Digital India: E-Governance

Much has been said of e-governance in India. Daily we hear the story that in the next couple of years, India will become an Information Technlogy (IT) powered state. Some peopl say, it has already become! The face of government offices will change. No more to files, piling up on Babus' table for approval / advise. We will have every thing in digital form. Things will move faster, and at the click of your fingers, you can get your work done!

Having heard much about this, I wanted to test it. The moment came when we were travelling in Bihar, from Patna to Gaya, by a rented four -wheeler. As we were about to enter Gaya town, the road was blocked, by angry villagers. Later on, we came to know that a villageman was killed in a road accident, and that the villagers will not remove the blockade unless, they get the compensation. The road was blocked around 9 am. For more than three hours, the blockade could not be removed! Around 1: 00 PM we were able to enter Gaya town.

Coming back to Patna, I sent an e-mail to the chief Minister, Mr. Nitish Kumar. I got a reply from his secretary, saying mail was received and I would be informed about the action. This is end of June, and I have not heard from either of them! If this is e-governance, well, we can live without it.

President of India

When A P J Abdulkalam was nominated and subsequently elected as Indian President, it was hailed by all sections of society. Kalam has the deadly combination of being a scientist and philosopher. He could easily guide a missile to its destination and play Veena with the same expertise. He was the first Muslim to hold a high office, who could not write or speak Urdu, a good example for Hindu communalists. Kalam also recited Geeta! All this made him a good choice for the ruling alliance led by the Hindu Party. Despite all this, there was a consensus on his name among all the political parties.


He started off well, discarding many traditions. He changed the way the Head of the nation used to dress! We saw a complete change in the wardrobe. He covered his favorite blue shirt with Bandgala coat. But he did not cut his hairs! This long hairs later became a subject of laughter to self-styled Bal Thackery. During his tenure, we saw many firsts, which a included a visit to Prime Minister, visit to author Khushwant Singh and others!

Kalam went all his way to make Rashtrapati Bhavan, a People's Bhavan. He was described as people's president, who despite having no kid of his own, was popular with kids! At College functions, University convocations, he was seen giving oath to kids to become the best citizens and work towards making the country a developed nation by 2020. These actions were welcomed like breath of fresh air.

As the election year neared, Kalam was heard saying that he would not seek a second term, and instead devote himself to research and study. His alumni University even offered him a place to work! The nation was looking forward to say goodbye to its President, when the political parties started playing dirty game over the issue of the next Head of the nation. And when a newly constituted third front, comprising group of powerless politicians asked him to contest for second term, Kalam got confused and issued a 'Yes' statement. This made the Presidential election more confusing and picture became hazy. The ruling Party refused to budge and Kalam had to eat his words! It was a big fall for a man, who had over the years become an example of simplicity, honesty, integrity for the nation. This is a good example of power corrupting!

Politics on Women

The ruling United Progressive Alliance has fielded Mrs. Pratibha Patil as the next president of India. It has been hailed as a turning point in the history of India. For the first time, India is set to have a woman head of state. But her nomination has not helped in bringing the opposition and ruling combination together. Instead, the opposition led by right wing BJP, has started a campaign against her and in favour of its own man, Bhairon Singh Shekhawat.

At first opposition lost no time in dismissing the nomination of Patil as gimmick and issued statements to halt her candidature. Ms. Patil also made herself subject of intense debate when she made a sweeping remark on Indian Purdah system. Since then Patil has been advised to not speak directly to media. The ruling Congress party dubbed the campaign of opposition as anti-women.

After loosing the first round, the BJP decided to reserve its 33 Per cent seats to women. It is to be seen if this can help them in the second round, where the battle is slated between Patil and Shekhawat.