India is one of the largest democratic Nation's in the world with the Second Largest Population, most diversified in terms of economical status, religion, education, langauge, food habits, culture, traditons and so on. To bind this entire Nation, with a uniformed structure is no small task. I think in terms of the Project Strength, this would be the World's largest Project involving the largest number of stakeholders....Entire India! This enormous and most ambitious project headed by Nandan Nilekani, is not only the most wanted project but also the most difficult project to accomplish.
First time ever in the History of India, a Government database will not be divided in the name of Caste or Geographical diversity. Personal details like date of birth, name, finger prints, IRIS records and photograph will be included in the Unique Identification Card that will be issued to every Indian probably over the next few years. It is estimated that it will take close to next 5 years to get every Indian in the database. Every person above 15 years will be issued the UID card as per the Aadhar Project.
Key Highlights of this project are:
1. Every Indian will have a Unique Indentity with 10 digit number
2. Entire population will be recorded with its biometric scans, face, name and finger prints
3. Project Aadhar will enable the economically backward and rural India to gain its own identity
4. Irrespective of the socio-economic conditions of the person, there will be a common thread that binds the nation
5. Government initiatives to support the economically weaker sections of the soceity will get its bigger focus
6. Historical steps to help the Rural India and Poor who need banking and other infrastructure access
7. Development programmes initiated by government and unemployment support initiatives will find better access by the common man
8. Usage of the UID in every transaction and banking operations, will bring in more of the black money to market
9. This should be the first step to stop the misuse of government funds and grants
10. Long run, UID, should create a tracking database to end corruption and bring in more stablization of the money flow in the country.
Three Cheers to Nandan and his team for having shouldered this enoromous project and Wish Project Aadhar a grand success!
Wednesday, September 29, 2010
Tuesday, September 28, 2010
Ayodhya Verdict: Babri Masjid Vs Ramajanamabhoomi...Need to look beyond
Another tense day in making towards the History of India...ripping the social secular fabric of the Nation. Are our minds so narrow and maturity so conservative that we are living in a pre-civilized thinking!. Is it not time to ponder over our past and create a better future for our children of the Nation.... Too many things to think and react
Any sensible Citizen of the country would understand few facts
1. Over centuries India had the history of foreign invasions and lot of other religious people destroying Hindu temples and building over had been prevalent. They exploited the temples for the precious treasure and artistic excellence that the Hindu community possessed ages ago. Even Taj Mahal is disputed and debated over years, as a old shiva temple called as Tejomahalaya.... does it mean that now we will break it to see what is under the main edifice? Tolerance had been in the blood of Indians, and over the years, this started to slowly diminish. So the chances of the Hindu temple broken and buried under the structure of mosque in Ayodhya is quite possible and we have to leave it for an archaeological survey and debate.
2. Demolishing Mosque in the name of finding a temple remains, is any day not the right thing. Respecting the faith of other religions is the only way of salvation. So, what ever happened in 1990 Dec 6th is bleak in the history of India. Time to repent, and take steps not to repeat.
3. Today Ayodhya and its people, both Muslims and Hindus are living in peace and harmony. The fire, riots and bad memories have only united them and media's any kind of negative debate, portrayal, will only kill this peace lasting since last decade. Media have to maintain utmost sensitivity in the way the news is telecasted and events are portrayed, as it is not Ayodhya that will burn, but whole of India, will there be any kind of unnecessary triggers.
4. Lastly, towards an amicable solution,. If I were, to provide this judgement, my verdict would be to leave the place as is, make it a heritage spot., build a University for Students of India, for Arts and History, similar to something of IIT for Engineering and IIMs for Management, and preserve the dignity of the place with honour.... and then, provide abundant space on either side, one place for Hindu's to move their Rama lalla and Sita Mata idols and begin worship and on the other side, a site for Muslim's to build a mosque and allow them for peaceful worship.
We have spend 700 crores for Common Wealth Games for getting the worst of Inputs from the world over, every election costs us close to 500 crores both official and unofficial, and the whole of the above given project, may not take even 100 crores. In one way, this project would give employment opportunities to the local people driven and living in fear, and frustration over the years,...Provide world class education, reliving the similar glory of Nalanda, the first university in the world, and same time, respecting the sentiments of both the communities involved.
Forget about the differences and look at the similarities of Hindu-Muslim unity and friendship over centuries now in India, and this is one opportunity for us to proclaim, our long lasting song of "Unity in Diversity" ...Jai Hind.
let rest of India, continue its business as usual.... I think only jobless people have time and tide to make a mole out of mountains and make issues, become National Calamities...... Lets learn to live in harmony...
------------------
Extract from IBNLive on the "All you want to know about Ayodhya dispute"
Ayodhya title dispute
December 1949: Idols of Ram Lalla & Sita Mata appear 'miraculously' inside the Babri Mosque.
Hindus claim lord Ram has appeared in his birth land, hence land belongs to Hindus.
Total of five title suits filed before the courts claiming ownership of the land.
Two title suits clubbed. Now there are four title suits pending before the courts.
First suit filed on Jan 16, 1950, seeking permission to worship deities in the disputed structure, second suit filed in Dec 1950 by Head of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, seeking permission to worship deities, first two suits clubbed together by Civil Judge in Faizabad.
Third suit filed in Dec 1959 by Nirmohi Akhara seeking to take charge of the 'temple' from a rival.
Fourth suit filed by Sunni Central Boards of Waqfs, UP, in Dec 1961 seeking removal of idols & possession of mosque.
In April, 1964, all three suits filed by Hindus and the one filed by the Waqf Board are consolidated.
In 1989, petition on behalf of Ram Lalla filed by retired HC Judge claiming ownership of disputed land.
In 1989 Allahabad HC rules that a special three-judge bench will hear all five suits in the lower courts.
HC directs all parties to maintain status quo at the site till matter is finished.
Babri land dispute
1528: Babri Masjid is built, Hindus claim the land was built after demolishing a temple.
1859: British erect fences to separate Hindu, Muslim areas of worship.
1949: Hindus & Muslims file title suits claiming the land, the government takes over the disputed site.
1994: SC orders status quo on all cases till the title suit is settled.
December, 1992: Babri Masjid is razed by kar sevaks, 2,000 people die in post-demolition riots.
Attempts at amicable settlement
Dec 1990: Meeting between Babri Masjid Action Committee & VHP
Hindus: Muslims should respect sentiments
Muslims: Issue can't be dragged backwards
Dec 1990: Hindus & Muslims meet in presence of Mulayam Singh, Sharad Pawar & Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
Hindus: Excavations reveal a temple under the mosque
Muslims: No evidence that temple was destroyed to build mosque
Jan 1991: Meeting between Babri Masjid Action Committee & VHP
Hindus: Remains of temple under the mosque
Muslims: No evidence that temple was destroyed to build mosque
Any sensible Citizen of the country would understand few facts
1. Over centuries India had the history of foreign invasions and lot of other religious people destroying Hindu temples and building over had been prevalent. They exploited the temples for the precious treasure and artistic excellence that the Hindu community possessed ages ago. Even Taj Mahal is disputed and debated over years, as a old shiva temple called as Tejomahalaya.... does it mean that now we will break it to see what is under the main edifice? Tolerance had been in the blood of Indians, and over the years, this started to slowly diminish. So the chances of the Hindu temple broken and buried under the structure of mosque in Ayodhya is quite possible and we have to leave it for an archaeological survey and debate.
2. Demolishing Mosque in the name of finding a temple remains, is any day not the right thing. Respecting the faith of other religions is the only way of salvation. So, what ever happened in 1990 Dec 6th is bleak in the history of India. Time to repent, and take steps not to repeat.
3. Today Ayodhya and its people, both Muslims and Hindus are living in peace and harmony. The fire, riots and bad memories have only united them and media's any kind of negative debate, portrayal, will only kill this peace lasting since last decade. Media have to maintain utmost sensitivity in the way the news is telecasted and events are portrayed, as it is not Ayodhya that will burn, but whole of India, will there be any kind of unnecessary triggers.
4. Lastly, towards an amicable solution,. If I were, to provide this judgement, my verdict would be to leave the place as is, make it a heritage spot., build a University for Students of India, for Arts and History, similar to something of IIT for Engineering and IIMs for Management, and preserve the dignity of the place with honour.... and then, provide abundant space on either side, one place for Hindu's to move their Rama lalla and Sita Mata idols and begin worship and on the other side, a site for Muslim's to build a mosque and allow them for peaceful worship.
We have spend 700 crores for Common Wealth Games for getting the worst of Inputs from the world over, every election costs us close to 500 crores both official and unofficial, and the whole of the above given project, may not take even 100 crores. In one way, this project would give employment opportunities to the local people driven and living in fear, and frustration over the years,...Provide world class education, reliving the similar glory of Nalanda, the first university in the world, and same time, respecting the sentiments of both the communities involved.
Forget about the differences and look at the similarities of Hindu-Muslim unity and friendship over centuries now in India, and this is one opportunity for us to proclaim, our long lasting song of "Unity in Diversity" ...Jai Hind.
let rest of India, continue its business as usual.... I think only jobless people have time and tide to make a mole out of mountains and make issues, become National Calamities...... Lets learn to live in harmony...
------------------
Extract from IBNLive on the "All you want to know about Ayodhya dispute"
Ayodhya title dispute
December 1949: Idols of Ram Lalla & Sita Mata appear 'miraculously' inside the Babri Mosque.
Hindus claim lord Ram has appeared in his birth land, hence land belongs to Hindus.
Total of five title suits filed before the courts claiming ownership of the land.
Two title suits clubbed. Now there are four title suits pending before the courts.
First suit filed on Jan 16, 1950, seeking permission to worship deities in the disputed structure, second suit filed in Dec 1950 by Head of Ram Janmabhoomi Nyas, seeking permission to worship deities, first two suits clubbed together by Civil Judge in Faizabad.
Third suit filed in Dec 1959 by Nirmohi Akhara seeking to take charge of the 'temple' from a rival.
Fourth suit filed by Sunni Central Boards of Waqfs, UP, in Dec 1961 seeking removal of idols & possession of mosque.
In April, 1964, all three suits filed by Hindus and the one filed by the Waqf Board are consolidated.
In 1989, petition on behalf of Ram Lalla filed by retired HC Judge claiming ownership of disputed land.
In 1989 Allahabad HC rules that a special three-judge bench will hear all five suits in the lower courts.
HC directs all parties to maintain status quo at the site till matter is finished.
Babri land dispute
1528: Babri Masjid is built, Hindus claim the land was built after demolishing a temple.
1859: British erect fences to separate Hindu, Muslim areas of worship.
1949: Hindus & Muslims file title suits claiming the land, the government takes over the disputed site.
1994: SC orders status quo on all cases till the title suit is settled.
December, 1992: Babri Masjid is razed by kar sevaks, 2,000 people die in post-demolition riots.
Attempts at amicable settlement
Dec 1990: Meeting between Babri Masjid Action Committee & VHP
Hindus: Muslims should respect sentiments
Muslims: Issue can't be dragged backwards
Dec 1990: Hindus & Muslims meet in presence of Mulayam Singh, Sharad Pawar & Bhairon Singh Shekhawat
Hindus: Excavations reveal a temple under the mosque
Muslims: No evidence that temple was destroyed to build mosque
Jan 1991: Meeting between Babri Masjid Action Committee & VHP
Hindus: Remains of temple under the mosque
Muslims: No evidence that temple was destroyed to build mosque
Tuesday, September 21, 2010
Honour Killing is a disgrace to humanity
We are living in a world which is a global village. Yet, we are so influenced by the so called social imagery that we do not realize that the world around us has move ahead of the 21st century. Let me put it with a right example. The minute you travel to the other side of the planet, what happens, is the fact that you are identified as an Asian First (Based on the continent and color). The minute they realize that you are from South Asia, you are regarded with your country….here all Indians Unite…we look for Indian neighborhoods’, search for temple, look for cultural associations and good schools….here what matters the bonding is ‘Indian-ness’. Then, people speaking one language unite over the social events, calling themselves as Telugu Associations, Tamil Sangam’s, Bengali Unions, Gujarati Temples… and then we bring in the divide which we had back home in India…yet there is unity. Here the language unites.
Over the borders, and besides the transformation, the identity in the name of Religion and Caste fades away. Slowly even this generation of regional identity is ignored, and the communities based on professions emerge…like doctors club, engineer’s wing and auditors lounge… so there is no time or reason to keep up the fake social image any longer based on caste or religion.
As such the world is getting divided in the name of Religion to a greater extent influencing in all wrong reasons possible. This honour killing is just a fancy term eating away the fruitful younger generations. Every adult have a right to marry or love the person of his or her choice and fundamental rights of India, provide freedom in all means possible to its citizens. In the name of fake prestige, honour and caste, we are killing the very fabric of secularism. Do the relatives or the society around such orthodox parents have time and thought to worry about this issue when there thousand other things to take care of. Society should come out of the rigid and useless sentiments in the name of caste and community. The real honour lies in acceptance of a person from a totally different religion, faith, community with warm hands to welcome and bond with tolerance and consideration, to bring in a fruitful society.
Killing people in the name of honour is just a media –fiasco and more and more people want to get into a limelight making this a new social issue. The humiliation will end to those victims with death, but to the parents and families, the trauma is for lifetime. For media, it is yet another breaking news, so the best way is ignore it and bring in a amendment to laws that would punish people involved in such incidents and do not give it a national coverage. Stringent laws and implementation of those laws, and providing protection to those who seek the help of law and order, would end this menace very soon. It is not just a disgrace but it is beyond comprehension to kill our own kith and kin in the name of social prestige. It is the time to think beyond and look at the longer horizons of truth and end this unnecessary social evil.
Awareness about Character Building
“Character maketh a man”. We have been growing all these years hearing this adage, and all the moral values that our long heritage and traditions have taught us. Despite all the upbringing, the big bad world out there is easy to provoke us towards an easy character assassination and many times, people get succumbed to it even without realizing it. Many of the people who lost social respect, self-esteem, confidence and bigger goals, are those who first failed in their character.
Is character just a social image? It was. It is no longer a social image, but an inner discipline that guides us and leads us through a virtuous path of living. Character is not built in a day. It is like building a city. It takes years, and also a long effort to maintain it. It takes years to build a process of self-discipline and it just takes one stray incident, one vulnerable moment and one odd circumstance to ruin it.
Character building begins at home. It begins with every mother. The very way, how we act, behave and endure certain things over certain period of time, influence our children without saying. As elders, we have the utmost responsibility to maintain ourselves in such a fashion that children, will learn from us, and would be following us. Then comes our teachers, society and the people around at large who could influence. Limiting the time and programmes of what children watch and keeping a guard on their activities on internet, brings in a sense of security in children though they may find it frustrating at the beginning.
Character essentially does not mean to follow sentiments and orthodox ways of living. It has to be a right blend of modern thoughts, dreams of future, a focused path of growth and a guided faith. Here the faith is in the future of the upcoming generations; generations free of doubt, fear and intimidation and filled with truth and real moral fiber built with right attitudes and respectful character personalities. Let us rebuild our societies with good moral values, human virtues of friendship, tolerance, care and concern and empathy…to bring in a world of peace, harmony and brotherhood…ending wars of Nations, religions and materialistic greed.
Thursday, September 2, 2010
The Pursuit of Happiness... A Real Story unfolded today:-)
An year ago, when I watched the movie "The Pursuit of Happiness', I found one inspirational father, struggling to make a living for him and his son, the troubles, the perseverance and the happy ending. ....
Today, when our friend in the neighbourhood Glendale Church of Brethren invited us to help us with dinner serving in one such shelter, a home for the homeless people searching for jobs, I had little to think to extend our help.
When me and Raghu, joined other 4 people and got the dinner tables ready for close to 40 people, of whom nearly more than 10 were children.,, I just had this movie rolling in front of my eyes.
With the every plate I served, I only wished that they find work soon, could afford a home and go back to a permanent living at one place.. I wished each one of their lives' would change and reflect that of real Chris Gardener. The children were so happy, not only to find a home cooked meal, good cookies, but also the real happiness of having a shelter to sleep,.... As we kept serving, we noticed more and more people walking in carrying their hand luggage filled with clothing and other essential stuff.
They were provided with a row of beds, a common kitchen, decent sanitary facilities, a television and play area for kids, couple of computers to browse for jobs and big thank you board where people while leaving for good have left behind inspiring messages and thank you notes and job postings.
Amidst all the day to day struggles, they would be going through, for they have to leave the place every day morning and return after 5 in the evening, still I could see a true sense of gratitude and smiles on their faces. That shows their optimistic look towards life and definite faith in the good things to come.
We left the place with fullest gratitude to God, for having given us all good things and also enablement to help others in the smallest ways possible. I have participated in lot of charitable work back home, but being part of such an endeavour here in States, I have no words.... Except thankfullness to God....its my real pursuit of happiness...This day made a difference for sure.... I only wish, God takes care of every child who got our meal today :-)
Today, when our friend in the neighbourhood Glendale Church of Brethren invited us to help us with dinner serving in one such shelter, a home for the homeless people searching for jobs, I had little to think to extend our help.
When me and Raghu, joined other 4 people and got the dinner tables ready for close to 40 people, of whom nearly more than 10 were children.,, I just had this movie rolling in front of my eyes.
With the every plate I served, I only wished that they find work soon, could afford a home and go back to a permanent living at one place.. I wished each one of their lives' would change and reflect that of real Chris Gardener. The children were so happy, not only to find a home cooked meal, good cookies, but also the real happiness of having a shelter to sleep,.... As we kept serving, we noticed more and more people walking in carrying their hand luggage filled with clothing and other essential stuff.
They were provided with a row of beds, a common kitchen, decent sanitary facilities, a television and play area for kids, couple of computers to browse for jobs and big thank you board where people while leaving for good have left behind inspiring messages and thank you notes and job postings.
Amidst all the day to day struggles, they would be going through, for they have to leave the place every day morning and return after 5 in the evening, still I could see a true sense of gratitude and smiles on their faces. That shows their optimistic look towards life and definite faith in the good things to come.
We left the place with fullest gratitude to God, for having given us all good things and also enablement to help others in the smallest ways possible. I have participated in lot of charitable work back home, but being part of such an endeavour here in States, I have no words.... Except thankfullness to God....its my real pursuit of happiness...This day made a difference for sure.... I only wish, God takes care of every child who got our meal today :-)
Wednesday, September 1, 2010
New Direct Tax Code- Indian Govt Financial Reforms...Quick View
It took close to 40 years to bring in changes to the much cherish Income Tax Act of 1961 and Wealth Tax Act of 1957 to pace with the growing economy. Of course new course content to Economics Students and Accountants to handle these changes :-)
The New Direct Tax Code will implemented from April 1, 2012. But it is a good news and this waiting period will help Auditors and Accountants to understand the new regulations that give solace to an ordinary tax payer in India.
Highlights of Direct Tax Code Bill
This firmness and reformed tax structure will enable tax payers and accountants to follow these guidelines moving forward.The power of the Tax Authorities under the General Anti-Avoidance Act remains the same.
Yet, there is a long way to go as far as regularizing the income tax payers in India, bringing in the rich, rater rich to pay more and help the economic ambitions of the country to fulfill. 90% of our Direct Tax payers are in the middle income group and fall under salaried class and only constitute around 30% of tax revenue to the government, where as the 5% of the high income cream layer of the country constitute 70% of the Tax revenues to the government. Now it is the time to put a reality check on this 5%....are the richer-rich of the country only constituting 5% of tax payers..... are we not accounting our politicians, film fraternity and business world,...... may be time of Tax Payer Reforms and Regulations :-) Dr Singh, are you listening....?
The New Direct Tax Code will implemented from April 1, 2012. But it is a good news and this waiting period will help Auditors and Accountants to understand the new regulations that give solace to an ordinary tax payer in India.
Highlights of Direct Tax Code Bill
- First Amended law after Independence that scrapped exemptions to women based on gender... as a woman, I applaud this decision.
- The Income Tax Exemption extended from Rs.160000 to Rs. 200000 with no additional exemption to women
- Tax incentives on Leave Travel Allowances (LTA) is scrapped.
- Housing loan interest exemption up to Rs.1.5 lakhs retained....cheering Real Estate markets
- Income between 2- 5 lakhs will pay 10% tax
- Income between 5- 10 lakhs will pay 20%
- Income above 10 lakhs would attract 30% (additional savings of around Rs 40000 for income over 10 lakhs as against the current slab)
- Marginal increase to the exemption on Senior Citizens from 2.4 to 2.5 lakhs per annum
- Corporate Tax to be flat 30% (against current 33.34 %)
- Wealth Tax exemption limit increased from Rs.15 Lakhs to Rs.1 Crore as against the proposed Rs.50 crores.
- Wealth tax imposed as 1% where as Non-profitable organizations are exempt from wealth taxes
- Exemption on Pension, Provident Funds and gratuity to be Rs.1 lakh, where as Rs 50000 pure exemption is now available on tuition fees and insurance products including health insurances
- Existing provision of zero tax on long term capital gains to continue...
- Revisions made to short term capital gains
- Income between 2-5 lakhs, would pay 5% on short term capital gains (as against current 15%+2%Cess)
- Income between 5-10 lakhs, would pay 10% on short term capital gains
- Income above 10 lakhs, people would pay 15% on short term capital gains
- Dividends on Unit-linked Mutual funds and ULIPS attract 5% tax on these investments
- MAT increased from 18% to 20% on the book profit to the companies
- Housing market will breathe again with exemption on the interest on housing loans continued.
- Middle class marginal savings would be increased as investment in approved funds and insurance is increased from 1.2 to 1.5 lakhs
- Regulations on wealth tax will see more of compliance as many properties would fall within the limit set by the government.
- Boost investment flow into long term capital gains for country's infrastructural needs
- Special Economic Zones will enjoy special tax benefits to boost economy empowerment
- Profit linked deductions to SEZ units will have an adverse impact, but have to be rationalized
- Increase in MAT will balance the benefits received in lowering the corporate tax
- Enhance Foreign companies operations in India, promote foreign institutional investors and global mergers and acquisitions
- Right to equality to women, have first time achieved in reality. Once we earn, we pay the taxes, no matter who we are by gender.
This firmness and reformed tax structure will enable tax payers and accountants to follow these guidelines moving forward.The power of the Tax Authorities under the General Anti-Avoidance Act remains the same.
Yet, there is a long way to go as far as regularizing the income tax payers in India, bringing in the rich, rater rich to pay more and help the economic ambitions of the country to fulfill. 90% of our Direct Tax payers are in the middle income group and fall under salaried class and only constitute around 30% of tax revenue to the government, where as the 5% of the high income cream layer of the country constitute 70% of the Tax revenues to the government. Now it is the time to put a reality check on this 5%....are the richer-rich of the country only constituting 5% of tax payers..... are we not accounting our politicians, film fraternity and business world,...... may be time of Tax Payer Reforms and Regulations :-) Dr Singh, are you listening....?
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