to sell 100% shares to
private sector. Where the Government wants to keep the decision making under its control it
can still do so by ensuring that it retains 51% of the shares and only releasing up to 49% for
public subscription. Also understand that this will ease budgetary constraints for the
Government in providing capital and loans to 100% Government owned PSUs, but so far
this has been mostly supported by government backed corporations (for instance LIC).

Technology is killing human imagination! (01-4-2016)

Technology is killing human imagination!

Noted scientist and thinker Albert Einstein has stressed that imagination is more important
than knowledge. This is because knowledge is limited to what is known and understood
while imagination embraces the world and points to all there ever will be to know and
understand.
But technology has changed the way people approach everything from online sales to
writing. Has technology changed us for the better or the worse when it comes to furthering
the cause of the human imagination? Let us explore the depth of the issue underlying the
tradeoff between creativity and technology.
Yes, technology has replaced creativity with piracy.
1. Computing has replaced creativity- Computers and the incessant use of technology
have restricted the sphere of knowledge and creativity to the screen. This has lowered the
application of human creativity and imagination in all spheres
2. These are no longer original -Any thesis or academic writing is no longer original
because the computer and the internet has made it easy to access academic information at
any given point in time. This restricts human imagination and creativity in academic
settings. Replication of information has become easy and intellectual data theft is rampant
thanks to technology
3. Piracy has become widespread - Perhaps the biggest obstacle in giving a free rein to
human imagination has been the use of pirated software and products in the market. Data
theft has become a common problem across creative fields such as movie making and
fiction writing thanks to piracy and the influx of technology. Software packages are also
replicated causing tremendous losses in terms of reduced programming creativity and
revenue damage.
4. Technology has made mass scale replication possible -Technology has made it
possible to replicate on a mass scale, and this mass market production limits the role of
human creativity and imagination in every field from education to science and

manufacturing.
5. Technology has stifled creativity - Thanks to the presence of graphics software and
other technological advancements, creativity and originality have gone for a toss.
Replicating the Mona Lisa or Van Goghs Sunflowers is now possible with the click of a
mouse.
6. Special effects cancel out human imagination and creativity - Technology has
mechanised everything from music to film making and there is no scope for innovation or
human creativity to take flight. Technology has deadened the creative process through short
cuts in production methods which create artificial offerings that cannot match the originality
of past products. From recycled plots to fake special effects, the entertainment and mass
media industry has undergone a negative change thanks to technology.
No, technology improves communication and gets new ideas!
1. Technology is a platform for talent - Technology has made many innovations possible
in fields as diverse as music, entertainment and film-making. It has expanded the scope
and power of human imagination by enhancing the limits to which one can go in the creative
process.
2. From health to science, technology has made innovation possible -Technology has
furthered the cause of human innovation and imagination in fields as far apart as philosophy
and molecular biology. Advancement of technologies has also helped in the growth of the
health sector and enabled healthcare to become life prolonging. Using scientific creativity
and human innovation, biotechnology has revolutionised the field of pharma and healthcare.
3. Technology helps human imagination to grow - Technology is not limiting creativity;
rather it is helping this to grow. This is because technology helps businesses to grow and
expand thereby becoming more capable of providing scope for the full potential of human
creativity.
4. Communication becomes easier, imagination gets a boost - Technology has also
boosted communication which facilitates creativity through the spread of knowledge and
ideas across the globe. Sharing ideas is the key to forming insights, and many famous
inventors have taken inspiration from past innovations. Technology has quickened the pace

of communication and provided online knowledge industry which is thriving and enhancing
human creativity by leaps and bounds.
Conclusion
Technology has only unleashed the power and potential of human creativity and
imagination. From making films and documentaries to composing great works of music and
art to even scientific innovations, technology has liberated human imagination and provided
a complete scope for aiding the creativity of man. Only societies which are progressive and
technologically advanced can hope to tap the power of human creativity. There is no room
in todays world for outdated methods. Across a globe where technology is even used to
fight elections and wars, the cause of human imagination can be advanced through the
progress and growth of technology. To see technology as a counter to human creativity is to
misunderstand its very essence- which is the expansion of innovation that gives a free rein
to human imagination.

RE: Technology is killing human imagination! MUKUL SHARMA (01-5-2016)

I do not agree with the subject. Technology actually is a display of imagination.When we are
unable to express with words ,technology comes to our rescue. We are today more
developed, imaginative than our fore fathers is only because of technology.Manipulating
technology we can move to a more advanced world.The essence of technology can be felt
in almost every sphere of our life.
RE: Technology is killing human imagination! Deepa Kaushik (01-5-2016)
Technology is an aid to the mankind. As far as human consider technology as an aid, it
would make living better. The killing of imaginations or making people dumb happens when
man gets slave to the hands of technology. The debate is very much similar to whether
technology is a boon or curse.
The basis of life revolves around individual perception. Technology should be handled as
puppet on human hands. Human should not be dancing according to the machines and the
mechanical requirements. The more technology has sophisticated living, more the humans
are getting slaves to technology. This is the main reason for the loss of human imaginations
and creative power.

Very correctly said, humans have created the technology. Every scientific invention and
discovery is the imagination and creation of human mind. Technology should be used as a
tool to develop and invent better techniques. Those who treat technology as a tool get a
better help and living, rather than those who restrict themselves and get tied to the
technology. The one who fails to dream is the one who has lost the charm of being human
and lost all the power of imagination.
RE: Technology is killing human imagination! kanhai kumar (01-5-2016)
According to me technology is catalyst for human imagination. Technology help human to
imagine beyond their imagination. Technology necessity feels essential when we are talking
about lattice structure of a molecule , bio engineering , to solve the mystery of universe
creation, black hole formation etc. How a human can imagine that what actually happen
inside the molecular structure without help of technology. Could we able to think about god
particle without advanced technology.
So my conclusion is technology helps to enhance human imagination, and it is display of
human imagination.

Ban on diesel vehicles : Pros & Cons (12-18-2015)

Ban on diesel vehicles : Pros & Cons

Introduction:

The National Green Tribunal has issued a ban on the registration of a

vehicle in the capital city, New Delhi. Rising level of pollution has trigg

this temporary measure to start bringing about changes that could pu

control.

This order has come down heavily upon auto companies and dealers

investments lying at the risk of loss if this law is passed to be made pe

decision if now under scrutiny until next hearing, it would mean huge
giants who would not be able to sell diesel vehicles.
However, it is also being said that this ban would not bring about any

the pollution level of the city and that the decision would affect investm

country. Fall in diesel prices as compared to petrol prices have encou

buy diesel vehicles but this step is about to upset almost everyone wh
vehicles were an escape.
Pros:

1. The makers and manufacturers would have worked up plans to ma

a little less pollution emitting but the fact that they still contribute great

in Delhi, making it a gas trap where breathing involves risks. They mig

smoky, noisy or slow as was the case earlier, but they still are and wil
major contributor of pollution.

2. The very fact that diesel vehicles are more economical as compare
a cause for alarm. Large number of people find these cars affordable

buy and use them for commuting on a daily basis which is easily poss

transport. Increasing number of vehicles in a city already jammed by s

the long run.

3. Centre for Science and Environment (CSE) has stated that this ban

that diesel was in fact never meant for private cars. It was intended on

transport of heavy goods. It should have always been confined for ind

never for private transport. It is true that this measure alone would not

restraint on the pollution of Delhi but a start is better than nothing at a

4. The European Union had experimented with diesel in the 90s and f

between carbon dioxide (Co2) and Nitrogen oxides (Nox) is not the le

one hand, diesel was found to produce lesser carbon dioxide and hen

warming effects but on the other hand higher nitrogen oxides produce
cancerous diseases in humans.

5. London and Paris have already followed the progress and called up

remove diesel vehicles from roads to prevent people mainly children f

some point of time, we will also need to address this issue and soone

beginning with a ban on registration and renewal of these vehicles, th

taken the correct first measure that there could be. Older vehicles are
messier and must be removed.
Cons:

1. A sudden ban in the registration of new diesel vehicles could mean

dealers and those customers who have already booked for these veh

loss of hundreds of crores of rupees. These decisions should never b

passed in haste without prior warnings and considerations of factors t

loss for the country. Customers have made full or part payments and
to make clarifications in this regard.

2. The ban is also inclusive of renewal of registration of diesel vehicle

more than 10 years old. Preserved vehicles for more than 10 years us

poor or the middle class families who would be deeply wounded if this

Would the government consider replacing their vehicles with petrol on

Absolutely not!
3. It is the time of the year when automakers offer huge discounts as

sale. The most number of vehicles are booked in this period. All autom

expressed concern over vehicles that have already been booked and

showrooms inventory. A hasty decision at this time of the year is boun

response from the investors as well as customers.
4. Delhi being a city-states lures commuters on a daily basis from oth

and Gurgaon. A large number of vehicles on the roads of Delhi are the

bearing the registration of Uttar Pradesh and Haryana. How will a ban

Delhi help in the cleaning of air and avoiding pollution when there wou
numbers of diesel run vehicles on the roads of Delhi?
5. The basic idea behind ban of diesel vehicles is to contain pollution

behind in understanding that automakers have invested hugely in ma

eco-friendly and that they no longer are emitting harmful gases as wa

vehicles. The board should have sat with the makers of these diesel v

upon a proper long term solution like improvising on the quality of dies
etc.

6. Sadly, the ban callers also failed to understand that this would addr

pollution problem in Delhi. This had its economic impact adversely wit

dent on the market capitalization of auto and parts manufacturers. Sh

automakers also went down heavily causing investors a reputation co

Conclusion:

This could be a knee jerk step taken in utter haste but it cannot be de

larger good which the mainstream media is not the least bit interested

believe whatever they see and hear and join the controversy via socia

that we are the same people who would go praises on the cities of the

implement such a ban, while we are faced with an environment full of

worse days to come. Now that the reports of the IIT-Kanpur has come

strongly condemned only to be revised and revisited after years of su

RE: Ban on diesel vehicles : Pros & Cons Deepa Kaushik (12-23-2

Diesel vehicles were a good intermediate option between the petrol a

diesel vehicles provided good efficiency at comparatively better price

compared to petrol. This is one major reason for longing for diesel veh
higher cost of purchase. People prefer to purchase diesel vehicles at
a cost-effective maintenance of the vehicle.
There is no doubt that the diesel vehicles contribute to a huge extent

The percentage of smoke emitted by these vehicles definitely add to t

to this is the formation of smog during the winters which cause a grea

Banning these diesel vehicles can help to a great extent in decreasing

pollution in the city.

Though diesel vehicles are not the only ones contributing to the pollut

major role in increasing the atmospheric pollution. The diesel vehicles

the heavy commercial vehicles for their cost-effectiveness and longer

vehicles slowly extended to the market leading to the manufacture of

continuous promotion of private vehicles with the diesel component is

pollution.
The ban imposed on the diesel vehicles is not only a set-back for the

vehicles, but it is a great shock for the manufacturers of the diesel veh

should have an insight over this matter for those manufacturers who h

the manufacture of these diesel vehicles. Though a complete compen

still Government should open up some alternatives for those owning t

the manufacturers and dealers who have invested huge amount on th

RE: Ban on diesel vehicles : Pros & Cons saurabh misra (01-4-201

It is too early to pass a judgement as the various parameters (eg. sus

matter)are being monitored even as I write, and data collected over a

30 days will give some indication about the viability of the ban. The co

consideration when it decides whether to extend or limit the ban any f

E Rickshaws: Advantages and Disadvantages (06-16-2015)

E Rickshaws: Advantages and Disadvantages

Introduction

E rickshaws or Electric rickshaws have been becoming more popula

globe since 2008. In India, e rickshaws began to gain popularity sin

As these rickshaws faced a ban by the Indian government in the capit

increase in their number failed. But, still they are widely used in most

On 8 October,2014, the Ministry of Road Transport and Highways had

regulate the e- rickshaws by making important amendments under the

of 1989. In March 2015, the Parliament passed the amendments and
use of electric rickshaws.

Recently, the transport department decided to introduce these e-ricks

cities of Maharashtra Mumbai, Pune, Nagpur and Nashik.

Now, that these new age vehicles will be available on the streets soon
the advantages and disadvantages of e-rickshaws.
Advantages of e-rickshaws

1. Eco friendly E-rickshaws can be the best alternative to petrol o

as they are operated on battery. These rickshaws do not emit smoke

contribute to the increasing air pollution. The batteries which will be us

of these rickshaws can be effectively recycled and thus, will solve the
disposal.

2. Economical E-rickshaws are comparatively cheap and can be ea

common man. Passengers will have to pay a less transport charge. It

only for the consumers but also for the owners. The batteries can be e
home or from any place that provides a proper voltage.

3. Free from noise pollution E-rickshaws are free from creating no

do not emit any sound. Passengers can have a smooth and comforta

4. Livelihood E-rickshaws provide a means of livelihood for the com

illiterate people. Without investing much of money, the e-rickshaw driv

livelihood.

5. Safety E-rickshaws involve less risk when compared to the other

vehicles. They can cause less accident as they are slower and lighter
rickshaw. There is a chance of explosion in the case of fuel operating
6. Easy maintenance As they use electricity, they do not require fu

engines. E-rickshaws are free from an engine and a gear box and thu
maintenance is reduced. The motor which is used in these rickshaws
battery is placed below it. Hence, maintaining them is quite easier.
Disadvantages of e-rickshaws

1. Less speed E-rickshaws are usually slow in speed and it runs ar

thus, it is unable to meet the speed of other vehicles. It is not a prefer

transportation during an emergency period.
2. Less weight E-rickshaws are lighter in weight and thus, it would

up with the larger wight vehicles. There might be a chance of the ricks

down. In India, one can imagine how the drivers would ride an overloa

3. Harmful batteries One of the major disadvantage is the issue of

of the batteries used are lead acid batteries. The deep discharge of le
presently imported in India and these can be very harmful.
4. No proper guidelines There are no proper rules and guidelines

functioning of e-rickshaws. The drivers are not fully trained to drive the
a matter of serious concern in the society.

5. Space Consuming - The current design of e-rickshaw is quite spa

would lead to traffic jams.

6. Rise in pollution and cost due to alternative energy sources - E

rickshaws would not consume diesel or petrol, it would be difficult to c

pollution. The electricity required to charge these vehicles would be p

the other source. Burning more coal or making more dams or nuclear
contribute to environment pollution.

RE: E Rickshaws: Advantages and Disadvantages Deepa Kaush

E-rickshaws have their own advantages and disadvantages. These ca

good option for commuting, though we cannot tag them to be the bes

being battery operated vehicles can be considered as a good replace

consuminmg vehicles.

The E-Rickshaws are definitely better than the manual rickshaws whic

physical labour of cycling. The efforts put in to this form of battery ope

much similar to the fuel consuming vehicles. Also, these E-Rickshaws

manner to accomodate more people than the manual rickshaws.
Still, we cannot consider the battery vehicles to be a replacement for

ones, as the battery vehicles cannot give a zooming efficiency to matc

current vehicle forms. The speed of the E-rickshaws can be better ove

but that could be no option for a long distance travel. Again the light w

Rickshaws is another drawback with the fear of getting upside down d

The cost-efficient E-rickshaws could be boon for the poor people who
an auto-rickshaw to run their livelihood. But, we need to have certain

of these rickshaws. As these are battery operated, so definitely the sp

compared to the manual vehicles, which require certain restrictions an

their travel. Permitting them within the residential colonies might be a

RE: E Rickshaws: Advantages and Disadvantages rameesha ras

Good you launch e-rickshaws i love it.

RE: E Rickshaws: Advantages and Disadvantages Bhupesh (01

E-Rikshaws are eco-friendly.Their maintanence is zero in comparision

Free Basics- Pros and Cons (12-31-2015)

Free Basics- Pros and Cons

What is Free Basics?

Internet dot org was rehashed as Free Basics in September. Free Bas

open platform which provides Indian developers the chance to make s

available free of cost to those lacking affordability for internet access.

Launched 2 years ago globally in partnership with Samsung, Nokia an

other partners, the problem with Free Basics is that it does not offer fr
to services.

FB is partnering with ISPs to provide selective access to app develop

is against net neutrality which posits free and unbiased internet for all

launched the Free Basics services under Freenet mobile phone butto

access to 33 websites initially, it has been increased to 80 websites b

crusaders stepped in.

TRAI has asked to suspend the Free Basic Service after issuing a con

this issue. Last head, FB is attempting to fend off opposition to the init
crore campaign.

FB founder Mark Zuckerberg has argued that developers get to offer z

through Free Basics. But access to mobile internet is more than conn

media. It can change and save lives. But just how far is Free Basics fr

the common good or just another virtual money making plan? Is profit
welfare? Let us examine the pros and cons of Free Basics to assess
Pros

1. Free Basics provides essential services: While many people use

internet for entertainment, access to mobile internet can better lives. F

unrest to natural disasters, social media platforms such as FB use the

to find survivors and raise money for aid.
2. Technology and internet create a powerful impact: Technology

impact at a rate never noticed before and the power of connecting pe

take action is further enhanced through initiatives such as Free Basic

3. Affordable internet connectivity is a basic human right: Throug

Google Loon has been created to relieve victims during natural disast
the benefits and opportunities that other initiatives lack.

4. Internet connectivity for more than a privileged few: Free Basic

coverage of internet rather than be motivated by profit. This is notewo

5. Cause of the common man: Free Basics seeks to uphold the cau

man and promote internet access for everybody and not just a select
Cons

1. Why would a company not want personal gain?: Facebook is a

users to login across the world, provided that Facebook app is one of

are part of free internet connection it aims to provide. Facebook attem

world for selling user data to advertisers worldwide through Free Basi
2. Lack of internet connections is not a serious problem: Lack of

a first world problem has been discussed by no less than Bill Fates, w

improving lives, more basic things need to be addressed first such as

nutrition and access to potable, clean drinking water. Close to 768 mil

access to clean water in 2011. Having a 3G signal on a cell phone sho

priority.
3. Full internet needs to be provided at prices people can afford:

platforms cannot be used to provide limited benefits for a chosen view

questions about data privacy, global economics and net neutrality.

4. 100 crore campaign to promote net neutrality: A 100 crore camp

unleashed to promote the idea that Free Basic is a gift for the Indian p

Moreover, FB is using the generic phase free basic internet in comple

with the notion that it is a private, proprietary platform which is a blata

rules on advertising. This is because generic worlds cannot be used f

brands. Neither does FB pay taxes in India nor is it within purview of I

Free Basics in their hands is like giving them power they do not deser

5. Rehash of controversial internet.org: This initiative is just a rewo

controversial internet dot org floated earlier by FB. FB and Indias lead

Reliance, which is the sixth largest mobile service provider have joine
this free data services limited to just a few websites.

6. Silicon valley seeks to subvert the state: Noted commentators o

discussed how Silicon valley seeks to subvert the rights of the state, p

connectivity, transport and other facilities which they have no intention

unlike the state. Internet connectivity instead of education and private

public transport point to the hidden, mass scale privatisation of what s

services

7. Privacy concerns: Internet monopolies are being paid with data b

forms the essential currency of the online economy. Data as commod

of the 21st century and FB as well as Googles model is based on mo

data. Consider that FB generates USD 1 billion from Indian subscribe

taxes in return.

8. Free basics is far from free: Free Basics is only a version of FB a

websites and services willing to collaborate with its proprietary platform

are 1 billion websites and close to 3.5 billion users of the Internet whic

powerful force for chance. This would stop if telcos become gatekeep
net neutrality is all about. Health demands doctors and hospitals, not

The same holds true for education. Internet cannot become a substitu
colleges.

9. Regulating price of data: Free Basics has connected only 15 milli

parts of the world so far. In India there are 60 million people joining th

months and close to 300 million mobile broadband users in the countr

mobile subscribers need to be provided internet, according to estimat

internet or fill internet at prices people can afford would be a better op

Basics. This is because the main barrier to internet penetration is that

data services. This caused high price of data in the nation and leads t

access for the poor and those not financially well off. Free Basics is ju
attempting to take over the Internet.

10. Just another digital divide: Free Basics also provides just anoth

rather than connecting people. FB does not equal internet. Free Basic

believe otherwise. Silicon Valley is exploiting space and the internet to

through this initiative.
Conclusion

Free Basics is not at all the solution that India needs right now. With c

and privilege platforms seeking to encash on billions of subscribers in

just another wolf in sheeps clothing. This internet platform seeks to ca

internet penetration in India and promote the cause of FB and its asso

is certainly not a gift for Indias public to access internet at a reasonab

neutrality become a crisis point? Can people see through Free Basics

the answer to those questions is yes or Indias digital divide will never
RE: Free Basics- Pros and Cons Deepa Kaushik (12-31-2015)

Free basics as an idea is good for open discussion, but its fate for a c

seems meagre. We are not living in a era where people just work for t

community. Selfishness and personal gains are the primary motto wor
has some or the other hidden motive full of selfish requirements. The
could not be easily digested in the present day selfish mindset.

Free basics definitely have the benefit of connecting the the world and

come closer to each other. This initiative paves way to the developme

through the latest advancements and inventions across the world. It w

knowledge of world-wide happenings which might open up the narrow

areas of the country.

Yet, the free basic is not a cherry on top of the cake to be picked at fir

also opnes up the threat to personal details and hacking. The cyber c

with the promotion of free basics. For the natural disasters and similar

other than the co-brotherens in the neighbourhood could be of any he

the form of electricity, water supply, mobile and landline phone networ

connectivity, etc. everything fails altogether in the situations like natur

cannot expect the free-basics to do any wonder to those suffering lots

the message of calamity to different parts of the world, which is done

Precisely, free basic would be better an option to let go off as the disa
crimes would spoil everything in lure of this free connectivity.

Tablets should replace textbooks in Indian education system! (12-29-2015)

Tablets should replace textbooks in Indian education system!

Advanced nations all over the world are equipping children with tablets instead of textbooks.
Now, with an increasing emphasis on Digital India, can Indian schools and colleges also look
to empower students by providing them with tablets? Can technology be used to bridge the
digital divide? Let us examine if Indian educational institutions can provide better learning
assistance to children!
Tablets should Replace Textbooks
1. Multimedia learning provides an edge- Difficulty in remembering what was taught
previously can be eliminated through interactive learning across multiple mediums.
2. Tablets offer graphical representations that are 3D- Tablets offer more complex visual
and graphical representation making it easier to understand the subject. You can also cover
better illustrations and graphical descriptions using tablets as these provide scope for
deeper, richer, more meaningful diagrams.
3. More affordable- Using textbooks for students scores low on affordability. If the entire
amount spent on textbooks for a single year is calculated, it will be more than the price of an
average tablet. Also tablets can be reprogrammed and used across successive years as
against textbooks which can only be used for that particular grade.
4. Reduce the weight of schoolbags- Using tablets will reduce the burden of carrying thick
textbooks and associated instruments which require separate toolboxes. Research studies
have shown students should carry less than 15% of their own weight in terms of schoolbags
or backpacks. This is no longer a reality in present day conditions. Using a tablet would
lighten the burden on the students
5. Tablets are eco-friendly- Taking notes on tablets would save paper. Schools would find
the use of tablets more cost effective as well as eco-friendly. Moreover, presentations, tests,
assignments and projects could be interactively handled through tablets providing a rich and
affordable learning experience at nominal costs to the environment.
Tablets cant be a replacement for textbooks :
1. Tablets are distracting - Addictive games, social networking and media sites and other
distractions would take away from studying time and act as unnecessary and unrequited
distractions for the students.
2. Taking care of tablets is costlier - Textbooks are easier to maintain. Students will not be
able to take care of tablets in schools and public places, especially if they have to travel long
distances.
3. Lost or dead tablets can be a real problem - Lost notes, textbooks and assignments will
be the result of a malfunctioning or misplaced tablet

4. Tablets require heavy maintenance - Tablets are gadgets that require extensive
maintenance and repair and children would have to get used to studying on tablets rather
than textbooks.
5. Students may face health problems - Using technology such as tablets for extended
hours can lead to health problems such as Computer Vision Syndrome, strain on eyes, head
and blurred vision as well as carpal tunnel syndrome and orthopaedic problems.
6. Internet is costly - In many rural and isolated areas, Internet has not yet made its mark
and tablets would prove counterproductive. Moreover, internet connections with high
bandwidth will make education costlier for parents and create monetary hurdles.
7. Bad impact on grammar and handwriting - With the use of tablets, handwriting would
be eliminated and grammar rules would be bypassed through spellcheck. This will contribute
to the ignorance of students and their inability to work without tablets or technology in the
future. Handwriting and grammar would both suffer as a result of extensive tablet use.
Conclusion
Tablets over textbooks remains a luxury for the Indian education system. In a system where
basic infrastructure is not even in place, the use of technology to bridge the digital divide
remains a distant dream. But if efforts are made to connect parts of India through the Internet
and tablets do replace textbooks, it will represent a quantum leap in the Indian education
system. Technology can make us more capable and using tablets instead of textbooks will
utilise the benefits of this scientific innovation. It will also revolutionise education.
RE: Tablets should replace textbooks in Indian education system! Deepa Kaushik (1231-2015)
India is neither a country of rich, nor is the technology so developed to reach the remote
parts of the country. In such a country where we still have numerous illiterates and the
backward thinking of avoiding education to the girl child, thinking of replacing textbooks
would be a much fast-track thinking.
Tablets which is the usage of technology has its own benefits. It would reduce the load of
books and bags to the school children. The tablets would open up the regular usage of
internet source in studies which could benefit students in many way. The tablets would give
the students a wide range of books to study. It would be less space consuming providing
immense knowledge.
Still, we should not forget the drawbacks of the technology. If the software gets corrupted or
the technology gets dropped anytime, the students would have to suffer a lot. The text-books
could have a better shelf life and the contents underlined and written while studying makes
children more close to the content of the texts. The text books give more better
companionship to the students who prefer to have handy notes along with the text book for
glance. Such a comparative study becomes difficult with the tablets.
Last but not the least would be the interest of the poor children who might not be able to
afford the tablets. The inability to afford the technology would be no wonder in a country like

India. Hence, tablets could never be a consideration for replacement of textbooks in India.

National wealth decides individual happiness! (12-28-2015)

National wealth decides individual happiness!

Does the prosperity of an individual affect the economic health of his o

versa? Does national wealth reflect the individual degree of happines

life? Most of us are familiar with phrases like Most things in life are fr

MasterCard! or Anyone who says money cant buy happiness just d

shop. How does national wealth translate into individual happiness o

to riches story only for a select few? Does the prosperity of a nation d
prosperity of an individual and his or her consequent happiness? Let
of the coin and see where the truth of the matter lies.
Yes

1. Enough money is needed to cover basic needs: Fundamental n

clothing and shelter can only be met, if you have more cash. The mor

greater is the amount of products and services you can buy and these
induce a certain amount of satisfaction.

2. Money makes you happier: Gross Domestic Product is a direct lin

happiness and Gross National Happiness. Consider studies which sh

developed countries are happier.

3. Happiness research shows correlation between national wealt

happiness: Studies measuring national wealth and personal levels o

found a robust link between the level of economic development of a c

happiness.

4. Economic growth means longer and healthier lives: A wealthy n

resources to invest in research and development as well as healthcar

better, longer and happier life for its citizens.

5. Social barriers are removed with economic prosperity: Greater

reduces income inequalities and erases divisions between communiti

contributing to peace, happiness and social harmony.
No

1. Other considerations matter: While money makes us happier, oth

such as how to spend the money, how much wealth you have compar

way you think about your time also play an important role in the equat

2. The paradox of riches: Income has only a modest effect on happi

Easterlin Paradox which found that citizens of rich countries were not
than those of poor or middle income countries.

3. Money cant buy happiness: National wealth is not a reflection of

contentment of a countrys citizens because money cannot buy happi

far more important than money such as social interaction, community

material attainments.

4. Satisfaction with life transcends money: Political leaders such a

Nicholas Sarkozy have said happiness is the best way to gauge living
nation rather than looking at its GDP.

5. How national wealth is measured varies: While there may be a r

between individual well being and national wealth, it does not imply ca

national wealth can be measured in n number of ways so it is tough to

level of economic development of the country.
6. People in poorer nations are happier: Studies show that in poor
are leading happier lives.

7. Level of well being has not risen with level of income: In Chile,

Korea, studies have shown that per capital income doubled within 2 d

show some amount of decline in life satisfaction of the citizens belong

8. Relative income matters only on the margins: Levels of econom

across countries and being rich in a rich nation may not be as advanta
a poor nation.

9. Spending on little things makes us happy - Even if you spend m

expensive things, you may cherish and remember them more. High q
may create a greater degree of happiness than having lots of cash.
10. People may not get equal shares of the pie: When it comes to

income inequalities may create a situation where rich get richer and p

a situation, rise in national wealth will not impact the happiness and w
people.

11. Prosperity is not always equated with happiness: Well being is

and there are many reasons why happiness may be denied to wealth

Consequently, rise in national wealth is not related to the well being o

Conclusion

National wealth has an important role to play in individual well being o

distributive justice. In the face of rising economic inequalities and lack

country may be very rich but its a majority of its citizens could have a

Money may not buy happiness, but it does provide for meeting the ba

human existence. Provided that income inequality is eliminated, natio

influence individual happiness.

RE: National wealth decides individual happiness! Deepa Kaushik

National health has definitely the firm hold over the happiness of its ci

a nation holds is very much important to evaluate the status and stand

citizens. Though happiness does not depend only on wealth and mon

the financial condition of the nation that marks the economic status of

It is again the individual perception of happiness that determines the g

Happiness does not mean money. We cannot buy mental relief and sa

which remains the main basis of happiness of any individual. The sati

level of the individual varies from person to person. This undetermine

remains the primary index of happiness.

National wealth is again another criteria which is not specified by dete

wealth is not necessarily the money or the source of revenue found in

health of the citizens and other basic requirements could measure the

proper aspect, the healthy and satisfied citizen remain the national we

to this parameter, we can definitely say that the national wealth in reg
satisfaction decides the individual happiness.