EDITORIAL

BJP’s Arun Shourie exposes the real face of BJP! A party of indiscrepancy…

BJP leader Arun Shourie has now exposed the real face of his party when in a TV interview, he made an honest confession that he was denied for being the lead speaker for Union Budget 2009 in Rajya Sabha at last moment because notorious corporate lobbyist Nira Radia successfully persuaded top BJP leaders to replace him with Venkaiah Naidu as the lead speaker so that party could take a more accommodating line on proposals that could help country’s richest industrialist Mukesh Ambani. Former NDA minister Arun Shourie has said he was replaced as a lead speaker in a budget debate over fears that he would oppose a proposal that may have benefited Mukesh Ambani, bring the BJP under glare at a time the party has been targeting the Congress on corruption. The statement also reflects how much Shourie and the BJP have drifted apart since the dramatic events triggered by the party’s defeat in the general elections of 2009. 
It is now clear that all political parties and alliances, whether in ruling or in opposition, dance to tune of rich corporate honchos because of their being funded through approaching lobbyists. In fact, party-based political system has collapsed in India, and the country needs a refined democratic form of governance which should be qualitative and not just quantitative free from domination of party-bosses. 
In a TV interview last week, Shourie had opposed the BJP’s insistence on a joint parliamentary committee probe into the recent scams, saying previous committees had achieved little and helped the government in pushing matters under the carpet. Asked if he had spoken on this to BJP leaders, he said: “Actually, I am hardly in touch with the party as a party now. There are good friends as individuals.” "I was asked to open the debate on the budget. I worked for one week to speak on the matter and at the last minute, after I reached the house I was told the previous night, Mr Venkaiah Naidu had decided to speak suddenly. Therefore, as he had been party president, he will speak first."Shourie said that that it was certainly clear from the tapes that the main aim for the last-minute replacement was for the BJP not to go strongly against a budget proposal which would favour RIL. 
Democracy survives on counter-rallying power. It survives when there are alternate sources of authority. But now those have joined hands. There is, what my friend (Union Urban Development Minister S) Jaipal Reddy has once called, an invisible government of India which is completely stable. The visible Government of India keeps changing, but that invisible government of India remains completely stable. That is the real danger because now the Opposition is no different from the ruling party, whichever is the ruling party. The influence of those puppeteers behind the scene works on both sides. As a result, no issue is pursued to conclusion. 
Don't you think the BJP (Bharatiya Janata Party) also has a lot to answer for in the current situation? I don't see the difference between the two. I feel they (the BJP and the Congress) are one party. They are jointly ruling. It is a dinner party. They meet at dinners. They meet socially. They decide on what has to be done about issues. It is all very cooperative behaviour. They (the BJP) are shouting (for a Joint Parliamentary Committee). They know that it will kill the investigation. A JPC will raise side issues and that is what both sides want. Because the corporates behind both sides are the same. They don't want the 2G spectrum investigation to proceed. If you see the bigger picture of 2G spectrum, it is a battle between the old operators and the new operators in telecom... That's why political parties are not taking up the issue of the Radia tapes. 
The CPI-M (Communist Party of India-Marxist) shouted about the tapes, but the next day the story came that West Bengal Chief Minister Buddhadeb Bhattacharya was dealing with Radia for the West Bengal Industrial Development Corporation. Now can the CPI-M shout 'crony capitalism' in the same way? The problem is the homogenisation of India's political parties. All are becoming clones of each other. That means there is no counter-wheeling power any longer in the country. 

Why Modi is not appointing Lokayukta in Gujarat?
A Lokayukta is a body appointed to battle corruption in any state. It is surprising that a Lokayukta had not been appointed in the state of Gujarat for the past 7 years. For the past 7 years there is no ombudsman for the government of Gujarat. There is no one to expose corruption in Gujarat and there is no one to act on complaints. For the past 7 years, Narendra Modi can appoint tourism ambassador but not a Lokayukta. The Congress, even the governor has raised the issue in assembly and outside many times but no action on part of Modi. It could be concluded that Modi deliberately doesn’t want to appoint a Lokayukta because he wants to shield corrupt people in his government or perhaps because he himself is a corrupt man. If Narendar Modi will appoint Lokayukta in Gujarat State, all his political leaders of BJP will be booked under corruption which Modi doesn't want that his Ministers, Corporators go behind the bars? The Lokayukta's post is lying vacant since November 2003, which was when the last incumbent, retired High Court judge S M Soni stepped down. Soni was appointed Lokayukta during the Keshubhai Patel regime in 1998. In the absence of a Lokayukta; no one can lodge complaints of corruption against ministers, chairpersons and directors of the various government-owned boards/ corporations and elected representatives in local self-government bodies. After almost seven years, the Gujarat government has initiated the process of appointing a Lokayukta or ombudsman in the state. This information was provided by the state government to the Gujarat High Court following a public suit seeking the appointment to the post. Amit Jethwa had also spearheaded the campaign against corruption. It was on his petition that the HC directed the state government to complete the appointments within a stipulated time. He had also filed a PIL petition questioning the state government’s inaction over the appointment of Lokayukta. Because Amit Jethwa was fighting against the corruption in Gujarat he was murdered and eliminated.

OPINION

Why Maharashtra may end up as BIMARU state?
In one of my articles, last year, I had written about the pathetic condition of Maharashtra and the role of dirty, divisive politics which is going to ruin the state including Mumbai. It has been for a long time the tussle between the Shiv Sena and MNS for the cause of ‘Marathi manoos’ and “Aamchi Mumbai” has taken a heavy toll on the financial capital, Mumbai just to serve their political ambitions. Here are some facts: Most of the taxi and auto drivers of Mumbai hail from Bihar or UP. All the Jewellery and diamond business are mostly Gujaratis and Marwaris. Stock Exchange and commodity market are again dominated by Gujaratis or Marwaris. Large industries are owned by Gujaratis, Marwari’s or Sindhis. Automobile spare parts business is dominated by Punjabi’s, transport business by mix of Punjabis and Sindhis. Many of the top educational institutions are run by Christians. Then what are the Maharashtrian doing? What has Balasaheb and Raj done for Maharashtrians? These are the questions I have been asking? 
All through these years all these castes have been struggling and now Balasaheb and Raj want Mumbai on a platter and harps “Mumbai Aamchi”. All states that are fighting divisive politics have been ruined. So is the case of Maharashtra. The people do not have proper jobs, industrialists are afraid to set up factories because of ‘Goonda Raj’.In 1995-96 Maharashtra had the highest growth rate in the Country. Even in the late 1990’s the state continued to be in the top five. However, after Shiv Sena-BJP managed to taste power and Shiv Sena ruling the Municipal Corporation for the past 15 years, there is hardly any major development and the growth rate has slipped. The Municipal-run schools and hospitals are in pathetic condition. Roads are filled with potholes, taps are running dry, slums are mushrooming and illegal construction and encroachments are at its highest. Bribery and corruption is at its nadir. Government offices, Municipality and police are the most corrupt where no action will be initiated unless the officers palms are greased. Now, it’s time to stop digging at North Indians and think and work on development. Or it wouldn’t be surprised to see Mumbai slip amongst the bottom of BIMARU states. 

How can we entrust faith on our corrupt politicians?

Dear Frederick, well said about the total disastrous situation the country is now facing in the hands of the dirty politicians and the vested interests. Intrusion of corruption takes the energy, time and people’s money all washed away. Under the current pandemonium, how can the poor voters have faith in the rulers or the political party men? We have abolished "Privy purse", but still allowing private Purse".  Corruption seems to be in almost all the departments of State and Central Governments. Authorities are becoming brokers of the party wink. A kind of rowdy’s, hooliganism, uproar in the parliamentary functions, wastage of question hours and the poor attendance of the elected Representatives while on session. They all are paid salary, Bata allowances, special benefits like train air fares, MP development project money like all the things are not clear and the where gone where got concept is not known also. JPC, PAC, CAG, CBI, and Judiciary - all these protocols are absconding and will be available only for those and when they need. Law makers are becoming Law breakers. Total session in this winter has gone unfunctional. 
The situation seems to be worse and needs to amend total political and administrative as also the civic laws and social reforms, economic viability, industrial growth and agricultural developments, water and irrigation, natural calamity, external threats and terrorism, river water, dam project revamping, defence infrastructure, National Security, Reconstruction of Electoral Law... and so many.... have to be modified and strengthen to repledge our patriotism before the global arena.. Only time has to answer... Poor voters... silent observers. Thanks Frederick, for such sharing of the things concerning national importance.

Kalina Villagers protest to construction of toilet adjacent to Grotto

It was as late as 1959 when a sacred grotto housing Mother Mary's statue at Kalina Village was set up, where hundreds of devotees offer their prayers everyday. The grotto set up is adjoining the BMC toilets. While speaking to local residents, they told Santacruz Patrika, “More than 50 years ago the spot was used for dumping garbage. This used to create a lot of inconvenience to the residents of the village as the stinking garbage used to flow onto the entry passage to the village.” “Initially, we installed a small statue and villagers used to offer prayers. Later, as the garbage was an hinderance we renovated the grotto to beautify the area. Later, with the BMC four toilets creating an unpleasant environment we spent about Rs 32,000 and fully renovated the grotto.”

Now, it is understood that the BMC's plans to construct a public toilet through a builder, near the grotto. This has hurt the religious sentiments of the Christian community and they have raised a protest against public toilets near the grotto. "We have our annual feast of Mother Mary in September where thousands of Christians come to offer their prayers at the grotto. There Is a St. Thomas Church nearby where masses are conducted and a prayer meeting is held every evening.

The question that arises is – What is the need of a public toilet adjacent to the grotto? A angered villager to Santacruz Patrika, “When our entire village residents have their toilets indoors, we fail to understand the need of a public toilet? While investigating we learnt that one Akbar Quereshi had demolished a public toilet and constructed a two-storied building on the site near Wellcare Hospital. In order to get the occupation certificate (OC) for that structure, he had to fulfill the BMC's condition by constructing a public toilet. So, the builder is constructing it near the grotto.  Since his project has been stalled Quereshi has been desperately looking for a site to construct a public toilet. It was learnt that six months ago he had planned to construct a toilet near the demolished police chowkie at Jamblipada. But was stalled by the earlier corporator Rafiq Sheikh.

While speaking to Rafiq’s assistant, as Rafiq Sheikh is away on a pilgrimage to Haj, told Santacruz Patrika, “When Quereshi began constructing a toilet at Jamblipada, many villagers and shop owners came to our office to raise their protest. After visiting the site Rafiq Sheikh objected against the construction and got the work stalled.” Thereafter, while speaking to the local corporator Alice Therattil, she told this publication, “ I have also strongly protested against the construction of the public toilet by the builder. Initially, when he tried to construct a toilet near St. Mary Chowk I stopped the work. Later, when I came to know that he is constructing a toilet at Jamblipada, I strongly protested and sent out correspondence to all the concerned departments. Thereafter, inorder to prevent any illegal encroachment at that spot we fought for a bus stop and ensured that a bus stop came up at the spot for the benefit of my ward.” We have complained to ward officer," said local corporator Alice Therratil. However, when assistant commissioner, H(East) ward A Wagaralkar was questioned, he said, "I'm aware of this complaint. I'll inquire into the matter."Also, Alice Therattil clarified that when she visited the grotto along with Wagaralkar, there was no work being carried out of construction of a toilet. “However, the villagers assumed that a toilet is likely to be constructed adjacent to the grotto, which is totally false and baseless.” 

Further, while speaking to Crompton Texeira, Sarpanch of the village he told Santacruz Patrika, “We have learnt that the public toilet is being constructed adjacent to the grotto by a builder, at the request of the BMC's building proposal department, to legalize his own unauthorized structure. Confirming further he added, “ I have spoken to BMC in this regard and an officer who preffered to remain anonymous clearly stated that in consultation with the local corporator a public toilet is proposed to be set up adjacent to the grotto with doors facing outside and the toilets inside the BMC compound. This intimation I received a week ago that work is to commence.” Further, a resident too confirmed that labourers had come to carry out the work but we chased them away. However, Alice Therattil claims that she is unaware of any proposal for setting up a toilet near the grotto and all the allegations are baseless and maligned.

Lastly, while speaking to Santacruz Patrika, Ronnie Miranda who resides behind the grotto and BMC compound said, “The corporator should be more considerate towards the welfare of our villagers. The sewerage of the four toilets for BMC labourersin the compound every morning keeps overflowing and the stinking water flows into the village. And the only toilet for staff has its outlet to the mains. Because of the stink my wife had to be hospitalized of dengue.”

Now, there are many questions that remain unanswered: How was the public toilet opposite Wellcare hospital demolished and a building constructed? Has the building being constructed in all legalities? Before giving permission why was the spot for a toilet not determined? Santacruz Patrika in the near future will bring out a detailed and investigative story.

           

Stalling of Parliament, a shame on democracy 

Indian parliaments, both at the center and in the states, are characterised by repeated disruptions that appear to interfere with their ability to serve as forums for the translation of public sentiment into public policy. The question asked is “How can India be considered ‘the world’s largest democracy’ when parliamentary Institutions appear dysfunctional?”  If the legislatures of a country do not function properly, then that country is not a democracy.  India’s legislatures do not function properly. Therefore, India is not a democracy. This conclusion, though, contradicts the widely held belief that India is the world’s largest democracy. Parliament is the highest forum the people have chosen for voicing their views, and if they are silenced their democracy is silenced as much as it may be by a dictator. The virus of the discord which breaks out in that ‘well’ so often is spreading throughout the polity. It is depriving Indian democracy of its life-saving quality, that it has hitherto been consensual by nature.

In most countries where democracy has been smothered, only military dictators have dissolved and locked up Parliaments. Is the world’s largest democracy going to have the ignominy of its Parliament being shut down by veteran parliamentarians themselves? Paralysing House proceedings does not solve any problem. In the long run, it will only affect the credibility of Parliament as an institution. It is a disservice to democratic governance to bring Parliament to a grinding halt, paralyse its working and hold it to ransom unless demands, however justified, are met. If the institutions of democracy fail, democracy itself will fail.

The tactic of the BJP along with other Opposition parties in obstructing and stalling the Parliament proceedings is only a foul means adopted to achieve what they cannot achieve by fair means, apart from being a grossly undemocratic way of rendering a duly-elected and constituted Parliament dysfunctional. The second is to demonstrate power, by the ability to act forcefully. It seems to be an attempt to use the issue for a purpose other than its advancement. In this case, the stimulus is a pretext for the demonstration of power. Very few of the disruptions seem spontaneous, though some cases are more obviously carefully planned than others.

The Constitution secures to a Member of Parliament unfettered right to speak and vote but this is not a licence to interrupt or frustrate the proceedings of the institution rendering it powerless. The disruption of legislative bodies in India has changed the status of legislators and the popular view of legislative bodies. Today, Parliament and Legislatures create a new breed of heroes—the Well-rushing heroes, who hope to be elevated to instant national fame, straight from the Well of the House. The image which Parliament and the State Legislatures have projected on the public mind is one of disruption, indecorum, and shouting matches.” Democracy is the single most important achievement of independent India, a political miracle. We are among the few countries who have translated independence for our country into freedom for our people. Parliament is the symbol of that miracle. Parliament is the ultimate guarantor of the continuation and strengthening of our democracy. India does not have one authorized meaning of democracy, nor does it have any single set of practices that constitute ‘democracy’. Instead, democracy in India involves numerous claims and counterclaims, a bewildering web of contestations.

Ever since the United Progressive Alliance formed the government at the centre, the NDA is not able to get over its defeat and in the process has been acting like childish urchins and holding the nation to ransom. Defeat should be accepted in dignity and glory. Stalling the normal functioning of the House and abusive of the chair is nothing but a blatant subversion of democracy.  In democracy, the opposition by passing the Finance Bill without any debate or discussion amounts to a constitutional impropriety and a shame on Indian democracy. The most critical legislation, such as the budgets, gets passed, but often without debate. For example, a report on the 2001 Lok Sabha noted and opined that “The continued stand-off between the government and the opposition benches led to the travesty of parliamentary practice - the Railway budget was passed by a hurried voice vote – which was seen by many as a mockery of the Parliament, its main aims and procedures. Then was passed the Finance bill in the same way as the railway budget.”   These are simply examples of a trend. Regardless of whether it is or isn’t justified there is little doubt that such stalling of Parliament amounts to a grave abuse of the concept of democracy as Mahatma Gandhi had propounded it – a day of penance, self-introspection and soul-cleansing. The Gandhi premise was that acts of self-abnegation and renunciation in the face of others’ wrong doings would surely shame the errant side into reconsidering its decisions.

Unfortunately, denunciatory thoughts are furthest from the minds of the propents of the present boycott. Quite the contrary, the acquisitive instinct at its basest is at work here. It is of course, unexceptionable for citizens to harbour political ambitions. Opinions may differ, however, on the best to go about fulfilling such ambitions. The least one can expect is that the respective contenders clearly enunciate their political philosophies and take definite stands on points of principle. But in the confused milieu, clouded as it is by pernickety personality problems, principle has been relegated to the backseat. True the main debate centers on ‘tainted ministers’. But since there are no two opinions that crime and corruption are bad, there is no issue of principle here, which warrants a debate. Instead, the focus has been moved to debating whether specific individuals are guilty of crime or corruption. And in an impious situation where proof is as scarce as rhetoric is profuse, and biblical injunctions on casting stones stand brusquely ignored, tenets of morality, ethics and principle are natural causalities.

It must be made clear, of course, that all the players in the arena are equally guilty of gross malfeasance. Sobriety has been thrown to the winds. Dialogues are conducted through carp and bark instead of conversation. Standards of public conduct have truly reached their post-independence nadir. Nevertheless, all hope for propriety in public life is not yet lost. The recent sacking of Ashok Chavan, Raja and the likely arrest of Suresh Kalmadi is an eye-opener. But, the blackmailing of tainted Karnataka Chief Minister B.S Yeddyurappa, should make the opposition realize that they are no better. Earlier when in power BJP leaders L.K.Advani and Murli Manohar Joshi held crucial portfolios in the NDA government despite charge sheets against them in the Babri Masjid demolition case. It’s high time the opposition realises that one living in glass houses should not throw stones at others and instead respect the verdict of the people.

What we are seeing…is the biggest crime against democracy since Indira Gandhi imposed the Emergency in 1975. Democracy is the lifeline of the whole system. Snap it, and the entire system will collapse, and that will hurt no one more than it will hurt the very people who need the system most. For them this is the only place where they can plead their case, lacking as they do the many other levers which others can use to bend Governments to their wishes.

People outside the Houses of Parliament actually ridicule the institution that it has become today. Is this the legacy that this current House wishes to leave behind? A legacy of indecency, of indecision and of inexcusable behaviour. One in which the focus is more on exchanging angry words rather than debating legislation? The general public at one time looked up to Parliament. It had what one would term social sanction. Today it suffers from social ostracisation. And that is something that will destroy this institution as time goes by, and this is what perhaps you need to stem. The consequence has been that the leaders have lost credibility. That a great deal of disruption arises from the reluctance and procrastination of the leaders to face the House on controversial matters. Growing criminalization of politics, corruption at all levels, absence of inner party democracy, the declining status and stature of members in public life, the growing cost of the electoral process, the ascendancy of party leaders are some other factors that have contributed to the decline of Parliament

Concluding, as noted, the skills required in a parliament where the ability to disrupt is highly valued are not the same as the skills required in a parliament where such an ability is not highly valued. An author rightly opined, “Our legislatures have ceased to be forums of the best and the brightest in the land. Instead, they have become the first refuge of scoundrels.” He cynically contended that “Before Independence we had great parliamentarians, but no Parliament. Today we have a grand Parliament House with grand allowances, but no parliamentarians. There is the story of Independence in two sentences.”

Kalina Talao gets nod to be beautified and developed into playground

Corporator Alice Therattil inaugrating the work of development of Kalina Talao at a coconut breaking ceremony

There has been a tussle over the development of the 400-year-old 7.5 acre Kalina talao. Many political parties and organizations have tried to take advantage and cheap mileage over the issue of development of the talao. The talao had been illegally encroached by the people of Kunchi Kurve Nagar and constructed slums on the pond. On several occasions BMC have managed to demolish the illegal slums. Also, the late MP Sunil Dutt, the then Sports Minister inaugurated the pond in the presence of Congress workers for setting up a full-fledged stadium.

However, the Kalina Recreation & Sports Club (KRSC) had put up a proposal for setting up a recreation club on the talao and was allotted an area of 21,830 sq. mtrs which was reserved for playground. But, due to objection raised by MLA Kripashankar Singh the allotment was reduced by 50% on adoption basis. Challenging this, KRSC filed a writ petition 2251 of 2004 in High Court and was asked to approach City Survey office with Rs 63,000 towards demarcation charges. The matter was pending in the Court. Meanwhile Kolovery Welfare Association filed a writ petition 2307 of 2006 in High Court for restoration of Kalina tank. However, demarcation could not be carried out due to strong opposition from local residents. In the meantime the talao was also used for illegal activities.

The pond had been filled with debris over the years and the locals have always maintained that the entire plot should be converted back into a pond as it was a water-logging hindrance during the monsoons. The BMC initially had plans to revive the entire pond; instead it has now plans for other facilities. The local corporator Alice Therattil had met the Additional Municipal Commissioner Manisha Mhaiskar before the last Assembly elections and discussed on the revival plans of the pond. As per development plan, there were reservations for a pond and a cemetery. The cemetery plan has been cancelled. Instead, in the last meeting held last month a fund of Rs 10 crores has been sanctioned and to be funded for the beautification and development of a playground. Initially for bordering the area an amount of Rs 80 lakhs has been sanctioned.

The proposed talao will have a football ground, two badminton courts, two tennis courts, net cricket, children play area, community centre, meditation centre, Pergola with activity area, reading sit out and herbarium of medicinal and aromatic plants. The total plot area will comprise 34,263.92 sq.mtrs.

It is understood that the Kalina Recreation & Sports Club who had filed a writ petition against Municipal Corporation of Greater Mumbai (MCGM) for setting up a recreation club on the pond has been dismissed by the Court and orders have been passed by the court to construct a boundary wall all across the talao. Therefore, BMC directed their legal department to issue a letter of revocation of allotment of playground to KRSC in view of High Court judgment to writ petition. Even the contempt petition in writ 2251 filed by KRSC against MCGM was dismissed and final order was given to commence work. Also, BMC directed to modify the restoration of adjacent cemetery plot and cancel all allotments in larger interest of citizens and develop the talao surrounded by a beautiful playground.

In this regard Alice Therattil inaugurated the work of construction of boundary wall around the talao and removal of debris, in the midst of Party workers. When asked by this publication on the completion of project, Alice Therattil while speaking to Santacruz Patrika said, “A fund of has been sanctioned for bordering the talao and work has commenced. The project that was to be completed by 2009 had been delayed due to court litigations. However, I hope the project to be completed by end 2012, if everything goes smoothly.

Man 'set on fire' at Vakola finally dies in hospital

About one-and-a-half month ago we had carried a story that a Vakola housewife Jyoti Jaiswal residing at William Apartments, Yeshwant Nagar, Vakola allegedly set her husband Rajendra Jaiswal, on fire after an argument. Jyoti suspected her husband of being involved in an extramarital affair. Rajendra, who was set on fire one-and-a-half months ago, finally succumbed to his injuries at Masina Hospital in Byculla. 

Rajendra (33) was admitted with 75% burns after his wife allegedly set him on fire by pouring kerosene on him, following an argument. The Vakola police had registered a case of attempt to murder against his wife Jyoti (31). The police have now registered a murder case against Jyoti, who had in her complaint, accused her husband of making dowry demands. 
The deceased, a DJ Jockey, used to stay with his wife at William Apartments was suspected to be visiting another woman. Jyoti, who sustained 30% burn injuries, had claimed that Rajendra had tried to immolate himself to falsely implicate her in the case. Jyoti told the police that she sustained injuries because she tried to save her husband.  The incident had occurred on the afternoon of September 27, following a heated argument between the couple. Initially, Rajendra had been admitted to VN Desai Hospital from where he was shifted to a private hospital and later to Masina Hospital. 
Jyoti had also alleged that her husband was demanding a divorce in order to marry another woman. However, the deceased's family has denied the accusation levied by Jyoti. Instead, in their complaint, Rajendra's father had told the police that the couple, who got married in 2004, had heated arguments over various household matters and their daughter-in-law had falsely accused their son of having an extra-marital affair. 

Initially, police booked Jyoti for attempt to murder. She, on the other hand, had registered a case of dowry harassment against Rajendra. However, after her husband died due to his burn injuries, police have registered a murder case against her. "Initially, we filed cross complaints following the duo's statements. But after Rajendra's death, we have registered a case of murder against Jyoti but have not arrested her till now. We will investigate the case and then take action. The body has been sent to Cooper Hospital for post mortem," said senior police inspector Anil Kharade.

Ration Shop at Vakola accused of alleged irregularities

As for the Public Distribution System (PDS), the main problem is the diversion of food grains and other commodities by `ration shop’ owners to the open market, where they fetch much higher prices. This severely depleted the stocks available for poorer people, who should have been able to purchase food

and other essentials (like kerosene) at government-determined subsidised prices through the ration shops. There are allegations that ration shop owners purchase these goods at the official, subsidised price. But in practice, bogus names (or inflated quantities for genuine names) are listed in sale registers to make up for the amounts illegally diverted by shop-owners to the open market. It is also that ration shopkeepers send customers away on the pretext saying that there is no wheat, rice, sugar or kerosene but instead sell these items in black.

About ten days ago, Yogesh Damodar Morajkar an NCP worker and member Rashtravadi Grahak Saurakshan Samiti, Bandra Taluka approached the shop owner of Ration shop No 23 D/152 with several complaints received from customers saying that they are not being allotted their ration quota or if demanded are used filthy language. Since Yogesh was not given a positive response but instead was alleged of extortion he approached Santacruz Patrika who took up the matter with the ration shop owner.

While confirming with Santacruz Patrika, the shop owner clarified and said, “My books are transparent and I have been allotting ration to ration card holders according to the availability of stock. I have not been receiving my full quota of supplies and it becomes extremely difficult to distribute ration to the 1,500 card holders. Despite several reminders and payment the supplies from government have not been coming on time.” “If I do not have the stock from where do you expect me to supply ration to the card holders”, exclaimed Kantilal. Further, he clarified that the wheat which we are receiving are of extremely sub-standard quality and no one is ready to buy the wheat.” We are left with huge quantities of unsold wheat,” admitted the shop owner.

However, Yogesh along with 150 women approached the ration shop to sort out their grievances and complaints. Yogesh was accompanied by Shankar Kishan Deshmukh, President, Rashtravadi Grahak Saurakshan Samiti, Mumbai North Central and Archana Pale, Rationing Kruti Samiti who took up the matter with the ration shop in regards to irregularities and alleged misappropriation in ration supplies to customers. Later, the following day they along with the shop owner approached the Ration Officer to sort out the complaints and ensure regular and full supply of ration goods. The Ration Officer assured the shop owner of regular and full supply of ration goods. Similarly, Shankar Deshmukh and Archana Pale too assured prompt action in the matter.

However, while clarifying with K.A.Bastivala, NCP District President on the issue he told Santacruz Patrika, “I had received a call from the corporator stating that the shop owner is being pressurized by NCP Grahak Saurakshan Samiti. Hence, I objected as the Grahak Saurakshan Samiti Cell has been dissolved. But while questioning Deshmukh as to when the NCP Grahak Saurakshan Samiti Cell has been dissolved, how come they represent the cell. To this Deshmukh clarified and said, “After receiving a complaint from Yogesh that many people are deprived of their subsidized ration quota, as a loyal NCP worker I took up the issue in public interest. As a NCP worker my first responsibility is towards public welfare irrespective of posts or cells.” “As far as my knowledge the NCP Grahak Saurakshan Samiti Cell has been kept in abeyance and not dissolved,” remarked Deshmukh.

While, Santacruz Patrika questioned Yogesh Morajkar on being alleged to pressurizing the ration shop owner, he clarified and said, “Since I am a NCP worker I have been fighting for customer’s rights which did not go well with many. Hence the allegations have been leveled against me.” Further substantiating he said, “Last week my mother went to procure ration from this shop and was allotted sugar and dal vide receipt No 001131 dt 27/10, while on the ration card allotment of rice too was ticked as allotted. This is illegal and I objected.” While confirming with the shop owner he admitted that the tick on the ration card had been cancelled and the allegations are baseless. For rice we have a separate receipt book and on the receipt No 001131 as highlighted we cannot issue rice.”

Further, there were allegations that Palmolein Oil, Tur dal and other goods were sold at higher prices than the stipulated subsidised rates.  However, the shop owner refuted all charges and termed them as maligned and baseless.